Tibet launches home appliance replacement program

LHASA - Tibet followed the steps of many other Chinese provinces and municipalities Tuesday in launching an old-for-new home appliance subsidy program.

Under the program, consumers selling their old appliances to recycling companies are eligible for a 10-percent discount on the purchase of new appliances, said Ma Xiangcun, director of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Department of Commerce.

The new program targets five designated products -- televisions, computers, air-conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines, and consumers can get a subsidy ranging from 250 yuan ($39) to 400 yuan per unit while buying those appliances, Ma said.

As Tibet has no qualified recycling companies for electronics, old home appliances need to be sent to other provinces to be dismantled and recycled, and the government shall bear all the costs in transportation, he added.

To stimulate consumption, China began a subsidy plan for home appliance buyers in nine municipalities and provinces in June 2009, and expanded the pilot program to 28 municipalities and provinces in June 2010.