Comprehensive Bonded Zone (CBZ)

The special customs supervision area is an approved designated zone in China with special functions and policies. It is closely monitored by customs authorities under the State Council's approval. The CBZ, an inland special customs supervision area, operates as a bonded port. It follows the regulations outlined in the Measures of the PRC Customs on Comprehensive Bonded Zone (2022 Edition) (GAC Order No. 256) and applies tax and foreign exchange policies specific to bonded areas. The CBZ integrates the roles of a bonded area, export processing zone, bonded logistics zone, and port, facilitating international transit, distribution, procurement, re-export trade, and export processing. It is the highest-level open area in China, offering favorable policies, comprehensive functions, and streamlined procedures.

Types of Projects Suitable for the CBZ

The CBZ provides unique opportunities for various types of enterprises to enhance their competitiveness. Through policy benefits, efficient customs clearance, logistics support, resource aggregation, and other means, it assists businesses in reducing costs, improving efficiency, and expanding their market presence, thereby gaining significant advantages in intense market competition.

§ R&D, Processing, Manufacturing, and Remanufacturing

The CBZ offers a range of advantages to these enterprises, including policy benefits such as tax exemptions and duty waivers, which lower the costs of importing raw materials and components. Efficient customs clearance and logistics distribution capabilities accelerate the supply chain, enhancing delivery efficiency and competitiveness. The aggregation of resources supports collaborative innovation, boosting innovation capacity and market position.

§ Testing and Maintenance

The CBZ offers policy incentives, reducing the import costs of inspection equipment, tools, and spare parts. Convenient customs clearance and logistics services expedite the transportation of equipment and components, enhancing maintenance efficiency, reducing downtime, and increasing customer satisfaction.

§ Goods Storage and Logistics Distribution

The CBZ is equipped with complete facilities, providing flexible goods storage and distribution services. Convenient customs procedures and a well-established logistics network shorten import and export times, enhance logistics efficiency, and strengthen customer satisfaction.

§ Financing Leasing and Cross-border E-commerce

The tax-free and tariff-free policy within the bonded zone reduces operating costs and offers competitive prices and services. Convenient customs procedures and efficient logistics support enhance cross-border transportation efficiency and strengthen market competitiveness.

§ Product Exhibition and International Transshipment Trade

Modern exhibition centers and facilities provide businesses with a platform to showcase their products, attracting more customers and partners, and expanding market share. Tariff-free and duty-free policies reduce international trade costs and enhance international competitiveness.

Types of Projects Suitable for the CBZ

Prepared according to the GAC 'Comprehensive Bonded Zone Project Guide (2021 Edition)'

Publications

§ Comprehensive Bonded Zone Project Guide (2021 Edition): This guide is compiled by the General Administration of Customs, and its main contents are as follows:

1. It explains the basic policies of CBZs, including tax policies, trade control policies, bonded supervision policies, and foreign exchange policies. Key policies include tax exemption for infrastructure materials and equipment, tax refund for domestic goods entering the zone, and VAT exemption for transactions between zone enterprises.

2. It outlines the special trade facilitation measures in CBZs, such as undertaking commissioned processing from domestic enterprises, implementing autonomous filing by enterprises, and releasing goods after sampling.

3. Covering five major categories: processing and manufacturing, R&D and design, logistics distribution, inspection and maintenance, and sales and service, it provides a detailed explanation of 33 types of enterprises suitable for entry into the zone. These include processing and manufacturing enterprises with finished goods for domestic and foreign markets, production-oriented R&D enterprises, export-consolidation logistics enterprises, global maintenance-oriented companies, and trade-oriented service enterprises, among others.

§ Typical Case of Projects Entering the Comprehensive Bonded Zone (2021 Edition): It is compiled by the General Administration of Customs. These cases reflect the significant role of CBZs in promoting trade facilitation, reducing business costs, expanding industrial chains, and serving the real economy. The main points are as follows:

1. Clear policy dividends and substantial tax benefits. For instance, cases of bonded processing significantly reduce costs through tax exemptions, refunds, and free circulation policies. Pilot cases of selective taxation save substantial tax costs through component taxation.

2. Continuous expansion of business scope and increasing functionality. Cases of research and development (R&D) design make full use of policy support for innovation. Cases of financial leasing support the development of the leasing industry. Cases of futures bonded delivery contribute to the development of the financial market.

3. Significant improvement in efficiency and convenience. Measures like rapid customs clearance and exemption from inspection and release drastically shorten business customs clearance time. Information technology reform achieves automated entry and exit procedures.

4. Connecting domestic and international markets, promoting dual circulation. Cases of general taxpayer pilot projects achieve better tariff connection for domestic circulation taxes. Remanufacturing cases expand the industrial chain.

5. Attracting industry clusters and increasing employment. Cases of cross-border e-commerce attract a large number of e-commerce companies. Remanufacturing cases significantly increase employment.

6. Providing strong support for the real economy. Cases of undertaking commissioned processing from domestic enterprises support the domestic manufacturing industry. Cases of bonded storage for complete vehicles alleviate enterprise financial pressures.

CBZs in Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone

There are four CBZs under Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone's jurisdiction: Tianjin Port CBZ in the seaport section, Tianjin Port CBZ (Airport) in the airport section, Tianjin Binhai New Area CBZ near Tianjin Airport, and Tianjin Lingang CBZ in the harbor section. Enterprises in Tianjin Italian SME Industrial Park have the option to register in any of these CBZs.