🇨🇳 Shipping to China from the USA

Navigate complex customs regulations and documentation requirements for shipping to China

De Minimis

¥50

Tax threshold (very low)

Import Tax

13-20%

Varies by item

Delivery Time

7-20 days

Including customs

Best Carrier

DHL/FedEx

Better customs handling

⚠️ Complex Destination: China has strict customs regulations, extensive documentation requirements, and very low tax thresholds. Personal shipments face heavy scrutiny. Many items are prohibited. Customs clearance can take 7-14 days. Commercial shipments require import licenses.

Shipping Rates to China

Carrier & Service 1 lb 5 lbs 10 lbs 20 lbs Delivery Time*
USPS First-Class $19.50 N/A N/A N/A 15-30 days
USPS Priority Mail $39.50 $68.50 $102.50 $172.50 10-20 days
USPS Priority Express $62.95 $122.95 $192.95 $332.95 7-14 days
UPS Expedited $78.00 $125.00 $205.00 $355.00 5-10 days
FedEx International Priority $82.00 $132.00 $217.00 $377.00 4-8 days
DHL Express $75.00 $118.00 $192.00 $342.00 4-8 days

* Includes typical customs clearance time of 3-7 days

China Customs & Import Information

  • Tax threshold: ¥50 (approx $7 - extremely low!)
  • Personal allowance: ¥1000 per shipment
  • Import tax rates: 13% (general), 20% (cosmetics), 50% (luxury)
  • VAT: 13% on commercial goods
  • Documentation: Detailed invoices required
  • ID required: Recipient's Chinese ID number
  • Customs clearance: 3-14 days typical
  • Payment: Before delivery

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Strictly Prohibited:

  • Publications harmful to China's politics
  • Used clothing and shoes
  • Religious materials
  • GPS devices and drones
  • Encryption devices
  • Many medications
  • Certain electronics

Heavily Restricted:

  • Cosmetics (registration required)
  • Food products (inspection)
  • Electronics (CCC certification)
  • Books and media (censorship)

How Chinese Import Charges Work

Example Calculations:

Item Value RMB Value Tax Category Import Tax Processing Total Charges
$10 ¥70 13% ¥9.10 ¥30 ¥39.10
$100 ¥700 13% ¥91 ¥50 ¥141
$200 (cosmetics) ¥1400 20% ¥280 ¥50 ¥330

Note: Almost everything is taxed due to ¥50 threshold. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 7 RMB

Critical Requirements for China Shipping

  1. Recipient ID number: Chinese ID card number often required for clearance
  2. Detailed invoices: Must list every item with HS codes and values
  3. Chinese address: Must be in proper format with Chinese characters
  4. Avoid prohibited items: Packages are thoroughly inspected
  5. Expect delays: Build in 1-2 weeks for customs clearance
  6. Use express carriers: Better customs relationships than postal service
  7. Keep values low: High-value items face extra scrutiny
  8. No used items: Used clothing and goods often rejected
  9. Prepare for taxes: Nearly everything taxed due to low threshold
  10. Commercial requires license: B2B shipments need import license

Chinese Regional Considerations

Region/City Delivery Time Special Notes Best Carrier
Shanghai 7-14 days Main port, busiest customs DHL/FedEx
Beijing 7-14 days Capital, strict inspections FedEx/UPS
Guangzhou 7-14 days Major port, high volume DHL
Shenzhen 7-14 days Tech hub, electronics scrutiny DHL/FedEx
Hong Kong* 3-7 days Separate customs system All carriers
Western China 10-20 days Remote, longer transit China Post/EMS
Rural Areas 14-30 days Limited carrier access China Post only

* Hong Kong has separate, more liberal import rules

Frequently Asked Questions - China Shipping

Why is shipping to China so complicated?

China has strict import controls, extensive prohibited items lists, very low tax thresholds, and requires detailed documentation. Customs inspection is thorough and can take weeks.

Can I send gifts to China?

Yes, but gifts are still subject to the ¥50 tax threshold. Mark as gift and keep value under ¥1000 for personal allowance. Include gift letter explaining the occasion.

What about sending to Hong Kong instead?

Hong Kong has separate, much more liberal customs rules. No taxes under HKD 2000, faster clearance, fewer restrictions. Consider shipping to Hong Kong if recipient can receive there.

Why do they need the recipient's ID number?

Chinese customs requires ID verification for personal imports to prevent commercial smuggling and ensure tax compliance. Without it, packages may be returned.

Which carrier is best for China?

DHL and FedEx have the best relationships with Chinese customs and offer faster clearance. Avoid USPS/China Post for valuable or time-sensitive items.

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