Pingtan, located off the coast of Fujian province and the closest point on the Chinese mainland to the island of Taiwan, serves as a comprehensive pilot zone for cross-Straits integration and international trade. Now, the island is entering a new phase of customs operations as it presses fast-forward on the development of its smart border management system.

Rendering of the control hall at the Split-Line Management Exhibition Center in Pingtan

At the Split-Line Management Exhibition Center, renovation is in full swing. Workers are busy preparing the facility to become a vivid showcase of Pingtan's innovative customs model known as "First Line Open, Second Line Secure."

As a major platform for the island's new customs operations, the center will demonstrate how smart and interconnected systems enable real-time monitoring of people, goods, and enterprise activities across departments. "We are accelerating the implementation of the new round of customs operations," said Bi Tai, director of the Port Affairs Office at Pingtan's Bureau of Economic Development. "We're closely following the national-level policy developments while pushing forward key projects like intelligent customs supervision and the smart public service platform for ports."

According to Bi, the goal is to ensure that by the end of June, Pingtan will meet the operational requirements for the updated customs system. "Once the 'First Line Open, Second Line Secure' model is officially launched, we will see a smoother flow of people, goods, capital, and data," Bi added, "further strengthening Pingtan's role as an international hub for open exchange."

The new customs model defines the "First Line" between Pingtan Island and countries or regions outside PRC's customs territory, forming a customs-supervised zone. Meanwhile, the "Second Line" connects Pingtan to other regions within PRC's customs territory, where stricter controls will apply.

This round of operations introduces several key upgrades. For the first time, Pingtan Island is officially designated as a customs supervision area, allowing for more flexible management measures. The shift from "First Line Relaxed" to "First Line Open" will facilitate even greater ease in the movement of people and goods. Moreover, adjusted lists for duty-free and tax-rebate restrictions will support emerging industries tied to international tourism and openness.

"Next, we will leverage the regulatory framework and updated lists to advance planning and investment promotion in specialized industries like yachting, motorsports, biomedicine, film production, and bonded manufacturing," said Bi. "We aim to see a batch of new industries take root alongside the launch of the new customs model."