June 17, 2025
China’s bunkering hub Zhoushan introduced on 13 June a streamlined customs clearance system for international vessels after bunkering, aiming to cut port time and boost efficiency.
Zhoushan in East China’s Zhejiang province launched an expedited customs clearance system for international vessels on 13 June, starting with an international shipping vessel completing bonded fuel oil procedures and immediately submitting exit documents.
Furthermore, the move marks the first use of the ‘large-small vessel’ split supervision model under the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone and separating customs oversight of international ships from that of local fuel supply vessels.
With the new model, port time is expected to be reduced by over two hours per ship. Previously, international vessels had to wait until fueling operations were completed before initiating departure procedures.
As reported, from January to May this year, the Zhoushan Area of China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone supplied 2.74 million metric tons of bonded fuel oil.
