When shipping to China, keep in mind that China's customs procedures are strict and some goods, such as food and cosmetics, are highly regulated. So find out in advance what paperwork you need to prepare, and if your parcel will be shipped through express or formal clearance.
The most important documents are the air waybill, commercial invoice and packing list (if shipping multiple boxes). Regulated goods will require extra paperwork.
Ask your receiver in China in advance what additional documents or certifications may be needed for the goods you’re shipping. Without them, your parcel might be held by customs or sent back.
All information on the commercial invoice needs to be accurate, in English and consistent with the details on the air waybill.
Costs on the commercial invoice can be in any currency, usually the currency in which the transaction was made.
If you’re sending multiple boxes, or your shipment weighs over 100 kg, include a packing list so the Chinese customs authorities can conduct the physical inspection quickly and easily.
The list must clearly and accurately describe the parcels and their contents. This includes the quantity of goods, the packing method, and the net and gross weight for each carton. It also needs to be signed by the shipper or bear the company stamp.
The China Compulsory Certification (CCC) Mark is a safety and quality label for regulated products, like electronics, that enter China for use or sale.
Want to check if your product requires the CCC Mark? Visit the European Commission’s Market Access Database, select ‘China’ and enter your product’s HS code for an overview of relevant requirements. If the China Compulsory Certification is required, it will be listed on the ‘Procedures and Formalities’ page.
The CCC Mark is overseen by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA). Register for the CCC Mark online in the China Inspection and Quarantine E-Cert System. You can also apply via certification companies that carry out inspection, verification and testing in your global region. Or contact FedEx China for more information.
International shipments entering China are controlled and inspected by China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ), a department within China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
CIQ works separately from China Customs to ensure imported goods comply with Chinese regulations including labeling, packaging and safety requirements.
If your goods pass the CIQ inspection, a stamped clearance slip, or Entry Commodity Inspection Certificate, will be attached. The shipment can then move on to customs before being released. A Certificate of Inspection of Goods Inwards, issued by CIQ, may also be required for customs clearance.
China Customs is the shortened name of the General Administration of Customs China (GACC). After a shipment is checked by CIQ it will then pass through China Customs via express or formal clearance.
Express clearance is a streamlined process with minimal paperwork for three categories of goods: CAT A (documents), CAT B (personal effects, gifts and online purchases) and CAT C (samples and low-value items).
Formal Clearance, also known as freight mode, or CAT D clearance, is for shipments of dutiable goods with a high value, or that are regulated or sent in bulk, such as cosmetics, food or toys.
Express clearance |
Formal clearance |
|
|---|---|---|
Shipment types and values |
|
|
Customs processing time |
|
|
Required documentation |
|
|
Yes, for formal clearance in China additional documents are almost always required. Here’s a list of extra documents that may be needed, depending on the shipment:
To avoid customs delays, the receiver should provide their documents for the sender to include in the shipping paperwork.
There are also a number of documents and licenses that are always required for formal customs clearance in China. The most important are:
China has a licensing system to monitor and control the import of regulated goods. These products often require a special import license and extra documentation or certifications. It’s therefore important to check the Chinese regulations that apply to your product before shipping, as they’re frequently updated.
Strictly regulated goods in China include:
Shipping regulated goods to China? See the list below for a detailed guide on what documentation you need to provide.
For apparel shipments to private individuals – a signed letter explaining the apparel is for personal use and a copy of the receiver's passport or ID card
The sender needs to provide:
For shipments going through formal clearance (CAT D) additional requirements must be met:
For shipments going through formal clearance (CAT D), additional requirements must be met:
For shipments of infant formula milk powder from business to businesses, the sender also needs to provide:
For shipments of milk powder to private individuals, the receiver needs to provide:
For shipments of milk powder from business to business, the receiver needs to provide:
For shipments of toys to private individuals, the receiver needs to provide:
For shipments of toys from business to business, the receiver needs to provide:
Different carriers, different requirements
Please note that shipping requirements and documentation may vary between carriers. The information on this page is based on FedEx shipping requirements. These guidelines are as general as possible, however other carriers may follow different procedures. If you’re unsure of the shipping requirements that apply to you, check with your carrier.
