A total of 30 shops in Heilongjiang province have been given permission to allow overseas tourists to get tax refunds for their purchases, among which 20 are in Harbin, according to a policy released onJuly 31.

The policy released by the state tax department officially started on August 1. The first tax refund took place in Suifenhe.

Lopatina Margarita, a Russian tourist, got a tax refund of 504 yuan in Sunfenheaftershe bought a fur coat for 5,600 yuan.

According to relevant regulations, foreign tourists as well as visitors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have lived on the mainland for no more than 183 days are eligible for a rebate on consumer goods purchased at designated department stores.

From August 1, tax refunds can be applied for at Harbin Taiping International Airport, Heihe Port, and Sunfenhe Port when purchase is made before departure.

According to the policy, the minimum purchase for a value-added tax refund is 500 yuan in any one store in a day. The refund is valid when the purchase is made within 90 days before departure and the products remain unused upon departure.

The provincial tax bureau plans to further improve services and regulations to ensure that the rebate policy is efficiently carried out. It is expected that the policy will be promoted across the country by the end of the year.