China customs rules & duty-free allowances
China's customs rules for arriving non-resident adults in 2026: duty-free allowances are 1 liter of alcohol (over 12% ABV) and 400 cigarettes OR 100 cigars OR 500g of tobacco. Cash over USD 5,000 must be declared; goods over CNY 2,000 (approx. USD 280) are subject to duty. Strict bans on drugs, counterfeit goods, and certain meats.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Counterfeit currency, goods, and infringing intellectual property items
- Endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn, tiger parts, etc.)
- Meat and meat products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian flu (e.g., certain pork, poultry)
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (including replicas and air guns)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (e.g., codeine, diazepam) – require a prescription and prior approval
- Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate and quarantine inspection
- Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) – must be declared; may require registration and permit for use
- Satellite phones and radio transmitters – require a license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
- Cultural relics and antiques over 100 years old – require an export permit from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage
Rules worth knowing
Duty-Free Goods Limit for Non-Residents
Non-resident adults arriving from abroad get a duty-free allowance of CNY 2,000 (approx. USD 280) for personal goods. This is per person, per entry. Items above this value are subject to duty (typically 20-50% for most goods).
Cash Declaration Threshold
All travellers carrying cash (CNY or foreign currency) equivalent to USD 5,000 or more must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. Amounts over USD 10,000 require a bank-issued permit. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Prohibition on Pork and Poultry from Certain Regions
Due to African swine fever and avian flu outbreaks, China bans import of pork and poultry products from affected countries (e.g., parts of Europe, Asia). Travellers should check current bans before bringing any meat products.
Drones and Radio Equipment
Drones and satellite phones are restricted. Drones must be declared on arrival and may require a temporary import permit. Satellite phones need a license from the telecom authority. Unauthorized use can lead to confiscation and fines.