China's central bank and the General Administration of Customs have announced a policy optimization for the management of gold import and export permits. The new regulations aim to streamline administration and facilitate trade.
The People's Bank of China and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued an announcement on April 30 regarding the optimization of the "single permit for multiple shipments" management system for gold import and export licenses. This move is designed to simplify administrative procedures, enhance trade convenience, and improve the business environment. The new regulations will take effect on June 1, 2026.
Key provisions include: 1. Legal entities with frequent gold import-export business may apply for "single permit for multiple shipments" certification according to established procedures. 2. The policy will be implemented at 15 customs districts including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xi'an, Xiamen, Ningbo, Sanya, Chongqing, and Nanning. 3. The permits will be valid for nine months from issuance and can be used for unlimited customs declaration batches within the validity period and quantity limits.
Market analysts identify three main aspects of the policy optimization: expanded coverage to 15 customs districts, extended validity period to nine months, and unlimited usage frequency.
The policy was first piloted in 2016 with six customs districts, allowing up to 12 declaration batches within a six-month validity period. In 2017, the program expanded to ten customs districts. Following changes in foreign trade conditions, the authorities published a draft for public comment in September 2025 before finalizing the current optimization.
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