Core Viewpoint - The Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP) has officially commenced its full island closure operations, implementing significant tax incentives while ensuring it does not become a "tax haven" through stringent regulatory measures [3][4][9]. Tax Incentives - Hainan FTP offers substantial tax benefits, including "zero tariffs" on imported goods outside the "negative list" and a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15% for qualifying enterprises, compared to the mainland's 25% [3][5][9]. - Individuals in Hainan can benefit from a maximum personal income tax rate of 15%, significantly lower than the mainland's maximum rate of 45% [3][9]. Regulatory Measures - The central government has designed the tax incentive system with numerous restrictions to prevent Hainan from becoming a "tax haven," including the establishment of "first line" and "second line" customs regulations [4][5][6]. - To qualify for the 15% corporate income tax rate, companies must have substantial operations within Hainan FTP and belong to encouraged industries, preventing the misuse of tax benefits by shell companies [6][7]. Monitoring and Compliance - Hainan FTP has implemented strict regulatory measures, including a "one line open, two lines controlled" approach to trade supervision and the use of technology for monitoring fund flows [8][9]. - A comprehensive anti-money laundering system has been established, utilizing big data and AI to monitor cross-border fund transfers and ensure transaction traceability through blockchain technology [8][9]. Strategic Importance - The tax system in Hainan FTP is a strategic choice for promoting high-level openness, aiming to attract global resources while preventing systemic risks, positioning Hainan as a hub for orderly economic exchange rather than a chaotic tax haven [9].

Core Viewpoint - The unique tax system of "zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified tax structure" is a competitive advantage for Hainan Free Trade Port, which will release greater policy dividends as the island officially closes its borders for operations [1]. Tax Policy and Industry Transformation - A series of tax incentives exclusive to Hainan Free Trade Port will gradually reshape the commodity circulation and industrial layout after the island's closure. The "zero tariff" policy will shift to a negative list model, exempting goods not listed from tariffs, increasing the number of tariff-exempt items from 1,900 to approximately 6,600, covering 74% of production materials, a 53% increase from before the closure [6]. - The policy for duty-free domestic sales of processed goods with a value-added rate of 30% will be further optimized, removing the requirement that 60% of the main business income must come from encouraged categories, thus broadening the scope of beneficiaries [6]. - The tax advantages will significantly lower the procurement costs for enterprises importing raw materials and intermediate goods, enhancing profitability through the use of zero-tariff investment goods [6]. Industrial Layout Changes - The tax policies will fundamentally change the industrial layout of Hainan, transitioning from a "multi-point distribution" model to a "core agglomeration area + regional collaboration" model centered around key parks. Industries such as raw material-dependent manufacturing, deep processing of agricultural products, and biomedicine are expected to benefit significantly [7]. Policy Synergy and Efficiency - The combination of "zero tariffs" and duty-free domestic sales for processed goods will create a supportive policy framework for enterprise development. The shift from a "positive list" to a "negative list" management model will enhance customs efficiency and provide a solid institutional guarantee for the free flow of goods [8]. Defining Legal Benefits - Hainan is establishing an "open and orderly" tax environment through clear definitions of eligibility for tax benefits, anti-tax avoidance clauses, transparency, and strict anti-money laundering mechanisms. The core requirement of "substantive operation" distinguishes Hainan from traditional "tax havens," ensuring that tax benefits are closely linked to real economic activities [10]. Simplified Tax System Reform - The ongoing "simplified tax system" reform aims to enhance Hainan's global competitiveness by consolidating various taxes into a sales tax, which will be levied at the retail stage for goods and services. This reform is being advanced cautiously and in phases [12]. - The reform will require transitional policies to allow for tax deductions or refunds on pre-reform inventory, and careful design of sales tax rates to prevent arbitrage due to price discrepancies [12][13]. Regulatory Framework - To address potential issues arising from the simplified tax system, a "three-chain integration" regulatory framework is proposed, promoting the upload of supply chain information, dynamic monitoring of financial flows, and the use of blockchain for invoicing [13].