SHENZHEN is planning to build add-ons at Huanggang and Shatoujiao checkpoints to further expand their clearance capacity, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday.

Located in Futian District, Huanggang Checkpoint was the first checkpoint in China to implement a 24-hour border-crossing rule in January 2003. It is also the only 24-hour customs clearance checkpoint between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Shatoujiao Checkpoint was put into operation in 1985. A feasibility study for reconstruction of the checkpoint has recently been completed.

In terms of new checkpoints, Liantang Checkpoint in Luohu District has been basically completed. The checkpoint is expected to be ready for operation in the third quarter of this year, according to the city’s Office of Port of Entry and Exit.

As the implementation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area strategy has enabled closer ties between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, higher requirements have also been put forward for the clearance capacity of existing checkpoints, according to the Daily.

Shenzhen also plans to adjust the functional positioning of existing checkpoints to optimize the overall layout of checkpoints in the city.

Luohu and Futian checkpoints will continue to carry out only traveler inspections. Huanggang, Wenjindu and Shatoujiao checkpoints will no longer accommodate cargo inspection.

Cargo vehicles crossing the eastern border will enter and exit through Liantang Checkpoint, while cargo vehicles crossing the western border will enter and exit through Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint.

With regards to passenger turnover, 252 million visitors entered and exited through Shenzhen checkpoints in 2018. The total number of cross-border travelers will continue to grow.

(Zhang Yu)