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Shipping to China | Relocating to China | Moving to China
China officially announced emergency quarantine regulations effective January 1, 2000. China will be requiring USDA certification of heat treatment for all conifer (i.e. pine, spruce, hemlock or fir) solid wood packing material (SWPM) OR exporter certification that none of the packing material in the shipment is conifer wood. The regulations apply to both air and sea shipments. SWPM includes but is not limited to, dunnage, crating, pallets, packing blocks, drums, cases, spools and skids.
Improperly certified shipments are subject to one of three actions:
1. The shipment can be returned to origin.
2. The shipment can be separated from the packing material, at the importer's expense. The packing material would be destroyed.
3. If the shipment cannot be separated from the packing material and is not returned to origin, then both the shipment and packing material would be destroyed.
For additional information concerning this topic visit Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from the USDA at www.aphis.usda.gov and look under "hot Topics" on the home page.
Visa/Work Visa
Foreign Expert Certificate
Identity Card
Residence Card/Permit
Original Passport and Authorization Letter
Residency Registration (to obtain Green Card)
Application for Customs Sealed Letter (three copies)
Letter of Employment Certification (preferably in Chinese) from employer's registered China Office, or Chinese host organization, certifying that Customer will be either personnel of Foreign Resident Office, or Foreign Expert
Detailed inventory in English (describing general carton contents - PBO "packed by owner" and "misc." not acceptable)
Arrival Customs Declaration (to be completed by Customer on arrival at port of entry)
Application for import of personal effects (Import Permit)
List of goods and quantity to be imported must be in Chinese
Must list all items planned for import within six months from the date of approval of the application, even if not contained in the first shipment
Certificate of Origin may be required
Customs Permit (must be approved prior to arrival of goods)
Customs Permit and inventory must MATCH EXACTLY!!
Health Certificate
Full physical examination with blood test to prove evidence of absence of communicable diseases, especially AIDS
CUSTOMER MUST ARRIVE IN CHINA BEFORE SHIPMENT, IN ORDER TO COMPLETE IMPORT FORMALITIES
Personal registration of owner of the goods and employer's registration must be approved before arrival of the shipment
Used household goods and personal effects are dutiable for Chinese persons holding a foreign passport and foreigners entering China for an extended period of time (not holding a Residence Card)
Only one air and one sea shipment may be imported within six months of Customer
Shipments are subject to physical inspection by Customs
Alcohol and tobacco products
Foodstuff
Office supplies and furniture must be for personal use
Office equipment can not be imported as personal effects and are dutiable (i.e. copiers and fax machines)
Electrical/electronic items (new or used) are subject to import duties (including computers) make, model, and serial number must be on inventory
One of each electrical/electronic item per customer may be imported such as TV's, stereos, refrigerators, VCR's, washer/dryer
Audio cassette tapes, video cassette tapes, compact discs, etc. (limited importation applies) will be inspected by Customs Office
Cordless or portable phones (Import Permit required)
Radio transmitters and components
Bicycles
Oriental antiques and objects d'art must be declared in detail, otherwise re-export might be prohibited
Textiles and fabrics of wool, silk and artificial and synthetic fibers and bedding
Cosmetics
Cameras, watches, clocks and their parts and accessories
Small quantity of prescription medicines may be allowed (with a copy of the prescription)
Computers/printers - only one of each item allowed per customer
Dutiable/restricted items must be clearly indicated on the inventory and loaded last for easy access
Weapons and ammunition
Drugs or poisons
Fresh food, especially meat
Pornographic and subversive literature, films, tapes, etc.
Endangered and rare animals and their products
Motorcycles are prohibited
Privately owned vehicles are considered a luxury item and are dutiable
Restrictions and taxes depend on the type and size of vehicle
Subject to import duties of up to 200%
Documents must be provided to support the age and value of the auto
Documents required:
Written application to Customs Office
Import Cargo Declaration
Invoice
Only one pet per Residence Permit, regulations for licensing of dogs are complicated and strict
Health Certificate and original Certificate of Rabies Vaccination is required
Subject to strict quarantine regulations
Veterinary inspection must be arranged by owner upon arrival