(Yicai Global) Sept. 29 -- The first batch of exhibits for the third China International Import Expo has passed customs clearance.

The exhibits were Estee Lauder's cleaning and skincare products, which were transported from Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport in the United States to Shanghai Pudong International Airport yesterday.

The products were cleared by customs after Cosco Shipping Air Freight declared them to the special office set up by Shanghai Customs this year to streamline cargo clearance procedures for CIIE exhibitors.

Companies only need to upload their electronic documents to apply for customs clearance, and authorities will review the documents online before allowing them to pass clearance.

This is the first time that paper documents have not been required by Shanghai Customs to clear exhibits from foreign countries.

The first batch of CIIE exhibits cleared by customs are stored in a warehouse for the present, and will be subsequently transported to the exhibition halls at the National Exhibition and Convention Center.

Transportation service providers set up bases at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in early August, aiming to provide better transportation services during the third CIIE.

A task force has been assigned to establish close contacts with key companies to follow up their exhibit transportation progress.

The CIIE Bureau also teamed up with the Shanghai Airport Authority to establish a green channel for air freight bound for the CIIE. It also partnered with Cosco and China Eastern Airlines to formulate emergency plans for CIIE exhibit transportation.

Editor: Emmi Laine