Shanghai to upgrade departure tax refund services during Shanghai Summer

Shanghai will host the Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season from early July to early October, aiming to make the city more convenient and enjoyable for visitors from around the world to explore, shop, and experience.

During this period, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce will introduce three measures to enhance digital departure tax refund services for overseas visitors.

The move follows a new package of national measures released on May 18, designed to make departure tax refunds faster and more convenient.

First, digital services throughout the departure tax refund process will be upgraded. Shanghai has already launched the "Tax Free Online" platform, enabling overseas visitors to fill out tax refund application forms, use the "refund-upon-purchase" service, undergo customs verification, and process refunds at ports — all via mobile devices.

During Shanghai Summer, the commission will promote the platform globally to make departure tax refunds more accessible.

Second, digital services for the "refund-upon-purchase" program will be enhanced. Tax refund agencies in Shanghai will introduce new self-service machines, allowing overseas visitors to complete refund procedures independently and receive refunds through e-payment accounts or major credit cards. The first batch of machines will be installed at tax refund service counters in shopping areas, with plans for citywide coverage by the end of the year.

Third, digital customs verification services at departure ports will be upgraded. Self-service inquiry machines and smart verification machines will initially be deployed at Pudong and Hongqiao airports. Overseas visitors can use the inquiry machines to determine whether customs verification is required for their tax refund goods. If verification is not required, they may proceed directly to check-in and baggage drop-off.

For tax refund goods valued below 10,000 yuan (about $1,470) that require verification, visitors can complete the process at customs declaration counters using smart verification machines. For tax refund goods valued at 10,000 yuan or above, manual verification at customs counters will still be required.