1. Definition of Release
Release is an administrative act by Customs, after reviewing the declaration, completing tax collection (or providing a guarantee), and completing inspection (if any), that permits the import or export of goods. Release is a critical node in Customs supervision – after release, the goods can be loaded onto ships for export or picked up for import.
2. Two Forms of Release
2.1 Electronic Release (Currently Over 99%)
Electronic release is the current primary method of release. After the Customs review is approved, the system automatically sends an electronic release instruction to the terminal/airport.
Features: - Fully automated, no human intervention - Enterprises do not need to go to Customs to collect paper documents - Terminals/airports operate based on electronic instructions - Release is triggered immediately after inspection is completed (if no anomalies)
After release, enterprises can query on the Single Window: - "Released" status indicator - Release time - Release officer number (electronic seal)
2.2 Manual Release (Rare)
In the following special circumstances, Customs will adopt manual release:
| Scenario | Reason |
|---|---|
| System Failure | Customs system or terminal system is offline |
| Special Goods | Goods under specific supervision conditions require manual confirmation |
| Port Operation Anomaly | Electronic instruction was not successfully sent to the terminal |
Manual Release Process:
Enterprise applies → On-site officer verifies → Signs paper release order → Enterprise uses paper order to pick up/load goods at the terminal
3. Conditions for Release
The release conditions for export and import differ:
3.1 Conditions for Export Release
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| ✅ Declaration Review Approved | No rejection, no doubts |
| ✅ Inspection Completed (if any) | Normal or anomalies resolved |
| ✅ Export Tariffs Paid (very few goods) | For goods subject to export tariffs |
| ✅ License/Certificate Submitted (if any) | Certificate information uploaded for regulated goods |
3.2 Conditions for Import Release
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| ✅ Declaration Review Approved | No rejection, no doubts |
| ✅ Tariffs + VAT Paid in Full | Electronic payment completed |
| ✅ Inspection Completed (if any) | Normal or anomalies resolved |
| ✅ License/Certificate Submitted (if any) | Certificate information uploaded for regulated goods |
| ✅ Guarantee Arranged (if any) | Guarantee provided while taxes not yet paid |
4. Partial Release
In some cases, Customs will allow a partial release:
Applicable Scenarios: - Procedures for part of a shipment are completed, while part requires further verification - Goods are under different regulatory conditions, with some conditions already met
Operational Method: Customs releases the portion of goods that meet the conditions first, and continues supervising the remaining portion that does not.
Partial release rarely occurs in practice and is mainly used for large-scale engineering projects or specially regulated goods.
5. Customs Closing
5.1 What is Customs Closing?
Customs Closing is the final status by which Customs confirms that the goods have actually entered or left the country. Unlike release, closing signifies the formal end of Customs supervision for that shipment.
5.2 Release vs. Customs Closing
| Comparison Dimension | Release | Customs Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Permits loading/shipment or pick-up of goods | Confirms goods have physically entered/exited the country |
| Timing | After document review/inspection/tax payment | Tens of hours to days after release |
| Effect on Cargo Operations | Goods can be loaded/picked up | No effect on cargo operations |
| Effect on Tax Refunds | Refund application not allowed before closing | Export tax refunds require closing data |
| Effect on Forex Settlement | Cannot be verified (huixiao) before closing | Forex settlement verification requires closing data |
| Status Update | Immediately queryable via Single Window | Updated 1-3 days after departure/flight lift-off |
5.3 Customs Closing Time
| Transport Mode | Closing Trigger Condition | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sea | Vessel departure + carrier sends export manifest | 1-3 days after departure |
| Air | Flight takeoff + airline sends arrival report | 1 day after takeoff |
| Rail | Train crosses border + railway sends exit data | 1-2 days after crossing border |
| Road | Vehicle exits + Customs system confirmation | 1 day after exit |
5.4 Importance of Customs Closing Data
Customs closing data is automatically pushed to the following systems:
Customs Closing Data
↓
ⓐ State Administration of Taxation → Enterprise can apply for export tax refund
ⓑ State Administration of Foreign Exchange → Forex collections can be verified
ⓒ Enterprise Credit System → Customs record updated
ⓓ Customs Statistics → Incorporated into trade statistics
Enterprises often query the Customs closing status via the Single Window and initiate tax refund applications after confirming closure.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If an error is found in the declaration information after release, can the declaration be amended? A: Yes, but the procedure differs. Amending a declaration after release requires submitting a written application to Customs, explaining the reason and providing supporting documents.
Q: What if the Customs closing data is not updating? A: First, confirm whether the vessel has departed or the flight has taken off. If the customs closing status does not update after 3 working days, contact the carrier to confirm if the manifest has been sent, or consult the local Customs office on-site.
Q: What is the relationship between closing and tax refund application timing? A: Export tax refund applications can only be filed after the goods are Customs closed. Closing data is a prerequisite for the tax system to process the refund.
Q: Is there a concept of Customs closing for imports? A: Customs closing is generally not mentioned for imports. For imports, Customs supervision is concluded once the goods are released and picked up (except for goods under duty reduction/exemption which have a supervision period).
📖 Next: 5.5 Return Operations & Declaration Amendments — Return cargo operations, modification and cancellation conditions for customs declarations.
Bofeng Logistics specializes in domestic/international container shipping, Hong Kong/Macau logistics services, and value-added services (trucking, customs clearance, warehousing, insurance). Customs clearance service areas: Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen. Contact: 13075678958 | Email: info@zhbfwl.com
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