Review the items that need attention
Look through your bags before leaving home. Pay particular attention to medicines, fresh or animal-derived food, plants and seeds, wildlife products, valuables, cash and goods intended for other people or a business.
Rules depend on the item, quantity and purpose. A personal souvenir is different from merchandise or commercial samples. Do not assume something may enter China because it was sold legally at home or passed through another country.
Check medicines by ingredient
Keep medicine in its original packaging and carry the prescription or supporting medical letter where appropriate. Check the active ingredient and the quantity with the relevant official authority before departure, especially for controlled substances.
A medicine’s familiar brand name may not identify the legal ingredient. Ask about the exact product and carry the written answer or required permit if one is issued. Avoid decanting tablets into unlabelled containers for the journey.
Food, plants and animal products
Review Customs quarantine restrictions before packing food gifts, meat, dairy products, plants, seeds or animal products. Some goods are prohibited and others require documents; personal use does not remove those requirements.
Choose gifts that do not create a border problem and keep the packaging so the contents are identifiable. Do not carry a parcel for someone else unless you know what is inside and understand the applicable rules.
At the border
Follow the signs for the declaration and non-declaration channels. Use the declaration process when carrying an item that must be declared. If unsure, ask a Customs officer before choosing a channel and explain the item and quantity clearly.
Keep purchase receipts, permits and the relevant documents accessible. Declare separate shipments or commercial goods through the required process instead of treating them as ordinary passenger luggage.
Check the journey home as well
China’s export rules and your destination’s import rules are separate. Before buying an antique, animal-derived item, medicine or food gift, check whether it may leave China and enter the next destination.
Keep receipts for purchases and any required certificates. If applying for a departure tax refund, retain the goods and refund records as directed by the shop and departure port. Leave time for these steps before your onward flight.
Common questions
Should I declare something if I am unsure?
Speak to Customs before choosing the exit channel. Describe the item and quantity rather than guessing from a general travel article.
Does my prescription guarantee I can bring a medicine?
No. Check the ingredient, quantity and any permission required for that specific medicine before traveling.