In a significant move to strengthen its position as a global duty-free shopping destination, Hainan has announced major updates to its offshore duty-free policy. These changes, described by officials as “One Addition and Three Optimizations”, are set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and are designed to enhance consumer experience, support domestic industry, and prepare for the island’s full customs closure under the Hainan Free Trade Port plan.
A Booming Sector
Since Hainan expanded its duty-free policy in 2020, offshore duty-free sales have surged to 206.9 billion yuan (approx. USD 28.3 billion) by August 2025, 3.8 times the total sales from 2011 to 2019. The province now accounts for over 8% of the global duty-free market, making duty-free shopping one of its key economic engines and a signature offering of the Free Trade Port.
Policy Update Highlights
The recent policy revision, jointly issued by China’s Ministry of Finance, General Administration of Customs, and the State Taxation Administration, is a strategic response to evolving consumer behavior and tourism trends. Here’s what’s changing:
One Addition: More Duty-Free Products
1. Two New Product Categories Added
Pet Supplies – including pet food, toys, and grooming tools.
Portable Musical Instruments – such as guitars, violins, flutes, and accordions (19 types in total).
This brings the total number of duty-free product categories to 47, up from 45.
2. Three Subcategory Expansions
Small Household Appliances – expanding from air purifiers to include vacuum robots, humidifiers, and more (15 new items).
Electronic Consumer Products – now includes digital cameras, accessories, and miniature drones.
Tablet Accessories – such as computer mice and keyboards now included under tablet computers.
Three Optimizations: Expanding Access and Convenience
1. Domestic Goods Now Eligible for Duty-Free Sales
For the first time, select Chinese-made goods can be sold duty-free. These include:
- Clothing and accessories
- Shoes and hats
- Ceramic products
- Scarves
- Coffee
- Tea
Previously limited to imported goods, this shift supports domestic brands and highlights Hainan’s unique local offerings.
2. Policy Now Covers Departing International Passengers
Travelers who are both leaving Hainan and exiting China can now take advantage of duty-free shopping. Their purchases count toward the existing annual 100,000 yuan duty-free quota, with no cap on the number of transactions.
This expansion reflects the growing role of Hainan as a stopover for outbound international travelers.
3. Island Residents Get Greater Flexibility
Hainan residents who leave the island at least once during a calendar year will be able to purchase 15 categories of “immediate purchase and pickup” goods, including cosmetics, perfume, apparel, and luggage, without transaction limits for the rest of the year.
Previously, purchases were limited to one transaction per departure. This change removes that restriction, offering much greater convenience for residents.
Implementation & Outlook
According to Zhou Zheng, Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Department of Finance, local authorities are ramping up preparations to ensure a smooth rollout of the new policies. This includes updating retail systems, training staff, and increasing public awareness of the changes.
The revised policy comes at a critical time as Hainan prepares to fully close its customs borders under Free Trade Port regulations, creating a sealed-off yet highly open trade and consumption ecosystem.
These updates aim to bolster Hainan’s appeal to both domestic and international tourists while stimulating consumption and supporting local businesses, further cementing the island’s status as a key node in China’s long-term economic strategy.
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