Kushicilelwe · Ndebele (South)
China Expands Trade Liberalization in Hainan Free Trade Port with 16 New Measures
Four Chinese ministries have issued a notice to further liberalize trade in the Hainan Free Trade Port, introducing 16 measures across goods, services, and new trade formats. For foreign founders, this signals streamlined customs procedures, broader market access in services, and new opportunities in bonded repair and remanufacturing.
New Policy to Boost Trade in Hainan Free Trade Port
In a move to elevate the Hainan Free Trade Port as a key gateway for China's opening-up, four central government departments—the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the General Administration of Customs—have jointly issued a notice to further enhance trade liberalization and facilitation in the region. The notice, published on October 29, 2026, outlines 16 specific measures across three main areas: optimizing goods trade, facilitating services trade, and fostering new trade formats. For foreign founders looking to establish or expand operations in China, these measures could bring tangible benefits and new opportunities.
Measures for Goods Trade: Focus on Key Industries
The notice targets key industries such as automobiles and new petrochemical materials, introducing support measures to improve bonded supervision, bonded delivery, and R&D testing. These steps aim to deepen the integration of trade and industry, strengthen and extend industrial chains, and help businesses move up the value chain. For foreign manufacturers and traders, this could mean more flexible customs procedures and reduced costs for certain operations within the free trade port.
Services Trade: Greater Opening in Key Sectors
In services trade, the notice calls for further voluntary opening in sectors including healthcare, insurance, and professional qualification recognition. It also aims to improve the convenience for foreign nationals entering and practicing in Hainan, driving innovation in tourism and modern services. Foreign entrepreneurs in these fields may find it easier to set up operations, bring in skilled professionals, and access the local market.
New Trade Formats: Bonded Repair and Remanufacturing
The notice encourages exploration of new trade formats such as bonded repair and remanufacturing. It also supports deeper cooperation between Hainan and Hong Kong and enhanced coordination with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. These initiatives could open doors for foreign companies involved in circular economy and high-value services to test new business models in Hainan.
Implementation and Risk Management
The notice emphasizes the importance of balancing development with security. Relevant departments are instructed to support Hainan in implementing the policies, while local authorities are tasked with detailed implementation and establishing a robust risk control system with full-process supervision. This indicates a structured approach to rolling out the measures, ensuring that opening-up proceeds in a controlled manner.
What This Means for Foreign Founders
For foreign founders considering company registration in China, Hainan Free Trade Port is becoming an increasingly attractive destination. The new measures could simplify customs procedures for goods, expand market access in services, and create new opportunities in emerging trade areas. However, specific implementation details and eligibility criteria may vary, so it is advisable to seek professional guidance to navigate the regulatory landscape.
ChinaMNC provides expert assistance to foreign founders in registering and operating companies across China, including in Hainan. For personalized support, contact us on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.