Baotou Customs began employing a contactless method in the imported coal sampling and release business on Feb 26 – helping smooth the way forwards for the resumption of work and production of foreign trade businesses in Baotou city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to a report in the Baotou Daily. 

The sampling involved imported coal from Mongolia with a total weight of about 6,000 tons. The released coal will mainly be shipped to Jinzhong in North China's Shanxi province and will be used for the return to work and production in industry.

The contactless measures involve a process whereby after the electronic applications of the consignee and consignor are submitted, the on-site department of Baotou Customs conducts a sampling without their presence. After the sampling is completed, the detailed sampling information is then fed back to the consignee and consignor through the WeChat platform.  

Officials said Baotou Customs has been proactive with initiatives to ensure the inspection and release of imported goods during the novel coronavirus epidemic prevention and control period.

To do that and to reduce the concentration of personnel, Baotou Customs specifically formulated work measures to promote the steady growth of foreign trade -- and conducted in-depth, one-on-one visits and investigations to provide a personalized customs clearance services for enterprises.  

Officials said Baotou Customs is relying on the technical advantages of internet plus-driven customs processing. 

It has carried out remote consultations and document transmissions, online reviews and video supervision, further optimized its customs supervision and approval process and opened a fast track for the resumption of work and production of foreign trade companies in the city.