On December 31, the Ministry of Commerce and other departments issued a notice regarding the implementation of the 2026 home appliance replacement and subsidies for new digital and smart products. The notice specifies that businesses participating in the policy must balance the sale of new appliances with the collection of old ones.
The notice proposes improving the recycling system for used home appliances. Participating businesses must possess the capability to recycle old appliances, integrating the sale of new products with the collection of old ones, and proactively offering one-stop services for delivering new items and collecting old ones. Home appliance retailers are encouraged to collaborate with manufacturers and recycling companies to conduct replacement promotional activities, offering appropriate discounts to consumers who purchase new items and trade in old ones.
The notice also proposes ensuring that residents in rural areas, especially those in remote regions, can participate in the subsidy program, thereby enhancing consumption convenience in these areas. Platform entities facilitating subsidies through online channels must effectively meet the online subsidy consumption needs of rural residents. Support will be provided for various entities within county commercial systems, such as comprehensive county trade service centers and township commercial centers, to participate in the subsidy policy.
Large supermarkets, brand flagship stores, specialty stores, and other businesses expanding into rural markets are encouraged to extend their service networks to remote rural areas. This can be achieved through methods such as mobile "caravan" tours to villages, rural markets, and on-site exhibitions.
The notice clarifies that starting January 1, 2026, subsidies will be provided to individual consumers based on nationally unified categories and standards. These subsidies apply to the purchase of six types of home appliances—refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, water heaters, and computers—that meet Grade 1 energy or water efficiency standards. Additionally, subsidies are available for four types of digital and smart products—mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches (wristbands), and smart glasses—with a single-item selling price not exceeding 6,000 yuan.
The subsidy rate is set at 15% of the final selling price of the aforementioned products after all discounts are applied. Each individual is eligible for a subsidy on one item per category. The maximum subsidy per home appliance item is 1,500 yuan, and per digital/smart product item is 500 yuan.