What Changed
- Approved a national plan targeting approximately 60 trillion yuan in consumer goods retail sales by 2030.
- Announced measures to expand visa exemptions, refine transit rules, and add international direct flights to Europe, the United States, and Belt and Road partner countries.
- Optimized departure tax refund rules, expanded tax refund stores with refund-upon-purchase options, and supported domestic goods in duty-free shops.
Businesses, investors, service providers, and foreign visitors operating in or interacting with mainland China will be impacted by a newly approved national framework aimed at significantly expanding domestic and inbound consumption. In an official reply released on July 13, the State Council of the People's Republic of China approved a comprehensive plan to boost consumption throughout the 15th Five-Year Plan period covering 2026 to 2030. Under the plan, mainland China targets approximately 60 trillion yuan in total retail sales of consumer goods by 2030, positioning consumption as an even stronger driver of economic growth.
The approved measures outline policy priorities across several key economic areas. For service and goods consumption, the plan seeks to improve life services and expand support for elderly care, childcare, culture, tourism, health, sports, education, and training. Regarding goods, it encourages large durable goods consumption, ensures stable supply of daily necessities, fosters technology application, and promotes independent domestic brand development.
Additionally, the plan fosters digital, green, and experience-based consumption models. To expand inbound consumption, mainland China will expand visa-exempt country lists, refine transit visa exemption rules, and increase direct international flights to Europe, the United States, and Belt and Road Initiative partner countries.
Administrative and transactional improvements for foreign tourists include enhanced payment environments, streamlined customs, accommodation, transport, telecom, and ticketing procedures. Tax-related measures focus on optimized departure tax refunds, increasing tax refund stores offering refund-upon-purchase services, and encouraging domestic goods in duty-free shops. Finally, the initiative targets increased individual spending capacity by promoting high-quality employment, elevating incomes, strengthening social security, and expanding public consumption.
Who May Be Affected
Consumers, international tourists, airlines, travel platforms, retailers, duty-free shop operators, and service providers in mainland China.
Cross-Border Context
Directly impacts international travel and trade between mainland China, Europe, the United States, and Belt and Road partner nations through visa, aviation, and departure tax policies.
What to check next
- Monitor specific departmental rules implementing visa exemption expansions and tax refund store rules.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.