China’s government has announced a significant revision to its duty-free shopping regulations, opening up a new avenue for international travelers, including Chinese citizens. This update grants permission for twelve urban duty-free stores located in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to sell duty-free goods.
Previously, duty-free shopping was primarily confined to airport and cruise terminals. This new policy allows travelers departing from mainland China via airplane or international cruise within the next 60 days to purchase goods from these urban stores. However, the convenience of home delivery or collection upon return has been eliminated, as shoppers are now required to collect their purchases at departure points such as airports or cruise terminals and export them immediately.
This change aims to streamline the process but might limit consumer flexibility. While urban duty-free outlets offer advantages such as a wider selection of products, larger retail spaces, and the ability to shop up to two months prior to departure, it removes the convenience that local buyers previously enjoyed. They could previously buy at airport duty-free stores and collect their purchases upon returning home, without the hassle of carrying them throughout their trip. This new policy could make this option less appealing for local buyers.
