Importing Into 🇨🇳 China
De Minimis Threshold
US$21
RMB 150
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
For cross-border e-commerce (CBEC), a single-transaction limit of RMB 5,000 and annual limit of RMB 26,000 per individual applies; qualifying CBEC goods are taxed at a preferential integrated tax rate. For traditional customs, the de minimis (personal postal articles) is RMB 50 for taxes — effectively, most imports from overseas face some taxation. Business imports: general customs duties, VAT (13%), and consumption tax apply.
As of: 2019-01-01
VAT / GST on Imports
13%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Customs Declaration Form (for travelers and commercial imports via GACC e-portal) |
| 02 | Commercial Invoice |
| 03 | Packing List |
| 04 | Bill of Lading or Airway Bill |
| 05 | Certificate of Origin (for FTA preference — RCEP, ASEAN-China FTA, etc.) |
| 06 | China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) certificate |
| 07 | NMPA registration or approval (for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics) |
| 08 | GACC registration (for food exporters) |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Food and agricultural products (GACC registration required for exporters; China Inspection and Quarantine — CIQ)
- ⚠Pharmaceuticals (NMPA (formerly CFDA) approval required)
- ⚠Firearms and weapons (Ministry of Public Security strict permits required)
- ⚠Certain chemicals and hazardous materials
- ⚠Radioactive materials
- ⚠Seeds and plant materials (phytosanitary certificate required)
- ⚠Encrypted communications equipment
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Narcotics and psychotropic substances
- ✗Publications, films, and materials deemed harmful to China's political or social stability
- ✗Gambling equipment
- ✗Counterfeit currency
- ✗Animal and plant species protected under CITES without permits
- ✗Weapons and explosives without permits
Special Notes
- 01All imported food must come from GACC-registered overseas facilities — exporters to China need to register with GACC.
- 02China's import tariffs and trade measures have been subject to significant changes in the context of US-China trade tensions.
- 03VAT on imports is 13% (standard) or 9% (for some goods like agricultural products).
- 04The National Customs Clearance Integration Reform (NCCIR) unified customs administration.
- 05Special cross-border e-commerce zones (Hainan Free Trade Port, etc.) offer preferential import rules.
- 06China restricts VPN and internet-related product imports.
- 07Annual individual cross-border e-commerce limit is RMB 26,000.
Documented Import Rules
Vape / E-Cigarette
🇨🇳 China
Vape / E-Cigarette requires declaration / permit for personal import into China.
Alcohol / Spirits
🇨🇳 China
Alcohol / Spirits requires declaration / permit for personal import into China.
Tobacco Cigarettes
🇨🇳 China
Tobacco Cigarettes requires declaration / permit for personal import into China.
CBD Oil
🇨🇳 China
CBD Oil is generally prohibited for personal import into China.
Cannabis Seeds
🇨🇳 China
Cannabis Seeds is generally prohibited for personal import into China.
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade)
🇨🇳 China
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) requires declaration / permit for personal import into China.
Codeine (Medication)
🇨🇳 China
Codeine (Medication) is generally prohibited for personal import into China.
Adderall (Medication)
🇨🇳 China
Adderall (Medication) is generally prohibited for personal import into China.
Tramadol (Medication)
🇨🇳 China
Tramadol (Medication) is generally prohibited for personal import into China.
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