Hainan Free Trade Port Prepares for Full-Island Special Customs Operation
China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is preparing to launch a full-island special customs operation scheduled for December 18. The initiative aims to accelerate trade, create new incentives, and expand opportunities for businesses and residents.
The expansion project of Yangpu Port, Hainan’s global shipping hub, is progressing rapidly. It includes more than 100 subprojects across 13 major categories, many of which are expected to be completed by November. Once finished, the port will be capable of handling the world’s largest container ships, while the number of zero-tariff goods will increase from 1,900 to around 6,600 — accounting for nearly 74% of all taxable items.
All preparations for the special customs operation are advancing according to plan. Equipment at eight open ports and ten secondary hubs is being put into use, and trial operations are already underway.
As part of the preparations, six special customs policies and 13 supplementary provincial-level regulations have been introduced. The purpose of the operation is to turn the advantages of the Free Trade Port policy into tangible economic outcomes — accelerating growth and creating new market opportunities for both regional and global companies.
During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), Hainan FTP will continue to advance high-level openness, strengthen the institutional framework of the port, and attract capital, technology, talent, and data. The strategic goal is to establish the island as a top-tier “open testing ground,” promoting deeper integration with the global economy.
