How to Handle Tax Refunds after Shopping in China?

Q&A about Tax Refund Policy

Q.What is the Tax Refund Policy?
A.The tax refund policy refers to the policy of refunding value-added tax (VAT) to overseas visitors for eligible goods purchased at designated tax-refund stores during their stay in China. The refund is processed at exit ports when the visitors leave the country.
The term "overseas visitors" refers to foreigners and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who stay in the Chinese mainland for a consecutive  period of no more than 183 days.

"Exit ports" refer to airports, seaports, and land ports in regions where the tax refund policy is implemented. These ports must be officially open to international travelers and have designated tax refund agencies.

Q.What requirements must overseasvisitors meet to apply for a tax refund?

A.Overseas visitors must meet the following requirements when applying for a tax refund:
1. The total purchase amount at a single tax refund-designated store on the same day must be at least RMB 500.
2. The purchased goods must remain unused and unconsumed.
3. The date of purchase must be within 90 days prior to the departure date.
4. The tax-refunded goods must be carried by the applicant personally or checked in as accompanying luggage when departing from China.

Q.How do overseas visitors apply for a tax refund upon departure?

A.The process consists of three steps: obtaining purchase invoices, having the purchases verified by customs, and having the tax refund application reviewed by an authorized agency.
Source: HomeinChengdu