In recent years, the landscape of global retail has undergone significant transformations, and nowhere is this more evident than in the burgeoning duty-free shopping sector. The People’s Republic of China, recognizing the economic potential of duty-free shops, has introduced a set of comprehensive measures aimed at regulating the administration of downtown duty-free shops. These measures not only seek to streamline operations within this rapidly growing market but also to ensure compliance with customs regulations, enhance consumer protection, and bolster revenue for the state. This essay will provide an overview of these measures, their objectives, and their implications for both consumers and businesses within the Chinese duty-free landscape.   The Rationale Behind the Measures The introduction of the Measures for Customs is primarily driven by the desire to harness the potential of the duty-free market, which has gained popularity among both domestic and international travelers. Duty-free shops offer consumers the opportunity to purchase goods without the addition of local taxes, thus providing a competitive pricing advantage. However, this advantage comes with challenges, including the risk of tax evasion, smuggling, and inconsistencies in product quality. To address these issues, the Chinese government has implemented regulations that create a standardized framework for the

To support the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the State Council approved a request from the People’s Government of Hainan province to temporarily exert administrative approval power over two matters, according to an official reply released on Aug 6. Starting from the reply date to Dec 31, 2028, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hainan will be responsible for approvals of the import of crop seeds and the introduction of genetic resources of livestock and poultry from abroad within Hainan FTP. The Hainan government is required to step up efforts to take over the two matters, formulate and improve supporting measures, and strengthen supervision during and after the process. Specific administrative measures should be formulated by the Hainan government and implemented with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Prior to the expiration of the term, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs should, working with relevant parties, summarize and evaluate in a timely manner, offering suggestions on whether to extend, and report to the State Council for a decision.