From July 2025 to June 2026, cosmetics exports by Chando Group, a Shanghai-based beauty company, exceeded 30 million yuan ($4.2 million), more than doubling year-on-year.

The company's export surge reflects broader growth in Fengxian's cosmetics sector. Customs data show that cosmetics exports from Oriental Beauty Valley, the district's major beauty industry cluster, reached 1.95 billion yuan, up 34.1 percent year-on-year, with products reaching more than 60 countries and regions.

Chando's growing overseas sales reflect the multiplier effect of Fengxian's strategic efforts to develop smart manufacturing, streamline customs clearance, and foster cross-district collaboration.

A key driver of this growth is the Chando Future Beauty Innovation Hub. Tucked inside the complex is a 15,000-square-meter automated "lights-out" logistics center, where automated guided vehicles navigate high-bay racks. At the same time, a digital twin platform mirrors physical warehouse operations in real time.

Leveraging the internet of things and 3D modeling, the system dispatches orders from Fengxian to five regional distribution centers nationwide and then to over 60,000 retail outlets. Export inventory preparation is no longer dependent on labor-intensive processes, helping minimize fluctuations in delivery times.

Trade facilitation reforms from customs authorities have further streamlined export procedures.

In June 2025, Shanghai Customs introduced 11 targeted measures to support the high-quality development of Oriental Beauty Valley, with Chando among the first pilot enterprises admitted to the trusted "whitelist".

One of the new measures is a "release-upon-sampling" mechanism. Previously, goods had to be prepared for inspection five to seven days in advance. Under the new system, inspection applications can be filed immediately after production is completed.

According to Fengxian Customs, the reform has increased export clearance efficiency by 80 percent and cut the cost of each sampling operation by about half. Sampling procedures for small-package cosmetics have also been optimized.

Chando is headquartered in Jing'an district, while its main production base is in Fengxian. In March, the two districts signed a strategic cooperation agreement on the beauty industry, establishing mechanisms for joint R&D and industrial development. Jing'an provides clinical resources, platforms for high-end commercial launches, and marketing channels, while Fengxian offers the Oriental Beauty Valley industrial cluster, customs facilitation, and full-chain support.

This inter-district synergy has opened up new market opportunities. In late July, the AI Sum Beauty multi-brand store debuted at Daning Music Plaza in Jing'an, marking the first offline location for Hafeisi, an Oriental Beauty Valley brand, alongside popular fragrance lines such as Kase. From Fengxian factory to Jing'an showcase, cross-district collaboration is bridging the crucial final mile between smart manufacturing and consumer reach.

Source: Fengxian district government