New instant tax refund policy to enhance tourists' shopping experience

The new instant tax refund policy is set to significantly improve the shopping experience for inbound tourists, as more retail stores across China become eligible for the program.

Following the release of the Announcement on Promoting the Immediate Departure Tax Refund Service for Overseas Visitors by the State Taxation Administration, the policy allows eligible overseas shoppers to receive tax refunds directly at the point of purchase, streamlining the process and reducing wait times.

By moving the refund process to the point of sale, simplifying procedures, shortening wait times, and enabling on-the-spot refunds, shoppers can directly enjoy the benefits of tax-free shopping—boosting both satisfaction and value. Visitors can also access the "Beijing Departure Tax Refund Guide" in seven languages via the mall's information desks and digital directories.

For the new tax refund policy, Beijing China World Mall has officially been approved by the Beijing Municipal Taxation Bureau as one of the first three centralized instant tax refund service locations in Beijing, and the first in Chaoyang District.

According to the mall's management, visitors meeting the tax refund criteria can receive an immediate refund of up to 9 percent on purchases starting from just 200 yuan ($27.7), with a maximum on-site refund of 20,000 yuan and refunds above that threshold can be processed at the airport.

Looking ahead, the mall said it plans to further expand its promotion of the instant tax refund service. By the end of the year, the number of tax refund-eligible stores is expected to increase to 200, and tax refund sales are projected to double, ultimately enabling all qualifying stores in the mall to provide tax refunds, it said.