Interpretation of the "Administrative Measures for Shanghai Dongfang Hub International Business Cooperation Zone
On June 16, 2025, the 95th executive meeting of the municipal government reviewed and approved the “Administrative Measures for the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone” (hereinafter referred to as the “Measures”). The Measures have now been officially promulgated and will come into effect on August 1, 2025. The policy interpretation is as follows.
Answer: Building the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone is an important mission entrusted to Shanghai by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. It serves as a key platform for fostering a new development paradigm and promoting high-level opening-up, and it is an important lever for further enhancing Shanghai’s status as a global center in five areas and its international competitiveness. In February 2024, the State Council approved the “Overall Plan for the Construction of the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone,” which stipulates that the cooperation zone should leverage the institutional innovations of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. Based on the management systems of comprehensive bonded zones, customs supervision areas, and port restricted areas, it will introduce additional policies and measures to facilitate cross-border movement of personnel within designated closed areas, along with business service functions, thereby creating a new platform for convenient international business exchanges, a new carrier for attracting resources and factors of production, and a new node for advancing Yangtze River Delta integration. To thoroughly implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, as well as the requirements of the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government, it is necessary to formulate these Measures to provide strong legal safeguards for the construction and management of the cooperation zone.
II. What provisions does the Measures contain regarding facilitating the entry and exit of domestic and foreign personnel?
Answer: Regarding the entry and exit of foreign nationals:
First, streamlined customs clearance procedures. Foreign nationals arriving at Pudong International Airport on international (regional) flights may enter the zone upon presentation of valid international travel documents and a valid invitation registered with the comprehensive management authority of the cooperation zone, following verification by immigration authorities. Domestic inviting entities generally complete registration through the integrated service platform at least 48 hours in advance.
Second, improved stay management measures. Foreign nationals conducting business activities within the zone may stay for up to 30 days; extensions may be requested under specified circumstances.
Third, optimized outbound management. When departing the cooperation zone via Pudong International Airport on international (regional) flights, foreign nationals can complete check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening, and departure tax refund procedures at the joint inspection area within the zone. For those leaving the cooperation zone to enter other parts of mainland China, they must fulfill prescribed formalities, while immigration authorities shall provide appropriate facilitation in accordance with the law. Foreign nationals may also apply for port visas or temporary entry procedures within the zone as stipulated. Those eligible for visa exemption under Chinese regulations shall be subject to relevant policies.
Regarding the entry and exit of domestic personnel, building on the pass-based management system outlined in the Overall Plan, the Measures provide categorized and detailed provisions: For domestic personnel entering the zone for business activities, domestic institutions generally submit required materials through the integrated service platform at least 24 hours in advance. Immigration authorities issue passes, and individuals are permitted to enter and exit via designated domestic-side access points after undergoing security checks and inspections. For other domestic personnel engaged in services, production, operations, comprehensive management, law enforcement, etc., simplified management procedures apply in accordance with relevant regulations.
III. What measures does the Measures specify to facilitate the management of baggage, personal items, and goods?
Answer: In terms of baggage and personal item management, the Measures grant full facilitation to foreign nationals bringing reasonable quantities of personal belongings into the zone, with customs focusing solely on safety clearance and plant/animal quarantine. Baggage carried by domestic entrants must align with their activities within the zone; items intended for re-export must be registered through the integrated service platform as instructed. Domestic entrants and exiters are prohibited from carrying duty-free items brought into the zone by foreign nationals.
Regarding goods management, the Measures specify implementation in line with comprehensive bonded zone policies:
First, infrastructure materials and equipment/instruments required for the construction and operation of the cooperation zone are subject to list-based management as per national regulations. Items eligible for duty exemption may undergo relevant customs procedures.
Second, such infrastructure materials and equipment/instruments imported from outside the zone but meeting bonded zone import rebate conditions may, following customs procedures under bonded zone rules, qualify for tax rebates from the tax authorities.
Third, goods imported from abroad by commercial service enterprises operating within the zone (including bonded goods procured locally) are taxed upon import and sold within the zone, with domestic consumption taxes subsequently applied; goods purchased from outside the zone are subject to domestic consumption taxes and entered via the checkpoint registration model through the integrated service platform.
IV. In what ways do the Measures provide supporting services and comprehensive guarantees for the construction of the cooperation zone?
Answer: To better fulfill the service guarantee functions of the cooperation zone, the Measures specify:
First, the development of infrastructure such as networks, transportation, and energy, along with high-standard commercial and leisure facilities including catering, accommodation, and retail, as well as cultural, sports, and medical amenities.
Second, the improvement of foreign currency exchange facilities, optimization of foreign exchange settlement environments, expansion of bank card acceptance coverage, provision of convenient payment services, and enhancement of consumer experience.
Third, facilitation is provided for international business professionals to practice within the zone, allowing foreign professionals holding nationally recognized overseas professional qualifications to offer specialized services as prescribed.
Fourth, closed-loop and facilitated management is implemented, supported by an operational command platform that strengthens daily operations management and coordination, emergency response to unforeseen incidents, and support for major conferences and significant events.
Fifth, a sound credit management mechanism is established, promoting credit data sharing and mutual recognition of credit ratings, with tiered and classified management put in place.