Shanghai Customs launches new quarantine system for outbound pets

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Shanghai Customs has officially introduced a new quarantine system specifically for outbound pets, offering more convenient services for residents who need to send their animals out of the country.

The system, which allows both online applications and offline quarantine services, enables pet owners to make appointments without leaving their homes.

The move is part of the Shanghai Customs' efforts to streamline processes as the demand for traveling with pets continues to rise.

In the first quarter of the year, the Shanghai Customs issued 1,104 certificates for pets passing the quarantine check, a 38.9-percent increase compared to the same period of last year.

The Shanghai Customs has also upgraded its WeChat mini-program for export pet quarantine services, adding features such as online appointment scheduling and result-checking services, bringing more convenience to pet owners.

Shanghai, one of China's most cosmopolitan cities and the country's bustling gateway, has seen an increasing number of residents traveling internationally, with many of whom wishing to take their pets along. The new quarantine system aims to address the needs of these pet owners while ensuring the safety and health of animals as they cross borders.

Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, met with the European Parliament's delegation for relations with China led by chair Engin Eroglu in Beijing on Wednesday.

Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with the European Union (EU) to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and pursue mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

He said China stands ready to join hands with the EU to address global challenges, promote exchanges and cooperation among legislative bodies, effectively utilize communication mechanisms, and advance the sound and stable development of China-EU relations.

Eroglu said the EU stands ready to work with China to contribute to the development of EU-China relations.