Customs and Quarantine Advice in China

Customs and quarantine advice in China regards items one can and cannot bring as well as circumstances that can result in quarantine of persons or belongings.

Chinese Customs

In order to enter China, one must fill out Chinese customs declaration forms upon arrival. This must be submitted upon departure from China. China allows the transport of cigarettes, cameras, tape recorders, and up to $5000. Certain items which are typically rather expensive, such as jewelry, amateur photography as well as film equipment, and computers must be included in the declaration sheet. Anything brought into China for commercial use must be accepted through a special clearance. Nothing that is, "detrimental to China’s politics, economy, culture, or ethics" is allowed within Chinese territory, and this could include political propaganda, arms and ammunition, and narcotics. While those with more than $5000 USD must report the amount of money in their possession in their customs declaration forms, one with more than 6000 yuan can neither leave nor enter China. Cultural relics must be cleared by customs before leaving or entering the country. Expensive items may require examinations by and special receipts from The People’s Bank of China. Articles prohibited from entering or leaving China include:

• Weapons, ammunition, and explosives
• Counterfeit money or forgeries
• Political propaganda that contradicts Chinese politics or philosophies
• Poisons, opiates, marijuana, and other narcotics
• Dangerous bacteria
• Harmful flora and fauna
• Food, drugs, and other articles that had exposure to pathogens
• Most cultural relics
• Endangered flora and fauna

Chinese Quarantine Services

Health inspections that result in quarantine may be required when entering or exiting China. Quarantine can result from microorganisms, biological products, or blood (substantial amounts contained outside of the body). Certificates of inoculation for dangerous infections (such as yellow fever) must be presented upon entry and exit following exposure. Those with such certificates will be quarantined and observed for a period of six days before proceeding. Prohibited flora and fauna will be quarantined; all other flora and fauna brought in and out of the country must first be inspected and cleared.