In an effort to simplify the customs clearance procedures for donated supplies provided by overseas individuals and organizations to combat the novel coronavirus, the Department of Civil Affairs of Guangdong Province and the Guangdong Branch of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) have jointly designated 38 organizations as the recipients of supplies donated from abroad, and set up green channels accordingly.

Enterprises, organizations, and individuals from both home and abroad can donate imported supplies tax free via the Guangdong Red Cross and the Guangdong Charity Federation, according to the latest document jointly published by the Ministry of Finance, the GACC, and the State Taxation Administration.

"Imported supplies can be cleared by customs based on relevant documentary evidence, with catch-up customs formalities to be finished later," said Liu Hong, deputy director-general of the Guangdong Branch of the GACC. No additional tariffs will be imposed on supplies imported from the USA.

Liu stressed that the customs won't hold back or confiscate any supplies for epidemic prevention and control.

The latest statistics show that as of 12pm on Feb 9, Guangdong people from all walks of life have donated a total of 2.49 billion yuan ($357.7 million) worth of goods and medical supplies for the prevention and control of the spread of the novel coronavirus epidemic. These supplies consist of 14.09 million masks (including 510,000 N95 masks), 180,000 protective suits, 30,000 pieces of insulated clothing, 210,000 goggles, and 2.11 million pairs of medical gloves.

The Department of Civil Affairs of Guangdong Province publishes the donations via GRT News every day to guarantee transparency.

In addition, the department has launched the 24 hour hotline 12349 for complaints. If you find any organization or individual to have solicited contributions illegally or retained, embezzled, or pocketed donations, call 12349.

Organizations or individuals can both make a donation through the Red Cross Society or other charities. They can also donate money or supplies directly to the hospitals or organizations.

Guangdong reported 26 new cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, raising the total number to 1,177 as of midnight on Feb 10. The province reported one death in total, and a total of 181 people have been discharged from hospitals. A total of 148 suspected cases were reported and 3,093 people are under observation.