(Yicai Global) Aug. 26 -- People entering or leaving China will not need to declare the results of polymerase chain reaction tests for Covid-19 or information about past infections or vaccinations to the country’s customs authorities from Aug. 31. But they still need to complete two PCR tests within 48 hours before departure.

China will start using the ninth version of its health declaration form, which includes fewer questions, from the end of this month, the General Administration of Customs said in a notice issued yesterday. That should make travel more convenient for business people and traders, it added.

The eased requirements should help a lot, Wei Guowen, general manager of Ningbo-based apparel and stationery supplier Baolinda Import and Export, told Yicai Global. She was one of the 36 trade representatives aboard China’s first charter flight since 2020 to visit overseas markets late last month.

The requirements have been quite strict, Wei said, adding that it is very challenging to complete two tests at accepted institutions within 48 hours before departure due to a lack of language skills or knowledge of the local testing lab landscape.

Wei is planning new trips. Early next month and in January, she intends to travel to Hungary and Germany with her team to meet clients. During her July trip she met with 10 clients and landed EUR10 million (USD10 million) of orders, equal to about a third of the company’s annual sales.

Increasing numbers of people want to go abroad, Wei said. The availability of charter flights for businesspeople is increasing and the local commerce bureau recently asked her to sign up for one headed to the United States, she said.

Editors: Liao Shumin, Emmi Laine