CHINA

Overview

The following items may be imported into China without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes and 100 cigars and 500g of tobacco.
• 1500ml of alcoholic beverages with 12% or more alcoholic content.
• Personal articles to a value of ¥5,000or above for Chinese residents.
• Personal articles which will be left in China up to a value of ¥2,000 for non-residents.
• The exceeding part or amount (subject to reasonable personal use) above the limitation set by the Customs shall be levied duty upon.

For more information, see General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China 

Prohibited Imports

Arms and ammunition, imitation arms, narcotics, deadly poison, fruit, animals and animal products, and any publication (print, audio or video) directed against the public order and the morality of China, food, medicine and other articles coming from epidemic stricken area or harmful to man and livestock or those which might spread disease.

Customs officials may seize audio and videotapes, books, records and CDs to check for pornographic, political or religious material. You must complete baggage declaration forms upon arrival noting all valuables (such as cameras, watches and jewellery); this may be checked on departure. You should keep receipts for items such as jewellery, jade, handicrafts, paintings, calligraphy or other similar items in order to obtain an export certificate from the authorities on leaving. Without this documentation, you cannot take such items out of the country.

Prohibited Exports

All articles prohibited from export as well as publications or media containing state secrets, valuable cultural artefacts, and endangered/rare animals and plants (and their seeds).

No guarantee can be given for the correctness of the information about the travel allowances in China.