Customs Requirements for China Imports and Exports

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) has implemented and reinforced regulations for formal and informal entry shipments to and from China. The regulations requiring accurate information for customs clearance are summarized in the following paragraphs:

Formal Clearance for Package and Freight Shipment

GACC has issued Order No. 60, adjusting formal entry clearance requirements for package and freight shipments to and from China. As such, shippers and/or consignees may be contacted to provide the following information to facilitate customs clearance:

• Name of legal registered entity of overseas shipper or consignee
• 18-digits social identifier¹ of the shipper and/or consignee

For more information on this new policy, visit China Customs site

Informal Clearance for Package Shipment Only

GACC has reinforced informal entry clearance requirements for package shipments importing into China. Shippers are reminded that it is mandatory to include detailed information on the following elements in the commercial invoice:

• Product information² includes product description, brand name, manufacturer name, condition of the product³, composition of materials and internal packaging details
• Declared value
• Shipper and/or consignee’s company information including company name, 18-digits social identifier¹ and customs registration number¹

Failure to provide accurate information may result in holds and delays at customs.

For more information on the above, please contact your local Account Representative or Customer Service Representative.

¹Apply to China customers and companies only
²Example of a complete product information: women's shirt, Zara, manufacturer unknown, used, woven, 100% cotton, packed in bag
³All products are considered new unless stated otherwise