Since the beginning of this year, Shanghai's high-end manufacturing industry cluster has become a strong driver of foreign trade growth, with robot exports standing out particularly. According to Shanghai Customs statistics, in the first five months of this year, the export value of various types of robots listed separately at Shanghai ports reached 8.36 billion yuan, far reaching 113 countries and regions worldwide, accounting for over 40% of the national robot export total and ranking first in the country.

Specifically, cleaning robots, represented by robotic vacuum cleaners, have become the mainstay of exports due to their mature technological advantages and clear application scenarios. In the first five months, their total exports amounted to 6.11 billion yuan, accounting for 71.6% of the total robot exports through Shanghai ports. Industrial robot exports also maintained the rapid growth momentum seen last year, reaching 2.13 billion yuan in the first five months, a year-on-year increase of 39.5%. They successfully entered traditional industrial robot markets such as Germany and Japan, with exports to these countries rising by 84% and 36.5% respectively in the first five months.

The current rapid growth in robot exports is also underpinned by precise tax policy research. The eight-digit HS code serves as the exclusive "ID card" for imported and exported goods, with varying policy requirements for different codes. Previously, the "Tariff Schedule of the Import and Export" categorized robots relatively broadly, primarily listing industrial robots. Differences in recognition and enforcement across countries and regions have imposed significant compliance risks and operational costs on export enterprises.

The General Administration of Taxation under the China Customs (Shanghai) conducted on-site research based on industry development needs and submitted multiple tax policy proposals to the State Taxation Commission of the State Council, including adding tax codes for "intelligent bionic robots" and "cleaning robots," which were adopted in the "2026 Tariff Adjustment Plan." Starting January 1 this year, intelligent bionic robots for import and export have received their own "ID number"—HS code 8479.8970, while cleaning robots are assigned 8508.1110 and 8508.1910.

To help enterprises accurately grasp the latest import and export tax policies, the Taxation Administration of the General Administration of Customs (Shanghai) has launched policy publicity efforts for newly added HS codes in 2026. By refining classification standards for various types of robots and providing interpretations of the new codes through WeChat posts and corporate seminars, the initiative aims to guide compliant declarations from the source and enhance the overall compliance level of the industry.

Zhao Junhui, logistics manager of Ecovacs, stated, "The refinement of tax codes has effectively enhanced product classification accuracy, significantly streamlined customs clearance procedures, and notably improved trade facilitation levels, paving an efficient pathway for enterprises to expand overseas. This year, Ecovacs' export orders have grown by over 50% year-on-year. Traditional markets such as Europe and North America remain highly demanding, while the widespread adoption of smart home devices continues to drive overseas consumption. Leveraging global distribution channels and premium product advantages, the company has steadily increased its market share, demonstrating the robust momentum of China's robotics foreign trade."