The following is a detailed description of the simplification of the export process of ordinary goods and the stricter audit of sensitive goods for reference:
- Reasons and measures for simplifying the export process of ordinary goods
Reasons for simplification:
Low risk level: Ordinary goods (such as clothing, daily necessities, ordinary machinery, etc.) do not involve national security, international treaty control or high-value tax issues, and have low social harm.
Demand for trade facilitation: In order to promote foreign trade efficiency, countries have implemented convenient measures such as “single window” and “paperless customs clearance” for ordinary goods.
Improvement of credit system: Export companies with good historical records can enjoy the “green channel”, such as AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certified companies have priority customs clearance.
Simplified process example:
Declaration stage: Submit basic documents such as invoices, packing lists, contracts, etc. online without additional permission.
Inspection stage: Low sampling rate, or quick release based on the company’s self-inspection report.
Tax refund stage: Automatic review after all documents are complete to shorten the tax refund cycle.
- The core reason for strict review of sensitive goods
National security considerations
Military use: drones, high-performance computers, and precision instruments may be converted to military use (subject to restrictions such as the Wassenaar Arrangement).
Technology blockade: high-end chips, AI technology, etc. involve international competition, and exports are subject to the Export Control Law.
Fulfillment of international obligations
Non-proliferation treaty: nuclear materials and biochemical products must comply with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), etc.
Sanctions compliance: avoid violating the sanctions list of the United Nations or specific countries (such as Iran and North Korea-related materials).
Social public risks
Endangered species: ivory, rhino horns, etc. are subject to the CITES Convention.
Cultural property: the export of cultural relics requires proof of legal origin to prevent smuggling.
Taxation and trade fairness
High-tariff goods: such as luxury goods and resource products (rare earths) must strictly verify prices to prevent money laundering or smuggling. - Special review process for sensitive goods
License system: It is necessary to apply for an “Export License” from the Ministry of Commerce, Customs, etc. in advance (such as dual-use items, rare earths).
Multi-department joint review: Involving the Ministry of Science and Technology, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, etc. to jointly evaluate the end use (such as the export of lithography machines requires verification of the end user).
Technical testing: Professional institutions identify the composition and performance of goods (such as whether chemicals belong to the control list).
Shipment supervision: Requires specified transportation methods or full GPS tracking (such as missile-related technology exports).
IV. Enterprise response suggestions
General goods: Take advantage of the tariff preferences of free trade agreements (such as RCEP), classify HS codes in advance, and ensure document compliance.
Sensitive goods:
Check the “China Prohibited/Restricted Export Technology Catalogue” and “Export Control Regulations” and other regulations;
Confirm with the importer whether an “End-Use Certificate” is required;
Reserve at least 30 days of additional time to respond to the audit.
Summary of key points
Goods type Core risk Regulatory logic
General goods Trade efficiency Credit management + process automation
Sensitive goods Security/treaty/public interest Preventive control + multi-department coordination
Through differentiated supervision, the country effectively controls the export of high-risk goods while ensuring trade facilitation.