Box Shipping - Import Regulations in China

Import Regulations in China

China customs classifies imports into three categories - prohibited, restricted and permitted categories. Some goods (e.g. wastes, toxics) are banned from being imported, when certain products in the restricted category are subject to strict restrictions by requiring quotas or licenses.

Value added and consumption taxes are assessed at the point of importation. The usual VAT rate fluctuates from 17% to 13% for certain items. Certain consumer goods (e.g. tobacco, liquor and cosmetics) is a matter to a consumption tax at a rate varying between 3% and 45%.

Inappropriately certified shipments may be returned to origin, or it can be separated from the packing material, at the importer's expense and the packing material would be destroyed, or if the shipment cannot be separated from the packing material and is not returned to origin, then both the shipment and packing material would be destroyed.

Here is the list of required documents: Visa/Work Visa; Foreign Expert Certificate; Identity Card; Residence Card/Permit; Original Passport and Authorization Letter; Residency Registration (to obtain Green Card); Application for Customs Sealed Letter (three copies); Letter of Employment Certification (preferably in Chinese) from employer's registered China Office, or Chinese host organization, certifying that Customer will be either personnel of Foreign Resident Office, or Foreign Expert; detailed inventory in English (describing general carton contents - PBO "packed by owner" and "misc." not acceptable); Arrival Customs Declaration (to be completed by Customer on arrival at port of entry); application for import of personal effects (Import Permit); Certificate of Origin; Customs Permit (must be approved prior to arrival of goods); Health Certificate.

Customer must arrive in China before shipment, in order to complete import formalities. Individual registration of owner of the goods and employer's registration must be approved before arrival of the shipment. Personal effects and used household goods are dutiable for Chinese persons holding a foreign passport and foreigners entering China for an extended period of time (not holding a Residence Card). Only one air and one sea shipment may be imported within six months. All the shipments are subject to physical inspection by Customs.

Customs Regulations in China >>