Hangzhou Customs has granted advanced Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification to Zhejiang Ocean Family, making it the first distant-water fishery enterprise in China to receive such a designation.

The certification brings Zhoushan's distant-water fishing sector into China's highest customs credit management system, enabling expedited clearance for seafood imports and exports.

AEO is an internationally recognized customs accreditation that allows certified companies to benefit from facilitation measures in countries and regions with mutual recognition agreements, including lower inspection rates and shorter clearance times. The designation is particularly significant for aquatic products, where delivery time directly affects freshness, pricing, and storage costs, with customs officials saying that earlier arrival of overseas catches can translate into higher market premiums and reduced warehousing losses.

The impact of AEO certification is extending to other sectors in Zhoushan, where there are now nine AEO-certified enterprises and 10 certified branches, covering industries such as shipbuilding and repair and port operations, supporting the development of its maritime economy.