Cross-Border E-Commerce Export "Cross-Customs Return" Policy Implemented in Yiwu, Zhejiang

A batch of returned cross-border e-commerce parcels recently arrived in Yiwu, Zhejiang, via International Road Transport (TIR), completing customs clearance and being returned to domestic sellers. This marks the official implementation of the cross-border e-commerce retail export (9610 mode) cross-customs return model in Yiwu, making it the third city in Zhejiang—after Ningbo and Hangzhou—to adopt this policy. Additionally, this is the first time TIR import mode has been implemented in Zhejiang.

"These goods exited China via Khorgos Port in Xinjiang, but their origin is from Yiwu, Zhuji, Dongyang, Yongkang, and other cities in the Yangtze River Delta. Under the cross-customs return policy, we no longer need to adhere to the 'same route return' rule," said Ke Jianqiang, Customs Manager of Yola (Hangzhou) International Supply Chain Co., Ltd. The policy ensures hassle-free returns for cross-border e-commerce exports.

This batch of goods, weighing 2.6 tons with a value of nearly 700,000 RMB, represents Zhejiang’s first TIR-based cross-customs return shipment. Originally exported via 9610 mode from Khorgos Port to Moscow, Russia, the goods were returned to Yiwu via TIR transport after the overseas buyer canceled the order. Thanks to the cross-customs return policy, companies are no longer restricted to returning goods through the original customs district, allowing flexibility in choosing return ports.

"This return model not only fills the gap in TIR cargo capacity from Russia to Yiwu but also reduces logistics costs by 40% compared to air freight," explained Ye Zhengyang, Chief of Business Section 1 at Yiwu Customs Airport Office. For Yiwu logistics companies, this policy means better resource integration, optimized routes, and more efficient, cost-effective solutions, further solidifying Yiwu’s role as a global e-commerce logistics hub. From "global shipping" to "hassle-free returns", this policy translates into real competitive advantages for businesses.

In December last year, China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) introduced measures to optimize cross-border e-commerce export supervision, including a pilot cross-customs return policy in 20 customs districts (including Hangzhou Customs) to enhance efficiency.

To facilitate Zhejiang’s first TIR-based cross-customs return, Yiwu Customs proactively established a "port + local" coordination mechanism, streamlined clearance procedures, and provided 24/7 customs clearance services, significantly reducing processing time and costs.

Next Steps:
Yiwu Customs will support businesses in regularizing cross-customs returns and further simplify cross-border trade procedures, improving the export return mechanism to help e-commerce companies enhance after-sales services and boost Yiwu’s cross-border e-commerce growth.