Online Interview
Topic: Crackdown on Smuggling – about Customs Anti-Smuggling Stories of 2013
Time:03:00 PM (Wed) March 12, 2014
Special Guests:Chen Jianxin, Deputy Director General of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau, the GACC
Online Interview Photos
Crackdown on Smuggling – about Customs Anti-Smuggling Stories of 2013
[Chen Jianxin]: Imported used clothes sold on the market all are “overseas garbage”. They are imported into China illegally without inspection and quarantine procedures. Wearing them for a long time may cause much harm to the body. 03/12/2014 15:53:28
[Chen Jianxin]: You may pay attention to the following aspects to identify smuggled used clothes. 1. Check the conditions of such clothes, as their buttons and zippers usually lack luminosity or their metal coating fall off; trademarks/care labels curl; numbers and words get blurred and yellow; the fabrics at wristband, neckline, or armpit are worn or rough; and there may be stains difficult to be removed. 2. Take a smell of the clothes, as many used clothes smell awful. 3. Used clothes are usually sold in single piece. They do not have tags or certificates. Names or other belongings may be found in their pockets. 03/12/2014 15:54:04
[Netizen: Little Y]: Does mailing things from abroad to China constitute smuggling? 03/12/2014 11:10:48
[Chen Jianxin]: Well, this also depends on actual situations. According to relevant regulations, citizens are allowed to mail items from abroad to China, but there are limitations on values and quantities. Where the value or quantity breaks the limit, relevant formalities should be carried out at a customs office. Taxes should be paid in accordance with relevant provisions when necessary. Where the sender knows well that the items mailed are articles prohibited from entry into China by the State, he or she avoids customs supervision by deception, or where the sender know well that taxes should be paid for articles mailed in excess of specified value and quantity and fails to declare in good faith to the Customs, what he or she does will be construed as smuggling, and the Customs will impose administrative penalty on him or her. If a crime is constituted, the parties involved will be investigated for criminal liability. 03/12/2014 15:54:38
[Netizen: Miaozhen]: Good afternoon, Mr. Chen. I’d like to know how to define a smuggling activity. For instance, I know a company asks the drivers from the parent company in Hong Kong SAR to transport the raw materials into Shenzhen by vehicles owned by its boss for processing. Does such an act constitute smuggling? If yes, what evidence should I have to report this company? Now, I only have purchasing lists for raw materials from the start of production last year up to now, with dates and quantities on them. Can those lists be used as evidence? Is there any reward for reporting? How does it work? 03/12/2014 11:11:36
[Chen Jianxin]: Smuggling refers to the act of evading customs supervision, taxes or relevant state prohibitive or restrictive management concerning entry and exit, which violates the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China, relevant laws, and administrative regulations. Thus, if the company does not go through declaration formalities with the Customs and meet the above conditions while transporting raw materials into China, its act can be deemed as smuggling. Contracts, account books, invoices, payment bills, and transport documents relating to overseas procurement of raw materials and transporting into China can be used as evidence. Besides, it would be better if you can offer detailed information on the smugglers, inbound or outbound vehicles, locations, and time, etc. to the customs office. We have rewards for those reporting smuggling activities. Please refer to the GACC Decree No.8 taking effect on September 1, 1989 for the relevant reward measures. 03/12/2014 15:55:07
[Netizen: Weixiaozheshuo]: Hello. I’ m told that many smuggled cars are high-end and authentic cars, sold at very low prices. I’m considering buying such a car myself. Is there any legal risk involved? 03/12/2014 11:12:04
[Chen Jianxin]: It’s true that there are still a small amount of smuggled cars sold on the black market at lower prices. However, we must remind you and other people sharing your ideas that buying smuggled cars because they are cheap may cause great legal risks. 03/12/2014 15:55:36
[Chen Jianxin]: First, where the buyer knows well that it is a smuggled car and buys it from the smuggler, this may violate the Criminal Law, so the buyer will be investigated for criminal responsibility. Second, smuggled cars purchased do not have import certifications issued by the Customs, and thus cannot be registered at relevant vehicle management offices. Moreover, smuggled cars may be detained or confiscated by law enforcement authorities at any time. Thus, buying smuggled cars may bring you more harm than good. 03/12/2014 15:55:59
[Netizen: Ling’er]: Mr. Chen, could you tell me what’s the punishment for smuggling high-grade raw hides, like furs of martens, foxes and raccoons? 03/12/2014 11:12:52