Moving To China


Overseas Shipping Services for Your Relocation to China

International Mover You Can Trust to Simplify Your Move

Customs Regulations for China

  • Visa/Work Visa
  • Foreign Expert Certificate
  • Identity Card
  • Residence Card/Permit
  • Original Passport and Authorization Letter
  • Residency Registration (to obtain Green Card)
  • Application for Customs Sealed Letter (three copies)
  • Letter of Employment Certification (preferably in Chinese) from employer’s registered China Office, or Chinese host organization, certifying that customer will be either personnel of Foreign Resident Office, or Foreign Expert
  • Detailed inventory in English (describing general carton contents – PBO “packed by owner” and “misc.” not acceptable)
  • Arrival Customs Declaration (to be completed by customer on arrival at port of entry)
  • Application for import of personal effects (Import Permit)
  • List of goods and quantity to be imported must be in Chinese
  • Must list all items planned for import within six months from the date of approval of the application, even if not contained in the first shipment
  • Certificate of Origin may be required
  • Customs Permit (must be approved prior to arrival of goods)
  • Customs Permit and inventory must match exactly
  • Health Certificate
  • Full physical examination with blood test to prove evidence of absence of communicable diseases
  • CUSTOMER MUST ARRIVE IN CHINA BEFORE SHIPMENT IN ORDER TO COMPLETE IMPORT FORMALITIES
  • Personal registration of the customer and employer’s registration must be approved before arrival of the shipment
  • Used household goods and personal effects are dutiable for Chinese persons holding a foreign passport and foreigners entering China for an extended period of time (not holding a Residence Card)
  • Only one air and one sea shipment may be imported within six months of customer
  • Shipments are subject to physical inspection by customs
  • Piano: Cannot be shipped alone and must include other personal effects
  • Books: Maximum of 50 books per shipment and must include other personal effects
  • Alcohol and tobacco products
  • Foodstuffs
  • Office supplies and furniture must be for personal use
  • Office equipment cannot be imported as personal effects and are dutiable (i.e. copiers and fax machines)
  • Electrical/electronic items (new or used) are subject to import duties (including computers) make, model, and serial number must be on inventory
  • One of each electrical/electronic item per customer may be imported such as TV’s, stereos, refrigerators, VCR’s, washer/dryer
  • Audio cassette tapes, video cassette tapes, compact discs, etc. (limited importation applies) will be inspected by customs office
  • Cordless or portable phones (Import Permit required)
  • Radio transmitters and components
  • Bicycles
  • Oriental antiques and objects d’art must be declared in detail, otherwise re-export might be prohibited
  • Textiles and fabrics of wool, silk and artificial and synthetic fibers and bedding
  • Cosmetics
  • Cameras, watches, clocks and their parts and accessories
  • Small quantity of prescription medicines may be allowed (with a copy of the prescription)
  • Computers/printers – only one of each item allowed per customer
  • Dutiable/restricted items must be clearly indicated on the inventory and loaded last for easy access
  • Weapons and ammunition
  • Drugs or poisons
  • Fresh food, especially mea
  • Pornographic and subversive literature, films, tapes, etc.
  • Endangered and rare animals and their products
  • Motorcycles are prohibited
  • Privately owned vehicles are considered a luxury item and are dutiable
  • Restrictions and taxes depend on the type and size of vehicle
  • Subject to import duties of up to 200 percent
  • Documents must be provided to support the age and value of the auto
  • Documents required:
    • Written application to customs office
    • Import Cargo Declaration
    • Invoice
  • Only one pet per Residence Permit, regulations for licensing of dogs are complicated and strict
  • Health Certificate and original Certificate of Rabies Vaccination is required
  • Pets subject to strict quarantine regulations
  • Veterinary inspection must be arranged by owner upon arrival

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to China


International Sea & Air Shipping’s talented and expertly trained moving specialists will help you every step of the way during your international move to China. Before you get started, learn more about all of our offered shipping services and options to determine what best meets your needs:

  • Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in China? Should you ship your goods via air or sea freight?
  • Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying a home?
  • Your fragile items. Do you require packing or custom crating services?
  • Your family/household size. Are you moving alone or with family? For business or personal reasons?
  • Your cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

How Much Does a Move to China Cost?


Cost is always a crucial factor when planning your overseas move. Start by scheduling a home survey with International Sea & Air Shipping to receive an estimate to ship your goods to China. One of our trained moving specialists will visit your home to assess your belongings and determine the cubic footage of your shipment. You will then receive a free quote for the international moving services you need!

Ultimately, the cost of your overseas move to China will vary based on the cubic footage of your shipment, your preferred method of shipping (air vs. sea freight) the services you require (such as packing and custom crating), and many other factors.

About China


Home to the Great Wall, the only man-made structure visible from the moon, China is renowned for its century old culture and civilization history. With its distinctive culture and the origin of many of the world’s first traditions and practices, this historic land is often considered the cultural representation of the Far East.

China is the most populous country in the world, and the fourth largest by geographic area. China shares borders with Mongolia, Russia, North Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Well known for its diverse variety of travel destinations and attractions, including mountain ranges, posh cities, and historic provinces. China has something for everyone in terms of cultural, religious, cuisine and others interests-over 4000 years of civilization has given China a rich and unique culture.

China is the world’s third largest economy by gross domestic product. The largest trade partners of the nation are Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, US, Taiwan, and Germany.

China International Shipping Services


Do you need overseas shipping services for your international move to China? While moving overseas is not only exciting, it also requires extensive research and planning-and most importantly, a professional, reliable and skilled international moving company to ship your house goods safely to your new country. If you are planning an overseas move to China, let International Sea & Air Shipping assist you with every aspect of your relocation to ensure it is seamless and stress-free.