On May 13, Hainan rolled out a new initiative to cut red tape for local businesses sending aircraft and ships abroad for maintenance. Dubbed the One Integrated Service scheme, the policy merges qualification checks previously scattered across eight government agencies into a single, seamless digital workflow. Companies can now speed through the entire approval process online via the Haiyiban (海易办) app or the China (Hainan) International Trade Single Window.

Tariff exemptions for outbound transport equipment repair serve as a cornerstone of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) preferential policies framework. Under this rule, eligible companies pay zero import tariffs when their aircraft or ships return to the island after being serviced overseas—even if the repairs increased the asset's overall value, creating a financial lifeline designed to significantly slash operating costs for the aviation and shipping sectors.

An aerial view of the Haikou Meilan International Airport. As the Hainan Free Trade Port continues to improve the local business environment, the approval process for key policies—such as tariff exemptions on offshore repairs for aircraft and ships—has been fully streamlined online.

To tap into this tax break, applicants must have their business licenses and operational data verified, pass rigorous tax-exemption reviews, and more. In the past, when these steps spanned eight different authorities, including customs, taxation, civil aviation, and maritime safety, companies were forced to pitch their case to each department individually in a time-consuming, chain-linked process that’s now been fully streamlined, making this once onerous task a breeze.

The new plan completely changes the equation by linking the eight agencies involved in the approval process through a unified online network. Every step of the journey is included, bringing eligibility verification, corporate pledge filings, data sharing, and final duty-free customs clearance under one digital roof.

Now, users simply log into the Haiyiban (海易办) platform (accessible via a standalone app as well as on WeChat or Alipay miniprograms) or the China (Hainan) International Trade Single Window website (https://www.singlewindow.hn.cn/hnsw-portal/index). A clear-cut guide outlines all requirements, document checklists, and strict deadlines upfront. Once documents are uploaded, the system automatically routes them to the relevant departments for simultaneous review. This parallel processing ensures rapid turnaround times, with real-time tracking available every step of the way. Upon approval, the information goes straight to finance, customs, and tax officials. Customs then clears the equipment as duty-free immediately, freeing companies from the hassle of submitting duplicate paperwork.

This streamlined approach applies to independent, legally registered aviation and waterway transport companies within the Hainan FTP looking to bring repaired assets—along with any related parts—back home duty-free. The complete lifecycle of the application, from initial qualification and data updates to final customs clearance is all included in one easy process.