Guzhang Black Tea Exported to Hong Kong Under SELS

Under the supervision of the Xiangxi Customs Authority, 13,000 cases of Guzhang black tea were delivered to Hong Kong SAR through the Single E-lock Scheme (SELS) on August 27. This is the first time that Guzhang black tea was exported under the SELS.

SELS is a fast customs clearance reform collaboratively implemented by the customs authorities of Changsha, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. It is based on mutual recognition in supervision, mutual assistance in law enforcement, and mutual sharing of information. New technologies such as satellite positioning and direct connect gateways are used to allow goods to be inspected and released rapidly among the ports of the three regions. This scheme can effectively reduce the customs clearance and logistics costs for enterprises, providing high-efficiency and convenient access for Hunan's imported and exported goods to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the world.

Guzhang County in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture has a long history of tea growing, production, and drinking. There are 200,000 mu (13,340 hectares) of tea plantations around the county, distributed in nearly 90% of local villages. About 70% of local farmers are engaged in tea industry.

The Xiangxi Customs Authority has conducted several in-depth investigations with local tea producers to understand their suggestions and demands and actively support their efforts to promote their tea products to the global market.

So far, three tea plantations in the county have completed registration for tea export under customs guidance, with a registered area of 12,500 mu (833.75 hectares). Since 2023, Guzhang black tea has been exported to Belgium, Italy, and other foreign countries, making a total export volume of 149 tonnes.