China extends overseas tourists tax refund program to six more destinations

BEIJING - China decided on Tuesday to include another six destinations in its tax rebate program for overseas visitors to boost inbound tourism and consumption.

Foreign tourists visiting Liaoning, Anhui, Fujian and Sichuan provinces, Tianjin municipality and Xiamen city can enjoy value-added tax refunds on their purchases in specific shops starting from Jan 1, 2016, according to an announcement released by the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

First launched in Hainan province in 2011, the MOF decided early this year to broaden the program nationwide upon approval to attract tourists and boost domestic consumption. Beijing and Shanghai were included in the program in July.

Under the plan, foreign tourists as well as visitors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have lived on the mainland for no more than 183 days are eligible for an 11 percent rebate on consumer goods purchased at designated department stores.

The minimum purchase for a value-added tax refund is 500 yuan ($77.1) in any one store in a day. The refund is valid when the purchase is made within 90 days before departure and the products remain unused upon departure.