Businesses struggling with lost customs declaration documents or time-consuming trips to customs offices will soon find relief. Starting December 15, 2025, China's International Trade "Single Window" platform will introduce a comprehensive self-service system for querying and printing customs declaration documents and electronic data. This digital upgrade means companies can handle customs documentation from their offices, saving both time and effort while significantly improving efficiency.
Policy Overview: Data Moves, Businesses Stay Put
According to Announcement No. 226 of 2025 from the General Administration of Customs, the new policy allows enterprises to query, download, and print their customs declaration documents and related electronic data anytime, anywhere through the "Single Window" platform. Crucially, electronic customs declaration printouts generated through this system with digital customs seals will carry the same legal validity as physical documents obtained at customs offices.
This innovation eliminates the need for businesses to make repeated trips to customs offices simply to obtain declaration documents, truly achieving the goal of "data moves while businesses stay put."
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Service Printing
Here's a detailed guide to help businesses navigate this convenient new service:
1. User Login:
- Access the standard version of China's International Trade "Single Window" portal
- Navigate to the "Business Applications" tab and enter the "Port Law Enforcement Declaration" module
- Under the "Goods Declaration" section, select "Customs Declaration Document Query and Print"
Note: Users must log in with the corporate legal person card of the domestic consignee/consignor enterprise. This card must remain inserted in the card reader or computer throughout the entire operation.
2. Self-Service Printing Application:
- After successful login, select "Self-Service Printing Application" from the left menu
- Search for needed declarations either by entering the customs declaration number or selecting a declaration date range (limited to 3-month intervals)
- Check the desired declarations and click "Self-Service Printing Application"
- Choose between "with seal" (for official purposes) or "without seal" (for internal use) versions
3. Status Check and Download/Print:
- Check generation status under "Self-Service Print/Export"
- When status shows "sealed version generated" or "unsealed version generated," proceed with export or print functions
- Operation records can be reviewed for management purposes
4. Post-Clearance Data Query:
The system also allows export of electronic data for cleared declarations within retention periods through the "Post-Clearance Customs Declaration Data Batch Export Application" function.
Key Considerations
To ensure smooth operation, users should note these critical points:
- The corporate legal person card must remain inserted throughout the operation
- The two-step process (application generation followed by download/print) must be followed sequentially
- Choose the appropriate sealed/unsealed version according to intended use
- Generated files remain available for 30 days before automatic deletion
Digital Transformation Enhances Trade Efficiency
The launch of this self-service system represents a significant step in customs digital transformation, substantially improving trade facilitation. By enabling round-the-clock access to customs documentation, the service reduces physical visits to customs offices, saving businesses valuable time and resources while boosting operational efficiency.