Imagine a scenario where import and export goods no longer face delays due to cumbersome transit procedures, but instead move seamlessly like an "express train" with single declaration throughout the journey. This vision has now become reality through Announcement No. 12 of 2026 issued by China's General Administration of Customs, marking a significant leap forward in the nation's cross-border logistics efficiency.
"Single Document" System: Eliminating Redundant Declarations
The core innovation of this reform lies in its "single document" approach . Previously, companies involved in multimodal transport had to repeatedly submit transit declarations at different stages. Under the new system, containerized goods meeting requirements can now submit all necessary documentation through the International Trade "Single Window" platform just once, replacing multiple declarations with a unified process.
The pilot program covers combined transport modes involving domestic rail/waterway and cross-border waterway shipping. To ensure cargo security, transport operators must maintain intact commercial seals throughout the journey and provide real-time arrival/departure updates at key nodes including origin, transshipment, and destination points. Customs authorities may conduct non-supervised inspections at rail transfer points, while domestic multi-leg transport requires segmented logistics reporting for complete traceability.
Nationwide Pilot Launch: Bidirectional Connectivity Achieved
On January 27, the first batch of import/export goods under the new sea-rail and water-water multimodal customs supervision model successfully cleared procedures at ports and stations across Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, Hainan, Chongqing, and Guangxi. Customs offices in major cities including Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Nanchang, Qingdao, Jinan, Haikou, Chongqing, and Nanning have initiated the pilot program to gather operational experience for nationwide implementation.
Customs Perspective: Driving High-Quality Development
A spokesperson from the Customs Supervision Department explained that integrating "single document" and "single container" principles into the new multimodal supervision model aims to create seamless logistics channels connecting coastal ports, border crossings, and inland regions. This "port + rail + waterway" coordinated development model allows inland areas to benefit from port accessibility while fostering balanced regional growth.
The streamlined process requires just one multimodal application submission through the Single Window platform, significantly reducing documentation while supporting flexible transshipment operations. Key advantages include simplified data requirements, expedited clearance procedures, and enhanced logistics flexibility.
The spokesperson emphasized that this initiative represents a strategic move to support high-level opening and quality economic development. By reducing overall logistics costs and facilitating domestic-international circulation, the reform provides targeted support for major projects including the Hainan Free Trade Port, New Western Land-Sea Corridor, Yangtze River Golden Waterway, and world-class port cluster development.
Future Outlook: Transforming Logistics Ecosystems
The "single document" multimodal system signifies more than procedural optimization—it represents fundamental transformation of logistics ecosystems. The model promotes seamless intermodal connectivity, breaks down information barriers, and enables resource sharing to build smarter, greener, and more efficient logistics networks. As pilot operations expand and experience accumulates, this approach is expected to see broader nationwide adoption, injecting new vitality into China's economic development.