Online Interview
Topic: Crackdown on Smuggling – about Customs Anti-Smuggling Stories of 2013
Time:03:00 PM (Wed) March 12, 2014
Special Guests:Chen Jianxin, Deputy Director General of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau, the GACC
Online Interview Photos
Crackdown on Smuggling – about Customs Anti-Smuggling Stories of 2013
[Chen Jianxin]: This year, GACC has launched a one-year-long national campaign code-named “Green Wind” to fight against the smuggling of agricultural products, especially the smuggling of grains and crops, frozen goods, sugar, cotton, edible oil, and feeds, etc. so as to ensure agriculture security as well as farmer’s interests. In this campaign, we will continue to pay special attention to the smuggling activities across the Beilun River. 03/12/2014 15:59:45
[Netizen: Anonymous]: What are the usual measures for combating smuggling? 03/12/2014 14:51:43
[Chen Jianxin]: On one hand, Customs take efforts in investigating smuggling activities and seizing smuggled goods through clearance channels such as freight, passenger inspection, postal delivery, and express mail delivery. We also work with local law enforcement authorities to conduct joint inspections and flexible investigations and seizure to fight against smuggling along the border. On the other hand, we give full play to criminal enforcement measures and implement the strategy of “cracking major smuggling cases, smashing gangs and dismantling networks” to fight against smuggling gangs and networks behind the scene. 03/12/2014 16:00:28
[Netizen: Anonymous]: Mr. Chen, could you tell us which place witnesses the most serious smuggling crimes? 03/12/2014 14:49:47
[Chen Jianxin]: At present, smuggling is under control in general through concerted efforts of Customs, local governments and authorities. Yet, some places still witness rampant smuggling activities. Specifically, smuggling through import-export channels is concentrated in coastal regions, while border smuggling is concentrated in southwest and northeast borders. “Parallel traders” are usually active in smuggling goods from Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR to Guangdong Province. With increasing intensity of the crackdown, smuggling gangs now mainly take ports or borders as springboard and commit crimes in various regions through different channels, showing a tendency of committing smuggling inland. 03/12/2014 16:01:10
[Netizen: Riding a Donkey to Work]: One of my friends smuggled a batch of jade from Myanmar and got caught by the customs office. What kind of punishment will be given? 03/12/2014 11:13:21
[Chen Jianxin]: The punishment is subject to the amount of jade smuggled. Jade also falls into general taxable goods and is subject to tax payment when imported. If the quantity is quite large and the taxes evaded reach the standard for criminal penalty, your friend will be held criminally responsible according to the provisions on smuggling general goods specified in Article 153 in the Criminal Law of People’s Republic of China. If the quantity involved is small and does not reach the standard of criminal penalty, your friend will be faced with administrative penalty imposed by the customs office. 03/12/2014 16:02:27
[Netizen: Anonymous]: Good afternoon, Mr. Chen. I’m wondering if Customs can try not to open a file, transfer to anti-smuggling departments or try to reduce administrative penalty in the case of Customs declaration errors committed unintentionally, such as wrong declaration for brand, type, country of origin, net weight, or piece number. These errors are more careless results of suppliers or employees than intentional evasion of supervision or taxes. At present, the Customs at the first-line ports may transfer the case involving such errors made unintentionally with a value of over RMB 20,000 to anti-smuggling departments for disposal. This usually takes a long time and may cause great impacts on enterprises involved. So, I want to know if the Customs can allow us to revise the form or delete the form for re-declaration. Thank you very much. 03/12/2014 15:42:02
[Chen Jianxin]: It's true that we have made great efforts in combating smuggling. Yet, we also attempt to do it in a rational way to protect the public’s lawful rights and interests. While handling illicit acts, we usually give full consideration to distinguishing subjective intents and deliberate violations and take different measures. In general, we do not register a case involving minor circumstances, no intentional acts and no actual damage. Besides, we are also endeavoring to improve our work mode, shorten handling time and improve our efficiency. 03/12/2014 16:04:37
[Wang Hua]: Well, due to time limit, that’s all for today. If you have more questions on China Customs anti-smuggling efforts, please call Customs hotline 12360 or visit the website at www.customs.gov.cn. See you next time! 03/12/2014 16:04:52