Do not guess
at the channel.
China Customs separates “nothing to declare” from goods that must be declared, licensed or kept out. Check uncertain items before packing—and use the red channel when uncertainty remains.
If an item may be prohibited, restricted, taxable, commercial, subject to quarantine or above a threshold, do not use the green channel by assumption. Ask Customs or choose red.
Sort every uncertain item before packing
Leave it out
Weapons and imitation weapons, explosives, counterfeit currency, illegal narcotics, deadly poisons and other items on the official prohibited list.
Verify first
Some animals, plants, products, biological materials, transmitters, protected species and other controlled articles need official review or permission.
Use red
Items covered by a declaration threshold, commercial goods, samples, advertisements, unaccompanied baggage and other current Customs triggers.
Green only if clear
Ordinary travel belongings within current personal-use and reasonable-quantity rules, with nothing else to declare.
Common reasons a traveler must declare
Goods intended to remain in China above the current non-resident threshold.
RMB or foreign-currency cash at or above the current declaration level.
Amounts at or above the official passenger threshold.
Animals, plants, products, microbes, biological products, tissues or blood products.
Goods, samples or advertising material not simply ordinary personal travel belongings.
Baggage arriving separately from the passenger.
Anything prohibited, restricted, permit-controlled or otherwise listed by current law.
China Customs says passengers who do not know which channel applies should ask or use red.
Thresholds currently published by China Customs
These figures come from the General Administration of Customs’ passenger guide and were checked on 23 August 2026. Verify the live page before travel.
Personal articles intended to remain in China.
Use red; separate currency rules apply.
Use red and keep endorsed records when applicable.
Use red under the published passenger guide.
Use red under the published passenger guide.
Use red under the published passenger guide.
A declaration threshold does not override prohibition, quarantine, licensing, age, origin or other control. Customs decides the treatment of the specific item.
Think quarantine, not snack size
Meat, animal products, fruits, plants, seeds, soil and other biological materials can carry animal or plant disease. Eligibility can depend on the exact product, processing, origin and current controls.
- Identify every ingredient and its animal or plant origin.
- Keep factory packaging and product labels.
- Check the current GACC quarantine/prohibited catalogue.
- Do not assume vacuum-sealed, cooked or “for personal use” makes an item acceptable.
- Declare the item when the rule requires it or when uncertain.
Verify the ingredient—not only the brand
Exact substance
Record the generic/active ingredient, strength and dose. Brand names differ across countries.
Personal-use amount
Carry only the reasonable quantity needed for the trip unless an authority confirms another route.
Original evidence
Keep original labeled packaging plus the prescription or clinician letter.
Official confirmation
Ask China Customs and the Chinese authority responsible for your location about controlled ingredients and documents.
This website cannot confirm that a specific medicine is legal to import. Rules may also differ for narcotic, psychotropic, injectable, biological or high-volume products. Run the dedicated medication readiness check →
Keep the decision reversible
- 01
Keep the item accessible
Do not bury the item or supporting documents inside checked baggage.
- 02
Read the live declaration board
Airport signs and current Customs instructions control the on-site process.
- 03
Choose red if required or uncertain
Show the item, answer truthfully and provide documents requested by the officer.
- 04
Keep endorsed records
If Customs returns a verified declaration or other document, save it for departure or later review.
The green channel is not a guarantee of release without inspection. China Customs may inspect baggage regardless of the selected channel.
China Customs FAQ
What must I declare when entering China?
Use the red Goods to Declare channel for items covered by current China Customs declaration rules, including amounts above the official cash, alcohol or tobacco thresholds, animal or plant products, commercial goods, unaccompanied baggage and other restricted or permit-controlled articles. If uncertain, ask Customs or use red.
What happens if I am not sure whether an item is allowed?
Do not guess and do not hide it. Keep the item accessible, retain packaging or supporting documents, tell a Customs officer and use the red channel. China Customs expressly directs uncertain passengers to ask or choose red.
Can I bring food into China?
Some food, animal products, plants, seeds, fruits and other quarantine objects are prohibited or controlled. Rules depend on the exact item, origin, processing and current animal/plant disease controls. Check the live China Customs source before packing and declare when required.
Can I bring prescription medicine into China?
Medicine is product- and substance-specific. Use the dedicated medication readiness guide to identify the active ingredient, documentation, quantity and declaration route. Verify controlled ingredients with China Customs and the relevant Chinese authority before travel; neither page confirms a specific medicine.
Does choosing the green channel prevent a baggage inspection?
No. China Customs states that baggage may still be inspected regardless of the channel selected.
Customs facts checked here
Reviewed 23 August 2026. Lists, quarantine controls and thresholds may change. Use the live General Administration of Customs source for the exact item.
- China Customs — International Passenger Clearance GuideRed/green channels, thresholds, prohibited categories, personal use and uncertainty rule.
- China Customs — Carried Baggage ClearanceTruthful declaration, reasonable quantity and inspection regardless of channel.
- China Customs — Inbound Articles Prohibited by the StateOfficial prohibited categories.
- China Customs — Service CenterLive passenger baggage, animal/plant quarantine and imported-food service routes.
- State Council — Customs service explanationDeclaration documents and consequences of non-declaration.