GACC Issues Regulations on Direct Release Management of Imported Goods at Hainan Free Trade Port

On August 25, 2025, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) issued the Announcement on the Regulations on Direct Release Management of Imported Goods at Hainan Free Trade Port (the “Regulations”), which will take effective from the commencement of customs closure operations at the Hainan Free Trade Port.

The regulations specify that bonded goods, “zero-tariff” goods, and goods subject to relaxed trade management measures that enter through open ports of the Hainan Free Trade Port and do not require licenses or inspection and quarantine may be directly released. Consignees must submit cargo information to Haikou Customs; customs authorities may request supplementary materials and conduct inspections as needed. Directly released goods are subject to electronic ledger management, must be stored separately from other goods, and entry registration procedures must be completed within 14 days; use prior to registration is not permitted. Customs authorities will strengthen risk management and utilize information systems for supervision. Consignees who fail to report ledgers as required or dispose of goods without authorization will be held accountable.