Air Import Clearance Delays in China due to World Expo

The clearance of air imports to China is currently taking about ten working days, due to tightening customs restrictions as part of the World Expo, hosted in Shanghai, 1 May - 31 October 2010.

ALL air shipments are now being checked by customs, rather than by usual random inspection, which has resulted in the delays.

Customs checks have also become more stringent.  Restricted items need to be fully declared (quantity of books-in/out of China, CDs, DVDs, food etc.), or customs may require an explanation letter, which will further delay clearance.

As importers currently only have three days' free storage once air shipments arrive, extra airport storage charges may need to be paid by the client.