The approval period for food circulation permits in Pingtan, Fujian province has been shortened from 10 days to 1, authorities said on July 14 according to local news portal ptnet.cn.

It is among many new incentives for local food enterprise in the free trade zone. The local market administration bureau also abolished an on-site food inspection and changed it to supervision in the future.

Enterprises will be able to proceed with the service in the bureau’s branch offices across Pingtan.

Weng Minghong, manager of a food company, was among the first to enjoy the improved service on July 14. He obtained the food circulation permit on the site after presenting a letter of commitment as required.

“I’ve applied for the permit several times before but never got it done. Now the process has become much simpler and only takes one day,” he said.

Previously the on-site inspection involved a number of aspects including the location, operation environment, hygiene, and qualifications of the owner. Now authorities decided to remove them in favor of enhanced supervision, which is good for the enterprises, said Cai Lixin, an official with the market administration bureau.

There are thousands of companies and self-employed businessmen in Pingtan engaging in prepackaged food production and sales. They can apply for the permit at all branch offices of the bureau, he said, and added that there will be more measures to be rolled out to enhance work efficiency.