On May 18, version 2.0 of China's departure tax refund policy was officially launched, making it more convenient for overseas visitors to claim their tax refund after shopping in China.

First, the refund procedures have been simplified. Starting July 1, China will implement random spot-checks on tax refund applications for purchases under 10,000 yuan. Only overseas travelers selected for inspection will need to have their goods physically checked by customs authorities. In the case where you have lost your paper application form and purchase receipts, don't worry. From July 1 this year, customs authorities and tax refund agencies will no longer require the submission of the related paper documents.

Second, the refund process has become easier. The new policy will promote cross-regional recognition of the "instant tax refund" applications. For example, if foreign tourists do tax refund-related shopping in Hebei Province, they can complete their tax refund procedures upon departure in other places such as Shanghai or Sichuan Province. In addition, the time limit for completing departure procedures under the "instant tax refund" program will be uniformly extended to 28 days in the future.

To offer overseas tourists a wider selection of premium shopping destinations, the new policy also supports the introduction of tax refund stores into all key commercial areas, scenic areas, markets, and ports across different regions. For overseas exhibitors and business visitors attending major events such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Canton Fair, and the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), the new policy proposes to set up special departure tax refund service zones at these exhibitions to make shopping and claiming tax refunds easier for them.

(Source: CCTV News App)