The comprehensive implementation of zero tariff measures for African countries with diplomatic relations has come into effect. South African apples have successfully cleared customs in Shenzhen (see picture)

The picture shows a customs officer ensuring efficient and fast customs clearance for the truck in the import freight channel

On May 1st at midnight, 24 tons of fresh apples produced in South Africa were quickly supervised and released by Shenzhen Bay Customs officers, and smoothly entered the country through the Shenzhen Bay Port. This batch of apples will soon be distributed to major supermarkets and fruit and vegetable wholesale markets.

Starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero tariffs on African countries with diplomatic relations. This shipment is the first imported customs clearance cargo in the country after the implementation of this measure. This measure will significantly lower the trade threshold for African products to enter the Chinese market. It is an innovative measure to implement the achievements of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation and build a 24/7 China Africa community with a shared future in the new era. It will inject strong impetus into China Africa trade and investment cooperation and African development.

South Africa is an important exporter of high-quality fresh fruits worldwide, with ample sunlight and large temperature differences between day and night. The fruits have high sweetness and excellent quality. With the implementation of comprehensive zero tariff measures, the import tariff on South African apples has been reduced from 10% to 0, significantly improving the cost advantage of the goods.

The zero tariff measure is a real benefit for us, "said Luo Shengcong, General Manager of Shenzhen Jianchengye International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd." In the past, importing similar goods from South Africa required paying the most favored nation tariff according to regulations. After the zero tariff measure was implemented, the tariff cost was directly reduced to zero, and this batch of goods alone could save about 20000 yuan in tariffs. The customs' preferential guidance was very timely, from document preparation to declaration of preferential treatment, and there were dedicated personnel to coordinate the whole process. The customs clearance of the goods was also very smooth, and this batch of fruits could be updated and delivered to consumers faster

To ensure the smooth and orderly implementation of this measure and promote the implementation of the zero tariff measures for African countries with diplomatic relations in Shenzhen Customs District, Shenzhen Customs actively surveyed the list of imported enterprises and goods from Africa in the customs district, introduced the conditions for enjoying benefits and the declaration process to enterprises, and helped them accurately grasp the key points of enjoying benefits; Implement targeted guidance for "one enterprise, one file", establish a preferential guidance ledger for key import enterprises, guide enterprises to prepare logistics documents, and improve the quality and efficiency of declaration; Pre audit product classification and declaration documents to improve port clearance efficiency. (Gan Mengzhu, Gu Dongwen, Zhou Ming/Wen)