China customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

China's customs enforcement is rigorous. The biggest trap: personal electronics, gifts, and luxury items bought abroad are subject to a flat 60% duty if their total value exceeds 5,000 CNY (approx. 700 USD) — and officials often check receipts. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers arriving from abroad in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.5 L

1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages (any type) duty-free. Must be 18+. Over this, duty is 50% of the CIF value.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes

or 100 cigars / 500 g

Cash to declare

$5,000

Cash (any currency) exceeding 20,000 CNY (approx. 2,800 USD) must be declared. For foreign currency, amounts over 5,000 USD (or equivalent) require a bank-issued declaration form. Use the red channel to declare.

Goods duty-free

$500

Duty-free allowance for personal goods: 5,000 CNY (approx. 700 USD) total value. Over that, a flat 60% duty applies on the entire value. Receipts are often checked.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, even for medical use)
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives
Counterfeit currency and goods
Endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn, tiger parts)
Pornographic materials (including digital media)
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate)
Pets (cats and dogs only; require rabies vaccination certificate and quarantine inspection)
Drones (must be declared; may be confiscated if used without a permit)
Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, you'll enter the customs hall. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and your goods are within the duty-free limits. Use the red channel if you have items to declare (cash, dutiable goods, restricted items). You may be asked to fill out a paper customs declaration form (available in Chinese and English).

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

China offers a tourist VAT refund scheme called 'Tax Refund for Overseas Visitors' on goods purchased from designated stores. Minimum single-store purchase: 500 CNY (approx. 70 USD). Refund rate is 11% of the purchase price, minus a 2% handling fee. Claim at the airport customs counter before check-in, with the original tax-refund invoice, passport, and goods.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 3 months' supply. A doctor's prescription (in English or Chinese) is recommended. Controlled drugs (e.g., strong painkillers, sedatives) require prior approval from China's National Medical Products Administration. Some common Western medications, such as codeine-based cough syrups and certain antidepressants, are strictly controlled or banned.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruit, meat, dairy, and eggs are generally prohibited. Processed, commercially packaged food (e.g., biscuits, chocolate) is usually allowed in small quantities for personal use. Failure to declare can result in fines or confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Duty on Personal Electronics

Laptops, cameras, smartphones, and other electronics are considered personal goods. If their total value exceeds 5,000 CNY (approx. 700 USD), a flat 60% duty applies on the entire value. Keep receipts handy.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Gifts (including items for friends/family) are counted as personal goods and subject to the same 5,000 CNY duty-free threshold. There is no separate gift allowance.

Strict Enforcement on Cash

Cash declarations are rigorously enforced. Failure to declare amounts over 20,000 CNY (approx. 2,800 USD) can lead to confiscation and fines. Always use the red channel if carrying cash near the limit.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The duty-free threshold for personal goods is 5,000 CNY (approx. 700 USD). Since your items exceed that, you must declare them at the red channel and pay a flat 60% duty on the entire 8,000 CNY value (i.e., 4,800 CNY duty).

Yes, for personal use. However, TCM containing animal ingredients from endangered species (e.g., tiger bone, rhino horn) is strictly prohibited. Plant-based TCM is generally allowed but should be declared. A prescription or doctor's note is recommended.

If you stay airside and do not enter the country (i.e., you remain in the international transit area), you do not clear customs. However, if you leave the transit area (e.g., for a layover hotel or to change airports), you must go through customs and declare any dutiable items.

Drones are restricted. You must declare them at customs. If you plan to fly it, you need a permit from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Without a permit, the drone may be confiscated. Many tourist sites also ban drone flights.

Yes. Jewelry is considered a personal good. If its value exceeds 5,000 CNY (approx. 700 USD), you must declare it at the red channel and pay 60% duty on the amount above 5,000 CNY (i.e., duty on 5,000 CNY = 3,000 CNY). Keep the purchase receipt.

If you are found carrying more than 20,000 CNY (approx. 2,800 USD) without declaring, the excess cash can be confiscated, and you may face a fine of up to 20% of the undeclared amount. In severe cases, criminal charges may apply.

Yes, as long as the quantities are within the duty-free limits (1.5L alcohol, 400 cigarettes or equivalent). If you exceed these limits, you must declare and pay duty. Note that airport purchases are still subject to the same allowances.

Official source

General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China