Customs Essentials#
🚫 No Drugs, No Weed — Seriously!#
Drugs including cannabis (yes, even weed or anything with CBD) are strictly banned in China. Here’s a quick heads-up to help you stay safe and avoid any trouble at the border:
Don’t bring anything that contains cannabis or its ingredients including products labeled “CBD.”
Make sure there’s no trace of drugs in your system before flying, especially if you’re coming from places where cannabis is legal. You could be subject to extra screening.
No such thing as “personal use” or “small amounts” here. Chinese customs has ZERO TOLERANCE for any kind of drug.
The same goes for anything with THC, such as edibles, oils, drinks, you name it.
Getting caught at the border comes with serious consequences. Here’s what you could be facing:
Situation |
Legal Classification |
Possible Consequences |
|---|---|---|
Bringing cannabis or related products into China without declaring them |
Drug smuggling (CRIMINAL!) |
Criminal detention / imprisonment + fines |
Testing positive for THC (even if not carrying any) |
Drug use violation |
Administrative detention + fines + deportation + 5–10 year entry ban |
📖 Essential Know-hows#
🛃 Channel to go#
When you arrive at customs, you’ll see something like the photo below.
If you have NOTHING TO DECLARE, head to the GREEN channel (usually on the right).
If you do have GOODS TO DECLARE, go through the RED channel (typically on the left).
🙅 You MUST declare if you’re carrying:#
>5,000 USD in cash: There’s no overall cap on how much foreign currency you can bring in. But, if you’re carrying over 5,000 USD (or equivalent), you need to declare it.
>20,000 RMB in cash: That’s the legal limit for Chinese currency. Anything over this amount is not allowed.
>1.5 litres of alcohol (≥12% ABV): Technically, the limit is 1.5 litres per person. But in practice, a bit more might be allowed in your checked luggage, depending on your airline.
Drones with cameras: These may be considered sensitive items. If not declared, they could be confiscated or lead to fines. Register drones over 250 g via CAAC online (requires Chinese phone/WeChat).
Powerbank over 100 Wh: You can bring up to two power banks in your carry-on luggage only, and each must be 100 Wh or less.
Other restricted items, such as:
Animals and plants, animal and plant products, microbes, biological products, human tissue, blood and blood products.
Radio transmitters, radio receivers, communication security equipment.
Goods of commercial value, samples and advertisements.
Anything that your airline doesn’t allow in checked baggage anyway 😉
🔗 Official References#
📬 Got Questions?#
If there’s anything we haven’t covered here, just drop us a message. We’re happy to help!
📧 chinatrip.info.contact@gmail.com
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