China Customs Regulations – What to Declare and How to Declare

Prepare a detailed inventory before travel. For multiple persons, document each participant with role; include value; specify purpose; include location for items; keep supervisor contact; ensure consistency between the inventory, manuscripts, devices, technology; share copies with relevant parties.

When several persons travel together; document each participant with role; attach ID reference; provide related contact; this practice reduces delays; keeps records ready for the relevant officer.

Specific categories require extra care: biological materials; manuscripts; technology; devices; pack separately; use protective labeling; ensure compatibility with the medium of transport; respect carrier rules.

Restricted items including e-cigarettes kept apart; verify permits; label clearly; if released by authorities, provide release notes; follow disposal or return rules.

Beyond the capital region, maintain a secure repository for all documents; keep copies at the origin location; rely on a single supervisor; ensure consistency; store all material on a single medium; monitor musk odor in packaging; careful handling reduces risk for all parties.

Practical declaration rules for food items at Chinese customs

Recommendation: You must submit advance electronic notification detailing each item: product name, origin, quantity, value in yuan, and intended use; specify whether samples are for personal consumption or distribution. This speeds the process and reduces delays at the baggage-claim.

Upon arrival, proceed to the border-control desk within the arrival hall and present the electronic reference number, receipts for purchases, and any permits for restricted substances. Officers may inspect samples on the spot; maintain clear communication to resolve questions quickly.

For items requiring permits, obtain codes from china-operated authorities before travel; present documentation electronically or in paper form if requested. For travelers carrying multiple food products, the checks occur in a single pass; timing may vary by regions.

Personal shipments carried in baggage-claim are subject to formalities that limit certain categories; those limits exist per item and per person. If quantities exceed allowances, it is easier to use advance filings or ship via approved channels.

Substances such as powders, liquids, seeds, meats and dairy, or plant-based foods require pre-clearance; samples may be tested and quarantined. Label every item with origin and contents, keep within the allowed containers, and present receipts when requested to verify value and origin.

One-way flow of the routine process helps: advance submission → on-arrival review → final clearance; within the hall, formalities are streamlined when information is accurate, reducing back-and-forth communication and re-checks.

Compliance effects include fines in yuan, confiscation of non-compliant items, and possible future restrictions; millions of travelers keep to the rules each year, maintaining smooth throughput.

Tips: plan timings around regional differences; keep originals of receipts, maintain orderly packaging, separate samples from other goods, and ensure advance timing aligns with visas if necessary; for those using china-operated services, always verify the latest lists and allowed substances before travel.

What must be declared for travellers’ food items

For those bringing items, prepare a precise inventory of all edible items in baggage; present this list at the port via the declarations channel. Use the dedicated lane for food declarations to speed processing; have receipts ready for fruit, dairy, meat products, seeds, nuts, snacks, prepared meals, precious delicacies.

Items requiring declarations include fresh fruit; dairy products; meat; poultry; eggs; seeds; nuts; dried fruit; baked goods; snacks; traditional preserves.

Past years show misreporting triggers longer checks; some rules seem strict; those involving perishable items may require approved documentation; items lacking backing paperwork escalate inspection time.

Non-edible items such as videodisc, disk cases, heritage souvenirs brought from abroad require separate declarations; these belongings stay in a different channel or lane.

Timing tips: when waiting in line at the port, keep declarations ready; guiding staff directs to the correct lane; regional queues may escalate waiting times for those bringing multiple packages; business travellers benefit from early preparation; maintaining calm reduces errors.

Penalties for misreporting produce higher consequences; outcomes vary by location; approved lists exist for common items; to minimize risk, bring items clearly permitted.

Commonly permitted snacks and packaged foods you can bring

Recommendation: Pack sealed, store-bought snacks in original packaging; ensure items are dry, non-perishable; carry documentation to demonstrate origin, ingredients, dates; maintain a straightforward transfer plan; at kong or other hubs, these measures will reduce waiting times. Certain items have required documentation.

regardless of port or route, these guidelines apply; during inspection line at transfer hubs, preparation reduces waiting times; similar items may require special attention; specialized food may need documentation; liquor requires approval; litres quotas apply; carry a clear image of the product label; keep receipts; use cards with product details to speed processing; fulfil these requirements; this guide covers transportation-related checks.

• Cookies, biscuits, crackers, chips, pretzels; sealed packaging; label visible
• Chocolate bars, candy, dried fruit, granola bars, cereal portions; sealed; packaging intact
• Nuts, seeds, roasted snacks; original packaging; check allergen notices
• Instant noodles, soup mixes, dried grains; unopened sachets or pouches; dry goods
• Powdered beverages, coffee sachets, tea bags; sealed; avoid loose powders
• Seasonings, spice blends; small sealed containers; labeling in English or local language
• Shelf-stable sauces, condiments; small bottles; packaging intact; keep within allowed limits
• Liquor, sealed bottles; litres limits apply; approval may be required; keep image of label; documentation helpful; ensure transfer country rules permit
• Packaged food gifts; keep items in original boxes; related documentation may speed clearance; special attention may apply to certain items

Steps to declare packaged foods: forms, codes, and submission tips

Prepare a ready dossier with exact product name, brand, ingredients, consumption method, and importer contacts. Confirm that all numbers on the label align with supporting documents; exclude damaged items from the shipment to avoid delays at exit points.

Understand the general submission procedures: collect class and duty classifications, packaging details, and whether packaging materials are combustible. Include multiple lots if applicable. Ensure that opioids are not present in any ingredient list to prevent prohibition.

During preparation, ensure consistency across files: the amounts, batch numbers, and transfer references must match the label, the invoice, and overseas supplier paperwork. You want to minimize inspections by providing complete, legible data that supports the traveler and inspections officer alike. If a package carries bone fragments or bone-in ingredients, disclose those specifics and confirm they comply with the destination’s requirements. While preparing, keep understanding how exit and entry checks will read the data that appears on the forms.

Traveler tips and data hygiene: progenitive batch identifiers help track shipments; use general codes and ready-to-submit formats; cross-check numbers with the supplier and the buyer. For an overseas transfer, ensure the numbers align with the general records; if you want smoother processing, carry both digital and paper copies for inspections. For damaged items, initiate a rapid correction workflow to avoid delays at border crossings.

Fresh produce, meat, and dairy: restrictions and quarantine considerations

Do not carry fresh produce, meat, or dairy across borders without prior officer approval at beijing entry points. Have large documentation, receipts, andor letters ready, and present them when asked. Keep items located separately from relics and other non-food belongings to speed checks.

Fresh produce: Fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods are subject to quarantine checks; seeds require separate clearance and phytosanitary letters. Only items with official documentation may continue. Ensure items are clean, in original packaging, and free from soil. Careful packing and accurate labeling reduce questions and seem to minimize delays.

Meat and dairy: Animal products, including dried or canned meats and dairy items, are tightly controlled; personal quantities are often limited or prohibited unless accompanied by veterinary health letters and location-approved permission. Items must be in original sealed packaging; avoid raw, thawed, or spoiled products. If clearance is not granted, leave them behind at the checkpoint or face confiscation and adverse outcomes.

Documentation and process: Carry passports and visas, plus large documentation for any animal-origin items. Bring receipts andor letters indicating origin, health status, and production location. Be ready to show exchanges with the officer and to leave any disallowed items. The principle is strict screening to prevent pests and disease; thorough preparation improves approval chances and speeds review.

Seeds, cannabis-derived items, and related notes: Seeds require specific clearance; do not bring cannabis-derived substances. If seeds are permitted, ensure proper letters and documentation accompany them. For beijing checks, keep everything in a single package and present it to the officer when asked. Travelers should understand that activities at the border influence outcomes; well-organized documentation for beijing, passports, and visas enhances success. Valued items such as receipts should be kept handy, and be mindful of items carried; if disallowed, leave them.

Labeling, ingredients, and packaging standards to avoid holds

Recommendation: Label with country of origin; include item name; list ingredients in descending order by weight; specify net quantity; provide manufacturing date; expiry date; include batch or lot number; note storage conditions; attach a traveler card; maintain a clear label body in the destination language; ensure a single, consistent card present for overseas shipments.

Ingredients must be listed using common names; avoid vague descriptors; for foods allergens must be disclosed; for alcohol show ABV percentage; use metric units; when multiple components exist, present a complete list; the label body should reflect a single purpose to minimize misinterpretation.

Packaging requires tamper-evident seals; outer cartons carry product code, country code, storage instructions; packaging materials must not contaminate content; avoid soil contamination; for arms-length handling ensure seals remain intact; for larger volumes verify compliance with limits; these measures support smooth overseas checks.

칸나비스(Cannabis) 유래 성분이 포함된 경우, 명확한 공시가 필요합니다. 일부 관할 구역에서는 원산지, 효능 또는 사용을 제한합니다. 해당되는 경우 특허 번호를 준수하고, 요구 사항을 충족하며, 오해의 소지가 있는 주장을 피해야 합니다. 라벨은 특히 알코올 또는 칸나비스 유래 성분을 함유한 식품과 관련하여 각 품목의 법적 지위를 반영해야 합니다.

여행자는 휴대 수하물에 담긴 품목에 대한 서류를 준비해야 합니다. 제품 데이터가 포함된 여행자 카드를 제공하십시오. 해외 배송 지침을 참조하고 여러 품목에 대한 일관성을 유지하며 이러한 기록을 검사에 대비하여 준비해 두십시오.

일관성 있는 라벨링은 보류를 줄입니다. 여러 품목에 대해 동일한 형식을 유지하십시오. 여행객은 휴대 식품에 대한 제한 내에서 유지됩니다. 유통기한을 확인하십시오. 보류를 피하기 위해 보관 조건을 기록하십시오. 이러한 포장 준수의 경이로움은 원활한 검사를 지원합니다.

별표 (*) 마커를 사용하여 알레르기나 특허 청구에 대한 참고 사항에 연결하고 해당 성분 근처에 참고 사항이 나타나도록 합니다. 쿠빌로스 또는 뼈에서 유래한 성분의 경우 원산지에 대한 명시적인 참고 사항을 포함합니다.

라벨링의 목적은 국가 지침 준수를 보장하는 것입니다. 이 관행은 법적 검토를 지원하며, 여행자 카드는 국경 검사에 도움이 됩니다. 날짜가 제품 수명 주기에 맞는지 확인하고, 날짜 형식이 현지 표준과 일치하도록 합니다.

알코올을 함유한 식품의 경우, 라벨에 알코올 함유량을 mL 단위로 표시하고, 용기 크기에 대한 법적 제한을 포함하며, 해외 운송업체를 위한 지침을 제공해야 합니다. 이는 여행객의 요구를 보호하고, 보류를 줄이며, 제품군 전체의 일관성을 유지합니다.