With the countdown on until December 18, 2025, Hainan is gearing up to launch island-wide special customs operations, marking a bold step in its evolution as a global trade hub. Far from feeling disruptive, this upgrade builds on the island’s existing systems to blend openness with smart oversight.
At the heart of the new regime is a three-tier framework:
- Freer access at the first line: Overseas goods enter Hainan with minimal intervention and, in most cases, without tariffs.
- Regulated access at the second line: Nanshan Port and other key entry points use intelligent inspections and data-driven controls to screen risks behind the scenes.
- Free flow within the island: Goods, capital, and people move seamlessly across Hainan, while trade with the rest of the Chinese mainland remains largely unchanged.
Under the expanded zero-tariff policy, around 6,600 tariff lines—approximately 74% of taxable goods—qualify for duty exemption. This negative-list approach transforms Hainan into a more attractive distribution and consumption hub for international brands.
A striking example: a brand-new Airbus A330, valued at about 807 million yuan (roughly $113.7 million), cleared Hainan customs without tariffs, saving some 114 million yuan. This aircraft is the fourth to benefit from the duty-free scheme for transport vehicles and yachts, boosting both carrier competitiveness and the island’s aviation profile.
As Hainan steps into this new era of island-wide special customs operations, it opens fresh opportunities for global businesses, entrepreneurs, and travelers alike. With smarter systems ensuring visible openness and invisible regulation, the Free Trade Port is set to redefine how trade and mobility work in the region—and beyond.
Reference(s):
Hainan's special customs operations: Opening-up, not isolation
cgtn.com
