Chinese New Year & Carnet Re-export Delays

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated between the 11^th and 17^th of February this year.  It is a yearly opportunity for workers in the cities to travel to home regions throughout China for much anticipated family reunions.  It is viewed as the world’s largest human migration.  This year, authorities in China are urging citizens not to travel but rather to “celebrate in place” to curtail and control Covid-19 resurgence in several cities including Beijing.  It has been a year since the outbreak but cautions remain high.  Though the dates for the holiday are a week in length, people begin to leave their jobs to make their preparations early in the month and often stagger back to regular schedules for at least two weeks following the official holiday week. 

During this time, factories are largely closed, and supply chain disruptions are hit with delays for weeks preceding and following the holiday.  Expect delays in and out of China for 40 days or perhaps longer this year due to Covid-19 protocols which entail testing and quarantine.  It is not unusual for cargo, goods, and merchandise to be delayed in and out of the country.  Most Chinese port areas will be closed completely or operating at a very limited capacity.  Customs workers will be reduced in hours and number and ATA Carnet offices in China are likely to be closed during this time or operating at reduced hours. 

If you have any questions regarding your ATA Carnet, please contact us at our Carnet HelpLine® 1-800.ATA.2900 / 1-800-282-2900 or email us.  ATA Carnet Specialists have logistics contacts in China if you require this type of assistance. 

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