Import/Export

CITES Certificate

To enable clearance for CITES shipments, please ensure CITES Certificate is forwarded by Express service.

Import Declaration

The government of China introduced a safety license certification system in 2003 requiring manufacturers, sales outlets, and Chinese importers to obtain the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark before importing into or selling in the China market. Commodities listed in the official commodity catalog cannot leave the factory for sale, be imported into China, or be used in any business operational activities in China without obtaining the CCC mark.

The Chinese government agency, Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA), will administer this certification process. The China Quality Certification Center (CQC) has been designated by the CNCA to process the CCC mark applications. Chinese Customs may hold products not meeting the CCC requirements and impose penalties on the importers or consignees.

The following is an abbreviated listing of the commodities requiring certification:

Appliances for home or similar usage

Audio/video devices

Circuit switches and electric devices used for protection

Electric tools

Electric welding machines

Electric wires and cables

Information technology devices

Lighting devices (for example, electrical lamps, electrical lights)

Low power electric motors

Low voltage electric apparatuses

Motor vehicle and safety accessories

Motor vehicle tires

Safety glass

Telecommunication terminal devices

Additionally, spare parts and replacement parts may, in some cases, require CCC certification or may qualify for an exemption (requires application form).

The entire list of affected commodities and the CCC online application guide are available from the CQC Web site at http://www.ccc-cn.org/ccccatalog.htm

Additional information can be obtained at the following Web site:

http://www.ccc-cn.org/en/cccfaqs.html

Please Note: China require the importer to provide China Compulsory Certification (CCC) and shipments are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection. Shipments of commodities listed above require CCC regardless of shipment types / category, including shipping to individuals for personal use. Shipments, other than the commodities listed above, consigned to individuals (personal use only) are exempted from providing CCC. In Shenzhen, this requirement is extended to shipments consigned to individuals.

WorldEase shipments to China
A physical document box is required for all import and export WorldEase shipments.

Revised Specifications on Import/Export Declaration Form
Effective from 1 January 2018, the following information must be declared:

The brand type of the goods for import and export:

• A mandatory field in Import or Export Declaration Form
• The declarer may select no brand, or domestic self-owned brand, or domestic acquired brand, or foreign brand (OEM), or foreign brand (other) for true declaration

Export preferential status:

• A mandatory field in Export Declaration Form
• The declarer may select no preferential duty at the country or territory/region of final destination, or with preferential duty at the country or territory/region of final destination, or preferential duty uncertain at the country or territory/region of final destination for true declaration
• Th

Miscellaneous

For charges made for Export Shipments from United Kingdom to the destination country or territory, please refer to Brokerage Services and Charges-Export Shipments with United Kingdom as the destination.

Driving Licenses

Valid Driving Licenses can be shipped as documents. The description must clearly state 'driving license'. Shipping driving licenses require the approval of the UK customs authorities. A delay of minimum one day has to be calculated.

Please check the import related information if driving licenses are allowed for importation.

Mobile phones to all destinations from United Kingdom can be delayed on export due to security checks from government bodies.

MSDS-NON DG

Goods under IATA Special Provisions A67 require a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

It is not required for all, however shipments can be held by local authority in United Arab Emirates after screening due to lack of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or NON DG (Dangerous Goods) declaration letter from the shipper resulting to misconnections and impacting end-to-end service.

It would be advisable for all shipments originating, transiting and terminating for UAE to have MSDS or NON DG declaration from shipper enclosed in the shipment and copies to be uploaded in IDIS.

Packing List

In addition to the commercial invoice, a packing list must be provided by the shipper, which is required as a Formal entry shipment.

Formal entry shipments are shipments that require import license/permit/quota/special clearance documents; and/or CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value is above RMB 5000.

All bonded transfer shipments (import and export) require packing list.

Power of Attorney

All non-document shipments entering into China requires a Single Entry Power of Attorney. Only documents are exempt.

SED-(New Electronic Export System)

Export procedure ex United Kingdom

A formal electronic export declaration must be sent to customs authorities by the exporter or their representative. Customs authorities grant the release for export and issue an Export Accompanying Document (EAD) with a unique Movement Reference Number (MRN). UPS operated simplified procedures allowing export formalities to be completed upto 14 days after export.

Informal Declarations
An informal declaration is possible for shipments up to a national threshold. The informal declaration is based on the invoice value and is restricted to shipments not subject to prohibitions and restrictions (for example, embargo regulations) or special export procedures (for example, temporary export). The informal clearance will be done by UPS at the point of exit.

National Requirements
Shipments up to a value of 873.00 GBP can be declared informally on the basis of the invoice.

The EORI (European Union Registration and Identification) number needs to be included with the Invoice for any shipment with value exceeding 873.00 GBP. The EORI number can be obtained by the shipper using website link: www.gov.uk/EORI

UPS service
UPS offers the service to prepare export declarations on behalf of the exporter without additional fees.

Waybill

The waybil must indicate the following information:

Consignee's name

Complete address including apartment, suite or unit number (if applicable), and postal code

Consignee's telephone number

Additional Export Information

Revised Specifications on Import/Export Declaration Form
Effective from 1 January 2018, the following information must be declared:

The brand type of the goods for import and export:

• A mandatory field in Import or Export Declaration Form
• The declarer may select no brand, or domestic self-owned brand, or domestic acquired brand, or foreign brand (OEM), or foreign brand (other) for true declaration

Export preferential status:

• A mandatory field in Export Declaration Form
• The declarer may select no preferential duty at the country or territory/region of final destination, or with preferential duty at the country or territory/region of final destination, or preferential duty uncertain at the country or territory/region of final destination for true declaration
• This field is not required in Import Declaration Form

Passports

Valid passports can be shipped as documents. The description must clearly state 'passport'. Shipping passports require the approval of the UK customs authorities. A delay of minimum one day has to be calculated.

Please check the import related information if passports are allowed for importation.

Clearance Comments

Anti-dumping

Shipment of Commodities which fall under anti-dumping list require a Certificate of Origin and Original Invoice issued bythe manufacturer for customs clearance. General national tariffs and anti-dumping duties will be applied if documents required are incomplete. There is a high possibility that the shipments will be selected for customs inspection.

Most common commodities subject to anti-dumping regulations:

No.	Commodity Description	Country or Territory of Origin
1.	Screws, bolts & washers	European Countries or Territories
2.	Optical Fibers	European Countries or Territories, India, Japan, Korea & United States
3.	Polyamides	Great Britain, France, Italy, Taiwan & United States
	Scientific Name: Polyamides-6, 6 slice
4.	Nylon	European Countries or Territories, Russia, Taiwan & United States
	Scientific Name: Nylon-6
5.	Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)	Korea & Russia

Customs Clearance Process

With effect from July 1, 2010, the General Administration of China Customs (GAC) has implemented new import and export requirements; this affects all modes of transportation into and out of China:

• Except for documents and personal effects, all other shipments will require an Importer/Exporter Customs Registration Code (a 10-digit customs code) to be provided by the Importer or Exporter for customs declaration.
• If Importer/Exporter is not registered with China Customs, a registered agent must be authorized to act as the Importer or Exporter.
• With the exception of bona fide samples and advertising articles to licensed consignees, all shipments must be declared with H.S. codes and the appropriate customs duty, VAT and tax will be levied.

With effect from January 1, 2009, the General Administration of China Customs (GAC) has implemented new import and export requirements; this affects all modes of transportation into and out of China.

According to China Customs regulations GAC#172, there should be no discrepancy between the actual weight (known as gross weight) of import shipment and the weight on waybill, otherwise, airlines should send the telegram to Customs for manifest amendment, and it will take additional 2 working days for manifest amendment.

Customers and UPS center operations need to ensure that there is no discrepancy between the actual weight (known as gross weight) of the import shipment and the weight on the waybill. UPS air operations needs to make sure that there is no discrepancy between the actual total weight of the import shipment and the weight on the master air waybill.

New Customs Declaration Form (GAC#60)

• Effective from 1 August 2018, the Customs declaration form and declaration form will be combined into 'One Consolidated Declaration Form'.
• The new Customs declaration form only applies to import and export formal entry shipments, and also applies to all ports in China.
• Please note that there will be no change to informal entry shipments and personal goods.

Express Shipments Clearance

Export Shipments over RMB5000
All shipments exporting out of China valued greater than RMB5000 or 100kgs require a formal export entry along with export documentation from the shipper.

Import Shipment Classifications

e-Commerce special channel (GAC26)

GAC26, formerly GAC56, is a special e-Commerce channel under which shipments are duty free, relevant VAT and/or consumption tax is paid at a 30% discount, lower inspection rates are administered, returns can re-claim drawback taxes within 30 days, and shipments are cleared within one day. However, use of GAC26 requires e-Commerce companies to register in advance, maintain a legal entity in China, and submit order information, proof of payment, and shipment details. Furthermore only 1,321 commodities are eligible but they are exempt from import licenses and CIQ declaration forms (except for shipments distributed from a bonded warehouse in China). GAC26 shipments may not exceed 5,000 RMB CIF and 26,000 RMB CIF per consignee per year, otherwise they have to be declared as Personal Goods (GAC43) (details below). Consignee must be Chinese nationality. UPS is only registered for GAC26 in Shanghai. Please contact the APAC Brokerage Solutions and China Brokerage Operations teams for MOP set up.

Import Shipment Classifications - Category 1

Category 1: Documents

Also known as Category A, includes documents like blue prints, brochures, greeting cards, etc. of no commercial value. Does not include CDs, VCDs, and DVDs. No official standards available but quantities and values should be reasonable. Shipments are Customs cleared through the simplified clearance process with the KJ1 Declaration Form completed by the broker.

Import Shipment Classifications - Category 2

Category 2: Personal Goods (GAC43)

e-Commerce shipments that cannot be declared through GAC26 must be declared through Personal Goods (GAC43) or General Cargo.

Personal Goods shipments include personal gifts shipped between individuals (for example, gifts between relatives and friends) that are of a reasonable quantity and for personal consumption. Formal declaration is required for Personal Goods shipments to & from Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan, if the declared shipment value is greater than RMB 800. For all other countries or territories, formal declaration is required if the declared shipment value exceeds RMB 1,000. Personal Goods shipments with a declared shipment value less than RMB 50 will be exempt from duty. If a shipment exceeds the RMB 1,000 value threshold but contains only 1 item and the item is for personal use only, China Customs may allow it to be declared as a Personal Good. (This is at the discretion of China Customs). For Personal gifts shipped between individuals, the consignee is required to provide a copy of his or her identification card (citizens) or passport (non-citizens), a copy of the purchase order or other documents to prove the declaration value, Power of Attorney and any other related China Customs clearance documents.

Import Shipment Classifications - Category 3

Category 3: Unaccompanied Baggage

There are two scenarios for unaccompanied baggage.

1. If the consignee is a Chinese, Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau resident, duty and tax will be collected based on the shipment value after deducting RMB 5,000 from the declaration value.
2. For Non-Chinese resident consignee that are short term travelers for less than a year, for his or her first entry in the calendar year, duty and tax will be collected based on the shipment value after a deduction of RMB 2,000 from the declaration value. Non-Chinese long term travelers can apply for duty and tax exemption for his or her first entry in the calendar year.

   For unaccompanied baggage consignees are required to provide the following clearance documents:

   1. Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration Form, through which the consignee declares to airport customs when he or she enters China.
   2. Passport copies, including personal profile page and entrance page.
   3. Power of Attorney.
   4. If the shipment contains new goods, the purchase order to prove the declaration value.
   5. If the shipment contains old goods, but tax required items, purchase order is required to prove the declaration value.
   6. In Shenzhen, Consignee or his vendor goes to Shenzhen Postal Customs to apply for unaccompanied luggage declaration form which may entail additional costs

Import Shipment Classifications - Category 4

Category 4: Cargo

This category is further sub-classified into 3 categories.

Consignee of the below 3 categories must be a registered importer with Customs with registered business scope covering the trading of the imported commodity; without which, a trading company can be entrusted. Consignee can engage a trading company of their choice. All dealings & charges applicable will be between the consignee & the trading company.

Non-Dutiable and Dutiable Samples and Advertising Materials (1 & 2) shipment requires detailed description, specifications, model numbers, quantity, unit, CIF value (a clear breakdown of cost, insurance and freight) on the invoice. Otherwise, clearance delay is expected.

1) Non-Dutiable Samples & Advertising Materials (Category B)

Per shipment value should not attract total duty & tax amount exceeding 50 RMB. Invoice & waybill should indicate specifically the type of products (eg. Samples of wool cap, advertising material of printed brochures, etc.) Controlled/restricted items cannot be classified under this category. Customs clearance is via the simplified clearance process where broker will fill out the KJ2 Declaration Form.

2) Dutiable Samples & Advertising Materials (Category C)

Shipments are submitted through the simplified clearance process where KJ3 Declaration Form is applied. Controlled/restricted items are excluded from this category. The invoice must state the reason for export is "sample of no commercial value"; If the descriptions are clothes, the brands are required on the invoice. Personal effects are not allowed to declare under KJ3.

3) Formal Entry Shipments (Category D)

This category includes shipments not classified elsewhere; shipments requiring import license/permit/quota/special clearance documents; and/or shipments where consignee is expected of a special requirement (for example, repair & return, duty exempted shipments, etc). All formal entry shipments requires a packing list from shipper for clearance.

Package Delivery

All shipments importing into China must include the consignee's telephone number.

Post Office Boxes

UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number must be provided if known.

Service is provided to and from certain cities.

UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number must be provided if known.

Rest Days:

Sunday, and official holidays.

GMT:

Spring +0800/ Fall +0800

Language:

Chinese

Currency:

US Dollar(USD), Yuan Renminbi(CNY)

Shipping Charges

• Shipping charges can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing the receiver, either the shipper or receiver's account number is required.
• When billing to a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.

Duties and Taxes

• Duties and taxes can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.
• If the duties and taxes are billed to an account outside of the destination country or territory, a "Duty and Tax Forwarding" surcharge will be applied.

Third-Party Billing

• Please note the following third party billing exceptions:
  • Shipments to and from the same country or territory (domestic shipments) cannot be billed to third party payors in other countries or territories. For example, shipments from Mexico to Mexico or Canada to Canada cannot be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. This rule does not apply to UPS domestic services in European Union countries or territories as well as to UPS domestic services in the United Kingdom.For example, shipments from Germany to Germany can be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. (as long as the payor is a business and has a VAT or Tax/EIN ID on file with UPS).

Payment Methods

• When paying by credit card, check, or cash, only the shipper can be billed the shipping charges

There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to China. If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.

Animal Products

Cows, goats, sheep, and pigs are considered domesticated animals. All other animals are considered non-domesticated animals. Items or products made from non-domesticated animals are restricted in the UPS system and only allowed with a UPS ISC contract. CITES permit and additional restrictions may apply, please check with your local ISC Coordinator.

An Animal Quarantine Certification from the Quarantine Agency or official authorized quarantine body of origin country or territory is required. Shipments are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection.

Bank Cards

Bank Cards which are requested to be sent out of the United Kingdom should be declared for referral to HMRC and await their approval to send.

Books

All imports and exports of books must go through an authorized company for entrustment and Customs clearance processing. There is a fee for this service. There are two such companies, China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Corporation, and China International Book Trading Corporation.

Camcorders

The consignee must provide China Compulsory Certification. Shipments are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection.

Cellular Telephones

The consignee must provide a China Compulsory Certification. Shipments are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection.

Shipments consigned to personal individuals are exempt and only ONE cellular telephone per personal shipment.

Computers

The consignee must provide a China Compulsory Certification. Shipments are subject to a compulsory quarantine inspection. Shipments consigned to personal individuals are exempt and should be of reasonable quantity to qualify as personal usage.

Cosmetics

A Quarantine Certificate from the origin country or territory's Quarantine Agency or official authorized quarantine body is required. Shipments are subject to a compulsory quarantine inspection. The Quarantine Certificate must certify the elements do not contain bovine and ovine.

CD Roms

An invoice is required on all shipments containing a CD-Rom/Disk. Invoice should indicate the value of the Recording Media (eg. CDR/DVD) & the Intellectual/statistical value of the software/data separately

Dental Instruments

Dental instruments and their parts with x-ray function require China Compulsory Certification. Electrical dental instruments require Automated Import License. All dental instruments will require Compulsory Quarantine Inspection.

Drugs (also see Medicine)

An import license is required for pharmaceutical products.

All medications are under license control, so before importing them into China, the foreign manufacturers need to be registered and approved by China related authorities like the China Food and Drug Administration, and then obtain a product record number for sales in China. For personal use, a prescription issued by a doctor is required, otherwise we are unable to release them by Customs.

Electrical Items

For electrical and electronic items, China require the importer to provide a China Compulsory Certification (CCC) and shipments are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection. Shipper or consignee must ensure that CCC license is available prior to the shipments' arrival in China. Otherwise the goods will have to either be returned to the origin or seized at destination.

Shipments consigned to individuals for personal use are exempted.

Exhibition Goods

Goods which are destined for an exhibition may be subject to duty & tax. There are very detailed Customs regulations regarding goods for exhibitions that need to be followed by Destination Brokerage in regards to classification of the goods. Hence, shipments for exhibitions - which are normally time sensitive - should preferably have UPS Billing Option 'Free Domicile' in order to avoid possible delays in delivery due to payment issues in the destination country or territory. Shippers should ensure that the proforma invoice lists the name of a contact person and a valid phone/mobile phone number so that Brokerage in the destination country or territory can get in contact with the consignee of the goods in order to agree on the clearance procedure.

Fasteners (Made of Iron or Steel from the EU)

Due to the implementation of Temporary Anti-dumping Measures on Imported Iron or Steel Fasteners from the European Community by China's Ministry of Commence, effective immediately, all imports of iron or steel fasteners (with Import Tariff Codes: 73181200, 73181400, 73181500, 73182100 & 7318220) should submit a certificate of origin (CO) to China Customs.

Original manufacturer invoice is also required should the country or territory of origin be stated as countries or territories of the European Community. Failure to comply may result in Customs imposing anti-dumping duty rates.

Films

The consignee must provide Audio/Video Production Importation Approval from the Ministry of Culture.

Food

Both shipper and consignee required documents are listed below.

Shipper is to provide:

• A Sanitation Certificate from the origin country or territory's Quarantine Agency or official authorized quarantine body
• Certificate of Origin
• Examining Report

Consignee is provide:

• Food Label in Chinese
• Veterinary & Plant Inspection and Quarantine Certificate

Shipments are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection.

Products from epidemic areas as identified by Chinese Quarantine Agency could be prohibited from importation. Importers are advised to inquire about such information from the local quarantine agency prior to importation.

Laser Discs

The consignee must provide Audio/Video Production Importation Approval from the Ministry of Culture.

Leather Goods

A CITES and import permit is required for leather made of endangered species. There is no restriction for common leather goods.

Machinery

The importer must provide an Automatic Import License.

Medical Items

Most medical items are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection. This includes both the instruments and their components.

If the item runs on electricity, an Automated Import License is also required. In addition to that, particularly for Electrocardiograph, the importer must provide China Compulsory Certification and Automated Import License.

**Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit import requirements**
As Covid-19 antigen rapid test kit categories as medical products and subject to below import certification/license.

Import certification/license prior to shipping is MANDATORY, otherwise the package will be abandoned or return to shipper.

1. Medical Device Product Registration Certification, issued by the National Medical Products Administration to the Manufacturer. Normally it takes at least 90 working days to obtain the certification after your submission. Documents requirements and process, please refer to the link:
http://www.gov.cn/bumenfuwu/2016-11/30/content_5140554.htm

2. Health & Quarantine Approval Form, issued by the China Customs to the consignee. Normally it takes 30 working days to obtain the approval form after your submission. Documents requirements and process, please refer to the link:
http://beijing.customs.gov.cn/beijing_customs/434817/xbszn99/xzsp43/3434209/index.html

Customs will inspect the shipment before release. Chinese instruction manual & label are required and label should be pasted on the product. Manufacture name, address, phone number, batch number, expire date, etc are required and should consist with Medical Device Product Registration Certification and Health & Quarantine Approval Form.

Any shipments imported to China should meet the above requirements and Penalty will issued to if requirements not met.

Medicine (also see Drugs)

An Import License is needed for pharmaceutical products.

All medications are under license control, so before importing them into China, the foreign manufacturers need to be registered and approved by China related authorities like the China Food and Drug Administration, and then obtain a product record number for sales in China. For personal use, a prescription issued by a doctor is required, otherwise we are unable to release them by Customs.

Milk Powder

Shipment which value is less than or equal to RMB1,000 and weight is less than or equal to 5 kg only is considered as personal shipment (see (Clearance Information) - Category 2: Personal Shipments). If either value or weight exceeds the allowance, most likely partial abandon will be required.

Paper

Uncoated paper and paperboard (raw before final processing) are subject to a Compulsory Quarantine Inspection.

Parts

Import and export of motor vehicle, ship and aviation spare parts must be done through an authorized agent. China Compulsory Certification and Compulsory Quarantine are required. Shipments consigned to personal individuals are exempt and should be of reasonable quantity to qualify as personal usage.

Passports

Passports which are requested to be sent out of the United Kingdom should be declared for referral to HMRC and await their approval to send.

Petfood

A Quarantine Certificate from the origin country or territory's Quarantine Agency or official authorized quarantine body is required. Shipments are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection.

Pharmaceuticals

See medicine.

Photography Equipment and Supplies

The consignee must provide a China Compulsory Certificate. Shipments are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection. Shipments consigned to personal individuals are exempt and should be of reasonable quantity to qualify as personal usage.

Printed Matters & Audio/Visual Products

Corporate Printed Matters

Shipments of corporate printed matters with CIF value below RMB 5000 can be cleared via KJ3 declaration. (Weight limitation: update to Zhengzhou (CGO) not more that 30kg; Shanghai(PVG) no more than 50kg; Shenzhen(SZX) not more than 50kg).

However shipments with CIF value more than RMB 5000 consignee must go through a state council authorized company (for example, China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Corporation, China International Book Trading Corporation and etc.) for entrustment and Customs clearance.

Personal Printed Matters & Audio / Visual Products

• Personal shipments which meet below criterions may enter the country or territory duty and tax free.
  1. Less than TEN booklets, books, newspapers, periodicals per person
  2. Less than TWENTY of audio / visual products per person
  3. Less than THREE sets of books or audio / visual products per person

• Personal shipment with quantity exceeds the numbers listed above and nevertheless it is within the reasonable amount. Customs will impose duty and tax to the number of units that exceed the limit based on China Import and Export Tariff Regulations.

• Personal shipments which meet below criterions may enter the country or territory duty and tax free.
  1. More than FIFTY books, newspapers, periodicals per person
  2. More than ONE HUNDRED of audio / visual products per person
  3. More than 10 sets of books or audio / visual products per person
  4. Or other features that form the goods

Consignees could apply to return shipments should they encounter the above scenarios. Customs will process the applications based on the circumstances.

• Religious printed matter and audio / visual products within reasonable amount are permitted to enter the country or territory. Consignee will need to apply license issued by the State Bureau of Religion Affairs, provincial religious affairs departments or the relevant administrative departments for shipments which quantities exceed the reasonable amount. Otherwise, customs will handle based on the China Customs Regulations Administrative Punishment. Sporadic religious printed matter and audio / visual products are prohibited.

Click here for GAC notice: http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/zfxxgk/hggzk/4070768/index.html

Products Made in China

For duty/tax exemption, the original China export declaration is required.

Radios and Radio Equipment

The consignee must provide Automatic Import License.

Satellite Equipment

The consignee must provide Automatic Import License.

Tapes (Audio, Video, Magnetic)

The importer must provide audio/video production importation approval from the Ministry of Culture

Telecommunication Equipment

Shipments of mobile phones and other telephone equipment must be accompanied with a China Compulsory Certification and Automatic Import License. Shipments are subject to a compulsory quarantine inspection.

Televisions

The consignee must provide China Compulsory Certification and Automatic import license. Shipments are subject to a Compulsory Quarantine Inspection.

Timepieces (Watches, Clocks)

If comprised of endangered species leather, a CITES and Endangered Species Import Permit are required.

Tires

Consignee to provide China Compulsory Certificate. Shipments are subject to compulsory quarantine inspection.

Toys

Shipments are subject to a Compulsory Quarantine Inspection.

Used Electrical Equipment and Machinery

Used Items

For used electronic items, consignee is required to furnish (1). Exemption of Pre-loading Inspection Certificate" or (2). Pre-Loading Inspection Certificate; and (3). are also required to obtain an Import Certificate for the goods, prior to shipment arrival in China. Shipments are subject to Compulsory Quarantine Inspection. Otherwise the goods will have to be either returned to origin, or seized at destination.

Video Cassette Recorders (VCRs)

Shipments containing audio/video equipment must clearly indicate the contents and purpose of import (for example, CD-ROM for training purposes). In the above example, invoices must also specify the type of training for which the CD-ROM is being used (for example, aircraft maintenance, system installation, or other). Shipments that do not meet the above requirements on the invoice will be subject to Customs holds or delays.

Note: A China Compulsory Certification and import license is required. All import license applications are issued through the representative/Branch office of the Ministry of Commerce in the respective cities/provinces.

Videos

The consignee must provide Audio/Video Production Importation Approval from the Ministry of Culture.

Wood and Products made of Wood

Shipments of wood (for example, log) which has not been chemically processed requires a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the Plant Phytosanitary authorities of the exporting country or territory.

Wooden furniture and other processed wooden products do not require a Phytosanitary Certificate from origin, but consignee to provide an official statement on the method of wood processing.

All items made of wood, cane, bamboo and rattan imported into China must undergo quarantine checks and compulsory clearance from China Inspection & Quarantine Bureau, which could add 1 to 2 days of delay.

In the event of non-compliance, the package will be treated, destroyed or re-exported. Charges will apply in these instances.

Shipment value amount:

0.00 US Dollar USD

Shipment type:

company-to-company

Exemption rule:

per shipment

Shipment value amount:

0.00 US Dollar USD

Shipment type:

company-to-individual

Exemption rule:

per shipment

Shipments from overseas (online) or commercial companies will NOT be deemed as gifts

Shipment value amount:

0.00 US Dollar USD

Shipment type:

individual-to-company

Exemption rule:

per shipment

Shipment value amount:

1000.00 Yuan Renminbi CNY

Shipment type:

individual-to-individual

Exemption rule:

per shipment

Customs in China requires the individual's passport or certificate to clear shipments; the consignee must supply these to Customs officials.

In addition to a detailed description/name of each item, necessary to add additional comment of "gift shipment" and "Personal Shipment" on the invoice and in the Special Instructions box of the UPS Waybill to ensure a proper assessment of duties and taxes and to help with customs clearance.

This is to differentiate between personal and commercial goods.

Invoice

Non-document shipments to China must include 1 original and 2 copies of an invoice.

The consignee's telephone number must be on the invoice.

Chinese Customs assess import duty and tax based on CIF value. It is mandatory to indicate the Incoterm and any other supplementary charges, (for example, insurance premium, freight cost, etc.) on the invoice.

REMINDER:
China Customs has reinforce the strict declaration. Shipment is not allow to declare under general description, example "Electronics". They need detailed description.

When preparing invoice, please follow below guideline to fill in merchandise description:

• What it is? *Generic product description
• What it is made of? *Composition of materials
• What it is used for? *Actual purpose of the product - a bolt/nut can be used in many different types of products
• Is this a brand new or used product? If it is used product, please indicate it on the invoice.
• Who is the manufacturer?

Samples of Detailed Merchandise Description

Main Category	Declaration Elements	Invoice Description Samples
Apparel	Brand, weaving method, sort, style, composition, internal packaging	Womens shirt, woven, 100% cotton, Brand  Zara / No brand, packed in bag
Shoes	Style, material, brand, internal packaging	Womens boots, cow leather, no brand, packed in box
Appliances	Specific description, usage, part number, brand, internal packaging	Household distillation coffee machine, part number 123, no brand, packed in box
Tools	Specific description, usage, material, types, brand, internal packaging	Stainless steel household screwdriver, no brand, packed in plastic box
Foodstuffs	Specific description, usage, packaging specifications, brand, internal packaging	Infants milk powder, 900g, Brand Abbott, canned packaging
Printer	What kind of printer, brand name, model No, internal packaging	Used laser printer, Brand - Epson, Model No. 12345, packed in box
Cellphone	Brand, size of screen, internal packaging	Used cellphone, Brand - Apple 7 plus, 5 inches screen, packed in box
Integrated circuit	What it is used for, Packed or not, multi-element or not, batch number, mass production or not, brand, internal packaging	Integrated circuit, memory purpose, sealed, multi-element, batch# 123, mass production, brand  IBM, packed in box

Paperless Invoice - Exports

UPS Paperless Invoice is available for small package exports from this country or territory.

Paperless Invoice - Imports

UPS Paperless Invoice is accepted by Customs for small package imports into this country or territory.

The destination country or territory considers the following items as document shipments. If criteria are listed, the shipment must meet those criteria to be considered a document shipment.

Advertising Literature

Airline Tickets

Annual Reports

Bids

Blueprints

Brochures

Business Cards

Business Cards with no commercial value (NCV) may be shipped as Document into China.

Cash Letters

Catalogs

Charts

Checks (Non-negotiable checks)

Computer Print-Outs

Diaries

Discs

Intercompany data only

Diskettes

Used diskettes (including data) are classified as documents. New diskettes are classified as non-documents and require an invoice.

Drawings

Forms (Blank)

Graphs

Greeting Cards, Invitations

Intercompany Data on CD-Rom/Disk

A maximum of 10 diskettes of intercompany data may be sent as a document shipment. In order to ship any intercompany data on diskette as a document shipment, the following guidelines must be followed:

1. The content must not be sold commercially or have commercial value.
2. The data can not be software.
3. Specifically write "intercompany data on diskette" in the description of the good field of the waybill.
4. Mark an "X" in the documents only box on the waybill.

Shipments not meeting all of the previous requirements and shipments of more than 10 diskettes of intercompany data are classified as non-document shipments and require an invoice.

Intercompany Mail

Manuals (Technical)

Manuscripts

Maps

Microfilm, Microfiche

Negatives

Negotiable Bonds, Drafts

Newsletters (Company)

Pamphlets

Periodicals

Photographs

Price Lists

Proposals

Publications

Non-commercial publications are considered documents.

Seismic Data

Sepia Drawings

Slides

Specifications Sheets

Stationery

Transparencies

Traveler's Checks

Visa Applications

UPS can recommend which forms you need based on a few simple criteria. Forms can be completed online or printed. See which forms you need.

In addition to the prohibited commodities listed here, it is prohibited to ship the following commodities to China.

Alcoholic Beverages

Import of Alcoholic beverages into China is permitted via ISC* contract service.

Please refer to the ISC database for details on approved shippers.

For B2B shipments, consignee needs additional pre-approval by UPS China. This is a one-time approval. UPS Sales team, please contact your local ISC coordinator for further information.

B2C General Information & Limitation - wine to China: Value: The import clearance of a single B2C purchase with value threshold either at 1,000 RMB for a shipment with multiple items (800 RMB from HK/MO) or at no maximum cap for a shipment with a single item. Quantity: Must be of a reasonable quantity for personal consumption. Based on actual value: 1. For multiple items, the maximum value is RMB1,000. Eg. If the actual value is RMB300 per bottle, 3 bottles will be the maximum number. 2. If actual value exceeds RMB1,000, it must be of a shipment with single item only. 3. China customs has the pricing list for Wine. Actual shipment value which falls below the pricing, final shipment value will be determined based on the pricing list. a) Alcohol % below 12%, and below 750ml/bottle, the value is RMB100 per bottle (10 bottles will be the maximum number.) b) Alcohol% greater than 12%, but less than or equal to 22%, and below 750ml/bottle, the value is RMB200 per bottle (5 bottles will be the maximum.) Clearance days: 5-7 business days for customs declaration HS & Duty: HS code: 02020000; Duty rate: 60% Shipper Requirements: 1. Waybill with valid consignee's contact name, cell phone number & email address 2. Invoice with valid consignee's contact name, cell phone number & email address Shipper needs put below information on the invoice. A) Merchandise description in details b) Quantity c) Packing Specification (in bottle, can or etc.) d) Brand e) Origin / Producing area f) Winery information g) If for resales or not h) Alcohol % 3. Purchase order copy (to show the value) 4. Power Of Attorney (POA) with consignee's signature 5. Consignee's ID copy (the front and back sides) Passport for foreigner, Chinese national ID cards for Chinese residents. Consignee requirements ((#1-3, we will not ask consignee to provide again if we get them from shipper): 1. Purchase order copy (to show the value) 2. Power Of Attorney (POA) with consignee's signature 3. Consignee's ID copy (the front and back sides) Passport for foreigner, Chinese national ID cards for Chinese residents. 4. Other explanation letters if require by Customs *International Special Commodities (ISC) is a UPS contractual service that enables selected customers to ship certain articles restricted in UPS tariff.

Antiques

Antique shipments are restricted from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and can only be shipped with an *International Special Commodities (ISC) contract. Antiques are defined as a work of art, piece of furniture, decorative object, or silverware that is 100 years old or older.

*An International Special Commodities (ISC) is a UPS Special Commodities Program contractual service that enables selected customers under contract to ship certain previously prohibited articles, (for example, Plants, Seeds, Tobacco, Alcoholic Beverages, and Perishables including Frozen Meat and Frozen Fish).

Currently China is only approved to export Electronic Cigarettes. The remaining commodities are prohibited.

Artwork

Artwork shipments are restricted from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and can only be shipped with an *International Special Commodities (ISC) contract.

Paintings or other works of art can be accepted if the artist is still alive, the artwork is replaceable and an art dealer or gallery has appraised the artwork within the last year. If the declared value of the artwork is greater than $100.00 and there is a claim, the shipper must provide a copy of the original invoice, a bill of sale, or other proof certifying in writing the actual cost or replacement cost of the item.

Artwork includes the following: Original engravings, prints, lithographs, original sculptures, statuary.

The term "Artwork" does not apply to: architectural, engineering, industrial, topographical, commercial drawings, hand-painted or hand-decorated manufactured articles.

*An International Special Commodities (ISC) is a UPS Special Commodities Program contractual service that enables selected customers under contract to ship certain previously prohibited articles, (for example, Plants, Seeds, Tobacco, Alcoholic Beverages, and Perishables including Frozen Meat and Frozen Fish).

Currently China is only approved to export Electronic Cigarettes. The remaining commodities are prohibited.

Biological Products

Based on regulation GAC#180 (2019), microorganisms, human tissues, biological products, blood and their products are prohibited from transiting in China.

Biological Substance

Import of Biological (e.g. Microorganism, DNAs abstract, blood sample and etc.) is strictly not acceptable as China is NOT an approved *ISC country or territory.

*An International Special Commodities (ISC) is a UPS Special Commodities Program contractual service that enables selected customers under contract to ship certain previously prohibited articles, (for example, Plants, Seeds, Tobacco, Alcoholic Beverages, and Perishables including Frozen Meat and Frozen Fish).

Currently China is only approved to export Electronic Cigarettes. The remaining commodities are prohibited.

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements declared as personal goods: Restrictions: the goods value has to be under 1000 RMB, reasonable quantity for personal consumption. Requirements for custom clearance: 1) copy of the consignees Identification Card ( both sides). 2) the shopping records (Screenshots of the Amazon order). 3) No import permit is required.

For China import, more specific import requirements for Dietary Supplement or health products for personal use and Non-illicit drugs/Medicine for personal use:

1) Import of non-illicit drugs/medicine for personal use

• Total value cannot exceed RMB800 from HK, MO & TW, or RMB1,000 from other countries or territories per shipment.
• Original copy of prescription issued by doctor is required with indicated dosage which match the actual shipping information.
• Consignees name must match the patient name on the prescription on the waybill.

2) Import of dietary supplement or health products for personal use

• Total value cannot exceed RMB800 from HK, MO & TW, or RMB1,000 from other countries or territories per shipment.
• Reasonable quantity for personal use. In general, the quantity can be used up within 3 months.
• For shipments exceeding value threshold or quantity is not reasonable for personal use, it will be regarded as normal import which requires a qualified trade company as IOR and import licenses depending on the commodity.

Electronic Cigarette / Vaping Product

Import of Electronic Cigarettes are strictly not acceptable as China is NOT an approved *ISC country or territory.

*An International Special Commodities (ISC) is a UPS Special Commodities Program contractual service that enables selected customers under contract to ship certain previously prohibited articles, (for example, Plants, Seeds, Tobacco, Alcoholic Beverages, and Perishables including Frozen Meat and Frozen Fish).

Currently China is only approved to export Electronic Cigarettes. The remaining commodities are prohibited.

Gambling Devices

Gambling devices are prohibited.

Guns and Firearms

Any form of weapons, including parts of guns, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited including any form of toy gun or gun replica. If it is a part or piece that makes the firearm/weapon work, enhances, promotes or aides the performance of the firearm/weapon or if it operates or ejects a projectile, then it's considered a firearm & is prohibited.

Examples of prohibited guns/firearms are BB guns, crossbows, pistols, muzzle loaders, pellet guns, rifles, shotguns, starter pistols, Also included as a prohibited item are any device discharging an electrical charge (taser guns).

Parts of guns/firearms are also prohibited. If it is a part or piece that makes the firearm/weapon work, or if it operates, discharges, or ejects a projectile, it is prohibited. If it enhances, promotes or aides the performance of the firearm/weapon, it is also prohibited. Examples of prohibited parts are barrels, triggers, magazines/clips that hold bullets, night vision aids, and gun scopes or rifle scopes.

No approvals will be granted using the International Special Commodity (ISC) exception request process.

Japan Prefecture (Fukushima, Tochigi, Gunma, Ibaraki & Chiba)

Based on regulation AQSIQ#35 (2011) any dairy products, vegetables products, fruits, aquatic animals and aquatic products in Fukushima Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture in Japan are prohibited import to China.

Knives

Knives are considered weapons if the intended use of the knife is to inflict bodily harm. If the purpose of the knife is not to inflict bodily harm then it's not prohibited, however please review the examples list as some knives may have a dual purpose.

All knives considered to be weapons are prohibited. Examples of knives considered to be weapons and are not admissible into China include bayonets, box cutters, daggers, hunting knives, machetes, pocketknives, switchblades, and swords.

Examples of knives that are admissible into China are butter knives (rounded tip and no sharp edges).

Examples of knives that MAY be admissible into China upon special request are collectibles, display purposes only, permits obtained by the consignee, and some knives if they meet certain measurement requirements (length and tip angle).

Special requests for items described on the list as prohibited, or items not clearly identified in the definitions can be submitted through your Global Brokerage Support for follow-up with China.

Lithium Batteries

There is an embargo by Luthansa (the airline used by UPS to fly into Shanghai) on UN 3480 (group 965) being accepted to travel on small package service as Courier.

Lithium battery with or without equipment export from China Port should have a certification for air safety transport by the 3rd party test laboratory approved by UPS Airline.

• UPS Airline approved the 3rd party test laboratory list (Download)

Military Equipment

Military equipment is prohibited.

Mobile Telephones

Mobile phones to all destination countries from United Kingdom can be delayed on export due to security checks from government bodies.

Other

The following commodities is prohibited into China. Pathogens of plants and animals (including fungi and germina, etc.) ,pests and other hazardous life-form - Relevant animals, plants, animal or plant products and other quarantinable products from plant and animal disease epidemic areas - Animal corpus

Personal Effects

Personal Effects (for example, unaccompanied baggage) are classified as used items intended for the consignee's personal use. Any items intended for any other use, such as wholesale or retail sales, business purposes, or for distribution are not considered personal effects and cannot be shipped on this basis. "Personal Effects" must be clearly stated on the invoice and goods description. Note: Personal effects include Items that an individual has owned prior to a foreign travel/trip.

Customers must use an authorized UPS Store, UPS Customer Center or an ISC approved shipper to ship personal effects. The UPS Store, UPS Customer Center and ISC approved shipper will be required to identify personal effect shipments on the shipping label by placing "ISC-Personal Effects" in the Reference Field of a UPS "smart" label or in the Special Instructions Field of a UPS waybill. They must also clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' shipment on the Commercial Invoice.

Customer is required to submit their passport, visa, & proof of entry to China (with arrival stamp on passport), an invoice with detailed itemized descriptions, value, freight & insurance & Explanation Letter of Import Purpose. With the above information, UPS China Brokerage will complete & submit Personal Import & Export Declaration Form to China Customs. China Inspection & Quarantine Bureau may require an inspection on shipment. Duties & taxes may be assessed by China customs, shipment may experience delays in time-in-transit and China customs may request physical inspection of the shipment.

Prohibited articles listed in the UPS service guide cannot be accepted as personal effects.

See Clearance Information - Category 3: Personal Effects to Eastern China for more details.

Personal Shipments

Personal shipments include personal gifts shipped from individual to individual (for example, gifts exchanged between relatives & friends), etc. It should be of a reasonable quantity & must be for personal consumption. See Clearance Information - Category 2: Personal Shipments for more details.

Plants

A Plant Quarantine Certification from the origin country or territory Quarantine Agency or official authorized quarantine body is required. Shipments are subject to a compulsory quarantine inspection.

Printed Matter

All publications, promotion materials, printed matter and others that threaten the state security, social and political stability, or are pornographic are prohibited.

Soil

Shipments of soil are prohibited.

Toy Guns

Any form of toy gun or gun replica is prohibited.

Weapons - miscellaneous other than guns or knives

Any assault-type, military, & martial arts items such as, shuriken, morning stars, spiked wristband, manrikigusai & constant companion belts. Items such as brass knuckles, finger ring, yauqua blowgun, kiyago baton or steel cobra, stinger, taserpublic defender, nunchaku, mace, tear or other gas, pepper spray. Slingshots and handcuffs are also prohibited.

Special requests for items described on the list as prohibited, or items not clearly identified in the definitions can be submitted through the International Special Commodity (ISC) exception request.

Saturday Delivery Available: Yes

Not available in all areas. Always check the international time in transit system for details of service availability within a country or territory.

China has delivery service on Saturday by request.

Always check Calculate Time and Cost for details of service availability and guarantee information within a country or territory. All Service Levels may not be available to or from every address within a country or territory.

United Kingdom to China

• UPS Worldwide Expedited

• UPS Worldwide Express

• UPS Worldwide Express Plus

• UPS Worldwide Express Saver

• UPS WorldWide Express Freight

• WorldWide Economy DDP

• WorldWide Economy DDU

Embassy or Diplomatic

All import shipments (including letter or document) consigned to an embassy or diplomatic-related entity are classified as a "formal entry" and require the Embassy Import Permit. The application can only be made by the consignee and usually takes 3 to 5 days.

Exhibition Goods

Goods which are destined for an exhibition may be subject to duty & tax. There are very detailed Customs regulations regarding goods for exhibitions that need to be followed by China Brokerage in regards to classification of the goods. Hence, shipments for exhibitions - which are normally time sensitive - should preferably have UPS Billing Option 'Free Domicile' in order to avoid possible delays in delivery due to payment issues in the destination country or territory. Shippers should ensure that the proforma invoice lists the name of a contact person and a valid phone/mobile phone number so that Brokerage in the destination country or territory can get in contact with the consignee of the goods in order to agree on the clearance procedure.

Outward Processing (after repair)

Outward Processing Relief (goods exported from the UK for the purpose of repair)

The outward processing relief starts with the export from the UK and will be discharged with the re-importation of the repaired goods. Both steps need to be identified by UPS export or import operation. Repair Goods: Goods requiring Export from the UK for repair Invoice requirements:

• Statement stating "Goods being sent for repair under Outward Processing Relief" should be clearly marked on the commercial invoice
• Provide serial number of goods being sent for repair. If the goods are not serialized a statement to this effect must be made on the commercial invoice
• Exporters authorized to export under OPR must include their authority number on all paperwork
• Provide correct commercial value of goods as originally paid for not a nominal value for the goods.

Failure to provide any of the above information will result in shipments being delayed.

Repaired goods: Goods being re-exported returned after repair in the UK Invoice requirements:

• Invoice should clearly state "Goods have been repaired under IPR"
• Provide either IP authorization number or Import entry details
• Provide full commercial value of goods plus cost of repair

Failure to provide any of the above information will result in shipments being delayed.

Solid Wood Packing Material

New requirements have been implemented for both small package and WWEF shipments and are based on the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, which is entitled "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade". ISPM 15 was adopted internationally in 2002, and is gradually being introduced by countries or territories worldwide. Wood or wood products covered by ISPM 15 include items such as packing cases, boxes, crates, drums or similar packing, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars and skids, but exclude such processed woods as orientated strand board, particle board, plywood or veneer, created using glue, heat and pressure or a combinations thereof, and, raw wood which is 6mm or less thick. It is recommended that if a question arises on this issue, please check with the authority that issues the Phytosanitary certificates in your country or territory.

Temporary Import

Exhibition
Shipments imported for the purpose of exhibition must be cleared by an authorized broker of the particular exhibition which is pre-approved by local Customs. All agent fees will be discussed and settled between the customer and the broker directly.

WEEE and RoHS

In an attempt to control and reduce environmental pollution and other public hazard, electronic information products and toxic/harmful substances must meet RoHS (Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances) requirements by March 1, 2007.

Affected items include electronic radar products, electronic communication products, broadcast and television products, computer products, household electronic products, electronic measurement instrument products, security products for electron, electronic component products, electronic application products, electronic material products, and other relative products and their accessory parts. Electronic components and materials which may not be the end products must also conform. Toxic/harmful substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and any other toxic or harmful substances or elements prescribed by the State must also adhere to the requirements.

Two aspects of conformation are (1) industy standards which include requirements for concentration limits, marking requirements and testing methods; and (2) administered catalog of pollution control of electronic information products. This catalog is still under development at this moment. The first phase of implementation which will take effect March 1, 2007 is self declaration of environmental information in the electronic information product based on the marking requirement.

Manufacturer/importer should indicate the toxic/harmful substances contained in the product such as names, contents, and information about recycle of toxic or hazardous materials, and recyclability, etc.

Name of the packing material on the product packing

If the product/packing has limitations (such as size or surface) to contain the information, a user manual can be used

For more information, refer to http://www.mii.gov.cn

Email enquiries can be directed to ChinaROHS@mii.gov.cn

Import value limits to China

Deminimis Value

Private Shipments

• 0.00 Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

In most cases, when the value of the shipment is equal to or less than the Deminimis Value, and the total duty and tax amount does not exceed 50.00 Chinese Yuan, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty and tax free.

Commercial Shipments

• 0.00 Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Maximum weight:

70 kg (150 lbs.) per package

Maximum length:

274.00 cm (107.9 in.)  per package

Maximum dimensions:

419.10 cm (165.0 in.)  per package
Length and girth combined

Convert metric quantity for weight, length, and area.