The U-Freight Group (UFL) has jointly hosted a seminar with the Hong Kong Shippers Council to examine the logistics, customs and fiscal issues associated with the huge growth in demand from mainland Chinese consumers for imported goods bought via overseas online shopping or overseas agents. Joey Cheung, assistant general manager of UFL Hong Kong, as the main speaker, shared his experience about the practical operational issues with delegates at the Cross-border E-Commerce Import Business in China: Logistics Solutions seminar. Delegates also heard from various experts, including Global Parcel Network (Holding) Ltd business consultant, Almon Yu about the logistics solutions that are currently available and how they should be applied. Joey Cheung says: “The regulations for e-commerce in bound into China are new and could be the cause of some confusion. We feel that U-Freight understands the new regulations and we want to demonstrate that we are ready to handle the business. “Most critically, U-Freight already has a system that can connect e-commerce / e-shop platforms with China Customs / CIQ that delivers data transparency, which is a requirement of the Chinese authorities." Delegates learned that in order to protect consumer interests, strengthen monitoring of product safety and safeguard national tax receipts, the Chinese government is implementing relevant inspection and quarantine mechanisms aimed at strengthening market regulation and standardising procedures. It has set up cross-border e-commerce import service pilots in several mainland cities. Meanwhile, free trade zones and qualified cities can also conduct cross-border e-commerce import business. There were more than sixty attendees at the seminar including marketing professionals, retailers and international logistics service providers. They heard presentations on the development of cross-border e-commerce import business in China; the Sunshine Channel - the unique mode in practicing cross-border e-commerce in China; practical operations in the workflow of the Sunshine Channel; the opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises; and how to distinguish and select a suitable logistics solution. The speakers also demonstrated the advantages and the application of each available logistics solution under the Sunshine Channel. Joey Cheung adds: "UFL has almost 50 years of experience in the international freight market. We have been conducting a thorough study of cross-border e-commerce in China for a period of time. China Customs and CIQ has already qualified UFL as a licensed Cross-border E-Commerce Enterprise, as well as a Cross-border E-Commerce Logistics Service Provider. “According to estimates from the China E-Commerce Research Center (CECRC), the number of people carrying out overseas online shopping in China will rise from 18 million in 2014 to 35.6 million in 2018, while the value of overseas online shopping transactions will jump from Rmb150 billion to Rmb1,000 billion. “In light of the rapid development of cross-border B2C e-commerce in China, many cross-border e-commerce import services platforms are proactively looking for foreign goods suppliers, agents and brand owners in order to meet the demand from mainland consumers for new brands and new products. “U-Freight has accumulated years of experience in cooperating with foreign traders. We are knowledgeable about foreign products and also have a good understanding of the demand from mainland consumers. We want to work with Hong Kong traders, importers and agents to bring foreign goods onto the mainland market. “The seminar gave us the opportunity to share our experience with all of the attendees, deliver the message that U-Freight has the capability to follow through the new Sunshine Channel regulations in a completely legitimate manner, and ultimately create a win-win situation”