China’s government has announced a new set of reforms to its departure tax refund policy, targeting the friction points that have long made the process feel more trouble than it’s worth.
The changes, described by officials as the “2.0 version” of a programme first overhauled in 2025, come into effect progressively through the rest of the year.
What’s Actually Changing
The most welcome change applies to purchases below CN¥10,000 (US$1,470). Instead of mandatory checks for every refund applicant, customs inspections will now be conducted at random – which could save travellers considerable time at the airport.
From 1 July, China’s tax refund process will also go fully paperless, with customs and refund agencies handling invoices and applications electronically.
Travellers who choose an instant refund can receive the money at a participating point of purchase by presenting their passport and a credit card for pre-authorisation.
Read more…. Source: https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/china-tourist-tax-refund-rules-2026/
