How to ship to China

When shipping to China, keep in mind that China's customs procedures are strict and some goods, such as food and cosmetics, are highly regulated. So find out in advance what paperwork you need to prepare, and if your parcel will be shipped through express or formal clearance.

What documents do I need to provide when shipping to China?

The most important documents are the air waybill, commercial invoice and packing list (if shipping multiple boxes). Regulated goods will require extra paperwork. 

Ask your receiver in China in advance what additional documents or certifications may be needed for the goods you’re shipping. Without them, your parcel might be held by customs or sent back.

Commercial invoice and air waybill

All information on the commercial invoice needs to be accurate, in English and consistent with the details on the air waybill. Costs on the commercial invoice can be in any currency, usually the currency in which the transaction was made.

Packing list for larger shipments

If you’re sending multiple boxes, or your shipment weighs over 100 kg, include a packing list so the Chinese customs authorities can conduct the physical inspection quickly and easily. 

The list must clearly and accurately describe the parcels and their contents. This includes the quantity of goods, the packing method, and the net and gross weight for each carton. It also needs to be signed by the shipper or bear the company stamp.

What is the CCC Mark?

The China Compulsory Certification (CCC) Mark is a safety and quality label for regulated products, like electronics, that enter China for use or sale.

Want to check if your product requires the CCC Mark? Visit the European Commission’s Market Access Database, select ‘China’ and enter your product’s HS code for an overview of relevant requirements. If the China Compulsory Certification is required, it will be listed on the ‘Procedures and Formalities’ page.

The CCC Mark is overseen by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA). Register for the CCC Mark online in the China Inspection and Quarantine E-Cert System. You can also apply via certification companies that carry out inspection, verification and testing in your global region. Or contact FedEx China for more information.

What is CIQ?

International shipments entering China are controlled and inspected by China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ), a department within China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ). 

CIQ works separately from China Customs to ensure imported goods comply with Chinese regulations including labeling, packaging and safety requirements.

If your goods pass the CIQ inspection, a stamped clearance slip, or Entry Commodity Inspection Certificate, will be attached. The shipment can then move on to customs before being released. A Certificate of Inspection of Goods Inwards, issued by CIQ,  may also be required for customs clearance.

Customs clearance in China

China Customs is the shortened name of the General Administration of Customs China (GACC). After a shipment is checked by CIQ it will then pass through China Customs via express or formal clearance.

Express clearance

Express clearance is a streamlined process with minimal paperwork for three categories of goods: CAT A (documents), CAT B (personal effects, gifts and online purchases) and CAT C (samples and low-value items).

Formal Clearance

Formal Clearance, also known as freight mode, or CAT D clearance, is for shipments of dutiable goods with a high value, or that are regulated or sent in bulk, such as cosmetics, food or toys.

Express and formal customs clearance in China

Do I need to provide additional documents for Chinese customs clearance?

Yes, for formal clearance in China additional documents are almost always required. Here’s a list of extra documents that may be needed, depending on the shipment:

• If the shipment is a purchase by a private individual, (e.g. webshop order) – proof of payment such as an invoice or receipt
  
• If the shipped goods have been purchased by the receiver from the sender –  A sales contract as proof of the agreed price, payment and transaction
• If the goods have been shipped before the receiver has paid for them – A purchase order as proof that an order has been placed, even if no payment has been made yet
  
• For products that require the CCC Mark (e.g. electronics) – A declaration of conformity confirming that the goods conform to Chinese standards and norms. This document is a prerequisite for the CCC Mark and is often also required for customs clearance.
• If you’re shipping a complex product that requires detailed explanations to understand its function and composition (e.g. mechanical parts, medical devices or medicines) – An information bundle such as data sheets or technical literature (often referred to as a customs handbook or E-handbook) that provides information about the product’s use and composition. This is to help customs authorities determine tariff codes. 

To avoid customs delays, the receiver should provide their documents for the sender to include in the shipping paperwork.

Chinese registration and licenses for formal clearance

There are also a number of documents and licenses that are always required for formal customs clearance in China. The most important are:

• The receiver (importer) must be registered with China Customs and must provide their Customs Registration number (CR number) for shipping paperwork
• The receiver must have an Import and Export Business License, issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), that allows Chinese businesses to trade goods internationally 
  
• The receiver must grant power of attorney to their customs broker, authorizing them to act on their behalf
  
• If the shipped goods have additional regulations in China (e.g. food), the receiver must provide a special import license granted by the relevant regulatory authority (e.g. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for food). See below for a list of strictly regulated goods in China.

Which goods are strictly regulated in China?

China has a licensing system to monitor and control the import of regulated goods. These products often require a special import license and extra documentation or certifications. It’s therefore important to check the Chinese regulations that apply to your product before shipping, as they’re frequently updated.

Strictly regulated goods in China include:

• Medical devices
• Pre-packaged food
• Animal products
• Plant products
• Biological products
• Cosmetics
• Drugs and medicines
• Battery-powered products
• Toys
• Paints
• Wine
• Agricultural items
• Cinema film, beta tapes and audio/video publications
• Commercial publications (books or magazines with an ISBN)
• Shipments with wooden packaging
• Some electronics and machinery products
• Used electrical and mechanical products (some waste electrical or mechanical products known as “overseas rubbish” are prohibited entry into China)
• Exhibition items, and other Temporary in Bond (TIB) shipments that will return to their original location, require an import deposit so China Customs can grant temporary entry
   

Shipping regulated goods to China? See the list below for a detailed guide on what documentation you need to provide.

What product are you shipping to China?

Different carriers, different requirements

Please note that shipping requirements and documentation may vary between carriers. The information on this page is based on FedEx shipping requirements. These guidelines are as general as possible, however other carriers may follow different procedures. If you’re unsure of the shipping requirements that apply to you, check with your carrier.