According to Haikou Customs, since the start of island-wide special customs operations on Dec. 18, 2025, the number of foreign trade entities registered in the Hainan Free Trade Port has continued to rise. Between Dec. 18, 2025 and Jan. 10, 2026, a total of 4,709 foreign trade entities were newly registered in the province, marking a significant increase in registrations. Currently, there are over 100,000 total foreign trade entities registered in Hainan.

This rapid increase is due to a high level of confidence in the free trade port. A business representative consulting with the customs department on the application process remarked that much of their raw material comes from overseas. “We will be able to significantly reduce our production costs through the ‘zero-tariff value-added processing’ policy, which will improve the market competitiveness for our products.”

The policy dividends offered by the FTP have led to a surge in business inquiries. Since the announcement of the start date for island-wide special customs operations, the demand for professional customs policy consultations in the business sector as well as other areas has increased significantly.

In response, Haikou Customs has implemented a ‘15-minute response time’ standard, with the goal of answering companies’ questions promptly and accurately. The ‘China Customs Credit Management Service Platform’ also provides companies with one-stop consultation services including platform use guides, registration guides, and follow-up questions and answers.