“Hainan Customs Closure” Brings Two Key Benefits to the Digital Printing Market

On December 18, a historic step was taken as the Hainan Free Trade Port officially launched island-wide customs operations. This is not a “lockdown” of the island. Instead, it means Hainan is being managed as a special customs supervision zone. The policy is built around three ideas: opening the “first line,” controlling the “second line,” and allowing free movement within the island to create a more open and convenient trade environment.

The “first line” refers to trade between Hainan and overseas markets, where goods can enter and exit more freely. The “second line” refers to trade between Hainan and mainland China, where goods are managed more precisely. “Free movement within the island” means production factors and trade resources can circulate more easily inside Hainan. With this system now in place, many in the industry are asking how it will affect China’s digital printing market, and what new opportunities and challenges may follow.

Lower Costs Through Policy Support

Customs closure does not mean closing off—it means a higher level of opening. One of the biggest changes is the expansion of zero-tariff policies. After the launch, the number of zero-tariff product categories will grow from about 1,900 to around 6,600, covering nearly all equipment and raw materials needed for production. For digital printing companies, this means imported materials, consumables, and some equipment may be brought in without import duties, directly reducing production costs.

Another important change is that more companies can benefit from zero tariffs. Before, only independently registered companies in Hainan qualified. Now, the policy will apply to most organizations on the island that have real import needs. In addition, zero-tariff goods and products made from them can be traded freely between eligible companies in Hainan without paying extra import taxes. Goods that meet the “30% value-added” rule and those already allowed through the first line will also enjoy smoother circulation, although goods entering mainland China must still go through customs checks at the second line.

New Opportunities, New Competition

While these policies bring clear benefits, they also change the competitive landscape. Hainan’s well-known “double 15%” tax policy—15% corporate income tax and 15% personal income tax for qualified talent—may attract more companies to set up operations on the island, increasing competition.

Digital printing companies planning to enter Hainan should focus on several points: understanding new import rules for equipment, making proper use of zero-tariff policies for machinery and materials, checking whether printing equipment and consumables qualify under the post-closure management list, and fully using the advantages of easier overseas trade through the first-line opening.

Hainan is also developing special digital processing and trade zones, supporting services such as animation, industrial data, and geographic information. Digital printing companies can explore partnerships with these sectors by providing related printing services.

In the long run, Hainan’s location between the Pacific and Indian Oceans makes it a key hub linking domestic and international markets. As logistics, warehousing, and cross-border e-commerce continue to grow, digital printing companies in Hainan may gain valuable experience and channels for expanding cross-border printing services.

Challenges remain, especially in meeting international compliance and environmental standards. However, the policy advantages, growing market demand, and room for industry upgrading brought by Hainan’s customs operations are opening a new chapter for the digital printing market. Companies that understand the policies clearly and strengthen their capabilities will be better positioned to seize these opportunities in the years ahead.

source:bisenet.com