Jiangsu to benefit from expanded cross-border e-commerce pilot zones

2021-03-31 14:59:00

Jiangsu Province is expected to benefit hugely form a new national policy of expanding cross-border e-commerce pilot zones.

All cities and regions that host free trade zones, comprehensive areas of cross-border e-commerce, comprehensive bonded-areas, demonstration zones to promote import trade by creative means, and select bonded-logistics centers are now eligible to start pilot programs of retail imports, according to a notice published by six government departments including the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission.

Previously, six cities in Jiangsu, namely Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Xuzhou, Nantong and Lianyungang, have already been approved as pilot cities for retail imports through cross-border e-commerce. The new policy means Changzhou, Huai’an, Yancheng and Suqian, the four cities approved last year to host comprehensive areas of cross-border e-commerce, can now join the program. In addition, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang and Taizhou are home to comprehensive bonded-areas so they are also eligible to import retail goods via e-commerce. As a result, all 13 cities that have subordinate districts in Jiangsu are fully included in the program.

Pilot cities in the program can conduct more convenient modes of imports like "online shopping bonded import mode", whereby imported retail goods can be temporarily stored at the bonded warehouse or areas under special customs control before they are purchased by and delivered to customers.

Jiangsu will stimulate consumption, support e-commerce platforms and enterprises to make full use of "online shopping bonded import mode," and contribute to the new development pattern.