China’s instant tax refunding service for overseas visitors recorded strong growth in inbound consumption over the past year, with applications rising 12.96-fold and both tax-refundable sales and total tax refunds increasing 9.35-fold, according to the State Taxation Administration office on 11 May 2026.
China’s instant tax refunding service for overseas visitors, launched in April 2025, has significantly boosted inbound consumption with the rapid growth of business volume. Over the past year, the number of travelers applying for instant tax refunding service jumped 12.96-fold, while both tax-refundable sales and total tax refunds increased 9.35-fold.
Under the instant refund scheme, overseas visitors can immediately receive a full refund of their eligible goods bought at designated stores by signing an agreement and a credit card pre-authorisation. The number of stores offering the instant refund service has now exceeded 8,000 nationwide, 100% more than the policy rollout one year ago, as the tax authorities collaborated with other authorities to support this service.
More and more overseas visitors are able to take their tax refunds at the designated stores and then buy more in China as the tax refunding service extended to more areas to unleash consumption demand.
This announcement was made by the Chinese state tax administration office on 11 May 2026.
