China has rolled out an upgraded departure tax refund policy, introducing eight new measures to make shopping in the country more convenient for overseas travelers, according to a notice released by relevant authorities on May 18.
Two foreign consumers shop at the cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty-Free Shop, Guangdong.
The upgrade will simplify tax refund verification procedures. Starting July 1, 2026, tax refund applications involving purchases of less than 10,000 yuan, approximately US$1,470, will be subject to random inspections. Only selected overseas travelers will be required to present their purchased goods for customs inspection, significantly reducing waiting times at ports of departure. Applications involving purchases of 10,000 yuan or more will continue to undergo customs checks.
Also from July 1, customs authorities and refund agencies will be able to verify tax refund documents and sales invoices online, enabling a fully paperless tax refund process. Guangdong has already upgraded its digital services, allowing overseas travelers to complete the instant in-store tax refund process and receive refunds by tapping via NFC or scanning a QR code.
The updated policy will also expand nationwide mutual recognition of the instant in-store tax refund service. The departure deadline for using the service will be extended to 28 days nationwide.
Previously, overseas travelers using the service in Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi and Hainan were allowed to depart through any eligible tax refund port across the four regions, rather than being limited to the location where the purchases were made.
The new policy also calls for near-full coverage of tax refund stores in major shopping districts, tourist attractions, marketplaces and ports of entry and exit.
In Guangzhou, overseas visitors can already complete tax refund procedures at designated service centers in major commercial areas, including Parc Central in Tianhe District, GrandBuy Department Store (Beijing Road Branch), Wanguo Outlets in Haizhu District and other eligible locations.
Authorities have also pledged to set up dedicated departure tax refund service zones at major exhibitions, including the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, while further improving payment convenience and increasing international passenger flight services.
Reporter: Dai Bosi
Photo: cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty-Free Shop
