December in Hainan feels like summer vibes in the north! 🌞 At Sanya's Nanshan Port, cargo ships sail in and out as usual. Starting December 18, 2025, the Hainan Free Trade Port moves into island-wide special customs operations—and locals say it's more like a smooth software update than a major system reboot.
This calm rollout shows Hainan's reform spirit: smart opening-up, not isolation. At Nanshan Port, intelligent inspection equipment and data-driven supervision let most goods pass seamlessly, while only flagged items get extra attention—true "visible openness, invisible regulation." 🤖🔍
Here’s the breakdown:
- Freer access at the first line: Overseas goods land in Hainan with minimal checks and, in most cases, zero tariffs.
- Regulated access at the second line: Differentiated rules for the island and the rest of the Chinese mainland, covering tariff-free imports, products with at least 30% added value, and goods with eased restrictions.
- Free flow within the island: Goods, capital, and people move across Hainan with minimal friction, keeping local trade and travel seamless.
By going island-wide, Hainan sets up a full-fledged special customs zone aligned with international trade rules. With a negative list system, about 6,600 tariff lines—roughly 74% of taxable goods—qualify for zero tariffs. That means new opportunities for businesses to use Hainan as a distribution and consumption hub. 📈
Take the recent import of a brand-new Airbus A330: valued at 807 million yuan, it saved about 114 million yuan in taxes under the zero-tariff policy. This is the fourth large aircraft benefiting from these rules—boosting Hainan Airlines’ network and sharpening China’s edge in global aviation. ✈️
With special customs operations kicking off next week, Hainan is ready to open its doors wider than ever—blending frictionless trade with smart regulation. Get ready for a new chapter in global commerce, right from China’s tropical island paradise! 🌴
Reference(s):
Hainan's special customs operations: Opening-up, not isolation
cgtn.com
