The era of a "green channel" for seedling imports has arrived.

As a seasoned veteran with 20 years of experience in the import and export industry, I have witnessed countless cases where companies missed the optimal planting season due to prolonged customs clearance cycles for seedlings. The announcement of Document No. 53 by the General Administration of Customs in June 2022 was like opening a "gate to spring" for the industry—eligible seedlings can"Test after separation". Are you ready to seize this policy dividend?

Policy core: Time is money

Traditional seedling imports require completingfull quarantine proceduresbefore release, typically taking 7-15 working days. The new policy allows:

• Release after initial port inspection shows no abnormalities
• Simultaneous laboratory testing and warehousing
• Direct customs clearance upon passing inspection

A flower importer reported their bulbs now arrive perfectly timed with planting seasons under the new policy, reducing per-shipment value loss by 30%.

Three Steps to Navigate the "Fast Track"

Step 1: Complete quarantine approval

Just like needing visas for international travel, seedling imports require advance processing:

• Regular seedlings: Apply for approval documents from MARA/NFGA
• Special seedlings: Require special GAC approval
• Soil-containing media: Must obtain special approval

Professional Advice:Approval materials must include detailed isolation planting plans - the key to passing review.

Step 2: Prepare for site acceptance

Your warehouse needs to have these "hardcore configurations":

• Independent enclosed storage area
• 24-hour video surveillance system
• Comprehensive pest containment facilities
• Standardized inventory records

When assisting a multinational seed company pass inspection last year, we specially designeddouble-door buffer isolation zone, a detail that secured one-time customs approval.

Step 3: Master the "Single Window" Declaration Process

Pay attention to this "mystery button" when declaring customs:

• Check "Conditional Release" under the "Two-Stage Access" section.
• Upload the site acceptance report issued by customs
• Ensure the declared information is completely consistent with the acceptance report

Common pitfalls: Many companies forget to check this option, resulting in inability to enjoy policy benefits.

Regulatory red lines must not be crossed

While enjoying the benefits, always remember:

• Absolutely prohibited from unauthorized sales or use of unreleased goods
• If inspection fails, cooperate with customs for destruction
• Discredited enterprises will permanently lose application eligibility

Last year, a company faced being blacklisted and fined 3 times the cargo value for prematurely selling seedlings under inspection - a lesson all enterprises should heed.

Customized recommendations for different enterprises

SMEs: Leveraging strengths effectively

If self-built warehouse costs are too high, you can:

• Rent third-party warehouses that have passed acceptance
• Co-build and share compliant storage facilities with peers
• Choose professional seedling warehouses in bonded zones

Cross-customs zone enterprises: Plan ahead

If the port and storage location are in different customs districts:

• Initiate risk assessment at least 2 months in advance
• Prepare detailed joint supervision plans
• Maintain close communication with both customs offices

In this era where "speed determines victory," Announcement No. 53 has handed seedling import enterprises a golden key. As a "veteran" who has weathered countless customs clearance battles, my advice is:Prepare early, comply strictly, act fastLet your seedling business ride the policy tailwind!