On Sept 27, two trading companies based in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area successfully imported 825 bottles of wine using simplified labels, marking the official implementation of the State Council's policy on "simplified labeling for imported wines and spirits" in the Lin-gang Special Area.

This move is a concrete step towards realizing the State Council's comprehensive plan for advancing China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone towards high-level institutional opening-up in accordance with international standards, which was issued on Dec 7, 2023.

While this new policy for wine imports in the Lin-gang Special Area may seem like a small stride in one specific industry, it is likely a significant leap towards a broader streamlining of trade in goods.

The first batch of imported wines with "simplified labels" complete customs clearance in Lin-gang Special Area. [Photo/WeChat ID: shlgguanweihui]

The implementation of this new policy will provide institutional basis and case support for further improvement of domestic laws, regulations and standards. It will encourage more wine import enterprises in the Lin-gang Special Area to adopt "simplified labels", fostering greater participation in policy experiments by wine companies and attracting more businesses to develop in the Lin-gang Special Area.

This development not only aligns with the goal of comprehensively aligning with international standards in economic and trade rules, but also propels the Lin-gang Special Area towards a high-level institutional openness, enhancing the level of facilitation and liberalization in trade in goods, taking a solid step forward.