🇨🇳 Import Customs & Duties: China
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$7
Packages under $7, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
13%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 9% for agricultural products, utilities, and certain services. Cross-border e-commerce: 70% of standard rates.
Clearance Time
3-14 days
typical processing
Note: Strict customs; some items require permits
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-10% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 6-25% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-24% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-35% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-8% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 3-20% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-6% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $7 USD
Customs Clearance Process
China Customs (GACC) uses the Single Window system for electronic declarations. Personal imports under ¥1000 may use simplified postal customs. Cross-border e-commerce has a separate regime with combined tax rates.
What to Actually Expect
Can be unpredictable. Personal shipments over ¥1000 may require in-person customs visit. Commercial shipments need licensed broker. Cross-border e-commerce platforms (Tmall Global, JD Worldwide) have streamlined processes with lower combined tax rates of 9.1% for most goods.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Automatic import licenses for monitored goods (steel, certain electronics). Restricted goods (used machinery, waste materials, ozone-depleting substances) require non-automatic licenses. CCC mark mandatory for many electronics and auto parts.
Certificate of Origin
CCPIT (China Council for Promotion of International Trade) issues certificates of origin. Preferential certificates available under RCEP, ASEAN-China FTA, and other agreements. Electronic certificates increasingly accepted.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to China:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $3 | $7 | $10 |
| $100 | $7 | $14 | $21 |
| $200 | $14 | $28 | $42 |
| $500 | $37 | $70 | $107 |
| $1000 | $74 | $140 | $214 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to China
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for China?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into China is $7. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to China?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to China is 13%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 9% for agricultural products, utilities, and certain services. Cross-border e-commerce: 70% of standard rates.
How long does customs clearance take in China?
Typical customs clearance in China takes 3-14 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into China?
To import into China, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into China?
China prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.