The Ministry of Commerce's 2026 "New Purchase Subsidy Implementation Plan" (commonly known as the "national subsidy") has been launched, with an initial allocation of 62.5 billion RMB, focusing on promoting "trade-ins" for consumer goods. The key point is — Hong Kong and Macau residents with a Home Return Permit are also eligible, and can receive government subsidies when buying phones, tablets, and home appliances in mainland China.
How is the subsidy calculated? Two main product categories to distinguish
📱 Digital products (5 categories): 15% subsidy
This includes phones, tablets, smartwatches/smart home devices and other digital products. If the product price is ¥6,000 or below, you can enjoy a 15% price subsidy, with a maximum subsidy of ¥500 per item.
🏠 Large home appliances (6 categories): 20% subsidy
Refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, TVs and other Grade 1 energy/water efficiency large home appliances qualify for a subsidy rate of 20%, with a maximum discount of ¥2,000 per item.
⚠️ Note: Each consumer is limited to one subsidized item per product category; products must meet Grade 1 energy/water efficiency standards to be eligible for application.
How can Hong Kong residents apply? Two methods
Method 1: UnionPay QuickPass App
- Download and install "UnionPay QuickPass," register with a mainland phone number, complete real-name verification, and link a mainland bank card/credit card
- Enter the "National Government Subsidy Zone" and select Shenzhen or Guangzhou as your region
- Select the product category, enter your name/phone/Home Return Permit number, sign the electronic commitment letter, and claim the voucher
- The voucher is valid for 72 hours — pay with UnionPay QuickPass at the store and the discount is applied automatically
Method 2: WeChat Pay (Mainland version)
- In WeChat, go to "Me" → "Pay & Services" → switch the wallet region to Mainland China in the top right corner
- Search for the "粤焕新" mini-program, select the product category, and claim the voucher
- Pay using WeChat Pay (Mainland version) with your RMB balance at checkout
You can also stack the departure tax refund! Double savings
Mainland China offers an approximately 11% tax refund for departing tourists on shopping purchases. Although Hong Kong residents are not explicitly listed, many netizens have successfully tested it. As long as you spend at designated stores displaying the "Tax Refund" label (such as Shun Dian or Xiaomi specialty stores), spend ¥200 or more per store per day, and take the goods out of the country within 90 days of purchase (keeping the tax refund seal intact), you can apply for the refund. Combining the national subsidy with the tax refund, buying expensive electronics can sometimes save you more than buying the Hong Kong retail version.
Friendly reminders
- The national subsidy is tentatively valid until December 31, 2026, but there are reports of limited quotas and some product vouchers already being snapped up — act early if you're interested
- The departure tax refund requires the product packaging to be intact; some Apple Stores may require on-the-spot unboxing and activation, so be sure to ask the staff before purchasing
- All details are subject to the latest official announcements — it's best to double-check whether vouchers are still available on the day before you head out
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