In a recent pilot initiative, Cixi Customs, a subsidiary of Ningbo Customs, has successfully conducted the first remote video inspection within the Ningbo Customs District. Customs officers carried out a live video inspection with Ningbo XXX Food Group Co., Ltd., using high-definition cameras to examine five of its registered export food planting sites across different towns in Cixi. Officers reviewed everything from agricultural inputs and crop conditions to land boundaries and production details, completing each site inspection in just 25 minutes on average. All six inspection tasks related to the company were efficiently finalized within the same day, according to Cixi Customs.
To modernize inspection methods, enhance inspection efficiency, and reduce compliance costs for enterprises, the General Administration of Customs has launched a pilot program for remote video inspections - officially referred to as Customs Remote Video Inspection- across selected Customs regions for eligible verification procedures. Here’s what you need to know.
1. What Is Customs Remote Video Inspection?
Customs Remote Video Inspection is an inspection method where Customs officers use real-time video technology to perform inspection tasks online. A single inspection task may combine both remote video and on-site methods. The pilot of remote video inspection is currently active in 17 Customs regions, including Shijiazhuang, Dalian, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Qingdao, Wuhan, Changsha, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Gongbei, Huangpu, Nanning, Chongqing, and Urumqi.
2. Enterprise Eligibility
To qualify, an enterprise must consent to remote video inspection, be capable of active cooperation and have the required technical conditions for video inspection. Furthermore, it should not be listed as a discredited entity.
3. Situations Where Remote Video Inspection Is Not Allowed
(I) The inspection involves high-risk items.
(II) The inspection is part of a special campaign led by the General Administration of Customs or a directly subordinate Customs authority, or is explicitly mandated by relevant documents or inspection directives to be conducted via unannounced on-site verification, joint inspections, or other forms of physical checks.
(III) Certain inspection tasks cannot be effectively performed via remote video;
(IV) The enterprise previously engaged in falsification during a remote video inspection and was consequently subjected to mandatory on-site verification;
(V) Other situations where a Customs assessment deems remote video inspection unsuitable.
4. Procedures for Conducting Customs Remote Video Verification
(I) Advance Notification: Inspecting officers shall notify the enterprise three days in advance to confirm its readiness for the remote video inspection and communicate all relevant requirements.
(II) Pre-inspection Preparation: The enterprise shall complete all necessary preparations as specified, including equipment testing and submission of required documents.
(III) Implementation of Inspection: The inspection team shall use qualified platforms or tools, present their official enforcement credentials, and verify the identity of the inspected enterprise and its representative by confirming their location, verifying identity documents, and examining the power of attorney. When necessary, portable inspection devices may be used to record key procedural steps.
(IV) Handling and Feedback: Based on the inspection results, the inspection team shall prepare relevant legal documents and deliver them to the inspected enterprise for signature and sealing via electronic means or mail.
5. Circumstances Under Which Remote Video Inspection May Shift to On-site
(I) The inspected enterprise is unable to cooperate to conduct remote video inspection as required or is suspected of falsifying information;
(II) Significant compliance risks or potential violations of the inspected enterpriseare identified during document review or the video inspection;
(III) Major disputesare raised by the inspected enterprise concerning the rectification requirements or inspection conclusions.
(IV) Other scenarios where remote video inspection is deemed inappropriate.
6. Best Practices for Enterprises in Remote Video Inspections
(I) Provide Active Cooperation. Refrain from any form of misconduct, including submitting falsified materials, presenting misleading footage of facilities or goods, or intentionally avoiding or obstructing the camera.
(II) Maintain Open Communication with Customs. Stay updated on the latest policies and requirements by participating in Customs training programs and seeking guidance from Customs experts.
(III) Strengthen credit profile.Companies shall avoid violations that could negatively impact their credit rating and subsequent level of scrutiny, as well as proactively improve their credit status through standardized operations, integrity, and compliance. A higher credit rating enables them to qualify for more facilitative measures.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Alayongguan. The Alayongguan version shall prevail.
