To deepen opening-up and trade facilitation, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) officially started island-wide special customs operations on December 18, 2025. The Hainan FTP will operate under a model of “freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line, and free flows within the island” - a pioneering initiative in the field of free trade. Opening the "first line" refers to implementing a series of measures for free and convenient entry and exit between the Hainan FTP and overseas countries and regions. Under this arrangement, the island’s eight existing ports, which are open to the outside world, serve as “first line” ports. Efficient control at the "second line" means precise regulation of entry and exit between the Hainan FTP and other regions on the Chinese mainland, with 10 “second-line” ports handling goods entering the mainland. Free flow within the island, refers to the relatively unrestricted movement of production factors within the port. In this context, the Hainan FTP is accelerating its transformation into a global trade and services hub connecting China with the international markets.

Based on the above three lines, the share of zero-tariff products from imports will surge from 21% to 74%, which will facilitate the entry of a large quantity of imported goods into the Hainan FTP. Additionally, zero-tariff goods processed in Hainan may be sold to the mainland duty-free if the local processing generates an added value of 30% or more. This initiative aligns Hainan with high-standard international economic trade rules. By releasing a comprehensive negative list for cross-border trade in service and foreign investment access, the Hainan FTP will build a more transparent, efficient and fair business environment to attract enterprises worldwide.

Following the launch of independent customs operations, the Hainan FTP is expected to reshape the regional and global economic landscape, and showcase a new free trade model with deep integration of trade, tourism, and innovation. As the globalization and international trade face multiple challenges, the Hainan FTP emerges as an important gateway for China's opening-up in the new era.

(Source: www.people.com.cn)