A new approach to e-commerce customs control in China: Integrated supply chain - A practical application towards large-scale data pipeline implementation

Abstract

Developments in e-commerce are presenting new challenges in customs control and China's customs agency is developing a new approach to how it addresses these challenges. China Customs has adopted an integrated supply chain approach to secure international trade lanes and to facilitate legitimate trade. We present a case study analysis of an integrated supply chain company that integrates the transaction, declaration, logistics and financial services of e-commerce customers on its platform, and we show how this integration can also be used by China Customs to more effectively manage supply chain risks. We show how this new approach benefits traders, customs and government. We also analyse this case study in the context of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) SAFE Framework.