Starting from October 1st, eight major cities across China – Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Tianjin, Wuhan, Xi'an, Changsha, and Fuzhou – will each establish one downtown duty-free shop, marking a significant expansion of duty-free retailing within the country. These shops are designed to sell tax-exempt goods exclusively to outbound travelers, setting up shops within city limits rather than solely at airports or ports.
The downtown duty-free shops will offer goods exempt from domestic VAT (Value-Added Tax) and consumption tax, providing significant savings for travelers. Importantly, there are no set spending limits for purchases made at these stores. Still, shoppers must adhere to customs regulations regarding the self-use and reasonable quantity principle when carrying goods across borders.
Q1: Where to shop and collect purchases?
Duty-free goods purchased within the city can be collected at designated pick-up points located within the departure quarantine areas at ports. These points are strictly prohibited from being set up in the arrival quarantine zones to prevent misuse. Travelers must personally collect their purchases from these designated locations and carry them out of the country in a single trip. Storage and subsequent retrieval upon re-entry is not permitted.
Q2: Who can shop and what are the requirements?
Eligible shoppers include individuals holding valid travel documents and scheduled to depart from China via air or international cruise within 60 days (inclusive), regardless of nationality. Key requirements include:
- Possession of valid travel documents, such as passports, Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan Residents, Exit & Entry Permits for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, and Exit & Entry Permits for Travelling to and from Taiwan, accompanied by confirmed outbound air or cruise tickets.
- Personal collection of duty-free items at designated pick-up points using the shopping receipt and valid travel documents.
- Shopping at the downtown duty-free shop located in the city where the departure port is situated.
Q3: What savings and restrictions apply?
Goods imported into the downtown duty-free shops are exempt from tariffs, import VAT, and consumption tax, while domestic goods entering these shops are treated as exports, enjoying tax refunds or exemptions. Sales within the shops are also tax-free at the domestic level.
While there's no set spending limit, travelers must ensure that their purchases adhere to customs regulations on the quantity of goods allowed for personal use and reasonable consumption. Re-entering China with previously purchased duty-free items will be managed as inbound items and subject to taxation (or exemption) in accordance with regulations.
Crucially, all duty-free items purchased are considered end-user personal goods and cannot be resold within the domestic market.
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