Hainan Confirms Locations for First Resident Duty-Free Stores
Hainan authorities have officially announced the locations of the island’s first five duty-free stores dedicated to daily-use imported consumer goods.
The new stores form part of the “zero tariff” policy for inbound consumer goods under the Hainan Free Trade Port framework. They are designed to serve long-term residents by allowing eligible individuals to purchase imported daily necessities locally, without paying import-related taxes.
In this first phase, five stores have been approved: three in Haikou, one in Sanya, and one in Danzhou.
How the Locations Were Selected
According to official statements, the first batch of stores was planned after considering several factors, including:
- Local population size
- Consumption patterns
- Existing commercial infrastructure
- Transport accessibility
Based on these criteria, authorities selected major commercial districts in each city to host the initial outlets.
Duty-Free Store Locations in Haikou (3 Stores)
1. Wangfujing Haiken Plaza
Address: Wangfujing Haiken Plaza, No. 71 Haixiu Middle Road, Haiken Subdistrict, Longhua District, Haikou（海口市龙华区海垦街道海秀中路71号王府井海垦广场）
2. Longhu Haikou Tianjie
Address: Longhu Haikou Tianjie, No. 15 Nanhai Avenue, Jinyu Subdistrict, Longhua District, Haikou（海口市龙华区金宇街道南海大道15号龙湖海口天街）
3. Haikou International Duty-Free City
Address: Haikou International Duty-Free City, No. 5 Haise Road, Xiuying District, Haikou（海口市秀英区海色路5号海口国际免税城）
Duty-Free Store Location in Sanya (1 Store)
Sanya Bay No. 1
Address: Sanya Bay No. 1, No. 8 Sanya Bay Road, Tianya District, Sanya
（三亚市天涯区三亚湾路8号三亚湾壹号）
Duty-Free Store Location in Danzhou (1 Store)
Xiari Plaza
Address: Xiari Plaza, No. 111 Lanyang North Road, Nada, Danzhou
（儋州市那大兰洋北路111号夏日广场）
“Zero tariff” system for certain imported goods
These locations operate under a joint policy issued on February 4 by:
- The Ministry of Finance
- The General Administration of Customs
- The State Taxation Administration
The policy establishes a “zero tariff” system for certain imported goods purchased by eligible residents at designated stores within Hainan.
Within the approved quota and product list, purchases are exempt from:
- Import duties
- Import-stage value-added tax
- Import-stage consumption tax
- Domestic-stage value-added tax
- Domestic-stage consumption tax
This framework is intended to integrate duty-free purchasing into everyday life, rather than limiting it to outbound travel or airport shopping.
Who Can Use These Stores
Under the policy, “island residents” include:
- Chinese citizens holding a Hainan ID card
- Chinese citizens holding a Hainan residence permit or social security card
- Overseas residents who work and live in Hainan and hold valid residence documents
Eligibility is verified at participating stores through existing identification systems. No separate application is required.
Purchase Limits and Product Scope
The policy sets a duty-free quota of:
RMB 10,000 per person per year, with no limit on the number of purchases.
Eligible products focus on daily living needs, including:
- Selected food and beverages
- Daily-use personal care and household hygiene products
- Household goods
- Maternal and infant products
Specific product lists are determined by regulatory authorities and participating retailers.
What to Expect When Shopping
At approved locations, the purchasing process is designed to follow established duty-free procedures adapted for residents:
- Identity documents are presented at checkout
- Eligibility is verified electronically
- Purchases are registered under the buyer’s name
- Prices reflect zero-tariff treatment
Authorities have stated that purchases must be for personal use. Resale and improper use are prohibited.
The five stores represent the initial phase
The first five stores represent the initial phase of Hainan’s resident duty-free system.
Officials have indicated that more locations may be added in future stages, depending on demand, operational performance, and regulatory assessments.
For long-term residents, the rollout marks a further step in integrating Free Trade Port policies into everyday consumption and local services.
As implementation continues, store coverage, product selection, and service systems are expected to expand.
Related article: Foreigners in Hainan Can Now Buy Imported Goods Tax-Free — Here’s How
