The State Council, China's highest governing body, submitted a draft amendment of the Customs Laws today to the 13th session of the Ninth National People's Congress, emphasizing measures to fight against smugglers.

In a written address to the Chinese legislators, Premier Zhu Rongji said that the draft was approved at a meeting of the State Council Executive Committee.

The amendment will help China promote foreign trade and crack down on smuggling-related crimes.

Qian Guanlin, Commissioner of the General Administration of Customs, said that the Law will specify the role of the newly established anti-smuggling police force. He pointed out that more than 80 percent of smuggled goods are brought into China via freight and urged measures to be taken to monitor the supervision of customs offices who deal with foreign businesspeople.

Qian called on his staff to take more vigorous action against smuggling and warned that the customs officials who engage in corruption will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He said that the law will also provide information on what behavior or activities are deemed illegal.