Amid the tide of globalization, free trade zones, as a crucial component of international trade, continue to drive the development of the world economy. Recently, the Hainan Provincial People's Government issued the "Management Measures for Zero-Tariff Imported Vehicles and Yachts in Hainan Free Trade Port (Trial)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Management Measures"), which undoubtedly represents a significant enhancement of the Hainan Free Trade Port policy. It not only reflects in-depth revisions to the existing policies but also provides clear guidance for the future development direction of the Hainan Free Trade Port. This article will delve into the main content of the "Management Measures," the necessity of the reforms, and the potential impacts following their implementation.

In 2018, the central government proposed the strategic positioning of building the Hainan Free Trade Port, with the "zero-tariff" policy being one of its core components. In 2020, the "Measures for the Administration of Zero-Tariff Imported Vehicles and Yachts in Hainan Free Trade Port" were implemented for the first time. To implement the relevant notices from the Ministry of Finance, the General Administration of Customs, and the State Taxation Administration, these measures played a significant role in standardizing the implementation of the "zero-tariff" policy. However, during the policy execution process, some policy provisions and regulatory requirements were found to be unclear or inaccurate. Additionally, the 2023 policy adjustments included 22 new items in the "zero-tariff" list, which also necessitated revisions and improvements to the "Measures" at the institutional level.

(I) Further Improve the Qualification Determination and Change of Import Enterprises
To ensure the correct implementation of the "zero tariff" policy, the revision emphasizes the importance of qualifying import enterprises. Specifically, it incorporates relevant business licenses or filing documents from the transportation and tourism sectors as qualification criteria, linking them to the types of vehicles intended for import. This not only enhances the policy's precision but also raises the industry's entry threshold. Furthermore, the further refinement of scenarios involving changes to import entities and supervision requirements helps strengthen long-term oversight of import enterprises.

(II) Clarify the Time Limit for Registration or Filing
This revision helps to strengthen the supervision of imported means of transport, ensuring that all import activities are carried out within the specified time frame, and improves the execution efficiency and transparency of the policy.

(3) Refine the management requirements for "zero-tariff" imported vehicles.
The revisions in this section specifically focus on the usage scope and management of imported vehicles. For instance, stricter regulations have been imposed on the leasing of small and micro passenger vehicles to ensure their reasonable operation within the Hainan Free Trade Port, along with provisions for outbound island management. These measures are designed to prevent the abuse of the "zero tariff" policy.

(4) Refine the management requirements for "zero-tariff" imported ships and yachts.
The revision of management requirements for ships and yachts is of great significance for promoting maritime transportation and tourism development in the Hainan Free Trade Port. These revisions aim to ensure that the operation of ships and yachts aligns with the original intent of the "zero-tariff" policy while also encouraging an increase in vessel voyages.

(5) Refine the management requirements for "zero-tariff" imported aircraft.
Regarding the management of aircraft, special emphasis is placed on its use in air transportation operations, and the possibility of dry - lease is restricted, which helps to ensure the effective utilization of aircraft in the Hainan Free Trade Port.Air Transportation(6) Refine the management requirements for zero - tariff imported recreational or sports - type vehicles and boats

(6) Refine the management requirements for "zero-tariff" imported recreational or sports vehicles and boats.
(7) Refine the supervision and management requirements

Revisions in aspects such as strengthening industry supervision, revenue verification, and credit management are to ensure the sound operation of the zero - tariff policy and prevent violations.
The revisions to strengthen industry supervision, revenue verification, and credit management are aimed at ensuring the smooth implementation of the "zero tariff" policy and preventing violations.

This revision is to establish a more efficient supervision system, achieve full - chain closed - loop supervision of imported vehicles and yachts, and improve supervision efficiency and transparency.
(9) Improve the content related to legal liability

The punishment measures for violations are clarified to strengthen the deterrence of the law and ensure the solemnity of the policy.
The implementation of the Administrative Measures will have a profound impact on the economic development of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Firstly, it will enhance the adaptability and pertinence of the zero - tariff policy, helping to attract more investors and enterprises to enter the Hainan Free Trade Port, especially playing a positive role in promoting the development of transportation and tourism. Secondly, by strengthening departmental linkage and coordinated supervision and improving the full - chain supervision mechanism, risks can be effectively prevented and controlled, which is crucial for maintaining a good business environment in the Hainan Free Trade Port. Finally, this series of revisions and improvements also provides a clear guidance for the long - term development plan of the Hainan Free Trade Port. It not only emphasizes the applicability and pertinence of the policy but also reflects the continuous adjustment and improvement of the government in the policy implementation process.

The implementation of the "Management Measures" will have a profound impact on the economic development of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Firstly, it will enhance the adaptability and targeting of the "zero-tariff" policy, helping to attract more investors and enterprises to the Hainan Free Trade Port, particularly providing a positive boost to the development of transportation and tourism industries. Secondly, by strengthening inter-departmental coordination and collaborative supervision, and improving the full-chain regulatory mechanism, it can effectively prevent and manage risks, which is crucial for maintaining a favorable business environment in the Hainan Free Trade Port. Lastly, this series of revisions and improvements also serves as a clear guide for the long-term development planning of the Hainan Free Trade Port. It not only emphasizes the applicability and targeting of policies but also reflects the government's continuous adjustments and refinements in the policy implementation process.

Analysis of New Policies on the Management of Zero - Tariff Imported Vehicles and Yachts in Hainan Free Trade Port | Shanghai Import/Export Agent