Immediate Refund on Departure Tax Rebate Now Available in Zhejiang and Shanghai: Easier Shopping for Foreigners in Yiwu

【Source: State Taxation Administration of Zhejiang Province】

Recently, the State Taxation Administration of Zhejiang Province issued an announcement, officially launching the immediate refund on departure tax rebate service, which is now available in both Zhejiang and Shanghai. This means that foreign travelers can enjoy the convenience of cross-provincial tax rebates when shopping in these two regions.

I. What is Departure Tax Rebate?

Departure tax rebate refers to the policy of refunding value-added tax (VAT) on goods purchased by foreign travelers at designated tax refund stores when they leave the country through a departure port. In simple terms, foreigners can get a portion of the tax back when they buy goods in China.

II. What Does "Immediate Refund" Mean?

Traditionally, travelers had to go to customs to process the tax rebate when leaving the country. Under the "immediate refund" model, travelers can receive the tax refund immediately after making a purchase, without waiting until they depart, significantly enhancing the shopping experience.

III. What Convenience Does the Zhejiang-Shanghai Joint Service Bring?

Previously, goods purchased in Zhejiang could only be refunded at departure ports in Zhejiang. With the new policy, goods purchased in either Zhejiang or Shanghai can be refunded at any designated port in both regions. For foreign merchants who frequently travel between Zhejiang and Shanghai, this offers greater flexibility and convenience.

IV. Impact on Yiwu

As a global center for small commodity trade, Yiwu hosts a large number of foreign buyers each year. The facilitation of the departure tax rebate policy will further enhance Yiwu's appeal to international buyers. Tax refund stores in Yiwu can also take this opportunity to attract more foreign consumers.

V. How to Apply?

Foreign travelers can apply for a tax rebate when they shop at stores with the "Tax Refund Store" sign, provided that the amount on a single invoice exceeds CNY 500. The tax rebate rate is 11%, and after deducting the handling fee, the actual refund received is approximately 9%.

It is recommended that foreign trade merchants in Yiwu check if they are eligible to apply as a "Tax Refund Store." Joining the tax refund store system can help attract more foreign customers.

📎 Source: State Taxation Administration of Zhejiang Province https://zhejiang.chinatax.gov.cn/