China customs and baggage

What you need to know

After collecting checked luggage, arriving passengers normally pass through China Customs (中国海关).

You will generally see:

• Green Channel (无申报通道) — nothing to declare;
• Red Channel (申报通道) — goods requiring declaration.

Important declaration thresholds

The ¥2,000 rule

Current customs guidance also refers to personal-use goods worth more than ¥2,000 when a non-resident traveler intends those goods to remain in China.

That is different from temporarily carrying your own phone, laptop, camera or clothing for a trip and taking them home again.

Food, plants and animal products

Certain products may be restricted, prohibited or subject to quarantine.

Take extra care with meat, fresh produce, seeds, plants, animal products and biological materials.

Prescription medicine

For necessary medication:

• keep it in appropriate packaging where practical;
• carry documentation when relevant;
• bring a reasonable personal quantity;
• check rules for controlled substances.

Power banks and domestic flights

Current general rules include:

• power banks in cabin baggage only;
• up to 100 Wh generally allowed without airline approval;
• over 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh requires airline approval;
• over 160 Wh prohibited;
• do not use a power bank to charge electronic devices during the flight.

Since June 28, 2025, Chinese domestic flights can also reject power banks that lack a valid CCC / 3C mark, have an unclear mark, or belong to a recalled model or batch.

If unsure

Using the red channel to declare an item does not mean you have committed an offence.

China Customs service hotline:

12360

Re-verify before travel

Customs thresholds and aviation baggage rules are dynamic. Check current official guidance for unusual goods, controlled medication and power banks.