China Targets Over 90% Smart Customs Ports by 2030
China's General Administration of Customs announced that by 2030, over 90% of the country's ports will be equipped with smart inspection equipment and AI-driven image analysis. This initiative aims to make seamless, non-intrusive customs clearance the standard operational norm through the integration of AI, big data, and advanced hardware. This large-scale deployment of AI and smart logistics will significantly accelerate customs clearance times and reduce operational costs for international trade businesses. It represents a major step in modernizing cross-border trade infrastructure and aligning China's customs with high-standard international trade rules. The plan focuses on three pillars: optimizing regulatory laws, enhancing efficiency through cross-customs integration and multimodal transport "single bill" systems, and deploying "AI + big data + smart equipment" for automated image review. The initiative will also promote "embedded seamless regulation" to minimize disruptions to businesses.
## BACKGROUND
China's customs have previously integrated AI into frontline operations through "smart image review" systems, which use neural networks and semantic segmentation to analyze X-ray and CT scans of cargo containers within seconds. Additionally, multimodal transport "single bill" systems streamline logistics by allowing goods to travel via rail, road, and water under a single contract and tracking ID.