The ship is fully loaded with cargo and heading to Durban. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
A shipment of outdoor swimming pools, tagged under the "Secure and Smart Trade Link (SSTL)" program, cleared customs at Xiamen Dongdu Customs on Aug 31 for delivery to Durban, South Africa.
Since the route opened on Aug 31, 2025, it has moved 4,800 metric tons of export goods valued at 170 million yuan ($25.3 million) — everything from electronics to outdoor sporting gear — helping "Made in Xiamen" products reach South African consumers quickly and efficiently.
The China-South Africa SSTL initiative is the first of its kind between China and a BRICS nation. What sets it apart is the strong partnership between Chinese and South African customs, built on information sharing and mutual recognition of inspections.
Xiamen Customs officers inspect outbound goods. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
Under this program, approved companies benefit from single inspections at the export stage and faster clearance on both ends, with no re-inspection required at the destination port in most cases.
The route was also expanded in June with a new service linking Xiamen and Cape Town.