ON July 11, Yantian District officially launched its first tax refund payment point at Dameisha No. 8 Warehouse Outlets. The point offers an “instant refund” service for outbound tax-free shopping. This marks not only Yantian’s first service of this kind but also the first among Shenzhen’s outlet malls, representing a significant step forward in enhancing the district’s international business environment. Unlike traditional tax refund methods, the “instant refund” service enables overseas shoppers to receive their tax rebate immediately at the point of purchase. For example, on a purchase of 5,000 yuan with a 9% tax refund rate, consumers can instantly save 450 yuan, providing a seamless and efficient shopping experience. The mall manager stated they will continue improving the service process — from shopping guidance and tax refund procedures to after-sales support — to further enhance overall service quality. The “instant tax refund” policy is a service that allows eligible visitors to claim their tax refund on purchased items at participating stores instead of waiting until they depart. After signing an agreement and pre-authorizing a credit card, eligible visitors can receive a cash prepayment in RMB for the full VAT refund amount. China is expanding the coverage of instant tax refunds to improve the experiences of eligible visitors. The policy, already piloted in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, Shenzhen, Sichuan, and Zhejiang, was extended nationwide April 8, 2025. It builds on a slew of recent efforts by China to boost global exchanges and mobility, such as easing its visa policies, enhancing payment accessibility, and streamlining customs clearance. As of July 2, 2025, Shenzhen had a total of 12 centralized tax refund points across its key commercial districts, including the one in Yantian, and 1,000 tax-free stores, with more scheduled to open.(Lian Jiaqi) | 