China Customs & What to Bring
China customs rules for visitors: cash limits, medicines, food, alcohol and tobacco, drones, satellite phones, prohibited items and the declaration channel.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026 · policies change — confirm the official sources before travel
Most visitors pass through China’s green channel without a second look, but a few common items can cause real problems: more cash than the declaration threshold, prescription medicines without paperwork, meat or fruit in your bag, a drone, or a satellite phone. This guide covers the rules most likely to affect a traveller and the safe way to declare.
Key points
The details that matter
Cash and valuables
Inbound and outbound passengers carrying cash above the equivalent of USD 5,000, or RMB 20,000, must declare it to customs. This applies to cash and cash-equivalent instruments, not to card balances. There is no limit on bringing personal valuables for own use, but high-value items may need to be declared and taken out again. Keep receipts for expensive cameras, watches and jewellery in case you are asked on departure. Do not carry cash for someone you do not know.
Medicines
Bring prescription medicines in their original packaging, with a copy of the prescription and a doctor’s letter explaining the condition and dosage. This is especially important for injectables, opioids, psychotropic drugs and stimulants. China controls controlled medicines strictly; some require an import permit arranged in advance through the drug regulatory authority. Do not bring more than you need for the trip. If you are carrying a controlled substance without approval, declare it and ask — do not risk a customs offence.
- Original packaging + prescription + doctor’s letter
- Declare controlled medicines; some need advance approval
- Carry epinephrine, insulin and injectables in hand luggage
- Check your airline’s rules as well as customs
Food, plants and animals
China prohibits the entry of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products and many plant and animal products to prevent disease and pests. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed in reasonable quantities, but rules vary. Do not bring homemade food, cured meat, seeds or soil. If you are travelling with a service animal or pet, arrange permits and quarantine well in advance. When in doubt, declare the item and let customs decide.
Alcohol, tobacco and shopping
There are duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco, with lower limits for some travellers and higher rates for others. The commonly applied allowance is 1.5 litres of alcohol (above 12% ABV) and 400 cigarettes or equivalent, but confirm the current rule for your route. Personal-use items above the duty-free value may be taxed. Keep receipts for high-value purchases and remember that the departure tax refund applies to goods exported unused, not to items you consume in China.
Drones, satellite phones and prohibited items
Drones are increasingly regulated: registration is required, and many scenic areas, airports and cities are no-fly zones. Some border and sensitive areas prohibit drones entirely. Satellite phones generally require approval and may be confiscated if undeclared. Prohibited items include weapons, counterfeit goods, obscene materials, certain political or religious materials, and endangered species products such as ivory. If you are unsure about an item, use the red channel; a declaration is always better than a concealment charge.
Departing China
On departure, you may need to declare high-value items you brought in, especially if you want to prove they are not newly purchased. The departure tax refund requires customs endorsement before check-in. Antiques and cultural relics need an export permit; ivory and endangered species products are banned. If you bought a drone or satellite phone in China, check the export and registration rules before flying. Keep your receipts and tax-refund forms together.
What works in practice
Use the red channel if you are unsure — declaring is not a crime; concealing is
Keep medicines in original packaging with a doctor’s letter
Do not pack fresh food, meat or fruit
Check drone rules for every city and scenic area
Keep receipts for high-value items
Declare cash above the threshold
Mistakes to avoid
Carrying meat or fruit in a suitcase
Bringing prescription opioids without paperwork
Assuming a drone is allowed because it is small
Not declaring cash above the threshold
Buying ivory or endangered species products
Frequently asked
How much cash can I bring into China?
There is no prohibition, but amounts above the equivalent of USD 5,000 or RMB 20,000 must be declared. Use the red channel and fill in the declaration form.
Can I bring my prescription medicine?
Yes, in personal-use quantities, in original packaging, with a prescription and doctor’s letter. Controlled medicines may need advance approval. Declare if unsure.
Can I bring a drone?
It must be registered, and many areas are no-fly zones. Some border and sensitive areas prohibit drones. Check the rules for each place before bringing one.
Can I bring food?
Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy are generally prohibited. Packaged foods may be allowed in reasonable quantities. Declare anything you are unsure about.
Sources
Official and first-party sources used for the time-sensitive details on this page.
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