What happens if I have already paid the international search fee when the application is declared withdrawn by the CNIPA as receiving Office?

If your application has been declared withdrawn by the CNIPA acting as receiving Office but you have already paid the international search fee to the EPO, the EPO will refund the search fee in accordance with Rule 16.2 PCT.

If you have an EPO deposit account, the EPO will make the refund directly to that account. Otherwise, you can claim it via the EPO's online refund claim service. Please note that the EPO cannot make refunds to credit cards. For further information on the EPO's refund procedures, see the related notice.