Customs declaration requirements for China
Customs Declare produces the completed Customs Declaration Form for Import/Export Goods for China’s own customs authority, from your invoice and supporting documents. You or your broker review and submit it -- nothing leaves your workspace automatically.
Import requirements & restrictions
Import prohibited
Import of solid waste for processing -- post-consumer plastics, unsorted paper, used textiles, certain metal slags, and other recyclable scrap categories -- is banned in China under the policy commonly called "National Sword", announced 2017 and effective 1 January 2018, with further categories added through 2019-2020. Verify the current full commodity list before relying on this for a specific scrap/recyclable HS code.
Ministry of Ecology and Environment (China)
Import licensing required
Many products (electrical wires/cables, circuit switches, low-voltage electrical apparatus, electric tools, household electrical appliances, audio/video equipment, information technology equipment, motor vehicles and safety accessories, telecommunications terminal products, and other categories -- 109 product items across 17 categories as of September 2025) require China Compulsory Certification (CCC / "3C" mark) before import, administered by the China National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA). Certification must be obtained through a CNCA-Designated Certification Body.
China National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA)
Duty & tax
- VAT (default rate)
- 13%
- MFN duty rate data
- Available
- Preferential rate
- Available under an applicable trade agreement
- Free duty calculator
- Check a duty rate for China
Quick answers
What customs declaration form does China require?
China’s import declaration is the Customs Declaration Form for Import/Export Goods, issued by General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC).
Which languages does China accept on a customs declaration?
Chinese
What is the VAT rate on imports into China?
The default VAT rate on record for China is 13%.