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Importing to China
Customs duty, VAT, and import regulations — updated 2026
Key facts at a glance
Customs authority
General Administration of Customs (GACC)
De minimis threshold
¥50 (~$7 USD)
VAT / sales tax
13% VAT standard rate (9% on agricultural goods)
Typical duty range
0–35% MFN; US goods face additional retaliatory tariffs
Code system
10-digit HS codes (China Customs)
Currency
CNY
⚡ 2026 tariff update
US-China trade war: US goods face retaliatory tariffs. Strict licensing for many categories.
Overview
China has a complex import environment with high tariffs on many categories. As of 2026, US goods face retaliatory tariffs in addition to standard MFN rates.
GACC registration is mandatory for food exporters to China. VAT is 13% on most goods (9% on agricultural products).
Import process
1. Goods arrive at Chinese port (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou)
2. Customs Declaration filed via H2010 system
3. GACC assesses classification and duty
4. CIQ inspection possible
5. Release typically 3–10 days
Practical tips
✓ Register with GACC before exporting food, cosmetics, or health products to China
✓ China retaliatory tariffs on US goods can reach 25%+ — check current rates
✓ Use China Bonded Trade Zones for deferred duty payment
✓ Chinese language labels with required information are mandatory
⛔ Restricted & prohibited goods
Political material deemed inappropriate, encrypted VPN software, certain agricultural goods without certificate, used goods without special approval
Calculate duty for China
Get an instant estimate for any product shipped to China.
Other countries
All countries →Common HS codes
847130 Laptops 851712 Smartphones 610910 T-shirts (cotton) 640319 Leather shoes 420211 Leather handbags 910221 Wristwatches 870380 Electric vehicles 220421 Wine Quick links