October 20, Haikou – Haikou Customs has issued new regulations removing import license requirements for 60 key categories of used mechanical and electrical products entering the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) via the “first line.” This move is designed to support industries like bonded maintenance and green remanufacturing, while simplifying trade and reducing costs for businesses.

What’s Changed?

China normally restricts imports of used mechanical and electrical goods. But under exception measures in the Prohibited and Restricted List (released by the Ministry of Commerce in July), 60 out of 74 categories currently requiring licenses are now exempted when imported through Hainan FTP.

Affected sectors include:

Medical equipment

Engineering machinery

Agricultural machinery

Power equipment

These goods must still meet health, safety, and national security standards, but the import process is now far simpler.

Key Rules from the New Regulations

1. Customs Declaration Process (via China’s “Single Window” system):

In the “Declaring Customs Office” field: Use the code for the relevant Haikou Customs office (excluding Sansha).

In the “Goods Attribute” field: Select code 49 – Hainan FTP Relaxed Trade Control.

Follow standard Customs Declaration Form rules for the rest.

2. Account Book System:

When importing for the first time, the system automatically creates an account book entry after customs release.

For future imports, data is automatically logged—no manual tracking required.

If goods qualify for both zero-tariff and license exemption, just check the correct goods attribute code.

Multiple account books (for tariff and license exemptions) will operate in parallel but stay interconnected.

3. Usage Restrictions:

Imported items must be used only by end-users within the Hainan FTP for production and self-use.

No resale within the island or to mainland China.

In case of damage or scrapping (e.g., force majeure), enterprises must get provincial approval before applying for account adjustments via the Single Window.

When Does This Take Effect?

The regulations become active once the Hainan FTP begins island-wide customs closure operations.

Bottom Line

Companies no longer need to apply for or present an import license for these 60 categories. A single goods attribute code (49) is all that’s needed during declaration—removing the old application–approval–verification process entirely.

Haikou Customs says the new system blends automatic controls with targeted checks, ensuring goods stay within Hainan FTP and are used properly—achieving the goals of simplified access, strict control, and efficient oversight.