Risks and Challenges of China Customs’ Response to Global Green Trade Barriers

Green trade barriers (GTBs) have emerged as an increasingly rising instrument of trade protectionism in the context of international commerce. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the green trade provisions embedded within the three principal global economic and trade agreements. By employing a comparative analysis methodology, the research elucidates the current landscape and distinctive characteristics of GTBs confronting China Customs. Focusing on China’s smart customs modernisation and customs-driven supply chain governance, the research proposes synergistic governance model integrating customs authorities and exporters to mitigate GTBs risks while advancing the nation’s ‘dual carbon’ objectives. The research reveals that while GTBs are reshaping China’s foreign trade landscape, they are also catalysing a paradigm shift in the developmental trajectory and philosophical orientation of China Customs. Consequently, this dual effect significantly contributes to the green and high-quality development of China’s foreign trade.