Cross-border e-commerce is a branch of e-commerce. It has both the general characteristics of e-commerce and its own special rules, which also have a certain impact on customs supervision.
1. Global scope
The Internet connects the whole world together. Cross-border e-commerce can trade globally with the help of the Internet, while customs supervision cannot cover overseas.
2. Intangible samples
In cross-border e-commerce transactions, consumers cannot see the entity and can only judge by pictures. It is difficult for customs to compare orders and goods in subsequent supervision, which challenges the traditional customs supervision model.
3. Instant communication
E-commerce transactions are not like physical transactions. Both parties must conduct transactions within a certain period of time. E-commerce transactions can be communicated at any time through the Internet, and the transaction speed is fast, which challenges the efficiency of customs supervision.
4. Subject anonymity
Due to the decentralized and global characteristics of cross-border e-commerce, it is difficult to identify the identity of e-commerce users and their geographical locations, and there is uncertainty in the objects of customs supervision.
5. Paperless documents
Since online transactions do not require writing on paper, traditional customs supervision and investigation and evidence collection face challenges.
6. Rapid evolution
Cross-border e-commerce based on the Internet constantly adjusts its own model according to the economic and political situation. The speed and benefits of its evolution and development are beyond the reach of traditional international trade.
Cross-border e-commerce has many characteristics different from traditional trade. Because of its high degree of electronicization, paperless, and new payment methods, traditional customs supervision cannot effectively control it. The Internet has a profound impact on human society, and it has also brought unprecedented challenges to customs supervision of cross-border e-commerce.