China further optimizes departure tax refund policy to boost inbound consumption

China has rolled out a series of measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy, aiming to improve services for overseas travelers, expand market supply, and boost inbound consumption.

The policy, announced on Sunday by the Ministry of Commerce and five other departments, include lowering the minimum refund threshold and increasing the cash refund limit.

The new policy reduces the minimum purchase amount for tax refunds to 200 yuan (about 28 U.S. dollars), enabling eligible travelers to apply for refunds on the same day at the same store, making the tax refund process more accessible to international visitors.

In addition, the cash refund limit has been raised to 20,000 yuan (about 2,800 U.S. dollars), offering greater flexibility for high-spending travelers. To cater to diverse payment preferences, mobile payments, bank cards, and cash are accepted to ensure a seamless experience, while maintaining necessary risk controls.

The policy also encourages the expansion of tax refund shops in high-traffic areas such as commercial districts, airports, and tourist attractions. These shops will now offer a broader range of products, including international brands, local specialties, and cultural items, enhancing the shopping experience for foreign visitors.

A key element of the update is the streamlined registration process for tax refund shops. Shops that meet specific criteria can now register with local tax authorities and start offering refunds within five working days. This should reduce administrative burdens and increase the number of eligible tax refund shops across the country.

To further boost consumption, the government is focusing on promoting premium Chinese products for tax refunds, including time-honored brands, smart products, and cultural items. Through promotional campaigns, the policies aim to encourage the sale of distinctive local products, which will help attract international shoppers.

The "Buy and Refund Immediately" service will be expanded nationwide, allowing travelers to claim refunds immediately after purchase. This service will be implemented in key locations such as commercial centers and tourist spots, providing a more convenient experience for international visitors.

Additionally, an integrated national information platform will be created to streamline the departure tax refund process. This platform will offer one-stop services for travelers, including store location queries and refund consultations, improving accessibility for overseas visitors and ensuring they have easy access to refund information.

China further optimizes departure tax refund policy to boost inbound consumption

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the situation in Iran is "under total control" following violence linked to protests that spiked over the weekend.

Addressing foreign diplomats in Tehran, the foreign minister noted that armed terrorist groups had infiltrated the protests, attempting to divert them from their legitimate course. He claimed that evidence has been gathered showing Iranian security forces being shot at, with the aim of causing further casualties. He accused the United States and Israel of exploiting the unrest to interfere in Iran's internal affairs.

Araghchi further stated that the government is closely monitoring developments on the streets, emphasizing that "the situation has come under control." He also affirmed that internet services, curtailed during the unrest, would be restored after coordination with security agencies.

The government has engaged in dialogue with merchants and protest representatives and initiated reforms to address grievances related to price hikes and currency depreciation. Iran has taken a series of actions and measures to respond to the demands of peaceful demonstrators, the foreign minister said.

Earlier on Sunday, Araghchi said that clear evidence links recent riots and vandalism of public facilities in Iran to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. This came after former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned Mossad agents operating on Iran's streets in a social media post. The Iranian foreign minister asserted that police are being attacked by "terrorists" acting under the direction of Israeli operatives, whom Pompeo publicly acknowledged.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and U.S. sanctions.

Iranian foreign minister says situation "fully under control," accuses Israeli intelligence of stoking unrest