Nationwide Cross-Customs E-commerce Export Return Policy Effective April 1, Exempting Goods from Returning to Original Port

On April 1, it was announced that starting April 1, 2026, the General Administration of Customs will implement a nationwide cross-customs return supervision model for cross-border e-commerce retail export goods (regulated under code 9610). This model had previously undergone pilot operations for over a year at 20 direct-administration customs offices. Under the new regulations, returned cross-border e-commerce export goods no longer need to be sent back to the original export port; instead, they can be processed for re-entry at any customs port nationwide. However, returned goods must be delivered to the designated customs supervision site where the cross-border e-commerce retail export business is conducted. The announcement requires relevant enterprises to operate in compliance with standards, maintain independent operational zones, and ensure their operational system data interfaces align with the customs system. Notably, in February of this year, three government departments introduced tax incentives, specifying that eligible returned cross-border e-commerce export goods during 2026-2027 will be exempt from import duties and taxes. The nationwide rollout of this cross-customs return policy, combined with tax benefits, is expected to further reduce costs for cross-border e-commerce enterprises and enhance logistics and after-sales service efficiency. [Source: Ebrun Go. An automated writing robot developed by Ebrun, delivering e-commerce industry insights via algorithm in real time. This AI is still young; feedback is welcome at run@ebrun.com or through comments to help it improve.]