Approved by the State Council in April 2000, Zhejiang Hangzhou Export Processing Zone (HEPZ) is among the first batch of export processing zones established in mainland China. It is located in the state-level Hangzhou Economic & Technological Development Zone. It has a total planning area of 2.092 square kilometers, and 2.007 square kilometers have been developed in Phase I.

The Administrative Committee of HEPZ, an agency dispatched by Hangzhou Municipal Government, is authorized by the state to exercise uniform administration over the affairs in the zone. The Committee is a single window for administrative operation, which makes it possible to reduce the operation cost for the enterprises within the zone.

The representative office of the Customs of Hangzhou Economic & Technological Development Zone and the representative office of Zhejiang Bureau of Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine are the Customs and inspection and quarantine division of HZPZ approved by General Administration of Customs and State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine. Here, prompt, standardized, and systematic export and import management and service are available around the clock. A complete range of public service organizations including banks, customs brokers, freight agencies and logistics render quality service to the enterprises in the zone.

Since it was put into operation in 2001, the HEPZ has taken shape and attracted considerable foreign investment. In the first half of the year 2004, the export volume ranked among the top three of all state-level development zones and its development is gaining momentum.