China Customs Rules 2026: Duty-Free Allowance, Banned Items & Cash Limit

Duty-free allowance in China

Residents: goods bought abroad up to RMB 5,000 duty-free; duty on the excess. 🟣 Reported

Non-residents: goods to be left in China up to RMB 2,000 duty-free. 🟣 Reported

Postal/baggage tax of about 13–50% by item (20% is typical for general goods). ≈ Estimated

Status

Gold jewellery	declare	Declare gold/silver over 50 g. ≈ Estimated
Gold bars & coins	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Mobile phones	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Laptops & tablets	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Other electronics	declare	Residents declare cameras, laptops etc. worth over RMB 5,000 each. 🟣 Reported
Watches	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Perfume & cosmetics	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Clothing & shoes	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Gifts & other goods	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Alcohol	allowed	1.5 L of alcohol over 12% duty-free. 🟣 Reported
Cigarettes & tobacco	allowed	400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 g tobacco. 🟣 Reported
E-cigarettes / vapes	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Cash & currency	declare	Declare over RMB 20,000 or foreign cash over US$5,000 (keep the form to take it out). ✅ Official
Medicines	restricted	Personal-use medicines are usually allowed with a prescription. Controlled medicines (strong painkillers, sedatives, ADHD drugs) may need prior approval. ≈ Estimated
Packaged food & sweets	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Meat, milk & dairy	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Plants, seeds & fruit	restricted	Plants, seeds and fresh fruit usually need a phytosanitary certificate. Declare them. ≈ Estimated
Drones	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Weapons & ammunition	restricted	Firearms, ammunition and many knives need an import permit or licence issued in advance. ≈ Estimated
Narcotics & drugs	prohibited	Illegal drugs are prohibited in practically every country. Penalties can include long prison sentences or worse. ≈ Estimated

🏝️

Hainan Island (Free Trade Port): Travellers leaving Hainan can buy duty-free goods up to RMB 100,000 per person per year (45+ categories, some quantity limits, e.g. phones and liquor). Arrival customs rules for China still apply. 🟣 Reported

⚖️ If you don't declare

Not declaring cash above RMB 20,000 / US$5,000: the excess can be confiscated and fined.
Undeclared dutiable goods: duty plus fines; smuggling is a criminal offence.

≈ Estimated

Frequently asked questions

How much can I bring duty-free from to China?

Residents: goods bought abroad up to RMB 5,000 duty-free; duty on the excess.

How much cash can I carry to China?

Declare over RMB 20,000 or foreign cash over US$5,000 (keep the form to take it out).

Can I pay customs duty online before travelling to China?

There is no online pre-payment for China at the moment. Declare at the red channel on arrival if you are over the allowance.

Popular routes

Sources

🟣 Reported China Daily – China Customs passenger allowances
✅ Official Shanghai Government – Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers

Last checked: 2026-11-09