A customs service connecting Shanghai's bonded warehouses directly to the China International Import Expo venue helps exhibitors streamline transport and arrange previews for potential buyers ahead of the event.

Known as the CIIE Express Service, the initiative enables exhibits to be transported directly from eligible bonded warehouses in Shanghai to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the venue of the ninth CIIE, scheduled for Nov 5 to 10.

The point-to-point journey from warehouse to exhibition hall can take as little as 35 minutes, eliminating the need to route exhibits through other customs-supervised areas or bonded logistics centers.

This year's service covers three bonded warehouses:

• Zhangyuan specialized bonded warehouse, which focuses on international high-end brands and niche luxury brands
• Donghao Lansheng public bonded warehouse, which serves fashion brands and trend-driven products
• Yu Garden international jewelry bonded warehouse, which specializes in jewelry with distinctive designs and high-end customization

The Zhangyuan specialized bonded warehouse in Jing'an district is currently housing exhibits for this year's CIIE, ready for shipment to the venue. The 1916 Company, which has hosted product launches at Zhangyuan, will showcase its independent watch brand De Bethune at Zhangyuan's CIIE booth for the first time.

Of the nine watches being sent directly to the expo, one has already attracted a potential buyer during a warehouse preview. The 1916 Company also plans to hold a signing ceremony for a letter of intent to open the brand's first store in the Chinese mainland and to host a brand discussion at Zhangyuan's CIIE booth.

Meanwhile, at JSD Space, a specialized bonded warehouse within the Shanghai International Jewelry and Style District, 1,023 pieces of jewelry valued at 14.33 million yuan ($2.02 million) are being managed under this year's CIIE Express Service. These figures represent a 130 percent year-on-year increase in the number of pieces and an 85 percent rise in value. The exhibits include colored gemstones, handcrafted fine jewelry, and collectible diamonds, with dedicated preview areas open to visitors at the warehouse.

For Pakistani jewelry brand Winza, the service offers an opportunity to connect more effectively with Chinese buyers. The brand specializes in gemstones with traceable origins and handcrafted collectible jewelry, both of which require careful handling during transport and storage.

At JSD Space, services such as customs clearance, storage, and bonded display help brands like Winza invite Chinese collectors and business partners to preview jewelry pieces and discuss potential purchases ahead of time. This arrangement reduces the amount of stock Winza needs to prepare for the expo.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, WeChat accounts of Huangpu and Jing'an district governments