Duty-free commodities, because of their competitive prices, have been in existence for a long time in other countries. China started to deal in such goods in March 1980. Now duty-free shops are almost everywhere-airports, ports, train stations, border posts, and tourist cities. All the chain stores are managed by the China Duty-Free Stores Co. The company has trade links with major duty-free exporters around the world.

Foreign exchange in US dollars, Japanese Yen and Hong Kong dollars are accepted at duty-free shops. There are money exchange shops in each store.

The duty-free shops in China sell famous-brand cigarettes, wines, perfumes, cosmetics, pens, watches, candies, food, daily necessities and electronics. Almost all brands can be found, and prices are cheaper than in most Western countries.