South Korea will streamline its customs clearance to better sell South Korean goods directly to Chinese consumers in March, which could give local firms a price advantage over overseas rivals, the head of the country’s customs service said Monday.

In an interview with Yonhap, Korea Customs Service chief Kim Nak-hoe said talks with Chinese counterparts have made it possible for close cooperation to take place on the clearing of ship-borne shipments through customs and building of a logistics center.

“Using ferry ships to deliver products usually takes a day more compared to air cargo, yet costs roughly 30 percent less,” the commissioner said.

He said, in particular, China’s Customs has allowed a dedicated logistics center to handle online purchases made by its citizens in Qingdao in Shandong Province. The city is located just across the Yellow Sea from South Korea.

Once products are cleared through the center located within the Qingdao customs office, they will be delivered overland to the buyers.

Kim said talks have taken place that will allow timely processing of such products.

“For small purchases, every effort will be made to allow for rapid customs clearance,” the official said.

He said a similar arrangement will be established at the Dalian customs office in southern of Liaoning Province, with negotiations set for next month that can streamline the delivery process.

Data on electronic purchases showed South Korean directly buying some US$1.55 billion worth of products from abroad in 2014.

In contrast, foreign on-line purchases of locally made products stood at just over $28 million.

Kim said his office plans to use the free trade agreement with Beijing that was effectively reached last year as a means to further support local companies make inroads into the vast neighboring market. (Yonhap)