The zero-tariff policy in Hainan Free Trade Port, designed to boost local consumption and economic growth, faces heightened regulatory scrutiny to ensure benefits reach intended recipients while preventing smuggling and violations. New regulations issued by China's General Administration of Customs impose stricter controls on tax-free imports for island residents.
The updated framework mandates end-to-end supervision of zero-tariff goods, spanning import, sale, and management processes. Key measures include:
1. Centralized Import Controls: Only customs-approved duty-free shops may handle imports, with all goods requiring formal clearance procedures. This eliminates unauthorized individual or organizational imports through gray-market channels.
2. Segregated Sales: Tax-exempt products must be sold in designated zones or counters within approved stores, strictly separated from regular merchandise to prevent consumer confusion.
3. Licensing Requirements: Operators must register with customs and meet stringent facility standards, including system networking for real-time data verification and passing local customs inspections before commencing business.
The regulations require standardized digital systems across duty-free shops, integrating sales, customer authentication, and inventory management with customs platforms. Key functionalities include:
- Automated tracking of purchase quotas for Hainan residents
- Pre-clearance electronic submission of product details for customs risk assessment
- Real-time synchronization of import, storage, and sales data
These measures aim to establish a transparent, traceable oversight system to safeguard the integrity of Hainan's zero-tariff regime while maintaining its economic objectives.