China Customs Prohibited Items Lists: Alcohol, Food & Drug Standard

Every time you prepare to fly to Mainland China, do you feel a sense of anxiety regarding the contents of your suitcase? Every year, many travelers find themselves at a loss because they are unfamiliar with the regulations. Don’t worry! Trip.com has compiled the latest list of prohibited items for entering China, along with customs strategies to help you clear customs smoothly without a hitch!

What Items are Prohibited from Entry into China?

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Every time you prepare to pass through mainland Chinese customs, a big question mark often pops up: "Is it really okay for me to carry this?" While we would never intentionally carry contraband, customs is a very strict environment. Below is a compiled list of "Prohibited Items" that are strictly forbidden. Please read it carefully, as crossing the line can result in anything from confiscation of items to potential legal issues, turning your trip into a nightmare before it even begins.

Items Impacting National Security and Political Categories

This regulation is often where travelers need to be most vigilant. Mainland customs maintains an extremely strict stance toward items that "may endanger national security or harm national interests."

• Printed Matter, Audio-Visual Products, and Discs: Books, magazines, VCDs, DVDs, or USB drive files containing any content officially deemed "subversive," "obscene," "pornographic," or promoting "cults" or "feudal superstitions" are all targets for customs. Please note that these standards may be much stricter than imagined. Content that can be freely read or viewed in other regions may be considered sensitive in mainland China.
• Any Form of Promotional Material: Even a few flyers or stickers can be deemed prohibited if the content is determined to have political intent or be inflammatory.

Drugs, Weapons, and Dangerous Substances

• Firearms, Ammunition, and Controlled Knives: These are the most straightforward prohibited items, including all models of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. Of greater concern is the definition of "controlled knives." While most people wouldn't bring a kitchen knife on a plane, knives for special purposes (such as diving knives or folding knives of a certain length) must be researched beforehand. Even highly realistic "imitation weapons" (such as toy guns) may trigger customs' concern!
• Anesthetics, and Psychotropic Drugs: This refers to illegal drugs. However, the most anxiety-inducing point lies in the boundary between "medicine" and "illegal drugs." Some common prescription medications may contain ingredients classified as "controlled psychotropic substances" in mainland China (such as certain strong painkillers, sleeping pills, or cold medicines). Before entry, you must ensure the medication is for reasonable personal use and carry a doctor's prescription or medical certificate.

What Items Are Australian Travelers Frequently Bring by Mistake?

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Many things we consider everyday staples or perfect "souvenirs" from Australia are strictly regulated by Chinese Customs. Seeing your carefully chosen gifts confiscated or destroyed at the border can be a heartbreaking and stressful experience. To avoid these losses, pay close attention to these common Australian items that frequently lead to clearance issues.

Strict Restrictions on Animal and Plant Products

• Food Containing Meat or Egg: This is the most critical category to watch. Popular Australian items like beef jerky, meat pies, biltong, or mooncakes containing egg yolks are generally prohibited or strictly restricted.
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Even high-quality Australian produce like Tasmanian cherries, citrus, or mangoes are restricted if they are fresh.
• Other Bio-products: Unprocessed seeds, soil, and animal specimens (including certain sheepskin or taxidermy items without proper certification) may require official quarantine certificates.
• Dairy and Honey: Be cautious with fresh milk, yogurt, or unprocessed honey, as these often fall under strict quarantine categories.

Tips for a Smooth Entry

• Declare when in doubt: If you are unsure about a specific food item, always use the Red Channel to declare it to customs officers.
• Check processed food labels: Generally, professionally packaged, shelf-stable processed foods (like Tim Tams or standard chocolates) are safer, but always check for meat or egg ingredients.

What are Regulations for Personal Medications?

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Many travelers require long-term medication for chronic conditions, which is often a source of anxiety: "Will my life-saving medicine pass through customs smoothly?"

• Prescription Medications: These can be carried, but the key lies in "documentation" and "quantity." You must carry a reasonable quantity for personal use (generally defined as no more than a three-month supply). You must also prepare the hospital prescription, a doctor’s certificate, or purchase receipts. These documents serve as proof to customs that the medication is for "personal medical necessity and not for commercial sale".
• Medications Containing Controlled Ingredients: This is the most sensitive area. Some common cold medicines, painkillers, or sedatives may contain psychotropic ingredients regulated in mainland China. Even with a prescription, extra caution is required when carrying such drugs. It is best to consult relevant authorities before entry to ensure full compliance with prohibited item regulations and avoid legal issues.

What are the Limits for Tobacco, Alcohol, and Currency?

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Planning to bring tobacco or alcohol as gifts or for personal use? This is permitted, but you must adhere to "reasonable personal use" regulations. Exceeding these limits can lead to tax payments at best, or being flagged for smuggling at worst.

• Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Beverages: Generally, mainland Chinese customs sets clear duty-free limits for adult passengers. For example, the limit for cigarettes is usually 400 sticks (two cartons), and for alcoholic beverages (with an alcohol content above 12%), it is usually 1.5 liters. If you exceed these amounts, you must proactively choose the "Red Channel" to declare and pay the corresponding duties.
• Cash and Foreign Currency: There are strict upper limits on carrying RMB or foreign currency notes. If carrying excess cash into the country, you must declare it truthfully; otherwise, it may be viewed as evading controls. It is recommended to check the latest official announcements regarding cash standards under the restricted items list before your departure.

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Entry Guide for Special & Emerging Items (E-cigarettes, Electronics, Souvenirs)

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The best strategy for these items is: "Pack light, be honest, and declare proactively" to ensure a smooth journey.

Latest Regulations for E-cigarettes and Heated Tobacco

This is currently the biggest "minefield" for modern travelers. While regulations were once vague, mainland Chinese customs now enforces precise numerical limits. Check your luggage carefully to avoid having your trip ruined over a few milliliters of e-liquid or an extra device:

• Standard Travelers (Non-frequent cross-border): Devices: Maximum of 2 vaping devices.
• • Cartridges/Pods: Maximum of 6 units (including disposable or combined products).
  • Total E-liquid Volume: Must not exceed 12 ml.
• Frequent Travelers (Hong Kong/Macau routes): Devices: Maximum of 1 vaping device.
• • Cartridges/Pods: Maximum of 3 units.
  • Total E-liquid Volume: Must not exceed 6 ml.

Critical Inspection Points:

• Clear Labeling: E-liquid volume must be clearly marked on the original packaging. If the volume is unidentifiable, the item will likely be confiscated.
• Excess for Personal Use: If you slightly exceed the limit (e.g., carrying 15 ml), and customs determines it is truly for personal use, you must pay the required duty on the excess portion.
• Duty-Free Allowance: The value of your e-cigarettes counts toward your total personal baggage duty-free allowance (AUD 1,000 for residents / AUD 400 for non-residents). They are not exempt separately.
• Underage Ban: Travelers under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from bringing any e-cigarette products into the country.

High-Value Electronics and Professional Equipment

Standard personal items like your primary smartphone or laptop are fine, but issues arise with quantity and value:

• Brand New/Redundant Items: Carrying multiple unopened phones or several laptops may be flagged as commercial imports rather than personal belongings.
• The RMB 5,000 / 2,000 (AUD 1,000 / 400) Rule: If you are bringing back high-value gifts or new electronics purchased abroad that exceed the duty-free threshold, you are legally required to declare them and pay the relevant tax (usually around 13%–20% depending on the item).

Souvenirs and "Grey Area" Gifts

• Bird’s Nest & Supplements: While canned bird's nest is usually okay, dried bird's nest is strictly prohibited due to quarantine risks.
• Cultural Artifacts: If you are bringing antique-style souvenirs out of China later, ensure you have a receipt or certification to prove they aren't protected national treasures.

Customs Declaration and Clearance Process Recommendations

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The Principle of Choosing a Customs "Channel": Red or Green?

The customs hall typically features two types of channels: the Red Channel (Declaration Channel) and the Green Channel (Nothing to Declare).

Handling Procedures and Penalties for Non-Compliant Items

What happens if you accidentally bring something "prohibited" and it is discovered by customs? Here is how the authorities typically handle these situations:

• Confiscation or Destruction: This is the most common outcome for prohibited perishables and biological products. Items such as meat products (e.g., meat-filled pastries), fresh fruit, or prohibited printed materials will be confiscated or destroyed on the spot. For instance, if you bring meat floss egg rolls, they will almost certainly be discarded by officers.
• Taxation or Fines: For items that are legal but exceed the duty-free allowance (such as excess alcohol, cigarettes, or e-cigarettes), customs may allow you to keep them after paying the required import duty. However, if the excess is significant and undeclared, you may face administrative fines in addition to the tax.
• Legal Consequences: Carrying "Absolutely Prohibited" items—such as illegal firearms, or materials deemed harmful to national security—is a severe offense. This can lead to detention, heavy judicial fines, and criminal prosecution.

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