The Macau Customs Service and the Economic Services Bureau (DSE) launched a new scheme called “One cross-border seal between Guangdong and Macau customs services” to shorten cargo vehicles customs clearance time between the two regions, Ian Chan Un, acting chief of the Checkpoints Inspection Department of the Macau Customs Service, said yesterday.
Ian made the remarks during a demonstration for the media on how the newly launched programme works at the Macau-Zhuhai checkpoint on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB).
Ian said that both customs cooperated in developing an electronic seal that comes with a GPS tracker. He added that the seal allows the cargo vehicles to go through custom clearance only on one side and need not to go through clearance again when entering the other side.
He pointed out that the seal will be secured by the Macau Customs Service after the cargo is checked, and the seal can ensure that no one can sneak in new items while crossing the border. Therefore, he said, cargo vehicles can cross the checkpoint in around three minutes.
According to Ian, the new scheme is only available for land freight and for companies that use digital clearance applications. Ian added that the Macau Customs Service is considering to developing a similar system for air freight. He also said that the Macau Customs Service will liaise with its Hong Kong counterpart to decide whether the programme could be used between the two special administrative regions.
Ian noted that people can use the new programme’s custom clearance application at the Ka Ho Port, Macau International Airport, the Macau-Zhuhai checkpoint on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and the Inner Harbour checkpoint. On the Guangdong side, there are 55 customs clearance checkpoints, Ian said.
According to Ian, currently, just one company has joined the programme for the time being. However, he added that other companies “have shown interest” in joining the scheme. He also said that companies can take-part in the programme by merely registering online.
Macau Customs Service officers are sealing a parcel after checking it at the Macau International Airport customs checkpoint yesterday.
The first cargo vehicle using the new system crosses the Macau-Zhuhai checkpoint on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge yesterday. Photos: Prisca Tang
