China's latest tax refund policy for overseas visitors is outlined in the Announcement by the State Taxation Administration on Nationwide Implementation of the "Instant Tax Refund upon Purchase" Service for Overseas Tourists, officially released and implemented on April 9, 2025. This policy aims to further enhance the convenience of tax refunds for international tourists, optimize their shopping experience, and expand the "instant refund upon purchase" service—previously piloted in select regions—to nationwide coverage.

Key Details:

Eligible Individuals:
Foreign passport holders, holders of the Hong Kong and Macau Resident Travel Permit to Mainland China, and Taiwan Resident Travel Permit to Mainland China, provided their entry stay does not exceed 183 days.

Instant Refund Process:
Tourists may present their passport and departure flight information during purchase. After system verification, the tax refund amount will be immediately refunded via cash, electronic payment, or credit card at the point of sale.

This reform aligns China with global tax-refund standards, streamlining procedures to boost international tourism spending and economic openness.