Since Hainan’s upgraded duty-free shopping policy took effect on July 1, 2020, total purchases by people departing the province have exceeded CNY 200 billion (about USD 27.4 billion), with over 30 million tourists buying 247 million items. The policy raised the annual per-person duty-free quota from CNY 30,000 (about USD 4,100) to CNY 100,000 (about USD 13,700), removed single-item limits, and added popular products including electronics.

Customs Officers Conduct Routine Patrols at Duty-Free Stores

Tourists have welcomed the change. Ms. Ji from Liaoning said, “With the 100,000-yuan quota and convenient delivery options, shopping is much easier than before.”

Hainan’s duty-free industry has introduced flexible pick-up methods such as home delivery, on-island collection, and “purchase and pick-up immediately,” improving the shopping experience and boosting consumption.

To handle the booming market, Haikou Customs has implemented intelligent systems like a “centralized + automated” approval process and drone deliveries, doubling logistics efficiency and ensuring that hot-selling items will reach stores on time.

Integrating shopping with culture, tourism, and events, and further establishing the island as a global duty-free hub, these measures are helping Hainan’s duty-free sector thrive.