Published by ChinaMNC · Donghu
Hainan Free Trade Port: New Measures to Boost Trade Liberalization and Facilitation
China's Ministry of Commerce and other agencies have issued a notice to further enhance trade liberalization and facilitation in the Hainan Free Trade Port. The measures cover goods trade, services trade, and new trade models, offering practical opportunities for foreign founders operating in China.
Hainan Free Trade Port: New Measures to Boost Trade Liberalization and Facilitation
Foreign founders considering establishing or expanding operations in China should pay attention to the latest policy developments in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). On October 29, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued a notice (商自贸发〔2026〕187号) aimed at further raising the level of trade liberalization and facilitation in the Hainan FTP. The notice outlines specific measures across three key areas: optimizing goods trade, promoting services trade, and innovating new trade models. For foreign entrepreneurs, these measures can translate into simplified procedures, new business opportunities, and a more predictable regulatory environment.
Key Measures for Goods Trade
The notice introduces several measures to streamline goods trade in the Hainan FTP. For instance, aviation kerosene entering bonded storage facilities in the FTP from overseas and intended for re-export will be inspected according to international standards. This could reduce compliance burdens for companies involved in aviation fuel logistics. Additionally, in the Yangpu Economic Development Zone, bonded warehouses and export supervision warehouses storing gasoline, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, and naphtha will be integrated under a new regulatory model: "two types of storage capacity, total volume approval, classified adjustment, and dynamic use." This innovation aims to improve efficiency in oil storage and distribution.
Furthermore, the notice supports pilot imports of faulty key auto parts for R&D and testing purposes in the Hainan FTP. Once LNG futures are listed, the FTP will support LNG futures delivery warehouse business and allow energy measurement for bonded delivery. Foreign enterprises will also be permitted to use bonded LNG receiving station facilities in the FTP. The notice also encourages the orderly development of new types of barter trade, with a preference for RMB pricing. These measures could benefit foreign companies in energy, automotive, and commodity trading sectors.
Facilitating Services Trade
In services trade, the notice includes provisions that ease the movement of professionals and expand market access. Foreign physicians who have obtained legal medical practice rights abroad may be invited, employed, or apply to engage in clinical diagnosis and treatment in the Hainan FTP, with a practice license valid for up to three years, renewable upon expiration. This is a significant relaxation for medical professionals and healthcare providers.
Administrative licensing for foreign institutions co-hosting international economic and technical exhibitions will be delegated to the Hainan Provincial Department of Commerce, except for events using names such as "China," "Chinese," "National," or "State." Hainan will enact local regulations to provide supporting supervision measures, and any inconsistencies with existing administrative regulations will be handled according to the Hainan Free Trade Port Law. This decentralization simplifies approval processes for exhibition organizers.
The notice also aims to optimize domestic trade credit insurance services, supporting both domestic and foreign trade enterprises in the FTP to insure domestic trade risks and enhancing underwriting support for integrated domestic and foreign trade. In sectors like international transportation and bonded maintenance, insurance products will be enriched, and service trade underwriting models will be innovated under controllable risks. Additionally, the FTP will dynamically improve its list of recognized overseas professional qualifications, support foreign talents with such qualifications to participate in professional title evaluations, and expand recognition channels. Entry facilitation for foreign nationals will also be improved through more convenient work permits and residency policies.
Innovating New Trade Models
The notice encourages the development of new trade models. It calls for accelerating offshore trade development and strengthening inter-departmental data and information sharing to enhance data and information services. In customs special supervision areas of the Hainan FTP, products from bonded remanufacturing can be shipped to domestic free trade pilot zones, with import tariffs, import VAT, and consumption tax levied accordingly. Such remanufactured products must meet all applicable technical requirements for equivalent new products and relevant regulations, and be clearly labeled as "remanufactured products." The notice also promotes advanced remanufacturing technologies for electromechanical products.
The FTP will expand the "two-end-outside" bonded maintenance catalog as appropriate. For projects within the catalog, Hainan Province will organize comprehensive evaluations and bear primary responsibility. Qualified projects can be carried out in the FTP. Moreover, the FTP is encouraged to deepen economic and trade ties and industrial cooperation with Hong Kong, exploring rule alignment and mechanism connectivity, and enhancing coordination with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
All relevant units are required to uphold Party leadership, balance development and security, and implement policies effectively. Hainan Province must fulfill its primary responsibility, refine work mechanisms, and establish risk prevention and control systems. For foreign founders, these measures signal a more open and efficient business environment in the Hainan FTP, potentially reducing barriers to entry and operations in sectors such as energy, healthcare, exhibitions, and logistics.
Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.