The Hainan Island Sealed Customs Operation is a landmark project in the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port. Its core is to establish Hainan Island as a special area under customs supervision and implement the liberalization and facilitation policy system of “opening up the first line, controlling the second line, and freedom on the island”. This measure is not to block the island, but an important step to further expand opening up.
Specifically:
The three connotations of the policy framework
Opening up the first line: Hainan will adopt more free and convenient measures to enter and exit between Hainan and foreign countries and regions, such as significantly increasing the proportion of zero-tariff commodity tariff items (from 21% to 74%), and implementing loose management such as direct release of imported goods.
Controlling the second line: Hainan will establish a regulatory border with the mainland, implement precise management of goods entering the mainland, and ensure the orderly connection of opening policies.
Freedom on the island: The island will realize the relatively free flow of production factors such as commodities and funds, reduce the operating costs of enterprises, and stimulate market vitality.
Direct impact on ordinary people
Tourism pass remains unchanged: personnel exchanges will still be implemented in accordance with the current regulations, and no additional documents are required for traveling to Hainan.
Significant consumption dividends: The zero tariff policy on imported goods reduces shopping costs by about 13%-17%, and each person enjoys a tax-free quota of 100,000 yuan per year (excess amount needs to be reported).
Employment and entrepreneurship opportunities: Enterprises enjoy low tax rates, investment freedom is improved, and new opportunities in cross-border trade, cultural tourism consumption and other fields are promoted.
Economic and strategic significance
After the closure of the customs, Hainan’s connection with the international market is more efficient, and the efficiency of cargo flow is improved through “one-stop customs clearance” and “smart supervision”. At the same time, it will build an international tourism consumption center and launch full-process consumption guarantee services. This move aims to build a new open economic system and explore the way for deepening reforms across the country.
The closure operation focuses on upgrading cargo and trade supervision rather than restricting the flow of people. The launch date of December 18, 2025 symbolically echoes the starting point of reform and opening up, demonstrating China’s determination to expand high-level opening up.
