DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Original Passport
• Visa / Work Permit  (Valid for at least one year)
• Residence Card / Permit  (Valid for at least one year)
• Detailed inventory in English (describing general carton contents - PBO "packed by owner" and "misc." are not acceptable.
• Ocean Bill of Lading / Air Way Bill 
• Import Permit Application Form, signed and chopped with the company stamp.
• Certificate of Origin may be required. 

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 6 months of  customer
• Shipments are subject to physical inspection by Customs.
• All wooden packing material must follow the "International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM No. 15).  The new rule requires all wood packaging material (WPM) associated with consignments to China should be treated and labelled with IPPC mark by the manufacturers.  Any non-compliance WPM will be treated, destroyed, or returned with the consignments together under supervision of China Inspection and Quarantine.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• Alcohol and tobacco products
• Books are subject to import duties if customer imports more than 10 books or 3 sets.  Customers are not permitted to import more than 50 books in an airfreight shipment.
• CDs and DVDs are subject to import duties if customer imports more than 20 pieces or 3 sets.  Customers are not permitted to import more than 100 CDs or DVDs in an airfreight consignment.
• 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)
• 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.
• Radio transmitters and components
• Bicycles
• Golf Clubs
• Oriental antiques and objects d'art must be declared in detail, otherwise re-export might be prohibited. 
• Cameras
• Small quantity of prescription medicines may be allowed (with a copy of the prescription).
• Computers / printers
• 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
• Milk products are prohibited in airfreight shipments
• Grain or foods made from grain are prohibited in an airfreight shipments

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Motorcycles and old owned vehicles are prohibited
• Brand New 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

Attention:  Must check with Allied Pickfords Shanghai office before sending any vehicle to Shanghai, China.

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
• Baggage Declaration Form  To be completed by customer on arrival at port of entry