Authorities at one of Shanghai's airports have been forced to debunk internet gossip connected to the new changes to the e-commerce taxes.
A picture taken on Friday has been making the rounds, showing numerous skin-care products scattered on the floor at the customs check area at Pudong International in Shanghai.
The caption on the photo suggests the items were purchased abroad and tossed aside by their owner to avoid increased tariffs on foreign goods.
However, customs officials at Pudong say this is not the case.
"While going through inbound customs checks, we found one passenger had numerous skincare items in four large suitcases, which we needed to open to inspect. Because parts of our airport are still under construction, we don't have an enclosed inspection area yet, and we could only sort the items on the floor. "
As of this Friday, items purchased abroad via Chinese online platforms are now subject to the same taxes as other items imported into China.
Customs officials note this does not affect physical purchases made by people who are travelling.
"Goods purchased on trips abroad are duty free up to the 5,000 yuan mark. That remains unchanged. In fact, travelers now enjoy another 3,000 yuan in tax free purchases at duty free shops. So the total threshold has actually been increased."
Customs officials at Pudong also say the new tax changes are not going to affect luggage inspection procedures at Chinese airports.
Chinese authorities, as of Friday, began taxing inbound e-commerce purchases at the same rate as other imported items, creating some confusion about what is or isn't going to be covered under the changes.
