More than 78,000 imported duty-free cosmetic products worth over 68.6 million yuan ($9.5 million) have adopted electronic labeling in Hainan over the past year under a pilot policy aimed at streamlining retail operations and improving the shopping experience.

The policy, which took effect on Sept 1, 2024, allows businesses to use either electronic or physical labels for Chinese-language product information on duty-free cosmetics sold to travelers leaving the island province. Shoppers can now scan a digital tag to access details such as ingredients, usage instructions, and manufacturer information.

Customs officers at Macun Port Customs, Chengmai county, a division of Haikou Customs, now use mobile devices to quickly verify product compliance by reading these electronic tags inside bonded warehouse facilities. The move aims to eliminate printing and manual labeling costs for companies and offers a more convenient shopping experience for tourists.

"The implementation of electronic labeling has reduced the costs associated with printing and applying physical labels," a representative from China Duty Free Group's Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex said. "Shoppers can now access full product information with a simple scan."

The initiative is part of Haikou Customs' broader effort to promote digital innovation in customs operations. To ensure label accuracy and combat counterfeit goods, Macun Port Customs has established a joint enforcement mechanism with drug regulatory and commercial authorities.

Haikou Customs will continue to leverage the policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port to deepen reform, optimize the port business environment, and support new business models with smarter and more efficient services, according to a spokesperson of Haikou Customs.