China: Zhejiang FTZ expedites customs clearance for international ships after bunkering

The China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (Zhejiang FTZ) in Zhoushan on Friday (13 June) implemented a split supervision model to expedite customs clearance for international vessels after bunkering. 

On the day, bulk carrier Navios Azimuth submitted exit procedures to Zhoushan Customs after completing a bunkering operation, realising the new policy of “bunkering and leaving immediately.” 

According to Wu Hejie, a salesperson at China Marine Shipping Agency Zhoushan (Sinoagent Zhoushan) when international ships were refuelled with bonded bunker fuel, they had to wait until the bunkering vessel completed all operations before they could initiate departure procedures from the port.

“Now international ships can declare their departure when completing approval for bunkering and leave as soon as the operation is completed,” Wu said. 

According to preliminary estimates, the new model reduced time in the port by at least two hours.

At the same time, relying on data sharing and intelligent early warning, it ensures that the entire bunkering operation is traceable and risks can be controlled.

In future, Zhoushan Customs will steadily expand the scope of separation supervision policy, continue to promote the digitalisation in bonded bunkering, and continuously enhance the international competitiveness of bonded fuel refueling in Zhejiang FTZ.

Photo credit: Hangzhou Customs
Published: 18 June, 2025