CHINA CUSTOMS
INFORMATION FOR INBOUND HOUSEHOLD GOODS SHIPMENTS

Oversears Agent Helper

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

  • The shipper, if he/she is a foreigner, must have obtained a one year valid Work Permit and Residence Permit before applying for an Import Permit. Without these documents, the shipment(s) cannot be cleared from the terminal and storage and demurrage costs will be incurred.
  • Returning Chinese can only import used household goods and personal effects if they can show evidence they have worked outside of China for more than one year. The evidence required would be a relevant work permit/visa from the country of origin
  • In the instance when a shipper is importing more than one shipment at the same time, both shipments must be cleared together; otherwise, the latter shipment will be fully dutiable.
  • Diplomatic shipments are exempt from duties and taxes.
  • For customs clearance of air shipments, the shipper MUST also provide a stamped 'Baggage Declaration Form' available the customs gate on disembarkation at the airport.
  • Wood cased shipments or shipments that include wood packing materials must be heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and be marked with IPPC stamps: Manufactured wood, such as plywood, particleboard, oriented strand board and chip board are exempt. Wood packing material made from wood pieces are also exempt, but only if the wood particles are less than 6 mm in any dimension. This regulation is for ALL shipments, regardless of origin. Additional costs due to delays, fumigation, destruction or return of the shipment, caused by not following these regulations will be billed back to you.

DUTIABLE ITEMS

  • Major electrical and electronic goods (both new and used) are subject to import duties. The list of dutiable items includes: Computers, monitors, certain computer peripherals, televisions, video cameras, video players, video recorders, air conditioners, audio equipment, refrigerators, washing machines, cameras, fax machines, programmable switchboards, computers, telephone sets, wireless paging systems, electronic calculators, printers, typewriters and word processors.
  • ALL Furniture is dutiable.
  • Pianos are dutiable. The customs duty for one grand piano is around RMB9000 and the customs duty for one upright piano is around RMB2000.dutiable items
  • ALL Lighting equipment is dutiable.
  • Audio cassette tapes, video cassette tapes, compact discs, DVD's etc. (limited importation applies) will be inspected by customs officers.
  • Each shipper can import a maximum of 50 kg of foodstuff (rice, seed or any meat is forbidden to import) and beverages as personal effects. (We recommend not to include food in the shipment, especially if from an epidemic-stricken)
  • Oriental antiques and objects must be declared in detail, otherwise re-export might be prohibited.
  • One set of golf clubs can be imported duty free, with additional clubs dutiable at 30% of customs value.
  • Dutiable/restricted items must be clearly indicated on the inventory and loaded last for easy access.

RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • Multifunction photocpiers can be imported as household goods or personal effects. But photocopiers cannot.
  • Cordless communication facilities are forbidden to be imported.
  • Satellite systems and GPS systems are forbidden to be imported.
  • The importation of motorcycles is prohibited unless the owner is a diplomat. Even if the owner has diplomatic status, the motorcycle will need to remain in a bonded warehouse until it has been registered and issued with a number plate.
  • No firearms or ammunition can be imported.restricted items
  • It is prohibited to import animals and plants, including samples. This also includes endangered species.
  • Food, medicine or other products from epidemic-stricken areas cannot be imported.
  • Narcotics, drugs, medicines or anaesthetics may not be imported.
  • No printed or recorded material deemed detrimental to the political, economic or social interest of China should be included in any shipments.
  • Large CD collections, Stamp collections and libraries will require special customs clearance process. Please check with us if the shipper decided to ship a large quantity of such items.
  • Duties and taxes for alcohol are extremely high. We strongly recommend NOT including wines or liquor in the shipment.

AUTOMOBILES

Automobiles
  • Returning Chinese citizens cannot import automobiles unless he/she is a returning diplomat and can abtain an import permit.
  • Foreigners can import one new car per person if the import permit is approved by Customs office. The shipper normally needs to have a residence permit which is valid for more than 365 days. The shipper has to pay import duties, VAT and sales tax. Contact our office to find out if the vehicle can be imported.
  • Diesel motor cars are forbidden to be imported into China.
  • Diplomats are exempt from paying customs duty and taxes on their automobiles.
  • The shipper needs to check with each destination city's Environmental Bureau to see if his/her car can meet local environmental standard. While some cars do have problems getting car plates, car models listed in the China Compulsory Certificate are generally safe to be imported.

PETS

  • The only pets that can be imported into China are dogs and cats. Only one animal is allowed for each adult passportdog
  • Health Certificate and original Certificate of Rabies Vaccination is required.
  • Animals imported in Beijing will be quarantined for 30 days, while those entering via Shanghai are quarantined for 7 days.

Consignment instruction:


For none diplomatic shipment , please consign as follows:

Client's name (exactly the same as is shown on passport)
C/O Continental International Moving
Room 26B, Block Two, Bauhinia Court (Zi Jing Hao Ting),
No. 30 Dongsanhuan Beilu,
Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, P.R. China

Tel: (86 10) 8762 5110 / (86 10) 8762 5109
Fax: (86 10) 8762 5281
Email: rates@cimmover.com inbound1@cimmover.com
Attn: Ms. Rita Zhang

For diplomatic shipment, please consign to:

C/O embassy's name and address

Client's name (exactly the same as is shown on passport)
C/O Continental International Moving
Room 26B, Block Two, Bauhinia Court (Zi Jing Hao Ting),
No. 30 Dongsanhuan Beilu,
Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, P.R. China

Tel: (86 10) 8762 5110 / (86 10) 8762 5109
Fax: (86 10) 8762 5281
Email: rates@cimmover.com inbound1@cimmover.com
Attn: Ms. Rita Zhang

NOTE : Chinese customs regulations are subject to change at any time without notice. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments and is provided for general guidance and assistance to our agents and customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, CIM cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with you local embassy or consulate.