Customs when moving to China Move to China safely. Customs-compliant, well-planned, and without unnecessary delays.
Safely across the border – residence status, transport route, and regional differences.
The most important information in 30 seconds
When moving to China, foreign passport holders generally require an import permit, often referred to as a “customs QR code.” In most cases, a Chinese residence permit with sufficient validity is required. Personal belongings must be imported within the approved scope.
For you, this means that a proper customs clearance process is required for importing your goods.
Why? You avoid unnecessary costs or delays and ensure that your move runs smoothly.
In general, the following applies:
- First-time foreign importers may import personal household goods duty-free under certain conditions.
- This regulation does not apply nationwide, for example currently not in Beijing.
- Chinese passport holders must still expect to pay duties and taxes.
- After the residence permit has been issued, the import permit is applied for through the destination agent at the local customs authority.
- Everything approved in the application must be imported within 6 months.
- Every shipment may be inspected by the local customs authorities.
- Since December 2024, the customs exemption no longer applies to all air freight shipments arriving at Shanghai PVG Airport. These shipments may be subject to duties and taxes.
Advantages of early customs clearance and information
Avoiding delays
Incomplete documentation, missing residence permits, or uncoordinated inventory lists can quickly lead to storage times, additional costs, and delivery delays.
Controlling costs
China makes distinctions based on passport status, first-time import status, destination city, and mode of transport. Checking early whether duties and taxes apply helps prevent budget risks.
Smooth operation
The import permit is only applied for once certain documents have been submitted. Since work and residence permits are often issued only 3 to 4 weeks after entry with a Z visa, the logistics must be scheduled accordingly.
Less stress when starting out in China
Preparing documents, visas, work permits, rental agreements, and inventory lists early reduces escalations with customs, the moving company, and the destination agent.
Better logistics planning
Whether air freight, sea freight, or a follow-up shipment: the customs strategy determines timing, costs, and feasibility.
Checklist: Required customs documents for moving to China
For customs clearance, an import permit, known as the customs QR code, is required. The following documents are relevant:
✓ Passport with Chinese residence permit, valid for at least 1 year
✓ Combined work permit and social security card
✓ Employment approval letter for Beijing
✓ Application form
✓ Packing list and transport documents, including the inventory or packing list as well as the OBL or AWB for all incoming shipments
✓ Baggage declaration form. Two identically completed copies must be submitted to customs for stamping. The returned form should be forwarded to the destination agent so that the goods can be cleared.
✓ Copy of the property ownership certificate or rental agreement in China
✓ Proof if the shipment originates from a country other than the customer’s nationality
✓ Printout of entry records into mainland China for the last 2 years, issued by the PSB.
Air Freight to China – What You Need to Know
General Information for Incoming Air Freight Shipments
We advise against including the following goods in air freight shipments:
- Food, wine, and alcohol
- Cosmetics and health products
- Toiletries
Alcohol is strictly prohibited or particularly critical and should not be planned as a regular part of a private air freight shipment.
Shanghai PVG Since December 2024
Since December 2024, the customs exemption no longer applies to all air freight shipments arriving at Shanghai PVG Airport.
All air freight shipments there may be subject to duties and taxes. This should be factored into the cost planning.
Additional Documents When Moving to Shanghai
When moving to Shanghai for work
✓ Copy of the employer’s business registration
✓ Employment certificate with the original stamp of the HR department
When moving to Shanghai for studies
✓ Student ID
✓ Certificate of enrollment from the school or university, if applicable
Special requirement for air freight in Shanghai, Wuhan, and Nanjing
In Shanghai, Wuhan, and Nanjing, the baggage declaration form is generally only required for air freight. In Shanghai, it may be waived for air freight if the residence and work permits are valid for at least one full year. The FIDI Customs Guide also points out that all items approved in the application may only be imported within the following 6 months and that local customs inspections may take place.
Duty-free? Check here in 30 seconds
✓ For foreign passport holders
✓ Personal effects
✓ Import permit and within the deadline
✓ All 4 requirements met?
→ Duty-free
You should definitely avoid these mistakes at Chinese customs
Common mistakes that cost time and money
- Shipment starts before the residence permit and import permit have been clarified.
- The inventory list is too vague.
- Electrical appliances are listed without model, serial number, or size.
- CDs, DVDs, or video tapes are not counted accurately.
- Food, alcohol, cosmetics, or health products are packed in air freight without prior review.
- The shipment arrives by air freight at Shanghai PVG without duties and taxes being factored in.
- The baggage declaration form was not stamped via the red channel upon departure.
- Destination city-specific differences are ignored.
- Original documents are missing.
- The customer assumes that rules applicable in Shanghai automatically also apply in Beijing.
Import bans & permits
Alcohol & food
Strictly monitored and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Weapons and ammunition
Weapons, imitation weapons, and ammunition are excluded from import.
Works of art
Strictly monitored and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Medicines & medical devices
For personal use only. Have your prescription/proof ready.
Chinese Import Prohibitions
The FIDI Customs Guide explicitly states that pornographic and subversive material may be confiscated and fines may apply.
Books, CDs & DVDs
Proof of ownership >6 months, separate registration, subsequent Swiss registration.
Customs Clearance Process When Moving to China
Select customs office → Check appointment/opening hours → Bring original documents with you
Entry into China
As an expat, you usually enter China with a Z visa.
Application for Work Permit and Residence Permit
After entry, the work permit and Chinese residence permit are applied for. This process often takes around 3 to 4 weeks.
Preparation of Customs Documents
In parallel, the packing list, passport copies, rental agreement, employment documents, entry records, and transport documents are prepared.
Application for Import Permit
After the residence permit has been issued, you apply for the import permit through the destination agent at the local customs authority.
Shipment and Arrival of the Consignment
The shipment should only be finalized once the documentation is in order. This reduces storage times at the port or airport.
Customs Inspection
All shipments may be inspected. Electrical appliances, media, books, CDs, DVDs, and food in particular may trigger additional checks.
Release and Delivery
After customs release, delivery is made to the new address in China.
Your advantages when moving to China with DACHSER & KOLB
Competent customs clearance
We take care of the entire organization and all formalities with the Chinese customs authorities.
Individual advice
We take the time to listen to your wishes and requirements and draw up a detailed removal plan.
Transparent planning
Our free inspection and online price calculator give you a clear overview of the costs.
Experienced specialists
From planning to implementation, we rely on qualified employees who will ensure you have a stress-free move
How DACHSER & KOLB supports you with your Chinese customs relocation
DACHSER & KOLB is your reliable partner for a stress-free move to China. We take care of all customs clearance for you and ensure that all formalities are handled correctly. Our services include:
Provision of forms
We review with you which documents are required for your specific situation.
Preparation of the Inventory List
We support you in preparing a customs-compliant packing list, especially for electrical appliances, media, books, and sensitive items.
Coordination with the Destination Agent
The destination agent supports the application for the import permit with the local customs authority.
Planning Air Freight or Sea Freight
We advise you on which mode of transport makes sense for your timeline, budget, and customs strategy.
Risk Mitigation
We identify critical goods before shipment to prevent unnecessary costs, storage times, or confiscations.
FAQ – What Should You Consider During Customs Clearance for a Move to China?
Which documents do I need for a move to China?
Foreign passport holders generally need a passport, Chinese residence permit, work permit, import permit or customs QR code, packing list, OBL or AWB, rental agreement or proof of property ownership, entry records for the last 2 years, and, depending on the city, additional documents.
When is my removal goods shipment duty-free in China?
Duty-free import may be possible for first-time foreign importers if personal effects are imported in reasonable quantities and the local customs authority applies this regulation. The regulation does not apply nationwide and must be checked before shipment.
Does duty-free import also apply to Chinese passport holders?
No. Chinese passport holders must still expect to pay duties and taxes on their shipments.
Can I send my removal goods directly to China?
This is risky. The residence permit and import permit must be properly planned. Work and residence permits are often issued only 3 to 4 weeks after entry with a Z visa.
How long may I import approved items into China?
Everything listed and approved in the application may only be imported within the following 6 months.
What applies to air freight to Shanghai PVG?
Since December 2024, the customs exemption no longer applies to all air freight shipments arriving at Shanghai PVG Airport. Duties and taxes may apply.
What happens if prohibited items are included in the removal goods?
Prohibited items may be confiscated. In addition, fines, delays, or further legal consequences may occur.
May I send food or alcohol to China?
This is strongly discouraged, especially for air freight. Wine and alcohol are particularly critical and should not be shipped without prior review.
Contact us for a free consultation!
A move to China is not a standard process. Customs status, destination city, transport route, work permit, residence permit, and inventory list must be precisely aligned. DACHSER & KOLB supports you with planning, document checks, customs clearance, and international logistics.
We are here for you
We couldn't answer your questions?
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Sabrina Klier
Customer Service & Sales - AIR & SEA
