Shanghai Customs is trying to crack down on smuggling more effectively by signing a memorandum of understanding on setting up cooperative relationship with 15 local disciplined enterprises.

Under the document, the two sides will speed up in establishing a long-term anti-smuggling mechanism and sound environment for imports and exports.

According to their agreement, the customs will make an all-out effort to investigate the suspected smuggling cases clued by enterprises. In return, the disciplined enterprises will be given preference in customs entry.

Meanwhile, the enterprises should swear to be consciously under supervision of customs and offer information on prices of the imported commodities, market information and their running situation in fixed time.

"It doesn't only mean honor but also duty for the enterprises to sign such a document with the customs," said Dr. Albrecht Stalmann, manager of Shanghai Volkswagen Corporation's manufacturing department.

Anti-smuggling jointly conducted by the customs and the local enterprises adapts to the related international principles and makes for establishment of an honest mechanism and reducing cost for commercial operation, he added.

Modifying the price, quantity and name of article in entry, falsely settling or transferring accounts in processing trade, and carrying goods in express mail service (EMS) are main forms of smuggling in Shanghai Customs.

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2004)