Meaning
An official administrative document or electronic record issued by China Customs or terminal authorities certifies that a shipment has completed all inspection and tariff requirements and is cleared for collection. Receiving a release notification allows the transport operator to pick up the cargo from the port and deliver it to the next destination. This notification is generated by the unified customs system and transmitted electronically to the terminal operating system.
Clearance Process
The document is issued only after all applicable tariffs have been paid and all required import licenses have been verified. It represents the final clearance in the import process, ending the formal hold of customs authorities over the cargo.
Digital Integration
Modern ports in China are connected to the central customs network via electronic data interchange systems. When the release notification is issued, the terminal gates automatically update their access permissions for the assigned container and transport truck. The transport firm uses this digital clearance to generate the gate pass and coordinate the pickup schedule.
Any discrepancy between the electronic notification and the physical shipping documents can cause the terminal security to block the exit of the truck.
Shipping Record
Logistics managers must archive this document in their import compliance files to prove that the goods entered the country legally. These files are subject to retroactive audits by customs bureaus for up to three years.
