China
China officially announced emergency quarantine
regulations effective January 1, 2000. China will be
requiring USDA certification of heat treatment for
all conifer
(i.e. pine, spruce, hemlock or fir) solid wood packing
material (SWPM) OR exporter certification that none of the
packing material in the shipment is conifer wood. The
regulations apply to both air and sea shipments. SWPM
includes but is not limited to, tonnage, crating, pallets,
packing blocks, drums, cases, spools and skids.
Improperly certified shipments are subject to one of
three actions:
- The shipment can be returned to origin.
- The shipment can be separated from the packing
material, at the importer's expense. The packing
material would be destroyed.
- If the shipment cannot be separated from the packing
material and is not returned to origin, then both the
shipment and packing material would be destroyed.
For additional information concerning this topic visit
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from the USDA at
www.aphis.usda.gov and look under "hot Topics" on the
home page.
Documents Required
- Visa/Work Visa
- Foreign Expert Certificate
- Identity Card
- Residence Card/Permit
- Original Passport and Authorization Letter
- Residency Registration (to obtain Green Card)
- Application for Customs Sealed Letter (three copies)
- Letter of Employment Certification (preferably in
Chinese) from employer's registered China Office, or
Chinese host organization, certifying that Customer will
be either personnel of Foreign Resident Office, or
Foreign Expert
- Detailed inventory in English (describing general
carton contents - PBO "packed by owner" and "misc." not
acceptable)
- Arrival Customs Declaration (to be completed by
Customer on arrival at port of entry)
- Application for import of personal effects (Import
Permit)
- List of goods and quantity to be imported must
be in Chinese
- Must list all items planned for import within
six months from the date of approval of the
application, even if not contained in the first
shipment
- Certificate of Origin may be required
- Customs Permit (must be approved prior to arrival of
goods)
- Customs Permit and inventory must MATCH
EXACTLY!!
- Health Certificate
- Full physical examination with blood test to
prove evidence of absence of communicable diseases,
especially AIDS
Customs Regulations
- CUSTOMER MUST ARRIVE IN CHINA BEFORE SHIPMENT, IN
ORDER TO COMPLETE IMPORT FORMALITIES
- Personal registration of owner of the goods and
employer's registration must be approved before arrival
of the shipment
- Used household goods and personal effects are
dutiable for Chinese persons holding a foreign passport
and foreigners entering China for an extended period of
time (not holding a Residence Card)
- Only one air and one sea shipment may be imported
within six months of Customer
- Shipments are subject to physical inspection by
Customs
Dutiable/Restricted Items
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Foodstuff
- Office supplies and furniture must be for personal
use
- Office equipment can not be imported as personal
effects and are dutiable (i.e. copiers and fax machines)
- Electrical/electronic items (new or used) are
subject to import duties (including computers) make,
model, and serial number must be on inventory
- One of each electrical/electronic item per customer
may be imported such as TV’s, stereos, refrigerators,
VCR’s, washer/dryer
- Audio cassette tapes, video cassette tapes, compact
discs, etc. (limited importation applies) will be
inspected by Customs Office
- Cordless or portable phones (Import Permit required)
- Radio transmitters and components
- Bicycles
- Oriental antiques and objects d'art must be declared
in detail, otherwise re-export might be prohibited
- Textiles and fabrics of wool, silk and artificial
and synthetic fibers and bedding
- Cosmetics
- Cameras, watches, clocks and their parts and
accessories
- Small quantity of prescription medicines may be
allowed (with a copy of the prescription)
- Computers/printers – only one of each item allowed
per customer
- Dutiable/restricted items must be clearly indicated
on the inventory and loaded last for easy access
Prohibited Items
- Weapons and ammunition
- Drugs or poisons
- Fresh food, especially meat
- Pornographic and subversive literature, films,
tapes, etc.
- Endangered and rare animals and their products
Motor Vehicles
- Motorcycles are prohibited
- Privately owned vehicles are considered a luxury
item and are dutiable
- Restrictions and taxes depend on the type and size
of vehicle
- Subject to import duties of up to 200%
- Documents must be provided to support the age and
value of the auto
- Documents required:
- Written application to Customs Office
- Import Cargo Declaration
- Invoice
Pets
- Only one pet per Residence Permit, regulations for
licensing of dogs are complicated and strict
- Health Certificate and original Certificate of
Rabies Vaccination is required
- Subject to strict quarantine regulations
- Veterinary inspection must be arranged by owner upon
arrival
The above information is a brief summary of customs regulations
applicable to household goods shipments to this destination
and is being provided for general guidance to assist our
Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to
change without notice, Relocation Benefits, LLC cannot be
held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other
detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always
double check with your local embassy or consulate as Customs
regulations are subject to change at any time.