The General Administration of Customs ("GAC") has recently issued the Announcement [2019] No.66 to optimize the ways in which documents annexed to customs declaration forms are electronized and release the Standard for Formats of Electronically Converted or Scanned Files of Customs Declaration Documents (the "Standard"). This announcement will take effect from May 1, 2019.
The Standard applies to electronically converted or scanned files of documents affiliated to customs declaration forms, uploaded by enterprises to the customs under the mode of paperless customs clearance operations. These documents include: 1. contracts; 2. invoices; 3. packing lists; 4. cargo lists (manifests); 5. bills of lading and waybills; 6. power of attorney for customs declaration agency; 7. import and export licenses; 8. other import and export documents specified by the GAC. The Standard requires that import and export enterprises shall firstly select the files generated by means of electronic conversion, when they upload the said documents for customs declaration. The generated files shall be PDF (version 1.4 or above) ones.