Latest news with #CustomsLaw
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Straits Times
Chinese customs authorities crack down on toy doll smuggling
In the past three months, Chinese customs authorities have reported multiple cases of undeclared Pop Mart toys. PHOTO: AFP JINAN - The surge in cross-border resales of Pop Mart toys, with some rare editions fetching jaw-dropping prices, has blurred the line between proxy shopping and smuggling, as several Chinese customs authorities have reported undeclared toys being intercepted in quantities exceeding the allowed amount. In the past three months, Chinese customs authorities have reported multiple cases of intercepting undeclared Pop Mart toys, including popular Labubu and Molly figurines, carried by passengers who are seeking to profit from resales. In one instance, a total of 318 toys were seized from three travelers at Changsha Huanghua International Airport in Hunan province. In another case, a passenger at Hefei Xinqiao International Airport in Anhui province was caught with 94 toys, all intended for resale, according to the General Administration of Customs of China. 'The number of toys they brought with them exceeded the prescribed quantity for personal use, so they could face punishment according to related laws,' said Mr Xu Hao, a lawyer at Beijing Jingsh Law Firm. China's Customs Law stipulates that transporting undeclared goods in excess of prescribed limits for profit-seeking purposes constitutes smuggling. If the evaded tax amount exceeds 50,000 yuan ($8,901), it will be considered a smuggling crime that could carry a punishment of up to life in prison. Overseas Chinese students should be fully aware of the legal risks associated with similar resale activities, including but not limited to tax violations and counterfeit goods distribution, which may lead to severe consequences, Mr Xu added. Pop Mart, a Beijing-based toy brand, has taken the global market by storm, with its limited-edition figurines becoming hot commodities both at home and abroad. The cases reported by Chinese customs authorities highlight the booming secondary market. The allure lies in the substantial profit margins. A customs declaration form submitted by one passenger showed that a Pop Mart Molly figurine in the passenger's possession was priced at 6,790 Thai baht (S$268). In China's secondary market, the same toy sells for an average of S$410 — leaving a sizable profit margin even after accounting for the 13 per cent value-added tax on such items. The 'hidden edition' of Labubu 3.0, originally priced at 99 yuan, now commands a price of more than 2,000 yuan. On a major Chinese secondhand goods platform, the hidden edition of Labubu 3.0 was listed at 2,699 yuan, with over 2,300 users marking it as 'wanted' and nearly 120,000 views recorded. 'Pop Mart is a Chinese brand, but overseas toy editions often feature exclusive collaborations not available in China, making them even more desirable,' said Mr Sun Yuzhuoran, a buyer of Pop Mart products. Pop Mart's global expansion has further fueled the craze. With flagship stores in cities like Paris, London, New York and Bangkok, the brand reported 475 per cent year-on-year growth in its overseas revenue in the first quarter — five times that of its domestic market. The brand's popularity reflects consumption trends among young buyers. 'The affordable blind-box toys offer emotional value. It is about the thrill of spending just a few dozen yuan for some surprise,' said Mr Li Ruihan, a university student in Jinan, Shandong province. 'But now, some editions sell for hundreds of yuan,' said Mr Li. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: JCD processes over 950,000 customs declarations in 2024 — Director-general
AMMAN: Faced with a 'record-breaking' volume of customs activity, Jordan Customs Department (JCD) is undergoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and investor confidence, JCD Director-General Maj. Gen. Ahmad Akalik said on Wednesday. Speaking at a government communications forum titled "Achievements of the Jordan Customs Department", Akalik said that the department processed more than 950,000 customs declarations in 2024, figures he described as a "compelling reason" to adopt new working methods in line with the best global practices and digital transformation. "These changes are not cosmetic. They reflect His Majesty King Abdullah's vision to modernise public services and empower the private sector," he said as reported by the Jordan News Agency, Petra. Akalik revealed that 91 per cent of tariff lines are fully or partially exempted from customs duties, mainly raw materials that are essential for local production, noting that only 9 per cent of items are subject to tariffs ranging from 0 to 25 per cent, and national exports are completely exempted. "These exemptions aim at reducing production costs, increasing competitiveness and creating a more attractive environment for local and foreign investment," he said, stressing that the remaining tariffs are structured to protect domestic industries. He also highlighted that the JCD continues to regularly review its policies to align them with national development goals, highlighting that the reforms are part of a broader economic modernisation drive aimed at positioning Jordan as a 'productive, export-oriented' economy. Addressing speculation about the reopening of the Ramtha customs centre, Akalik pointed out that any decision would have to be coordinated with Syrian authorities and that the issue was not currently under consideration. He also noted that the old Amman Customs Centre has not been completely vacated, with some departments, such as foreign vehicle registration and customs licensing, still operating on site. Highlighting the department's efforts to banking on infrastructure upgrades and technological innovation to cement Jordan's position as a regional logistics hub, he said that the new Amman Customs Centre in Madouneh, which covers 950 dunums, can accommodate inspections of up to 192 trucks at a time and features 'state-of-the-art' AI-driven systems. Akalik added that the changes will also benefit Jordan's development and industrial zones, whose products will now be treated as national goods, simplifying market access and reducing logistical bottlenecks. Among the most significant reforms are amendments to the Customs Law, which will shift from a pre-clearance inspection model to post-clearance audits, the director-general said. This shift will allow compliant traders to obtain immediate release of goods while preserving the authority of the department to verify documentation at a later date, a move Akalik described as a "game changer" for trade facilitation. The department is also using artificial intelligence to improve risk management, analyse data and replace manual inspections with remote monitoring systems, he said. According to Akalik, this move is crucial to improving transparency and closing the door to fraud and manipulation. Noting that the JCD has already received international recognition for its efforts, he said that the department won the King Abdullah II Excellence Award for e-services, and the World Customs Organisation has adopted its model as a global reference. Despite the progress, Akalik acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges is changing the culture around customs operations within the department and among stakeholders. He noted that to address this, the department plans to launch public awareness campaigns to explain the benefits of the new systems. Supporting the department's vision, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communications Zaid Nawaisah said that the JCD has emerged as a national leader in streamlining trade, stimulating the economy and promoting a fair business environment. "The ministry has a critical role to play in highlighting these successes and building public confidence in government institutions," Nawaisah added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
09-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
JCD processes over 950,000 customs declarations in 2024 — Director-general
Jordan Customs Department Director-General Maj. Gen. Ahmad Akalik says that 91 per cent of tariff lines are fully or partially exempted from customs duties, mainly raw materials that are essential for local production (Petra photo) AMMAN — Faced with a 'record-breaking' volume of customs activity, Jordan Customs Department (JCD) is undergoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and investor confidence, JCD Director-General Maj. Gen. Ahmad Akalik said on Wednesday. Speaking at a government communications forum titled "Achievements of the Jordan Customs Department", Akalik said that the department processed more than 950,000 customs declarations in 2024, figures he described as a "compelling reason" to adopt new working methods in line with the best global practices and digital transformation. "These changes are not cosmetic. They reflect His Majesty King Abdullah's vision to modernise public services and empower the private sector," he said as reported by the Jordan News Agency, Petra. Akalik revealed that 91 per cent of tariff lines are fully or partially exempted from customs duties, mainly raw materials that are essential for local production, noting that only 9 per cent of items are subject to tariffs ranging from 0 to 25 per cent, and national exports are completely exempted. "These exemptions aim at reducing production costs, increasing competitiveness and creating a more attractive environment for local and foreign investment," he said, stressing that the remaining tariffs are structured to protect domestic industries. He also highlighted that the JCD continues to regularly review its policies to align them with national development goals, highlighting that the reforms are part of a broader economic modernisation drive aimed at positioning Jordan as a 'productive, export-oriented' economy. Addressing speculation about the reopening of the Ramtha customs centre, Akalik pointed out that any decision would have to be coordinated with Syrian authorities and that the issue was not currently under consideration. He also noted that the old Amman Customs Centre has not been completely vacated, with some departments, such as foreign vehicle registration and customs licensing, still operating on site. Highlighting the department's efforts to banking on infrastructure upgrades and technological innovation to cement Jordan's position as a regional logistics hub, he said that the new Amman Customs Centre in Madouneh, which covers 950 dunums, can accommodate inspections of up to 192 trucks at a time and features 'state-of-the-art' AI-driven systems. Akalik added that the changes will also benefit Jordan's development and industrial zones, whose products will now be treated as national goods, simplifying market access and reducing logistical bottlenecks. Among the most significant reforms are amendments to the Customs Law, which will shift from a pre-clearance inspection model to post-clearance audits, the director-general said. This shift will allow compliant traders to obtain immediate release of goods while preserving the authority of the department to verify documentation at a later date, a move Akalik described as a "game changer" for trade facilitation. The department is also using artificial intelligence to improve risk management, analyse data and replace manual inspections with remote monitoring systems, he said. According to Akalik, this move is crucial to improving transparency and closing the door to fraud and manipulation. Noting that the JCD has already received international recognition for its efforts, he said that the department won the King Abdullah II Excellence Award for e-services, and the World Customs Organisation has adopted its model as a global reference. Despite the progress, Akalik acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges is changing the culture around customs operations within the department and among stakeholders. He noted that to address this, the department plans to launch public awareness campaigns to explain the benefits of the new systems. Supporting the department's vision, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communications Zaid Nawaisah said that the JCD has emerged as a national leader in streamlining trade, stimulating the economy and promoting a fair business environment. "The ministry has a critical role to play in highlighting these successes and building public confidence in government institutions," Nawaisah added.
Zawya
03-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Textile sector eyes global expansion amid economic reform push
AMMAN: Jordan's textile and apparel industry is capitalising on the nation's Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), positioning itself as a "strategic" hub for "high-value" manufacturing, sector representative at the Jordan Chamber of Industry Ihab Qadri said on Wedensday. Qadri, speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, outlined key objectives such as creating over 149,000 jobs, boosting value-added by 10 per cent annually to $1.8 billion by 2033 and driving exports to $5.5 billion. The sector also aims to attract $3.1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), he added. According to Qadri, key initiatives include enhancing supply chains, developing integrated manufacturing clusters, investing in workforce training and fostering collaboration between SMEs and large enterprises. He noted that the sector, comprising 1,000 registered companies, is seen as a "crucial" driver of Jordan's economic diversification. He added that a feasibility study for an integrated industrial alliance, designed to attract further investment and streamline operations, has been completed along with regulatory reforms and policy adjustments that are underway to improve the business climate. The Kingdom's national textile and apparel sector's strategy aims to establish the country as a regional leader in high-quality, agile manufacturing, adhering to international standards for sustainability and efficiency. Qadri said that Customs Law amendments are facilitating raw material imports from development zones, enhancing value-added and reducing "operational bottlenecks". The sector currently employs over 90,000 workers, with 29,000 being locals, he said, noting that over 2,000 new jobs were created in 2024 alone. Qadri said that exports surged to JD1.753 billion in 2024, a 24 per cent year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand, particularly from the US market. He added that diversification efforts have expanded market reach to include Canada, Europe, and the Gulf region. Apparel exports, representing 95 per cent of total exports, reached $1.664 billion in 2024, a 25 per cent increase, which underscores the sector's growing international competitiveness, he noted. Increased FDI, driven by improved business conditions and the EMV, is leading to new manufacturing facilities and expanded operations, the sector representative pointed out. Qadri noted that plans are underway to establish an integrated industrial alliance to further attract investment and promote sector-wide growth. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
02-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Textile sector eyes global expansion amid economic reform push
Textile representative at the Jordan Chamber of Industry Ihab Qadri outlines key objectives for the sector to create over 149,000 jobs and boost value-added by 10 per cent annually to $1.8 billion by 2033 (JT file) AMMAN — Jordan's textile and apparel industry is capitalising on the nation's Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), positioning itself as a "strategic" hub for "high-value" manufacturing, sector representative at the Jordan Chamber of Industry Ihab Qadri said on Wedensday. Qadri, speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, outlined key objectives such as creating over 149,000 jobs, boosting value-added by 10 per cent annually to $1.8 billion by 2033 and driving exports to $5.5 billion. The sector also aims to attract $3.1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), he added. According to Qadri, key initiatives include enhancing supply chains, developing integrated manufacturing clusters, investing in workforce training and fostering collaboration between SMEs and large enterprises. He noted that the sector, comprising 1,000 registered companies, is seen as a "crucial" driver of Jordan's economic diversification. He added that a feasibility study for an integrated industrial alliance, designed to attract further investment and streamline operations, has been completed along with regulatory reforms and policy adjustments that are underway to improve the business climate. The Kingdom's national textile and apparel sector's strategy aims to establish the country as a regional leader in high-quality, agile manufacturing, adhering to international standards for sustainability and efficiency. Qadri said that Customs Law amendments are facilitating raw material imports from development zones, enhancing value-added and reducing "operational bottlenecks". The sector currently employs over 90,000 workers, with 29,000 being locals, he said, noting that over 2,000 new jobs were created in 2024 alone. Qadri said that exports surged to JD1.753 billion in 2024, a 24 per cent year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand, particularly from the US market. He added that diversification efforts have expanded market reach to include Canada, Europe, and the Gulf region. Apparel exports, representing 95 per cent of total exports, reached $1.664 billion in 2024, a 25 per cent increase, which underscores the sector's growing international competitiveness, he noted. Increased FDI, driven by improved business conditions and the EMV, is leading to new manufacturing facilities and expanded operations, the sector representative pointed out. Qadri noted that plans are underway to establish an integrated industrial alliance to further attract investment and promote sector-wide growth. Page 2
