Personal Effects Customs Clearance China
Important Information
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
- On this route, you are also required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any additional, requirements, processes or fees, which may be due, based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival in the destination, you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
Names Must Match
- The consignee must be named as the receiver of the goods, therefore shipments of personal effects should not be addressed to businesses or hotels.
Time Limit for Importing
- Personal effects can only be imported within six months of the consignee’s entry into China.
Missing Documents
- China prohibits the shipping of second hand products unless the necessary documentation listed below is provided to clear the items are personal effects, or the consignee can provide proof of purchase (receipts) for their items along with a copy of their Resident Identity Card. If you do not have the necessary documents, or receipts and ID your shipment will be returned back to the origin country and the additional costs for this incurred.
Maximum quantity of certain items
- Private individuals may only be permitted to import a certain amount of non standard personal effect items, for example, no more than 20 books. If you are sending multiple numbers of any items not considered as standard personal items i.e. not clothing, we recommend you check with Chinese customs prior to shipping to ensure there are no restrictions in place for the number of items you wish to send.
Documents Required
Passport
- In order to be eligible for duty free clearance, the consignee will be requested to provide a copy of their passport. This can be uploaded to your Send My Bag Account once your order is placed.
Visa or Resident Identity Card
- Chinese citizens or permanent residents will be required to upload a copy of the their Resident Identity Card to their Send My Bag Account. Non citizens and residents will be required to upload a copy of any work, study, or travel visa they hold, along with a copy of their entry stamp confirming their date of arrival into China.
Stamped Baggage Declaration Form
- Customers must also obtain a stamped Baggage Declaration Form directly from customs at their airport of entry. This is normally available via the ‘red lane’, or ‘goods to declare’ line at customs. You should ensure to bring a list of the goods you are importing, or a copy of your Send My Bag packing list with you to the customs officer to assist them completed the form for you. The stamped form will then need to be provided to Send My Bag or our courier partner directly to complete the clearance process. On some occasions Chinese customs may request that the original stamped form is provided, in which case the form will need to be posted to our courier partner who will then submit this to customs on the consignee's behalf.
As the stamped Customer Declaration Form is required, the consignee must ensure they arrive in China around the same time as their shipment to be eligible for duty-free clearance. Shipments that require storage whilst missing paperwork is obtained may incur additional storage fees which are not covered by Send My Bag.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 12 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance China
Important Information
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
- On this route, you are also required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any additional, requirements, processes or fees, which may be due, based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival in the destination, you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
Names Must Match
- The consignee must be named as the receiver of the goods, therefore shipments of personal effects should not be addressed to businesses or hotels.
Time Limit for Importing
- Personal effects can only be imported within six months of the consignee’s entry into China.
Missing Documents
- China prohibits the shipping of second hand products unless the necessary documentation listed below is provided to clear the items are personal effects, or the consignee can provide proof of purchase (receipts) for their items along with a copy of their Resident Identity Card. If you do not have the necessary documents, or receipts and ID your shipment will be returned back to the origin country and the additional costs for this incurred.
Maximum quantity of certain items
- Private individuals may only be permitted to import a certain amount of non standard personal effect items, for example, no more than 20 books. If you are sending multiple numbers of any items not considered as standard personal items i.e. not clothing, we recommend you check with Chinese customs prior to shipping to ensure there are no restrictions in place for the number of items you wish to send.
Documents Required
Passport
- In order to be eligible for duty free clearance, the consignee will be requested to provide a copy of their passport. This can be uploaded to your Send My Bag Account once your order is placed.
Visa or Resident Identity Card
- Chinese citizens or permanent residents will be required to upload a copy of the their Resident Identity Card to their Send My Bag Account. Non citizens and residents will be required to upload a copy of any work, study, or travel visa they hold, along with a copy of their entry stamp confirming their date of arrival into China.
Stamped Baggage Declaration Form
- Customers must also obtain a stamped Baggage Declaration Form directly from customs at their airport of entry. This is normally available via the ‘red lane’, or ‘goods to declare’ line at customs. You should ensure to bring a list of the goods you are importing, or a copy of your Send My Bag packing list with you to the customs officer to assist them completed the form for you. The stamped form will then need to be provided to Send My Bag or our courier partner directly to complete the clearance process. On some occasions Chinese customs may request that the original stamped form is provided, in which case the form will need to be posted to our courier partner who will then submit this to customs on the consignee's behalf.
As the stamped Customer Declaration Form is required, the consignee must ensure they arrive in China around the same time as their shipment to be eligible for duty-free clearance. Shipments that require storage whilst missing paperwork is obtained may incur additional storage fees which are not covered by Send My Bag.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 12 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for China
- Gambling devices;
- Jewellery;
- Military equipment;
- Radar transmitters/receivers.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for China
- Gambling devices;
- Jewellery;
- Military equipment;
- Radar transmitters/receivers.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for China
- Gambling devices;
- Jewellery;
- Military equipment;
- Radar transmitters/receivers.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for China
- Gambling devices;
- Jewellery;
- Military equipment;
- Radar transmitters/receivers.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to China?
Due to its vast size and sheer number of attractions, people visiting China tend to take extended trips, and, in turn, take more luggage. Backpacking is also a popular choice and airlines know this, usually charging huge fees for excess baggage. Send My Bag can save you money and take the hassle out of your journey by collecting your heavy and bulky baggage and delivering it to your destination quickly and securely.
Our carrier service is also great for students who are relocating to China to study or for Chinese students who are heading to a foreign country for learning opportunities. Having possessions from home makes adjusting to life abroad much easier and helps students focus on their studies. Baggage is delivered to your chosen destination when you need it so that you can enjoy your stay straight away, without having to worry about carting your luggage around various airports and having to wait at the baggage carousel.
Send Luggage to China
You can use Send My Bag to send your luggage and boxes to China. This is particularly handy if you are relocating to China or returning home there and you need to get all your possessions to China too. You can save yourself a lot of hassle by sending your possessions with Send My Bag and so avoid waiting at bag drop or luggage carousels and avoid having to drag your items behind you onto public transport. To learn more about sending luggage to China, take a look at our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to China
If you are moving to China permanently, or for a few years of work placements, you will have to investigate international removals to China in order to move all of your possessions. Before you have the movers pick up your items, ensure that everything is carefully packaged so it won’t get damaged in transit. Use suitable packaging for your items and tape everything up well.
Student Shipping to China
If relocating to China for your studies you will have plenty that you would like to take with you. Aside from everyday essentials, like clothes and shoes, you will also need to bring textbooks and other reading material for your course. Top Chinese universities include Tsinghua University, Peking University and Fudan University. To find out more about student shipping to China visit our student shipping page and get your 10% student discount.
Sending a Parcel to China
Instead of a suitcase or bag, you can easily send a parcel to China with Send My Bag. Friends and family can use this option to send you care packages or gifts throughout the year. Or if you have left something behind at home, they can send it on to you in China as a parcel. Send My Bag can send parcels internationally to China for you. Read our information page on how to package your parcel using a suitable, sturdy box so nothing gets damaged in transit. Also familiarise yourself with the rules relating to personal effects and brand new items.
Ways of Shipping to China
If you are going to China for work or for a holiday, you will need to transport several items. You can take your pick of several different options for international shipping to China.
Send Golf Clubs to China
China is home to the world’s biggest golf club – Mission Hills. Shanqin Bay and Stone Forest join Mission Hills as the best golf clubs in the country. If you would like to try out China’s golf courses, you can do so using your own clubs by sending them to China with Send My Bag. It’s easy to send golf clubs to China, just make sure you package them up correctly and book a collection with Send My Bag online. Your clubs will be delivered to your destination for you, and taken home again, should you so desire. This will make your journey to China much easier, since you won’t have to drag large golf bags behind you. Make sure you find out how best to parcel up your golf clubs by visiting Send My Bag's information page on sending golf clubs.
Send Skis to China
Although you may not think it, China is a great ski destination. China boasts numerous ski resorts, such as Alshan, Yabuli and Nanshan. If you send your own skis with Send My Bag you won’t need to use rented skis when you are there, and you can avoid the embarrassment of having to pay your airline oversized baggage fees. It is easy to send your skis, just make sure they are packaged up correctly and visit Send My Bag to find out how to send your skis to China.
About China
China is a huge country that offers people endless and affordable travel opportunities and some of the most awe-inspiring attractions in the world. Due to its vast size, China has a diverse range of terrain from high plateaus and deserts in the centre, to the plains and deltas of the east. On the border between Tibet and Nepal lies Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, measuring a staggering 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) high.
China has many large cities that are popular with tourists. These include the capital Beijing, Hangzhou - famous for its silk industry - and Shanghai, known for its river cityscape and great shopping. Other places to explore include the Great Wall of China, the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and Mount Tai, all offering great photo opportunities.
China’s official language is Standard Mandarin, which has been the only language used in education since the 1950s, although many regions also have their own dialects. English is taught in schools, but outside of the major tourist attractions and establishments, you may find it hard to find locals that are conversant in English.
China’s attractions are seemingly endless and you’ll never run out of things to see and do however long your stay. Due to China’s long history, there is plenty for the history buff to do. China has the third highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world behind Italy and Spain, including imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Leshan Giant Buddha and the ancient city of Ping Yao. The country offers a wonderful mix of quaint rural and conservative with eye-opening, modern and mesmerising urban areas.
It’s a fantastic place to get your hands on some wonderful new technologies, as well as great souvenirs. Most visitors to China will require a visa to enter the country; these are available from your local Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to China.
Air Freight to Germany
Air freight is one option for sending large items like tables and chairs to China. It usually takes around one to two days to transport your items this way, making it a quick, but at times expensive, option. The amount you pay depends on your shipment’s weight and its size. You will probably also have to hire a customs agent to deal with customs clearance for you. And, you need to get your items to and from the airport. Costs could, therefore, quickly spiral. If you send internationally by air freight to China your items will likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou Airports.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Germany
Instead of air freight you could choose sea freight or container shipping to transport your possessions to China. If you don’t need your items straightaway, this could be the solution for you, especially if you need to send something like a sofa or armchair. This option can be cheaper than air freight, but you will still need to hire a customs agent and will need to get your items to and from the ports. So, the cost could be more than expected. Your items will most likely arrive at one of the big sea ports in China, such as Xingang, Qingdao or Xiamen.
Shipping Goods to Germany
When shipping goods to China you need to be aware of the current Chinese customs rules. You should know of any customs duties that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to China, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.