Xiong’an New Area has reached a significant milestone in its development as the comprehensive bonded zone received official approval for its second phase, enabling full operational capacity. The General Administration of Customs granted formal approval on Tuesday, allowing the entire 0.63-square-kilometer facility to commence complete operations following verification that all infrastructure met regulatory standards.
The newly activated second phase, spanning 0.21 square kilometers, will specialize in high-end manufacturing, intelligent logistics systems, research and development design services, and comprehensive inspection and maintenance operations. This expansion integrates seamlessly with the initial phase to create substantially enhanced industrial development space within the strategic economic zone.
According to Zhang Jing, deputy director of the Xiong’an Free Trade Zone administrative committee, the fully operational bonded zone represents a special customs supervision area offering the highest level of openness and most favorable policies available. The facility will serve as a cornerstone for implementing the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development strategy while advancing Xiong’an New Area’s transformation into a modern, high-standard urban center.
The zone has already demonstrated substantial economic impact, recording over 60 billion yuan ($8.8 billion) in total import and export value during the previous year. To date, 121 enterprises have registered within the zone, including 47 customs-registered companies and three subsidiaries of central State-owned enterprises, with industrial projects attracting 520 million yuan in investment.
Customs authorities have implemented innovative clearance models including direct loading for exports and streamlined inspection protocols for imports. The zone has pioneered intelligent automatic inspection systems and supports mixed container shipments combining domestic and foreign trade goods. Core policies such as ‘classified supervision’ have enabled significant reductions in transportation and operational costs for enterprises.
Li Yufeng, deputy head of Xiong’an Customs, emphasized ongoing enhancements to supervision services including one-stop clearance procedures, improved logistics connectivity with surrounding ports, and the implementation of advanced technologies including internet of things and blockchain systems to develop sophisticated digital supervision models.
Enterprise representatives reported substantial operational benefits, with Yuan Longzhou, deputy general manager of Xiong’an Electronic Port Co, noting that authorities have provided comprehensive support including warehouse rent subsidies and assistance with local hiring. The construction of a dedicated airfreight station has significantly streamlined customs clearance processes for import and export goods.
Established with State Council approval in June 2023, the bonded zone represents a critical component of China’s continued push for high-level opening-up and regional economic integration, creating what officials describe as a ‘dual-engine opening pattern’ that combines the advantages of both the bonded zone and free trade zone mechanisms.