Question 1

What you'll need

Passport with a Residence Permit (valid for at least one year)
    Combined Work Permit and Social Security Card (replacing Work Permit from Dec 1, 2024)
    Employment Approval Letter (required in Beijing and South China)
    Representative Card (for foreign representative office staff)
    Application Form with your signature and company chop
    Inventory packing list and Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
    'Baggage Declaration Form' (completed, stamped by customs at entry, and forwarded to your destination agent)
    Copy of your property deed or rental contract in China
    If your shipment originates from a country different from your nationality, an original visa showing at least one year's residency in that country, or an explanation letter if no original visa exists.
    For students: Student card and university enrollment letter.
    Printout of your entry record into mainland China for the last 2-3 years (from the PSB).
    For Taiwan residents: Taibao Zheng, Residence Permit (Ju Zhu Zheng).
    For Hong Kong / Macau residents: ID Card, Tong Xing Zheng, Residence Permit (Ju Zhu Zheng).

Good to know

The Import Permit application is typically made after your Residence Permit is issued (approx. 3-4 weeks after arrival with a Z visa).
    Once approved, items must be imported within 6 months.
    All electrical items must be clearly listed on the inventory with model, serial number, and size.
    Video tapes/CDs must be clearly indicated with exact quantities and may undergo a 2-3 week inspection in Shanghai.
    This category generally applies to expatriates working for registered foreign representative offices, joint ventures, or wholly-owned companies who will reside in China for at least 12 months.
    Customs officers have broad discretion, and procedures can vary by city.
    In Shanghai, the first inbound sea shipment is generally duty-free, based on "reasonable quantities" (e.g., one TV per family member).
    In Beijing, for the first inbound sea shipment, items valued at CNY 5,000 or above are dutiable, also based on "reasonable quantities."
    Any second shipment to China, regardless of timing or mode, is 100% dutiable.
    From December 2024, all air shipments arriving at Shanghai PVG airport will be subject to duty and tax.
    The 'Baggage Declaration Form' is not universally required; check with your local agent.
    It is strongly advised against including foodstuffs, wine/alcohol (strictly prohibited in air shipments), cosmetics, health products, and toiletries in air shipments.
    For Beijing and cities in South China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau residents need a Tong Xing Zheng and a Residence Permit (Ju Zhu Zheng) valid for a full year; without the Ju Zhu Zheng, clearance may not be possible.

Returning Chinese citizens
Chinese nationals returning to China after an extended stay abroad can import household goods, subject to specific conditions and duty allowances.
What you'll need

Original passport showing a stay of at least one year abroad (or more than 6 months for air shipments).
    Printout of your entry record into mainland China for the last 2-3 years (from the PSB).
    Declaration of unaccompanied luggage stamped by airport customs upon arrival.
    Copy of your property deed or rental contract in China.

Good to know

Shipments must be imported within 180 days of your return to mainland China. Exemptions may be considered due to travel restrictions, but it's best to confirm with your agent.
    In Shanghai, upon arrival, you must declare the value of your accompanying flight luggage. This declared amount will be deducted from your duty-free allowance of RMB 5,000. If you declare more than RMB 5,000, the excess is subject to immediate tax and duty payment at the airport.
    During household goods clearance, the remaining duty-free amount (RMB 5,000 minus declared luggage value) will be assessed for tax and duty.
    In Beijing, the shipment must be imported within 6 months of your return.
    Frequent trips in recent years may prevent clearance at Tianjin Customs.
    If you obtain a Customs-chopped baggage declaration form in Beijing, the duty-free amount (RMB 5,000 minus declared luggage value) will be assessed for tax and duty.

Employees of News Agencies
Special provisions apply for employees of news agencies importing personal effects.
What you'll need

Passport with Residence Permit.
    Journalist Card.
    News Agency Certificate.
    Customs Registration Book.
    Customs Application Form with your signature and News Agency chop.
    Inventory packing list and OBL/AWB.
    Original delivery order for sea shipments, copy of arrival notice for air shipments.

Good to know

Customs regulations are generally similar to those for foreign enterprise expatriates.

Diplomatic Personnel
Diplomatic shipments follow a distinct process, usually with fewer inspections and no duty.
What you'll need

Diplomatic Card.
    Passport.
    Original AWB/OBL with embassy's chop.

Good to know

An Import Permit is required and must be applied for by the Embassy.
    Customs inspection is rare but possible, requiring authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and notification to the diplomatic mission.
    Diplomatic shipments are typically duty-free.
    Quarantine inspections are more common, especially depending on the shipment's contents.
    Vehicles for diplomats will undergo a quarantine check.

Bringing special items
Restricted & prohibited items
Items containing pornographic or subversive material will be confiscated, and fines may be levied. Fax machines and photocopy machines are not allowed in personal shipments for Shanghai. Importation of Asian/Chinese antiques is not recommended; if included, they must be clearly indicated on the inventory for potential registration for re-export, though re-export is not guaranteed.
Alcohol & tobacco
Wine and alcohol are strictly prohibited in air shipments and generally discouraged in all inbound air shipments.

Frequently asked questions
Is an Import Permit always required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an Import Permit (Customs QR code) is generally required for customs clearance of household goods.

Question 2

Will my shipment be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all shipments are subject to inspection by local Customs, with the exception of diplomatic shipments which are rarely inspected.

Question 3

Are there duty exemptions for foreign residents?

Accepted Answer

First-time foreign importers with foreign passports may import personal shipments duty-free, provided goods are for personal use and within reasonable limits. High-value items may be dutiable. This policy is not yet applied nationally in all cities.

Question 4

What happens if I send a second shipment?

Accepted Answer

Any second shipment to China, whether by air or sea, even if years later, is 100% dutiable.

Question 5

Are there special rules for air shipments?

Accepted Answer

From December 2024, all air shipments arriving at Shanghai PVG airport will be subject to duty and tax. Generally, foodstuffs, wine/alcohol, cosmetics, health products, and toiletries are discouraged in air shipments.

Question 6

How long after I arrive can I import my goods?

Accepted Answer

For foreign residents, items approved for import must arrive within 6 months of the Import Permit's issuance. For returning Chinese citizens, shipments must be imported within 180 days of their return to mainland China (6 months for Beijing).

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