Travel Tips

Customs Declarations

According to China's Customs, all luggage and articles carried by inbound and outbound travelers in China should pass through the supervision of China Customs. Goods carried must fall within the limits of a reasonable amount for personal use. Goods exceeding these amounts will be taxed or refused.

To facilitate inbound and outbound travelers in China, China Customs simplified the customs declaration procedures on Feb 1st, 2008. Travelers who have nothing to declare can pass directly through the Chinese customs green channel (Nothing to Declare), with no customs declaration form required. While those who carry goods to declare should fill out a Chinese customs declaration form and pass through the red channel (Goods to Declare). Children under the age of 16 and accompanied by an adult are not obliged to fill in declaration forms. Travelers holding diplomatic or courtesy visas should show their valid certificates in order to receive more efficient service from China Customs. On the return trip, travelers have the option of completing the relevant sections on the same declaration form or completing a new declaration form.

Travelers who carry the following goods should declare them, or penalties will apply.

For Inbound Travelers:
1. animals, plants and their products; microbes; biology products; human organs; blood products.
2. (for Chinese residents) personal items reaching a total value of CNY 5,000.
3. (for non-Chinese residents) personal items worth over total of CNY 2,000.
4. alcohol (alcohol content above 12 degrees) exceeding 1,500 ml; cigarette 400 pieces, or cigar 100 pieces, or tobacco 500 g.
5. cash of Chinese currency exceeding CNY 20,000, or that of foreign currency worth over USD 5,000.
6. separated transport of baggage, cargos, cargo samples or advertising products.
7. other goods that need declaration.

For Outbound Travelers:
1. cultural relics; endangered living things and their products; biology species resources; gold, silver and other valuable metals.
2. (for Chinese residents) cameras, vidicons, portable computers and other personal items worth over CNY 5,000 singly that have crossed the border of China.
3. cash of Chinese currency exceeding CNY 20,000, or that of foreign currency worth over USD 5,000.
4. cargos, cargo samples or advertising products.
5. other goods that need declaration.