To implement the Hainan Free Trade Port Law of the People's Republic of China and support the high-quality development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) recently issued the Regulations on the Administration of Expedited Customs Release of Imported Goods in the Hainan Free Trade Port (hereinafter referred to as the "Regulations").

The Regulations clearly state that bonded and "zero-tariff" goods that enter the Hainan Free Trade Port directly through its open ports are eligible for expedited customs release, except for goods that import licenses and/or inspection and quarantine procedures are required according to law. Consignees of imported goods or their entrusted customs brokers need to submit relevant cargo information to local customs offices under Haikou Customs (excluding Sansha Customs Office).

Customs will review the information submitted by enterprises according to the law and may request supplementary materials as required. Eligible goods will be incorporated into electronic account book management. Consignees of imported goods must store the goods subject to expedited release separately from other goods and mark them clearly. They are required to enter the goods into the customs supervision ledger within 14 days of the date of release, and such goods may not be used until the registration is completed.

Regarding supervision, Customs will strengthen the collection, assessment, and disposal of risk information for goods subject to expedited release, and, utilizing information technology, adhere to the principles of intelligent supervision and facilitation to improve supervision systems.

A spokesperson for the GACC stated that provisions for expedited customs release procedures are explicitly stipulated in the Hainan Free Trade Port Law. Except for goods that require inspection and quarantine, or are subject to license management according to law, Customs will implement expedited release procedures for "zero-tariff" and bonded goods, as well as other goods as stipulated. Since the pilot program for expedited customs release procedures was first launched in the Yangpu Bonded Port Area in June 2020, the policy has been gradually extended to Haikou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, Haikou Airport Comprehensive Bonded Zone, and Yangpu Economic Development Zone, effectively improving customs clearance efficiency and reducing costs for businesses. The policy will apply across the entire Hainan Free Trade Port once special customs operations commence on December 18 this year.

Source: Announcement No. 172 of 2025 of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (Announcement on the Issuance of the Regulations on the Administration of Expedited Customs Release of Imported Goods in the Hainan Free Trade Port)