The program Authorized Economic Operator, known as AEO, has also speeded exports of Ningbo-manufactured goods to Central and Eastern Europe. 

The AEO certification program was advocated by the World Customs Organization to strengthen the partnership between customs and industry, reduce barriers to customs procedures and enhance international trade efficiency.

"Thanks to the great support of Ningbo Customs, our company gained AEO certification and we have received preferential treatment in the trade with Central and Eastern European countries," said Xu Pengfei, president of Ningbo Jinding Fastening Piece, an industry leader producing a variety of products including nuts, bolts and screws.

Ningbo is home to a large number of fastener manufacturing enterprises, and in recent years the city has sought cooperation with the Czech Republic, Romania and other mechanical products manufacturing powers in Central and Eastern Europe. 

In the first months this year, Ningbo's fastener product exports to Central and Eastern European countries amounted to 65 million yuan ($9.41 million), an increase of 63 percent on the same period in 2018, according to Ningbo Customs. 

To support local fastener product manufacturers to export products to Central and Eastern European countries, Zhenhai Customs House, under the administration of Ningbo Customs, has released a series of measures, such as priority for customs procedures, simplifying document auditing, reducing import and export inspection and establishing full-time coordinators.

From January to April this year, the export volume of fasteners of Ningbo Jinding Fastening Piece to Central and Eastern European countries increased by 1.7 times over the same period last year. 

Ningbo Customs is also providing support for the rapid development of export enterprises in areas such as applications for certificates of origin, classification management of enterprise credit rating and diversified customs tax guarantees.