Prohibited Items
Items that are prohibited or restricted from being brought into or out of China. Violations can result in confiscation, fines, detention, or criminal charges.
Red Line Warning
Attempting to bring prohibited items into China can result in criminal charges, including detention and prosecution. China's customs enforcement is strict and thorough. If in doubt, declare the item or do not bring it. Ignorance of the law is not accepted as a defense.
Strictly Prohibited Items
The following items are absolutely prohibited. Do NOT attempt to bring these into China under any circumstances.
- 1Firearms, ammunition, and explosives of any kind
- 2Military equipment and weapon components
- 3Counterfeit currencies and forged securities
- 4Printed matter, films, photos, recordings deemed detrimental to the political, economic, cultural, or moral interests of China
- 5Lethal poisons and narcotics (unless prescribed with documentation)
- 6Animals, plants, and products thereof carrying infectious diseases or pests
- 7Foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and other articles from disease-stricken areas
- 8Obscene materials, including books, magazines, and digital media
- 9Radio transmitters/receivers without prior approval
- 10Precious cultural relics (without export permit)
- 11Endangered species and products made from them
- 12Drones exceeding specified weight/specifications without registration
- 13Encrypted communication devices without declaration
Restricted Items (Must Declare)
These items are allowed but must be declared to customs upon entry. Failure to declare may result in fines or confiscation.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Foreign currency (>$5,000 USD equivalent) | Must declare to customs |
| Chinese currency (RMB >20,000) | Must declare to customs |
| Gold, silver, and precious jewelry | Must declare if exceeding personal use |
| Alcoholic beverages | Max 1.5 liters (alcohol content >12%) |
| Tobacco products | Max 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g tobacco |
| Traditional Chinese medicine | Max 300 RMB value for export |
| Endangered wildlife products | Must have CITES certificate |
| Prescription medication | Must carry doctor's prescription and declaration |
| Cultural relics/antiques | Must have export permit from cultural authority |
| Satellite communication equipment | Must declare and obtain approval |
| Samples of biological material | Must have quarantine certificate |
| Drones (>250g) | Must register with CAAC and customs |
Source: General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). Last updated: June 2026. Always check the latest regulations before traveling.