Not long ago, Liu Jinjuan, a manager at China Master Logistics Co Ltd in Qingdao, Shandong province, had to cross-check customs clearance data with colleagues in Zhengzhou, Henan province.

At the time, the company had to declare imported goods in both cities before the merchandise went into warehouses in Zhengzhou. Not only that: Further declarations were needed when any goods went to different customs districts elsewhere in China.

But the red tape has been drastically reduced. On April 27, Qingdao and Zhengzhou - along with eight other cities on the Silk Road Economic Belt - unified their customs procedures. The move was the result of an order on March 30 by the General Administration of Customs.