British Expats - China Customs Update

Please note the following update from our UniGroup Relocation Network partners in China:

China Chinese Customs authorities continue to concentrate on inspecting household goods shipments entering the Peoples Republic of China.

For many years, the Chinese Customs and Quarantine Department have strengthened customs laws on the importation of personal effects. Recent communications have confirmed renewed efforts to verify contents for inbound personal effects by subjecting the shipments to customs and quarantine inspection.

Any inaccurate descriptions on packing lists will cause additional intensive inspection, extra import duties, demurrage charges and potential penalties. Descriptions that will not be accepted by China Customs and Quarantine Department includes terms, miscellaneous items, pack by owner (PBO), and kitchen items. Other unacceptable descriptions include bathroom articles, closet contents, wood, plastic container and contents, or any other unclear descriptions that do not provide detailed description of items being shipped. Vague, inaccurate description of shipment contents or discovery of restricted or prohibited items will create further intensive inspections including, additional cost of the inspection, demurrage charges and increasing delays.

Please contact your move manager if you have any concerns regarding your shipment to China.