Beijing launched the country's first online departure tax refund store and introduced centralized refund services at selected hotels on Tuesday, the latest in a series of moves to make tax refunds more convenient for overseas travelers and boost inbound consumption, the Beijing Municipal Tax Service said.
The online store — available on JD, one of China's leading e-commerce platforms — allows overseas travelers to buy tax-refund-eligible products and complete refund applications online. Shoppers can choose products carrying a dedicated "departure tax refund" label, enter information such as their travel document numbers and dates of entry at checkout, and have the system automatically generate an electronic refund application form, according to the tax authority.
The store currently covers nearly 300 subcategories across six major product groups, including mobile communications, digital products, computers and office supplies, and household appliances, according to a JD executive in charge of the platform's departure tax refund business.
The executive said JD will continue to expand the lineup of tax-refund-eligible products, with a focus on quality Chinese goods, including time-honored brands, China-made smart technology products, and cultural and creative products inspired by intangible cultural heritage.
