In a significant move towards modernizing China's customs procedures, the country implemented a pilot reform called the "batch inspection model” in July 2024, for the export of hazardous chemicals, including the highly important o-xylene. This innovative approach aims to streamline the inspection process, increase efficiency, and reduce burdens on enterprises while ensuring safety in hazardous material exports.

The "batch inspection" model is designed to simplify the export process for hazardous chemicals that meet specific conditions. In the case of o-xylene, a vital industrial chemical used in manufacturing a range of products, Jilin Petrochemical Company, a branch of China National Petroleum Corporation, produced the first inspection model batch to be cleared by Changchun customs. On November 20, 2024, the company successfully produced 1,050 tons of o-xylene, marking the first release through the new "batch inspection" mode by Changchun Customs.

The core idea of "batch inspection" is to reduce the need for repeated on-site inspections for hazardous chemicals that are consistent in their production, ingredients, and hazard characteristics. In the past, every export required comprehensive on-site inspection, which was time-consuming and costly for businesses. Now, with the batch inspection model, if a product like o-xylene meets the necessary criteria – such as being from the same manufacturer, produced with the same process, and having identical hazardous characteristics – subsequent exports of the same batch can be cleared through document review, without the need for further on-site inspections.

This approach not only enhances the efficiency of customs operations but also significantly reduces the time it takes to clear shipments. For instance, hazardous chemicals that qualify for batch inspection can complete their declaration, release, and certification processes within a single working day, reducing the usual processing time by more than 90%. This improvement in speed is a game-changer for industries that rely on the timely export of their products.

The economic benefits of this reform are substantial. According to the management of Jilin Petrochemical, the batch inspection system has allowed the company to shorten its o-xylene delivery cycle by over 30%. This has resulted in savings of more than one million yuan annually in warehousing and handling costs of o-xylene, further enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese enterprises in global markets.

In a broader context, the implementation of the batch inspection model is part of China’s broader effort to build smart customs through technological advancements and reforms. By focusing on safety, efficiency, and reduced inspection workloads, the system aims to support the high-quality development of foreign trade, benefiting both Chinese enterprises and international partners.