March 11 marked the one month anniversary of the implementation of the Hainan Free Trade Port's zero-tariff policy for imported products sold to consumers residing in the province. According to data released by Haikou Customs, in the month since the policy was implemented (Feb. 11 - Mar. 10), a total of 28,000 shoppers have purchased zero-tariff imported products worth a combined total of 5.3731 yuan.

Customs officials were on hand to explain the new policy to shoppers at Hainan FTP duty-free shops on the policy’s first day. (Photo: Hainan Customs)

At the Sanya Zhuhai Duty-Free Consumer Product Store, imported products such as chocolate from Germany, powdered milk from Switzerland, and cherries from Australia are displayed neatly on the shelves. These goods could previously only be purchased at island-departure or cross-border duty-free shops, but are now available to local residents at shops located near their homes." The variety of products is increasing! Last time I came, I bought imported powdered milk and diapers for my child. This time, I saw the shampoo I've been wanting to buy. I don't have to wait for online delivery anymore. The prices are affordable, and the quality is more reliable!" said Ms. Liu, a resident of Sanya.

In the month since the policy was implemented, many duty-free shops in Hainan have continued to expand product ranges, adding all kinds of imported items ranging from food and baby products to personal care products, further meeting the different shopping needs of Hainan island residents. Some duty-free shops also held additional discount activities in conjunction with the Spring Festival peak travel season to attract shoppers.

Zhu Yunfeng, manager of the Haikou Duty-Free Consumer Product Store, commented that the store's first month of operation coincided with the Spring Festival holiday. In-store discounts were offered, further reducing already low duty-free prices and giving shoppers the satisfaction of getting even better deals. "We will continue to optimize our product structure and services so that more residents benefit from the ‘zero tariff’ policy."

Shoppers browse the aisles at the Danzhou Summer Duty-Free Consumer Product Store. Photo: Li Shaoyuan

To ensure that policy benefits rapidly reach consumers, Haikou Customs has adopted a 'receive, check, release, and sell' fast-paced clearance model to ensure that popular products are always kept in stock. A data-based supervision system has also been set up, connecting duty-free shop information with the Hainan Public Service Platform and the customs supervision system in real time. This enables simultaneous consumer ID verification and duty-free allowance deductions, making the shopping process more straightforward and convenient for local consumers.