VAT on Gold in China
Investment gold bars from banks and exchange members are sold near the Shanghai Gold Exchange price without 13% VAT. Retail jewellery prices include 13% VAT and a 5% consumption tax charged at the retail stage, about 18.9% combined. Today 10 grams of 24K gold cost ¥8,313 at the world price, with no tax on investment bars and coins.
Rules checked 26 October 2026 · Prices Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC · Not tax advice
Gold in China today, with tax
CNY · Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC| Weight | World price, 24K gold | Bar or coin, with tax and duty | 18K jewellery metal, with tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gram | ¥831.29 | ¥831.29 | ¥741.30 |
| 10 grams | ¥8,313 | ¥8,313 | ¥7,413 |
| 1 ounce | ¥25,856 | ¥25,856 | ¥23,057 |
| 100 grams | ¥83,129 | ¥83,129 | ¥74,130 |
| 1 kilo | ¥831,292 | ¥831,292 | ¥741,305 |
The rules in China
| What you buy | Tax | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bars and bullion coins | 0% | Investment gold bars from banks and exchange members are sold near the Shanghai Gold Exchange price without 13% VAT. Standard gold traded on the SGE is VAT-exempt, and gold for investment use keeps that treatment under the rules in force from 1 Nov 2025 to 31 Dec 2027. |
| Jewellery | 18.9% | Retail jewellery prices include 13% VAT and a 5% consumption tax charged at the retail stage, about 18.9% combined. Charged on: full value. |
| Import duty | 0% | No customs duty is built into the SGE price. Imports need central bank permits, which keeps the Shanghai price away from world parity. Since 1 Nov 2025, gold drawn for non-investment use (such as jewellery) gets input VAT credit at 6% instead of 13%, raising jewellers' costs. |
| Tourist refund | Yes | China's departure tax refund for overseas visitors covers goods from designated stores, net of an agency fee (minimum ¥200 per store per day since 2025). |
Compared with nearby countries
| Country | Bars and coins | Jewellery | Import duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 0% | 18.9% | none |
| Hong Kong | 0% | 0% | none |
| Japan | 10% | 10% | none |
| South Korea | 10% | 10% | none |
| Singapore | 0% | 9% | none |
| Malaysia | 0% | 0% | none |
| Thailand | 0% | 0% on the gold | none |
| Vietnam | 0% | 0% on the gold | none |
| Indonesia | 0% | 1.65% | none |
| Philippines | 12% | 12% | none |
VAT on Gold in China: FAQ
Is there VAT on gold in China?
Investment gold bars from banks and exchange members are sold near the Shanghai Gold Exchange price without 13% VAT. Retail jewellery prices include 13% VAT and a 5% consumption tax charged at the retail stage, about 18.9% combined.
Do you pay VAT on gold bars and coins in China?
Investment gold bars from banks and exchange members are sold near the Shanghai Gold Exchange price without 13% VAT. Standard gold traded on the SGE is VAT-exempt, and gold for investment use keeps that treatment under the rules in force from 1 Nov 2025 to 31 Dec 2027.
Is there import duty on gold in China?
No customs duty is built into the SGE price. Imports need central bank permits, which keeps the Shanghai price away from world parity. Since 1 Nov 2025, gold drawn for non-investment use (such as jewellery) gets input VAT credit at 6% instead of 13%, raising jewellers' costs.
Can tourists claim back the VAT on gold in China?
Yes. China's departure tax refund for overseas visitors covers goods from designated stores, net of an agency fee (minimum ¥200 per store per day since 2025).
Why is the gold price in China different from the world price?
Shanghai premium of $10/oz over the global benchmark on 9 Oct 2026 (Reuters).
Sources (3)
Related
General information on the tax a private buyer pays, checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check with the seller, the tax authority or an adviser. Not tax advice.