Shanghai Customs recently celebrated a milestone with the maiden voyage of the first domestically produced car transport ship, the BYD Explorer No 1.

New cars stream onto the BYD Explorer No 1 in Shanghai, bound for overseas markets. [Photo/eastday.com]

After its debut journey, the ship returned to Shanghai Waigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal or Haitong Pier, where it unloaded 1,362 imported cars and then loaded 1,722 domestically produced cars for  overseas markets.

The significance of the achievement is underscored by Shanghai Customs' latest statistics, revealing a 30.7 percent year-on-year increase in the export of cars from Shanghai's ports in the first quarter of the year, totaling 529,000 units.

In particular, electric passenger cars accounted for over 40 percent of the total.

In a concerted effort to support the expansion of domestic car manufacturers into international markets, Shanghai Customs – led by  the customs division at Waigaoqiao Port – has been actively implementing measures to streamline customs procedures and enhance overall efficiency.

Chen Jia, head of inspection section nine at Waigaoqiao Customs, highlighted the initiatives undertaken to facilitate smooth clearances for vehicle manufacturers.

These include the establishment of a dedicated fast-track channel for high-volume exporters and the introduction of innovative practices such as pre-declarations and direct loading on arrivals.

Additionally, efforts to foster communication between customs and enterprises have been intensified through initiatives like getting customs officials to visit manufacturers in person.

This approach aims to promote awareness of pro-business policies, address concerns regarding customs efficiency, implement tax reduction and fee reductions, as well as promptly resolve any challenges faced by the businesses.