Core Viewpoint - The recent optimization of the departure tax refund policy aims to stimulate inbound consumption by lowering the threshold for tax refunds and enhancing the shopping experience for foreign travelers [1][10]. Policy Changes - The threshold for departure tax refunds has been reduced from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, allowing more travelers to benefit from the policy [2][6]. - The cash refund limit has been increased from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, while other refund methods have no limit, making it easier for travelers to claim refunds [8][9]. Market Impact - The policy is expected to enhance the shopping experience for foreign travelers by providing a wider range of shopping options and improving the quality of tax refund services [3][10]. - The reduction in the refund threshold is anticipated to attract more specialty shops and souvenir stores into the tax refund program, thereby promoting domestic product sales [7][10]. Economic Significance - In 2024, inbound traveler spending is projected to account for approximately 0.5% of China's GDP, indicating significant growth potential compared to 1% to 3% in major countries [11]. - The departure tax refund policy is seen as a crucial strategy to lower shopping costs for foreign travelers, thereby attracting more visitors and boosting overall consumption [11].

4月27日，国务院新闻办公室举行新闻发布会介绍优化离境退税政策扩大入境消费有关情况。 商务部副部长盛秋平介绍，离境退税，是指境外旅客离境时，对其在退税商店购买的商品退还增值税的 政策。离境退税是国际通行的做法，目前已有包括欧盟、日本、新加坡、澳大利亚等在内的50多个国家 和地区实行。我国自2015年起全面推行离境退税政策，值此政策全面实施10周年之际，经国务院批准， 商务部会同财政部、文化和旅游部、海关总署、税务总局、中国民航局出台《关于进一步优化离境退税 政策扩大入境消费的通知》（以下简称《通知》）。 商务部：切实解决地方、企业和入境旅客反映的堵点卡点问题 盛秋平表示，《通知》主要针对退税商店偏少，退税购物选择不多、国货偏少，退税便利度有待进一步 提升等问题，从推动退税商店增量扩容、丰富退税商品供给、提升离境退税服务水平等三方面，提出了 8条政策举措。 盛秋平介绍，《通知》的一个重要考虑是坚持目标导向和问题导向，主动对标国际通行规则，切实解决 地方、企业和入境旅客反映的堵点卡点问题，突出针对性和可操作性。政策上主要有三大亮点：一是扩 商店，让境外旅客有更多好店逛；二是增商品，让境外旅客有更多好物买；三是优服 ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent upgrade of the departure tax refund policy aims to enhance the shopping experience for foreign travelers in China, making it easier and more convenient for them to claim refunds on their purchases [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Changes - The departure tax refund threshold has been lowered from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, expanding the policy's coverage to include small-value consumer goods such as cultural products and specialty foods [1][2]. - The cash refund limit has been increased from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, catering to the preferences of tourists who favor cash payments, thereby encouraging further spending [1][2]. Group 2: Operational Improvements - The State Taxation Administration has revised the "Management Measures for Departure Tax Refunds for Foreign Travelers," optimizing tax services and simplifying the refund process [1][2]. - The implementation of a fully electronic process for departure tax refunds aims to enhance efficiency, reduce waiting times, and improve the overall experience for travelers [2]. Group 3: Market Impact - The adjustments are expected to significantly boost consumer willingness among ordinary tourists, benefiting souvenir shops, specialty stores, and cultural product retailers [2]. - The expansion of eligible refund stores to include newly established businesses with a certain tax credit rating is anticipated to provide travelers with more options and enhance their shopping experience [2].

新华社北京4月27日电 题：多部门详解进一步优化离境退税政策扩大入境消费 新华社记者谢希瑶、王雨萧、申铖 根据通知，将目前境外旅客同日同店购买退税物品金额达到500元才予以退税的规定，大幅下调至 200元即可退税。增加老字号产品、中国消费名品、智能产品、非遗产品等优质产品供应。 商务部等6部门关于进一步优化离境退税政策扩大入境消费的通知27日对外发布。国务院新闻办公 室当天举行新闻发布会介绍有关情况，回应外界关切。 离境退税，是指境外旅客离境时，对其在退税商店购买的商品退还增值税的政策，是国际通行做 法。商务部副部长盛秋平表示，商务部会同财政部等有关部门出台通知，有利于提高境外旅客在华购物 便利性，是推动扩大入境消费、大力提振消费的重要抓手，是推进高水平对外开放、畅通国内国际双循 环的重要途径。 财政部税政司司长贾荣鄂介绍，2015年以来我国全面实施境外旅客离境退税政策，与国际上实行离 境退税政策的国家和地区相比，一是退税力度大，我国对于绝大部分商品按照含税价的11%退税，相当 于将增值税全部予以退还；二是退税商品范围广，除极个别禁止、限制出境的物品外，其他商品均适用 离境退税政策，为境外旅客提供更广阔的商品 ...

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has introduced new measures to optimize the departure tax refund policy, aiming to enhance inbound consumption and attract more foreign tourists, with significant potential for growth in this sector [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Optimization - The new policy addresses issues such as the limited number of tax refund stores, lack of product variety, and the need for improved convenience in the tax refund process [2][3]. - Eight policy measures have been proposed to expand the number of tax refund stores, increase the variety of products available for tax refund, and enhance the service quality of the tax refund process [2][3]. Group 2: Key Highlights - The policy includes three main highlights: expanding the number of stores, increasing product offerings, and improving service convenience for foreign travelers [3][4]. - The minimum purchase amount for tax refunds has been reduced from 500 RMB to 200 RMB, making it easier for more stores, including those selling local specialties and souvenirs, to participate in the tax refund program [3][4]. Group 3: Service Improvements - The cash refund limit has been raised from 10,000 RMB to 20,000 RMB, allowing travelers to receive larger refunds [4][5]. - The "immediate refund" service has been expanded nationwide, enabling travelers to receive their tax refunds at the point of purchase rather than at the departure point, enhancing the shopping experience [5][6]. Group 4: Impact on Domestic Products - The policy aims to increase the representation of domestic products in tax refund stores, encouraging more local brands to participate and enhancing the shopping options for foreign travelers [6]. - The government plans to promote high-quality domestic products, including cultural and creative items, traditional handicrafts, and popular local goods, to attract foreign tourists [6].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is optimizing the departure tax refund policy to enhance inbound consumption, addressing issues such as the limited number of tax refund stores and the need for a wider variety of products available for tax refund [1][2][3] Group 1: Policy Optimization - The new policy includes lowering the minimum purchase amount for tax refunds from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, increasing the cash refund limit from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, and improving the overall convenience of the tax refund process [1][4] - The policy aims to expand the number of tax refund stores, particularly in popular tourist areas, and to allow more businesses to qualify as tax refund stores [3][4] Group 2: Enhancing Product Offerings - The policy encourages the inclusion of more domestic brands and a wider range of products in tax refund stores, aiming to attract more travelers to purchase local goods [4][7] - Specific measures include promoting traditional and high-quality products, such as "intelligent, healthy, and fashionable" items, as well as cultural and creative products [4][7] Group 3: Improving Service Quality - The policy emphasizes enhancing the overall service experience for travelers, including the implementation of "immediate refund" services and better packaging for tax refund items [4][6] - There is a focus on training staff and improving communication about the tax refund process to ensure travelers are well-informed [7]

降低离境退税起退点 此次优化离境退税政策，从扩大离境退税的覆盖面、提升离境退税便利等方面，加大了政策力度。 财政部税政司司长贾荣鄂介绍称，一是降低离境退税的起退点。为支持境外旅客选购品种更多的特色商 品，将目前境外旅客同日同店购买退税物品金额达到500元才予以退税的规定，大幅下调至200元即可退 税。 二是提高现金退税金额。主要是为了满足境外旅客多样化的消费支付需求，优化离境退税支付服务，在 提供银行卡、移动支付、现金等多种退税服务方式的基础上，将现金退税金额由目前的1万元人民币上 调至2万元人民币，其他退税方式没有限额。 三是会同有关部门通过优化退税商店布局、增加退税商品供给、优化退税办理流程等措施，进一步提升 退税便利度，增强离境退税政策的吸引力。 4月27日，商务部等六部门发布了《关于进一步优化离境退税政策扩大入境消费的通知》（以下简称 《通知》），同日，国新办举行新闻发布会，商务部、财政部、文化和旅游部、海关总署、税务总局、 中国民航局有关负责人介绍优化离境退税政策扩大入境消费有关情况，并答记者问。 商务部副部长盛秋平介绍称，《通知》主要针对退税商店偏少，退税购物选择不多、国货偏少，退税便 利度有待进 ...

Core Points - The Chinese government has announced the optimization of the departure tax refund policy to enhance inbound consumption, marking the 10th anniversary of the policy's implementation [4][5][21] - The new measures aim to improve the convenience of shopping for foreign travelers, increase the number of tax refund stores, and expand the range of products eligible for tax refunds [7][10][22] Group 1: Policy Background and Objectives - The departure tax refund policy is a common international practice, implemented in over 50 countries, aimed at refunding VAT to foreign travelers upon their departure [4] - The policy is aligned with the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, focusing on improving the living convenience for foreign visitors [5] - In 2024, foreign travelers' total spending reached $94.2 billion, a 77.8% increase, indicating significant growth potential for inbound consumption [5] Group 2: Key Measures of the New Policy - The minimum purchase amount for tax refunds has been reduced from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, making it easier for travelers to qualify for refunds [10][22] - The cash refund limit has been increased from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, allowing for more flexible payment options for travelers [22] - The policy includes eight specific measures to enhance the number of tax refund stores, diversify product offerings, and improve service quality [7][10] Group 3: Expected Impact on Inbound Consumption - The measures are expected to significantly boost inbound consumption, which currently accounts for about 0.5% of China's GDP, compared to 1% to 3% in other major countries [5][22] - The optimization of the departure tax refund policy is anticipated to attract more foreign tourists, thereby promoting cultural and economic exchanges [6][7] - The introduction of the "immediate refund" service allows travelers to receive their tax refunds at the point of purchase, enhancing the shopping experience [39][40] Group 4: Implementation and Future Plans - The Ministry of Commerce will work with relevant departments to ensure the effective implementation of the new policy and improve the quality of tax refund services [7][22] - The government plans to promote the policy through various channels to increase awareness among foreign travelers [11][35] - Future initiatives will focus on expanding the coverage of tax refund stores and enhancing the supply of quality products to meet the needs of foreign visitors [35][49]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is optimizing the departure tax refund policy to enhance inbound consumption and improve the shopping experience for foreign travelers, marking the 10th anniversary of the policy's implementation in China [2][3]. Group 1: Policy Background and Objectives - The departure tax refund policy allows foreign travelers to reclaim VAT on purchases made in designated stores upon leaving the country, aligning with practices in over 50 countries [2]. - The initiative is part of the broader strategy to implement the decisions made during the 20th National Congress, aiming to enhance the convenience of life for foreign visitors [3]. - In 2024, inbound traveler spending is projected to reach $94.2 billion, reflecting a 77.8% increase, indicating significant potential for growth in inbound consumption [3]. Group 2: Key Measures in the Notification - The notification outlines eight policy measures to address issues such as the limited number of tax refund stores and the need for a wider variety of products [2][5]. - Key highlights include expanding the number of tax refund stores in high-traffic areas, lowering the minimum purchase amount for refunds from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, and enhancing the overall service quality for tax refunds [5][6]. - The government aims to improve the accessibility of tax refund stores and increase the range of domestic products available for tax refunds, thereby promoting local brands [5][6]. Group 3: Expected Outcomes - The optimized policy is expected to stimulate consumption, enhance the effectiveness of the tax refund system, and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector [4][6]. - The initiative is also seen as a means to facilitate high-level opening up and promote the dual circulation of international and domestic markets [4]. - The five designated international consumption center cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing) are anticipated to see a doubling in the number of inbound foreign visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year [6].

Core Viewpoint - The new policy aims to optimize the departure tax refund system to enhance inbound consumption and stimulate economic growth in China, addressing existing challenges in the departure tax market [4][5][6]. Group 1: Policy Changes - The departure tax refund threshold is lowered from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, and the cash refund limit is increased from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, enhancing the convenience for travelers [6][8]. - The policy encourages the expansion of tax refund stores and the diversification of tax refund products, aiming to improve the overall service level [4][6]. Group 2: Market Context - Currently, outbound consumption accounts for only 0.5% of China's GDP, significantly lower than the 1% to 3% range seen in major countries, indicating substantial growth potential for inbound consumption [4][5]. - The departure tax refund system has been in place since 2015, and the recent policy marks a significant step in its evolution, coinciding with its 10th anniversary [4][15]. Group 3: Expected Outcomes - The new measures are expected to attract more foreign tourists to China for shopping and tourism, promoting cultural exchange and enhancing the visibility of Chinese products abroad [5][12]. - The policy is anticipated to create a new trend in inbound shopping tourism, potentially leading to a boom in the inbound tourism market [4][5]. Group 4: Implementation Strategies - The policy includes eight specific measures to enhance the shopping experience for travelers, such as optimizing store locations and improving the efficiency of tax refund processes [6][8]. - Collaboration among various government departments is emphasized to ensure the effective implementation of the new tax refund measures [11][12].