Shanghai unveiled a comprehensive strategy on Aug 19 to accelerate logistics and customs clearance procedures at the city's air cargo centers, aiming to strengthen its position in the global air freight market.

The initiative, jointly issued by municipal and national authorities, outlines steps to modernize infrastructure, enhance digitalization, and streamline cargo handling.

Upgrades to cargo terminal facilities at Pudong and Hongqiao international airports are a central part of the plan.

A key focus is completing Pudong airport's west cargo area smart cargo terminal and centralized inspection center by the end of 2025, alongside the intelligent transformation of existing cargo stations. These upgrades will enable import cargo sorting and simplify workflows, supporting faster customs clearance.

Shanghai also plans to expand its network of pre-positioned cargo hubs. Shanghai Airport Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics will be encouraged to establish such stations, including bonded warehouses, in Shanghai and surrounding cities, providing businesses with more flexible delivery options.

The Songjiang Comprehensive Bonded Zone pre-positioned cargo hub is expected to be operational by the end of September 2025.

To improve digitization, the city will optimize data exchange through the China (Shanghai) International Trade Single Window platform, aiming to meet national standards by mid-2026. This involves linking the platform with cargo status data for shipments passing through Shanghai airports and creating a standardized system interface to expedite customs declarations and cargo entry.

Support will continue for Shanghai Customs' smart customs initiative to enhance cargo inspection and supervision.

The plan calls for optimized inspection, security, and process flows, with certified enterprises seeing lower inspection rates by the end of 2025.

An improved cargo acceptance whitelist system and tiered security measures are expected by the end of 2026 to increase efficiency.

Mutual recognition of security measures between Pudong and Hongqiao airports will also facilitate smoother cargo transfers.

The initiative aims to boost multi-modal transportation. Pudong and Hongqiao airports will enhance airside direct transfer options by the end of 2025, allowing more efficient connections between domestic and international flights.

The airports are also exploring cargo air-rail intermodal pilot programs to integrate with the Shanghai Eastern Hub-Pudong International Airport station.

Source: shanghai.gov.cn