Shanghai's first air cargo pre-clearance station, located in the Songjiang Comprehensive Bonded Zone, began operations after a trial period that started in July 2025.

The innovative facility enhances cargo clearance efficiency by about 30 percent and reduces logistics costs by about 15 percent by relocating key airport functions, such as security checks and customs clearance, directly to the bonded zone.

This port-bonded zone linkage model allows goods to be processed efficiently before being transported directly to the airport for loading, removing several traditional bottlenecks.

The depot serves as a satellite station to the airport's air cargo terminals. By integrating services like warehousing, booking, and customs declaration, it enables exporters to avoid prolonged waits at airport logistics hubs.

Initially established in 2000, the Songjiang Export Processing Zone relied on tax incentives to attract manufacturers like Quanta Computer. According to statistics, one-third of the world's laptops were produced in Songjiang at that time.

As global supply chains evolved, the then export processing zone was upgraded to a comprehensive bonded zone in 2018, introducing a wider set of institutional innovations that simplified customs procedures and improved overall workflow.

In 2024, Shanghai's import and export volume reached 4.27 trillion yuan ($600 billion). The Songjiang-based station is expected to strengthen the city's role in international trade in the Yangtze River Delta region.

By shortening logistics pathways for industrial hubs like Songjiang, Qingpu, and Fengxian districts, the station will help attract enterprises in sectors such as high-end manufacturing, cross-border e-commerce, and cold-chain logistics.

Songjiang plans to expand the outbound channels for the station and is considering the construction of a railway hub, aiming to establish the West Shanghai Cross-Border Trade Service Center, an integrated sea, land, and air hub that will support nine cities along the YRD region's G60 Science and Innovation Corridor, in the bonded zone.

Source: Jiefang Daily