What Changed
- Defined scope and principles for recording trade statistics, specific statistics, and customs operations statistical recordation.
- Authorized Customs to investigate trade participants, conduct on-site verifications, and retain social intermediaries for professional opinions.
- Established administrative penalties including warnings and fines between RMB 1,000 and RMB 10,000 for failing to declare or misdeclaring required statistical items.
Consignees, consignors, trade agents, and import-export enterprises operating in mainland China are subject to formal rules governing customs data collection, supervision, and statistical reporting under the Provisions of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Customs Statistics. Formulated by the General Administration of Customs (GACC) pursuant to the Customs Law, the Statistics Law, and related implementation regulations, the rules govern customs statistics compiled on import and export goods, inward and outward articles, and related customs operations.
Under the Provisions, trade statistics record all goods passing through customs territory that alter material stock in the territory, while specific statistics cover other goods under customs supervision. GACC collects original data through administrative records, sampling, key investigations, and supplementary investigations. Customs authorities are empowered to conduct statistical investigations targeting consignees, consignors, trade agents, government departments, industry associations, and relevant enterprises. Investigation targets must cooperate and supply authentic, accurate, and complete data. Where data authenticity is questioned, customs may make direct inquiries, collect materials, perform on-site inspections, or engage social intermediaries for professional opinions.
Customs personnel are bound to protect state, commercial, and customs secrets acquired during statistical duties. The provisions explicitly prohibit personnel from manipulating or fabricating data, subjecting violators to administrative or criminal liability. For market participants, failure to declare required items or untruthful declarations affecting specific customs statistics carries warnings or administrative fines ranging from RMB 1,000 to RMB 10,000. Refusing, hindering, or falsifying statistical investigations is handled under the Statistics Law of the People's Republic of China.
The Provisions came into force on October 1, 2018, simultaneously repealing the previous regulations promulgated under GACC Decree No. 153 on September 12, 2006. GACC manages national customs statistical data and publishes annual statistical release schedules every December on its portal website and through press conferences.
Who May Be Affected
Consignees, consignors, trade agents, import and export enterprises, government departments, and trade associations involved in cross-border trade with mainland China.
Cross-Border Context
Directly impacts international businesses and trade intermediaries declaring goods in mainland China by setting strict data accuracy obligations and confidentiality protections for commercial secrets.
What to check next
- Check annual customs statistical information release schedules on the GACC official portal.
- Review related enforcement provisions under the Statistics Law of the People's Republic of China for non-compliance penalties.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.