Qingdao FTZ drives trade growth with major institutional reforms in 2025

In 2025, the Qingdao Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, or Qingdao FTZ, introduced 31 high-efficiency institutional innovations designed to reshape trade operations and business services. These reforms have gained significant traction, with one initiative adopted as a national standard and others recognized by provincial and national authorities.

In 2025, Qingdao FTZ introduces 31 high-efficiency institutional innovations designed to reshape trade operations and business services. [Photo/IC]

A major focus of these reforms is to make business operations more convenient. A notable example is the "circular packaging material" import supervision model. By reclassifying certain reusable packaging as low-risk and exempting it from mandatory sanitation quarantines, customs clearance is up to 10 days faster for each shipment. This change is expected to save over 400 local businesses an estimated 85 million yuan ($12.1 million) annually.

Qingdao FTZ has also led in regulatory reform by standardizing business registration agency services. This initiative fills a regulatory gap in China, simplifying the process for companies to navigate the system. This reform was officially adopted as a national institutional standard in September 2025.

In maritime and logistics innovations, Qingdao FTZ pioneered China's "single-procedure" reform for ship operations, cutting processing time by 85.1 percent through interagency collaboration and streamlined approvals. The area's new pre-approval model for origin certification in logistics enterprises has enabled companies to enjoy significant export benefits under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), facilitating exports worth over 660 million yuan.

These efforts have solidified the Qingdao FTZ's role in fostering a top-notch business environment. Moving forward, the zone is committed to driving regional growth through institutional innovation, focusing on the marine economy, international trade, and green, low-carbon development.