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What can you bring through customs in China?

Its own customs territory

China asks arriving travellers to choose between declaring and not declaring goods, has an allowance for personal goods, and restricts some publications and media as well as food and animal products.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change, and customs officers enforce them. This page describes how the rules are built, not the amounts, which change often. For the exact allowance, limit or banned list that applies to you, use the official customs authority below, and when in doubt, declare. This is general information, not legal advice.

Personal allowance for goods

Travellers have an allowance for personal articles. Goods above it, and anything not for your own use, must be declared and are taxed.

Alcohol and tobacco

Adults have allowances for alcohol and tobacco for personal use.

Food, plants and animals

Meat, dairy, fruit and other fresh food, plants and animals are controlled for health reasons, and many are banned for personal import.

Cash and valuables

Foreign currency and Chinese yuan above set amounts must be declared on entry and exit.

Medicines and banned items

Medicines for personal use are allowed in limited quantity with documents. Certain publications, films and media, weapons, illegal drugs and counterfeit goods are banned.

What to watch for

  • Check the customs authority's current rules before you travel; allowances and banned items change.

Understand the legal system first

China belongs to the Civil law family. Customs law is made by the state, so it is useful to know how the legal system works.

Read the China legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →

Official sources

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TheLawToKnow Tools’s customs guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the customs authority’s own information. Report a mistake.