Takashimaya pioneers ‘Seal & Code’ tax refund service in Changning

Shanghai Takashimaya Department Store has become the first shopping mall in Changning District to implement the streamlined “Seal & Code” tax refund service for overseas tourists.

This initiative is part of Changning’s broader effort to guide local businesses in upgrading services and enhancing the shopping experience for international visitors.

The “Seal & Code” model, launched jointly by Shanghai Customs, the Municipal Commerce Commission, and the Tax Bureau, is a convenient departure tax refund service available at designated stores across the city. Using smart verification technology, it simplifies the refund process, making it more efficient and worry-free. Port inspections can now be completed within seconds.

Overseas tourists who purchase tax-refund eligible goods can request the “Seal & Code” service at the second-floor customer service counter of Takashimaya.

The first customer to try the service was from Canada. She bought a dress and completed the information registration and product sealing in under 10 minutes.

The “Seal & Code” service applies to eligible tax-refund items priced between 200 yuan (US$28.13) and 20,000 yuan. To use the service, international shoppers need to present their passport and other relevant documents. Store staff will place the goods in a complimentary sealed bag, with each bag corresponding to one “Tax Refund Application Form for Overseas Tourists,” clearly displaying the customer’s and product’s information.

This year, Takashimaya also applied to become Changning’s first “Instant Tax Refund” store. Overseas tourists can now receive their tax refunds on-site, significantly increasing the refund amount, according to a manager of the store.

As one of the first batch of “Shanghai International Friendly Shopping Centers,” Takashimaya supports various payment methods, including international credit cards, digital RMB, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. With the exception of dining outlets, all products sold in the store, such as clothing, footwear, and crafts, are eligible for tax refunds.

In the next phase, large commercial centers such as Cloud Nine Shopping Center will also apply to become “Seal & Code” tax refund stores.