Starting from 12 am on March 1, the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin officially begins special customs operations, marking a significant step in advancing integrated development with the Macao Special Administrative Region.

According to the general plan for building the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, the area between the border of Hengqin and the Macao Special Administrative Region is designated as the "first-tier" customs, while the "second-tier" customs demarcate Hengqin from the other areas within the Chinese mainland.

Next, the Cooperation Zone will open up the "first-tier" zone for goods while maintaining control of trade through the "second-tier" customs, and streamline personnel entry and exit.

The relaxed customs administration of the "first-tier" zone focuses on tax exemption. The operation is designed to facilitate the flow of goods between Macao and the Cooperation Zone.

Additionally, Macao residents are allowed to carry or mail items for "personal use within a reasonable quantity" - a term that does not specify any fixed amount or value and is subject to the discretion of customs officers.

As for the "second-tier" customs, duty-free and bonded goods, as well as taxable items, will be subject to inspection when leaving the zone.

Inspection sites have been established at seven "second-tier" outbound channels, where all personnel and vehicles will undergo inspection while exiting the island.