ISSUING AUTHORITY:

General Office of the State Council

DATE OF ISSUANCE:

March 26, 2025

EFFECTIVE DATE:

March 21, 2025

On March 26, 2025, the General Office of the State Council released the Several Measures for Supporting Development and Construction of International Consumption Center Cities (“Measures”) formulated by the Ministry of Commerce to support Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Chongqing to build themselves into international consumption center cities.

These Measures cover eight aspects, including active development of debut economy. These cities will make efforts to create distinctive brands under the debut economy, support the debut, first showcase and first exhibition of new products from domestic and global high-quality brands, build a number of global new product launch landmarks, attract global high-quality brands to open their first local stores, set up research, development and design centers and regional headquarters.

These Measures also requires better utilization of duty-free shops and departure tax refund policy. The policies for local duty-free shops shall be implemented and the approved duty-free shops shall be supported to complete their constructions and commence their business as soon as possible. The publicity of departure tax refund policy shall be strengthened, the layout of departure tax refund stores shall be optimized, and various streets specialized for departure tax refund shall be built. The procedures for departure tax refunds shall be improved and the measures for “buy and tax refund” shall be promoted.

Reference:

国务院办公厅转发商务部《关于支持国际消费中心城市培育建设的若干措施》的通知