Guangdong provides fast customs clearance for overseas donations

Guangdong reported 9 new cases, raising the total number to 1,159 as of midday February 10th. The province reported 1 death in total, and a total of 155 people have been discharged from hospital. A total of 158 suspected cases were reported and 3,158 people are under observation.

In an effort to simplify the customs clearance procedures for donated supplies provided by overseas individuals and organizations, the Department of Civil Affairs of Guangdong Province and the Guangdong Branch of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) have jointly designated 38 organizations as the donees of supplies donated from abroad, and set up green channels accordingly.

Enterprises, organizations and individuals from both China and abroad can donate imported supplies via the Guangdong Red Cross and the Guangdong Charity Federation, tax free, according to the latest document jointly published by the Ministry of Finance, the GACC and the State Taxation Administration.

“Imported supplies can be cleared by customs based on relevant documentary evidence, with catch-up customs formalities to be finished later,” Liu Hong, deputy director-general of the Guangdong Branch of the GACC, said. No additional tariffs will be imposed on supplies imported from the USA.

Liu stressed that the customs won’t hold back or confiscate any supplies for epidemic prevention and control.

Latest statistics show that as of 12pm, February 9th, Guangdong people from all walks of life have donated a total of 2.49 billion RMB worth of goods and medical supplies for prevention and control of the spread of the epidemic. These supplies consist of 14.09 million masks (including 510,000 N95 masks), 180,000 protective suits, 30,000 pieces of insulated clothing, 210,000 goggles, and 2.11 million pairs of medical gloves.

The Department of Civil Affairs of Guangdong Province publishes the donations via GRT News every day to guarantee transparency.

In addition, the department has launched a 24h hotline 12349 for complaints. If you find any organization or individual to have solicited contributions illegally or retained, embezzled or pocketed donations, call 12349.

Organizations or individuals can both make a donation through the red cross society or other charities or donate money or supplies directly to the hospitals or organizations.