List of items prohibited by Customs when leaving the country
Foreign nationals leaving China must comply with the requirements of Chinese customs and relevant laws and regulations regarding the management of outbound items.
Some items are prohibited from being carried out of the country, while others require approval procedures or declaration to customs.
If prohibited items are carried, they may be detained, confiscated, or subject to administrative penalties; in serious cases, legal liability may also be incurred.
Therefore, before departure, passengers should check their luggage in advance to ensure that all items comply with the regulations.
Before departure, inspect both checked and carry-on baggage to confirm whether any restricted or prohibited items are being carried.
Key items to check:
- Medications
- Food products
- Cultural relics and artworks
- Animal and plant products
- Cash and negotiable securities
- Electronic storage devices
If unsure about an item’s admissibility, it is advisable to consult customs or the airline in advance.
Common items prohibited from export by Chinese customs include:
- Firearms, ammunition, and imitation weapons
- Explosives, flammable and explosive hazardous materials
- Drugs and narcotic medications
- Counterfeit currency and negotiable securities
- Documents, materials, and storage media involving state secrets
- Illegal publications and unlawful promotional materials
- Endangered wild flora and fauna and their products
- Other items prohibited from export by laws and regulations
The aforementioned items must not be carried out of the country, nor transported via postal services.
Certain items are not entirely prohibited from export but require legal procedures, such as:
- Cultural relics and antiques
- Valuable works of art
- Special medications
- Large sums of cash
- Precious animal and plant products
Relevant items must obtain prior approval documents from the competent authorities and be proactively declared to customs upon departure.
Carrying such items without authorization may be deemed illegal.
Upon arrival at airports, ports, or land border crossings, select the appropriate declaration channel based on your circumstances.
Customs has the authority to inspect baggage and personal belongings.
If requested to undergo inspection, passengers should actively cooperate and provide:
- Passport
- Boarding pass
- Proof of purchase
- Approval documents
- Declaration materials
For items requiring declaration, it is recommended to prepare:
- Original passport
- Boarding pass or itinerary
- Customs declaration form
- Purchase invoices or receipts
- Certificate of appraisal for cultural relics (if applicable)
- Export permit documents (if applicable)
- Prescription or medical certificate for medications (if applicable)
- Quarantine certificates for animals and plants (if applicable)
Antiques, calligraphy, paintings, sculptures, and other items purchased in China may be subject to regulations governing cultural relics. After purchase, confirm with the seller whether export is permitted and retain relevant supporting documentation.
Ivory, rhinoceros horn, pangolin scales, certain coral products, and specimens of protected wildlife are generally prohibited from export.
Verify the legality of souvenirs before purchasing them.
Carrying large amounts of cash out of the country may require declaration to customs. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the latest limits in advance and retain proof of funds.
Certain prescription drugs, psychotropic medications, and narcotics are strictly regulated. When carrying such medications, always bring a doctor’s prescription and medical certification.
For high-value goods, artworks, and electronic products, it is recommended to keep invoices, payment records, and proof of purchase for customs verification.