Overview of Import & Export in China

(Ⅱ) Supervision and control by the Customs over the Import & Export Goods

The supervision and control by the Customs does not simply mean the supervision and control literally, it refers to all the administrative and legal activities collectively. The supervision and control by the Customs is a kind of administrative management by which the Customs uses the power imparted by the State to keep the transportation tools, goods, articles and the entry and exit activities of people concerned under the legal supervision and control through a complete set of management system and procedures. As a kind of national function, the supervision and control by the Customs aims to ensure all the entry and exit activities in conformity with the national policies and the laws and to maintain the national sovereignty and interests.

The supervision and control is the basic task of the Customs on the basis of which other tasks are undertaken and carried out. Apart from the supervision and control over the entry and exit activities of the transportation tools, goods and articles by means of document review, Customs clearance after checkup and verification, the supervision and control by the Customs also include executing or supervising the implementation of the relevant national regulations on the management system of foreign trade, e.g., the import and export license system, foreign currency management system, the import and export commodity examination, quarantine system, cultural relics management system, with a view to maintaining the national interests in the aspects of politics, economy, culture & ethics, and public health etc.