Travelers entering or leaving China are required to comply with Chinese customs regulations. Knowing what must be declared, what is duty-free, and what is prohibited can help you avoid delays, fines, or confiscation at the airport.

This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about China customs declaration rules for international travelers.

What Is the Difference Between the Red Channel and the Green Channel in China?

China Customs provides two inspection channels:

• Green Channel – for passengers who have nothing to declare
• Red Channel – for passengers carrying items that must be declared

👉 If you are unsure which channel to use, always choose the Red Channel to avoid potential penalties.

How Much Cash Can You Bring into China?

According to China customs regulations, travelers may carry:

• Up to USD 5,000 (or equivalent foreign currency), or
• Up to CNY 20,000

If you carry more than these amounts, you must declare the excess and provide relevant documentation.

Do You Need to Declare Gold Jewelry or Precious Metals?

Personal gold or silver items are duty-free if the total weight does not exceed 50 grams (approximately 2 ounces).

If the weight exceeds this limit, the items must be declared at customs.

Do You Need to Declare Valuables Bought in China When Leaving?

Yes. When exiting China, travelers should keep purchase receipts for valuable items such as:

• Jewelry and jade
• Gold or silver ornaments
• Antiques, artworks, paintings, or calligraphy

Customs officers may request these receipts during exit inspection.

How Much Milk Powder Can You Bring into China?

Milk powder for personal use is generally duty-free.

Common allowances include:

• Up to 6 cans per box if each can weighs more than 800g, or
• Up to 24 cans if each can weighs less than 800g

Excess quantities must be declared and are subject to tax. The tax rate for infant formula is usually 5%.

Do You Need to Declare Phones, Laptops, or Tablets?

Personal electronic devices — such as one smartphone, one laptop, and one tablet per traveler — do not need to be declared.

However, brand-new electronics intended as gifts, especially those in original packaging, must be declared and may be taxed.

Are Cigarettes and Alcohol Duty-Free in China?

• Up to 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars
• Up to 1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages (above 12% alcohol content)

Any amount exceeding these limits must be declared.

What Items Must Be Declared When Entering China?

• You are required to declare the following items upon entry:
  • Items left in China valued over CNY 2,000
  • Cash exceeding the legal limit
  • Excess tobacco or alcohol
  • Animals, plants, or animal products
  • Biological products, human tissue, blood, or blood products
  • Transceivers and communication devices
  • Commercial goods, samples, or advertising materials
  • Luggage shipped separately

What Must Be Declared When Leaving China?

• When exiting China, travelers must declare:
  • Cash exceeding USD 5,000 or CNY 20,000
  • Gold, silver, and other valuables
  • Cultural relics and antiques
  • Endangered animals, plants, or related products
  • Communication devices
  • Commercial goods or samples

What Happens If You Fail to Declare Items in China?

• Failing to declare required items may result in fines, confiscation, or other penalties. China Customs enforces regulations strictly.
  

  To avoid problems:

  • Fill out the customs declaration form carefully
  
  
  • Ask customs officers for assistance if you are uncertain
  
  
  
  

  👉 When in doubt, declare first — it is always safer.