On June 29, 2023, the State Council published an official document titledNotice Regarding the Implementation of Several Measures to Promote Institutionalized Opening-Up of Qualified Free Trade Pilot Zones and Free Trade Port in Accordance with International High Standards(hereinafter referred to as the “FTZ Opening-Up Measures”), intending to implement a range of international trade regulations withinsix of China’s 21 free trade zones and free trade port (FTZs and FTP).

The FTZ Opening-Up Measures encompass a comprehensive set of 33 items, addressing six key aspects to foster a thriving trade environment. The six eligible FTZs and FTPs areShanghaiFTZ,GuangdongFTZ,TianjinFTZ,FujianFTZ,BeijingFTZ, andHainan FTP. These regions serve as experimental grounds for testing and implementing innovative policies and reforms to promote international trade and investment.

Streamlined custom procedure for imports and exports within the pilot regions

The FTZ Opening-Up Measures also provide streamlined customs procedures for imports and exports within the region. For example, for air and express shipments, if the necessary customs documents are submitted and the goods comply with China’s customs supervision requirements, they should be released within six hours upon arrival.

Similarly, for other goods that have submitted all the required clearance information and have completed the necessary quarantine procedures in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, customs authorities should aim to release them within 48 hours from the time of arrival.

Besides, the FTZ Opening-Up Measures also provide other custom clearance facilitations.

Additionally, wines imported into the FTZs are allowed the following descriptive words or adjectives on their labels: “chateau,” “classic,” “clos,” “cream,” “crusted/crusting,” “fine,” “late bottled vintage,” “noble,” “reserve,” “ruby,” “special reserve,” “solera,” “superior,” “sur lie,” “tawny,” “vintage,” or “vintage character”.