On June 22, 2009 Shanghai Pudong Customs, Pudong International Airport Customs and Zhangjiang Group Co. held a ceremony in the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park to initiate the Express Customs Clearance for HDB and another two biopharmaceutical R&D outsourcing (CRO) companies. This event marked the formal start of the trial operation of a new customs clearance model for CRO companies in Zhangjiang. HDB’s CEO Dr. Xuehai Tan attended the ceremony with representatives from many biopharmaceutical companies. Ms. Liu Zhengyi, Deputy Director of the Pudong District Government was at the ceremony to extend her congratulations. Earlier this year, China Central Government adopted a policy to "encourage service outsourcing industry". High level officials, including Premier Wen Jiabao called on strong support to this industry. With the rapid growth of the CRO industry, customs clearance efficiency becomes a significant bottleneck for CRO companies due to high import/export volume, numerous categories, new products, strict storage requirements, etc. Fast customs clearance has become the most pressing need of CRO companies. Therefore, Shanghai Pudong Customs and Pudong International Airport Customs jointly proposed selecting some CRO companies in the Zhangjiang High-Tech Park for trial operation of express clearance, which implements various measures including "declaration in advance and clearance upon goods arrival", "archiving system of classification and price review", "assured clearance" and "24-hour appointed clearance", to establish a new customs clearance model for CRO companies and achieve a balance between strict supervision and efficient operation. The first 3 CRO companies were recommended by Zhangjiang Park to governing customs after considering various factors such as company reputation, track record, size, and status. Then they were selected by customs after strict review and screening regarding the companies' credibility, internal management system, laboratory qualification and customs clearance record. “We are horned by this recognition and cooperate with the Chinese Government to help the development of CRO industry," commented by Dr. Xuehai Tan, HDB.