Haikou Customs reported on the 21st that the Hong Kong-registered vessel “Donghai,” recently berthed at Haikou Port, obtained a digital version of the Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate through self-service via the China International Trade Single Window after completing controlled boarding, ship sanitation inspection, and electronic documentation procedures by Haikou Port Customs under Haikou Customs. This marks the first digital ship sanitation certificate issued in the Haikou Customs jurisdiction and signifies the official launch of the “Ship Sanitation Certificate Inspection and Issuance” scenario project in the region.
The ship sanitation certificate is known as the international “health passport” for vessels. Issued by authorized port health authorities recognized by the World Health Organization upon application by the shipowner, it is mutually recognized among contracting parties of the International Health Regulations (2005). It serves as a crucial document for customs during entry-exit quarantine and health supervision of international vessels, reflecting the overall sanitary conditions of the ship and its capability to prevent cross-border transmission of public health risks.
Previously, ship sanitation certificates were processed offline as paper documents, which posed issues such as difficulty in preservation and verification of authenticity. Some companies located far away also faced additional time costs for travel. With the launch of this project, foreign ship agencies can now apply for and receive the certificate through the International Trade Single Window, eliminating the need for in-person visits and further improving vessel clearance efficiency. Additionally, domestic and foreign quarantine authorities can verify and trace certificate information by scanning the QR code, greatly facilitating inspections by authorized port health authorities overseas.
Sun Zhentai, a staff member at Haikou Ocean Shipping Agency Co., Ltd., said the digital ship sanitation certificate was self-printed in less than five minutes, and its authenticity can be verified by scanning the QR code.
The full-process information management for ship sanitation certificate inspection and issuance is one of the innovative achievements in smart customs construction. Moving forward, Haikou Customs will continue advancing smart customs initiatives and the “Smart Customs, Strong Nation” campaign, accelerating the digital, informational, and intelligent transformation of ports. By deepening technology empowerment and optimizing the port business environment, it aims to promote higher-level port openness. (End)
