Reminder: Online offshore duty-free shopping

en.hainan.gov.cn

Updated: 2025-08-23

[Photo/VCG]

The offshore duty-free policy is a special preferential measure introduced by the central government to support the development of Hainan. It has created a popular shopping option for residents and visitors traveling to and from the island. The Hainan Provincial Administration for Market Regulation and the Hainan Consumers Association remind consumers to shop rationally and stay vigilant when purchasing offshore duty-free products online.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the Notice on the Offshore Duty-Free Shopping Policy for Travelers Leaving Hainan, all domestic and international travelers (including Hainan residents) aged 16 or above who have purchased a ticket to leave the island by air, train or ship, and who hold valid identification documents (ID cards for domestic travelers, travel documents for travelers from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan or passports for foreign travelers) and are departing the island without leaving the country, are entitled to an annual offshore duty-free shopping quota of 100,000 yuan per person, with no limit on the number of purchases.

Choosing Authorized Retailers

When purchasing Hainan offshore duty-free goods online, consumers should select official platforms operated by certified offshore duty-free stores. Please carefully review publicly available business information, such as business licenses, on e-commerce platforms. It is not advisable to buy from unauthorized sources claiming to sell Hainan offshore duty-free goods, as doing so may lead to fraud or infringe on consumer rights.

Making Informed Choices and Comparing Options

Prices for the same product may vary across different online stores operated by Hainan offshore duty-free retailers. After-sales services and complimentary gifts may also differ. Consumers are advised to compare offerings across multiple platforms, carefully read product descriptions, notes and service details, and remain vigilant about incentives to make purchases. Consumers are advised to make purchases only after thorough comparison.

Understanding the Terms and Conditions

Before placing an order, please review key information, including bonus and coupon policies, delivery arrangements, return/exchange terms and delivery timelines, to avoid potential losses or disputes in the future.

Retaining Purchase Records

When buying offshore duty-free goods online, please request and retain valid invoices and electronic transaction receipts. Ensure that the documents contain product names, specifications and features. Keep screenshots of order details and other relevant evidence for future reference.

Prohibition of Proxy Purchasing and Misuse of Quotas

Using another person's departure credentials and duty-free shopping quota to profit from purchases is known as "abuse of quota". Selling one's own credentials or quota to others for them to make purchases is known as "proxy purchasing". Both are strictly prohibited.

Important Notes

Offshore duty-free products are intended solely for the personal use of the purchaser and are strictly prohibited from being resold in the domestic market, as per applicable regulations. Individuals found to be engaged in unauthorized resale, proxy purchasing or smuggling of duty-free goods will be subject to penalties, including a prohibition on purchasing offshore duty-free goods for a period of three years.

Acts that constitute smuggling or violations of customs supervision regulations shall be handled by customs authorities in accordance with relevant regulations. Those whose acts constitute a crime shall be held criminally liable in accordance with the law.

If your consumer rights are infringed, you may file a complaint by calling the government service hotline at "12345" or the consumer protection hotline at "12315" to seek legal recourse.

Source: amr.hainan.gov.cn