International visitors buy souvenirs in a tax-free shop in Shanghai. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Changning District Information Office at "shchangning"]

Shanghai Customs recently introduced a remote tax refund verification service, allowing eligible travelers to apply for departure tax refunds through an intelligent self-service terminal, which helps verify their applications in a real-time manner.

The pilot program is currently being carried out at the Sunnyshare Tax Refund Shop in Terminal 2 of Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

At the Sunnyshare Tax Refund Shop near gate D75 in the departure port isolation area of Terminal 2, a foreign traveler swiftly completed the customs refund verification process within five minutes using the Intelligent Self-Service Declaration Terminal after purchasing handicrafts and local specialties. Subsequently, the traveler proceeded to the Bank of China's departure tax refund counter near gate D83 to get his refund. The whole process took approximately 20 minutes.

Previously, outbound travelers had to navigate through multiple checkpoints and endure long wait times to complete the tax refund process.

The new remote verification model for tax refund stores within the departure port isolation area has streamlined operations by partnering with banks and shopping malls to pilot a three-step approval process.

The pilot shop is owned by Sunnyshare, a company based in Changning district. It offers traditional crafts, local foods, and cultural items.