Instant payment, no offline documents or manual processing, time savings, and a new step for financial technology and customs

As reported by CCTV+, the first national transaction using the digital yuan to pay import tariffs on cross-border retail goods was completed in Qingdao.

An employee of a foreign trade management company transferred 102,900 yuan (about 15,100 US dollars) to the state treasury in real time using a digital yuan wallet. This method provides businesses with a more efficient and cost-effective channel for tax payment.

Sun Duo, customs manager of He'ao (Qingdao) International Trade Co., Ltd., explained: “Online tax payment is possible simply by connecting the digital yuan wallet and signing an agreement through China’s International Trade Single Window. The entire process requires no paper documents or manual bank processing. The process is clear, convenient and not limited by traditional bank clearing hours. It effectively saves time and costs for tax payment.”

The digital yuan is issued by the People’s Bank of China and backed by national credit. It offers advantages such as instant payment, full traceability and security.

The launch of digital yuan payment for import tariffs in cross-border e-commerce expands the application of digital currency in government services.

Wang Dong, Deputy Director of the Customs Department of Qingdao Customs, noted: “Previously, the digital yuan was mainly used in daily consumption. Now our customs has expanded its use to tax payment, further broadening its application in government services and trade. This helps optimize the port’s business environment and serves as a practical example of the deep integration of financial technology and customs work.”

One click. $15,100. No paperwork, no queues. The digital yuan has moved from wallets to the state budget. Payments that used to take days now take seconds. China is not just testing digital currency — it is integrating it into the circulatory system of trade and taxes. Qingdao Customs has become a pioneer. The question is not how many more such payments will be made. The question is when the whole country will switch to this standard. The technology is ready. The world just needs to notice. And start doing the same. Just a click away.