Hainan Free Trade Port Establishes Credit Management Mechanism for Customs Clearance

The Hainan Provincial People's Government has introduced a new regulation to establish a credit management mechanism for customs clearance at "second-tier ports" in the Hainan Free Trade Port. This mechanism will implement precise and categorized supervision of customs clearance operators and individuals based on credit ratings, striking a balance between efficient supervision and convenient customs clearance. The regulation clarifies the management measures for credit clearance at "second-tier ports," including the categorization of business entities and individuals, and the frequency of inspections and audits.

Key Takeaways:

• The "Several Provisions on Credit Management of Customs Clearance at Second-Tier Ports in the Hainan Free Trade Port" (Provisions) were reviewed and approved at the 19th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Seventh People's Congress of Hainan Province.
• The Provisions will come into effect on December 18, 2025, and establish a credit management mechanism for customs clearance at "second-tier ports."
• The regulation sets innovative customs clearance credit classification standards that comprehensively apply credit records in customs, maritime affairs, anti-smuggling, transportation, agriculture, and other fields.
• Business entities are divided into advanced certified enterprises, whitelists, and key focus lists, and individuals are divided into whitelists and key focus lists, implementing dynamic management.
• An innovative cross-departmental, cross-industry, and cross-field joint credit supervision model will be established, pushing credit classification results to customs, maritime, and other departments for inspection.
• The regulation clarifies categorized management measures for credit clearance at "second-tier ports," including reduced inspections and audits for advanced certified enterprises and whitelisted individuals.
• The Regulations focus on key links, strengthening credit supervision of business entities that handle customs-clearing goods, logistics and transportation operators, and their vehicle and vessel drivers.
• The regulation establishes criteria for identifying seriously dishonest entities in areas closely related to customs clearance at "second-tier ports," along with disciplinary measures, public disclosure periods, revocation procedures, and credit restoration systems.

Statistics:

• 27 articles in the "Regulations" clarify the management measures for credit clearance at "second-tier ports."
• Custom clearance facilitation measures such as "phased outbound cargo and centralized declaration" may be applied for business entities listed as advanced certified enterprises and on the whitelist.
• Customs and other departments may implement incentives such as customs clearance facilitation for whitelisted individuals.
• The regulation sets innovation cross-departmental, cross-industry, and cross-field joint credit supervision model.

Sources:

• "Several Provisions on Credit Management of Customs Clearance at Second-Tier Ports in the Hainan Free Trade Port" (Provisions)
• The 19th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Seventh People's Congress of Hainan Province
• The Hainan Provincial People's Government
• The Legal Affairs Committee of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People's Congress
• The Hainan Provincial Department of Business Environment Development