Export to China - Fedex

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China Country Profile

* Country Information
* Trade Group Member
* General Import Clearance Information
* China Import Prohibitions
* General Import Restrictions
* China Import Restrictions
* Special Import Provisions
o Personal Effects
o Samples
o Gifts
* Standards
* General Export Clearance Information
* China Export Prohibitions
* General Export Restrictions
* China Export Restrictions
* Regulatory Contact Information

Country Information
Capital: Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China
Population: 1,321,851,888 (July 2007 est.)
Language: Chinese (Mandarin dialect) is the official language. However, there are many other local dialects, such as Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka etc.
Weights and Measures: Metric System
Currency: China Yuan (CNY)
Its basic unit is the Yuan. 10 Fen = 1 Jiao, 10 Jiao = 1 Yuan.
Time Zone Operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GTM)
Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
China GMT+8



Trade Group Member

Other than the World Trade Organization (WTO), China is a member of a number of international economic organizations including the:

* Economic & Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP)
* Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
* World Customs Organization (WCO)
* Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 1981




General Import Clearance Information

Clearance Process
Working with Customs officials throughout the world, FedEx has developed innovative technology to eliminate many steps of the paperwork-handling process and expedite the movement of international shipments. An example in China is the FedEx Express clear Electronic Customs clearance system. Starting at the origin location, state-of-the-art technology allows the processing of shipment paperwork and electronic transmission of documents to the designated FedEx hub and destination clearance location. The Express clear system also keeps a database of regulatory information, which includes; importers' numbers, broker designations, corporate contact names and telephone numbers. At a FedEx hub, international shipments are sorted, scanned and loaded onto an international flight. Vital shipment information is keyed into a worldwide manifest database, which is linked to computer systems operated by brokers and Customs officials in many countries. Even before the plane has taken off, or while it is in the air, Customs agents and brokers at the destination airport of entry can begin examining shipping manifests, querying air waybill data for more details, assessing duties & taxes and selecting the shipments they wish to examine. By the time the plane arrives at its destination, many packages have already been cleared by Customs. As the plane is unloaded, the Expressclear system identifies packages to be examined and prints "cleared" Customs labels for all others. Cleared shipments are transferred to trucks for immediate delivery. International shipments are scanned at all key points throughout the process which allows for up-to-date status reports including when Customs clearance is obtained.

There are over 700 Customs and branch offices in China located in airports, seaports and other places that service importers and exporters.

Customs issues laws and regulations to the various transportation channels. The "Regulations on Air Express Shipments," which went into effect on January 25, 1998, outline basic guidelines for the clearance of express shipments. Customs may adjust their regulations and duty & tax rates from time to time according to internal and external economic conditions.

Import Shipment Classifications

There are three Customs entry categories each with specific documentation requirements and procedures.

Category 1: Documents

This category includes documents, contracts, tickets, accounting statements, invoices, training materials & etc. These items have no commercial value. Books, Diskettes, CD's, VCD's, and DVD's are not included. The quantities and values of these should be reasonable. Documents of this category are declared through the simplified clearance process and the KJ1 Declaration Form of Import and Export Express Shipment is required and must be completed by the broker.

Since China Customs does not accept declaration of shipments without a commercial value, the minimum declared value should be US $1.

Category 2: Personal Effects

Personal effects refer to separately shipped passenger's luggage, gifts exchanged between relatives and friends, and other personal effects. Personal effects must be declared as personal effects, be of a reasonable quantity and must be for personal use.

Shipments from Hong Kong, Macao, must show the declared value less than 800 CNY and the assessed duty and tax value must be less than 400 CNY.

For other countries, the declared value must be less than 1,000 CNY and the assessed duty and tax value must be less than 500 CNY.

Personal effects are declared through the simplified clearance process and the Personal Effects Form is required.

Category 3: Cargo

Import cargo are further classified into 3 subcategories:

1.) Non-dutiable samples and advertising material:

Samples are goods imported as reference items for placing an order, and advertising material is advertising or promotion material imported for the promotion of the relevant product. Non-dutiable samples and advertising materials include:

1. Samples and advertising material without a commercial value
2. Samples and advertising material with a commercial value less than 400 CNY
3. Shipments in which the assessed duty and tax is less than 50 CNY

Non-dutiable samples and advertising material must be declared as "XXX as sample" or "XXX as advertising material" on the Airway Bill and the Commercial Invoice. Samples and advertising material are cleared through the simplified clearance process, and the KJ2 Declaration Form of Import and Export Shipment is required and must be completed by the broker.

Note: Commodities controlled by a license or those for which foreign exchange is required and need to be paid upon import, are excluded from this category.

2.) Dutiable samples and advertising material:

Shipments of this category are those samples or advertising material for which customs duties shall be levied. They must be declared as "XXX as sample" or "XXX as advertising material" on the Airway Bill and the Commercial Invoice. Samples and advertising materials are cleared through the simplified clearance process, and the KJ3 Declaration Form of Import and Export Express Shipment is required and must be completed by the broker.

NOTE:

1.
Commodities controlled by a license or those for which foreign exchange need to be paid upon import are excluded from this category.
2.
Samples and advertising material of mechanical and electronic products valued at 5,000 CNY or less are not subject to the Mechanical and Electronic Product Import Certificate, but they are still subject to import duty and tax.



3.) Formal Entry Shipments:

This category includes:

*
Shipments not belonging to the above categories
*
Shipments containing commodities requiring an import license/permit, quota, or other special clearance documentation
*
Shipments for which foreign exchange need to be paid upon import. In this case, the shipment is automatically classified as a category D regardless of its value and the consignee is required to obtain an individual declaration form, which serves as an import certificate. The declaration can then be used by the bank to make payment to the foreign vendor. In summary, if a consignee needs an individual declaration form, or individual Customs invoice, the shipment is classified as category "D" regardless of its value.



Document Requirements
Import Documentation

The following are some basic clearance documents. Please note that different declared values, commodities, and types of trade may require additional documents not noted below.

1. Commercial Invoice: A Commercial Invoice is required for all non-document shipments. A specific format is not required, although the following basic information must be included:
* The shipper's and consignee's name and address and telephone number
* The place and date of shipment
* A detailed description of the goods
* Harmonized code of shipment
* The FOB value of each item
* The country of origin
* The quantity and weight
* Currency used
* Freight and Insurance Charges as applicable

PLEASE NOTE: ELECTRONIC INVOICES (ECI) ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

2.
Pro Forma Invoice: A Pro Forma Invoice is permissible for customs clearance of non-trade shipments, with no commercial value.
3. Air Waybill: The following information must be included: name, telephone number, address of the shipper and the consignee, description of goods, harmonized code, cif value, weight, number of packages and the date. All information must be written in English and consistent with that of the shipment's other documentation.
4. Packing List: A Packing List is required for all non-document shipments. The following information should be included: place and date of shipment, order number, description of goods, number and type of packaging, weight, marks and numbers on the packages (if any).
5. Certificate of Origin: A Certificate of Origin is required for non-document shipments. The certificate has a specified format. The information supplied should be consistent with that of the shipment's other documentation. When required, two copies should be provided.


Customs Valuation


According to Chinese Customs regulations, the dutiable value of an imported good is its CIF price, which includes the normal transaction price of the good, plus the cost of packing, freight, insurance, and seller's commission. In August 1998, the Customs Administration launched an ambitious program to standardize enforcement of customs regulations throughout China as part of a larger campaign to combat smuggling. The program has reduced some of the flexibility of local customs officials to "negotiate" duties. However, customs officials still have wide discretion concerning the category in which an import is placed.

Customs regulations state that Customs has the authority to inspect all shipments and if customs finds a discrepancy with a declared value, weight or number of packages, Customs may detain and inspect the shipment. If Customs finds a violation of their laws and regulations, the owner of the goods may be fined.

In addition, Customs has the right to re-evaluate an importation if the declared value is obviously lower than the price of the same or a similar commodity in the local market or in the international market place, or there is evidence that the seller and the buyer have conducted private transactions and the consignee cannot provide reasonable or legal supporting evidence of the commodity's true value.


Import Duties
Import Taxes Import taxes mean consists of import customs duty (IAD), value-added tax (VAT), and Excise duty (consumption tax, named as CT thereafter). Also there are some additional duties according to the relevant regulations.

Import Duty Rate

Import duty rates are divided into three classifications: Most Favored Nation (M.F.N.) Asia-Pacific Trade Treaty rates (Former Bangkok Agreement (BA) Rates), and General (Gen) Rates.

The M.F.N. Rates apply to import commodities originating in the member countries or regions of the WTO, with which China shares the General Most Favored Nation treatment. It applies to import commodities originating in countries or regions with which China has concluded reciprocal tariff preferential agreements.

Tax Rates in Asia-Pacific Trade Treaty ( The former Bangkok Agreement Rates) apply to import commodities originating in countries or regions with which China has taken part in the regional trade agreements containing tariff preferential clauses. The complementary tariff preferential clauses according to this treaty will come into effect from July 1st, 2006. So far, the contract countries include Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Laos, Bangladesh and China.

The General Rate is applied to commodities originating in and imported from countries with which China does not have a reciprocal agreement. In addition, the General Rate is applied in the following circumstances:

1. To commodities shipped in unmarked packaging or whose origin cannot be determined, unless the importer can present an appropriate Certificate of Origin at time of Customs clearance.

Antidumping

Under strict enforcement of unfair trade laws, Customs will assess antidumping duties or countervailing duties. Antidumping duties are assessed on imported merchandise sold in China at less than the normal price of goods in the manufacturer's home market (also called fair market value).

Excise Duties
Excise duty (consumption tax) is imposed on tobacco products, liquor, wine, petroleum products, cosmetics, perfumes, shampoo, fireworks, jewelry, motorcycles, automobiles, and automobile tires.

Additional Duties

1.
Specific Duty - imposed on a few special commodities (broiler, beer, petroleum products, crude oil and film). In these cases, Customs uses a quantity-based method to levy the duty and taxes. For example, the duty and taxes levied for beer and petroleum products is based on liters of beer and tons of crude oil rather than on their value.
2.
Compound Duty - imposed on a few special commodities (video tape recorders, videotape reproducers, television cameras, video camera recorders, and cameras with digital image storage.
3.
Interim Duty - impose an interim or temporary tax where duty is imposed on some commodities.
4.
Special Duty --- imposed on any commodities to effectively control the import and exportof certain commodities.
5.
Tonnage Dues --- imposed on foreign vessels anchoring at China ports to collect funds for the seaway construction. For more information contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C. at www.customs.gov.cn

Personal Effects of entry passengers and personal posted commodities are subject to a special duty and tax rate if they are not of a reasonable quantity.

1.
Tobacco, manufactured tobacco substitutes, spirits and wine are subject to a duty rate of 50%.
2.
Textiles and textile articles, cosmetics, cameras, bicycles, watches and clocks (including their parts and accessories), video cameras, video recorders, digital cameras, and other electric appliances are subject to a duty rate of 20%.
3.
Books, magazines, slides, magnetic tapes, videotapes, gold and silver and their products, food, beverages, and other commodities not mentioned above are subject to a duty rate of 10%. For further information, contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C at www.customs.gov.cn.

Additional Duties
Service charge Service charge is 3% of the Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) Value.

A service charge may be applied to:

1.
Reduction of duty or duty free equipment imported by enterprises for technique promotions.
2.
Special duty free equipment used for teaching or research purpose by research institutes or schools.
3.
Reduction of duty or duty free shipments imported by a domestic organizational or industry who use a loan provided by a foreign government or by an international financial organization.
4.
Duty free equipment or machines under processing or compensation trade.
5.
Duty free commodities imported by industries or organizations in economic development zones, special economic zones, High-Tech Industrial Development Zone and the coastland cities.
6.
Temporary duty free material, supplements, accessories, parts and packing materials used under the processing of imported (supplied) materials or other materials supplied by foreign merchants, which will be re-exported after domestic processing or assembling.
7.
Duty free fuel, accessory, parts and other commodities used for international shipping or for airlines.
8.
Bonded or consigned duty-free commodities.
9.
Other duty free commodities designated by the State Council.
10.
Temporary duty free commodities designated by the Customs and the State Council.

Following shipments will be free from the service charges:

1. Duty free shipments according to the Customs Laws of the People's Republic of China (P.R.C.) and the Regulations on Import and Export Tariff.
2. Donated aids by foreign governments and international organizations.
3. Aids or gifts donated by foreign organizations, foreign individuals, overseas Chinese, and Chinese from Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong.
4. Aids donated to the disaster stricken areas.
5. Commodities or equipment imported for the handicapped.
6. Office appliances imported by foreign embassies.
7. Commodities damaged prior to customs release and treated as duty free commodities.
8. Duty free compensatory commodities.
9. The service charge is lower than 10 CNY.
10. Commodities re-exported within 30 days and without further processing.
11. Other duty-free commodities designated by the Customs and the State Council.

Import Taxes


On top of normal tariff duties, both foreign and domestic enterprises pay either value-added taxes (VAT) or business taxes, depending on the nature of their business and the type of products involved. VAT applies to enterprises engaged in import-export, production, distribution or retailing activities.

China offers a comprehensive program of tax incentives and concessions. The general VAT rate is 17% but necessities, such as agricultural and utility items, are taxed at 13%. Enterprises regarded as small businesses (annual production sales of less than CNY 1 million or annual wholesale or retail sales of less than CNY 1.8 million) are subject to VAT at the rate of 6%. Unlike other VAT payers, small businesses are not entitled to claim input tax credits for VAT paid on their purchases. Different standards apply regarding VAT rebates. The applicable rebate method is a function of the establishment date of the enterprise. Certain limited categories of goods are exempt from VAT.


Customs Fees
Overdue Payment Fine According to the Customs Law of the P.R.C., an overdue payment fine will be imposed on the importer if the importer fails to pay the import duties and taxes within 15 days after receiving the Duty and Tax Payment Notice. An overdue payment fine will also be levied on importers of duty free or bonded shipments if the importer fails to pay the service charge within 7 days after receiving the Service Charge Payment Notice. The overdue payment fine is calculated as follows:

Total Overdue Payment Fine = Duty and Tax Amount X 5% X Overdue Days

Total Overdue Payment Fine (service charge) = Service charge amount X 1% X Overdue Days

Note:

1. Personal effects are not subject to overdue payment fine.
2.
The overdue payment fine is exempted if it is less than 50CNY.
3.
The overdue payment fine of the service charge is exempted if it is less than 10 CNY.



Overdue Declaration Fine

According to the Customs Law of the P.R.C., the importer must declare to Customs within 14 days after the arrival of the import shipment. Otherwise, an Overdue Declaration Fine will be imposed on the importer. The Overdue Declaration Fine is calculated as follows:

Total Overdue Declaration Fine = Declared Value X 5% X Overdue Days

Note:

1. The Overdue Declaration Fine is exempted if it is less than 50CNY.

Exchange Controls
Foreign currencies are banned from circulation in China

1.
The government controls payment for importations and exportations
2.
The government controls the exchange rate
3.
The unauthorized carrying or mailing of foreign exchange deposit certificates and foreign exchange securities is illegal without the permission of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Further information regarding these regulations can be obtained from Ministry of Commerce www.mofcom.gov.cn or from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange at www.safe.gov.cn.

The exporter must apply to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange for a Foreign Exchange Verification and Cancellation Form if the commodity is exported under the following Customs Regulatory Codes:

General Trade (0110), Barter Trade (0130), Processing of Materials Supplied by Foreign Clients (0214), Finely Processing of Materials Supplied by Foreign Clients (0255), Compensation Trade (0513), Processing with Imported Materials (0615), Finely Processing with Imported Materials (0654), Samples and Advertising Materials Category A (3010), Foreign Contract Export (3422), Authorized Military Equipment (3910), Unauthorized Military Equipment (3939), Small Quantity Frontier Trade (4019), Small Quantity Trade with Taiwan (4039), Return Shipments (4561), Re-export of Processed Imported Materials or Products (0664), Replacement of Imported Materials or Products (0700), Imported Material of Nonreciprocal Contract (0715), Re-export of Off cut from Imported Material (0864), Direct Trade with Taiwan (1110), Bonded Factory (1215), Export Material for Processing (1427), Renting Trade Shipment less than One Year (1500), Renting Trade (1523), Consignment Trade (1616),Processing of Imported Materials by Foreign Invested Enterprises (2215), and Tourist Shipments (0139).

Commodities that are not covered by the above two requirements are not subject to the Foreign Exchange Verification and Cancellation Form.

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT's)
Technical barriers or non-tariff barriers to trade, as they are sometimes known, can cause many problems for exporters looking for new markets for their products. These barriers can be in the form of regulations, standards, testing and certification procedures. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade tries to ensure that these barriers do not create unnecessary obstacles. To obtain further information on Technical Barriers to Trade as well as Notifications on Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures, go to the WTO website at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_e.htm.

Consular Fees


NONE

Import Clearance Process


FedEx import shipments go through the following steps for Customs clearance:

1.
FedEx manifests shipment data via EDI to Customs for preclearance
2.
Customs feedback as to whether the shipment will be released, inspected, levy duty and tax or will require a formal entry
3.
FedEx contacts the consignee for clearance paperwork and for the duty and tax payment
4.
FedEx submit the required paperwork to Customs for clearance
5.
Customs releases the shipments for delivery




China Import Prohibitions

The following items are prohibited for import into China:

1. Weapons, imitations of weapons, ammunition and explosives
2. Counterfeit money and counterfeit securities
3. Printed matter, films, photos, records, audio and video tapes, VCDs, computer storage media and other commodities which are harmful to China's politics, economy, culture, and/or ethics
4. Strong poisons
5. Opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, and other addictive narcotic and psychotropic drugs
6. Animals and/or plants and their products carrying dangerous viruses, bacteria and injurious insects
7. Food, medicine and other commodities which are harmful to the health of humans and animals and/or from epidemic infected areas
8. Items marked "Made in ROC" (Republic of China). The label "Made in Taiwan" is acceptable.
9. Banned chemicals as listed in the List of Toxic Chemicals Banned or Severely Restricted in the P.R.C. (The First Group) published by the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).
10. Used electrical equipment and machinery
11. Products marked " Made in China," except for products being returned for repair
12. Tiger bones
13. Ivory
14. Rhinoceros horns
15. Products made by prisoners
16. The importation of beef and beef products originating from the USA
17. Liquids (haz/non-haz)
18. Dangerous Goods as defined by IATA (Intl. Air Transport Association)
19. Soil is prohibited unless a special approval is given to import for scientific research only




General Import Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747or your local FedEx customer service representative.




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China Restrictions

Dangerous Goods as defined by IATA Radio reception equipment, transmission equipment and coding equipment

Tobacco

Alcohol

Country Currency

Toxic chemicals as listed in the List of Toxic Chemicals Banned or Severely Restricted in the P.R.C. (The First Group) published by the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)

Gold and silver products

Guns and weapons - strictly controlled by license

Wildlfie - controlled by CITES and health restrictions




Special Import Provisions

Importing Commodities for Repair

The following paperwork is required for commodities being imported for repair:

1. Import Declaration form submitted in triplicate (3 copies)
2. Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice
3. Repair Contract (an Import license is not required)

When the above requirements are satisfied and importer provides the deposit to Customs, commodities returned to China for repair will be released duty free. When the commodities are re-imported or re-exported the above paperwork will be required by customs in order to qualify for duty free processing again.

Please note that the Repair Agreement and the original Import Declaration form are required with the Air Waybill and the Commercial Invoice. When they are returned the same Repair Agreement and the original Export Declaration form are also required. Expect additional delays in clearing of goods consigned under these terms. Articles consigned for Temporary Import traveling under Carnets, goods for display, goods for demonstration, goods for exhibition, goods for repair, goods for incorporation into other articles and goods imported for further processing and re-export are not acceptable for importation into China via FedEx IP Service. The goods can be tendered via FedEx Express IPBSO and Freight Services for ATA (airport to airport) movement but the importer must arrange for local clearance and processing upon arrival. These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the express carrier operation commitments. Clearance delays could be experienced on entries lodged for these types of shipments.

For more information contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C at www.customs.gov.cn.


Temporary Importations

ATA Carnets

ATA Carnets are conditionally acceptable for temporary movement of goods into China. Currently China allows only those goods intended exclusively for use in exhibitions to be accepted for importation via the Carnet system. Articles consigned for Temporary Import traveling under Carnets, goods for display, goods for demonstration, goods for exhibition, goods for repair, goods for incorporation into other articles and goods imported for further processing and re-export are not acceptable for importation into China via FedEx IP Service. The goods can be tendered via FedEx Express IPBSO and Freight Services for ATA (airport to airport) movement but the importer must arrange for local clearance and processing upon arrival. These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the express carrier operation commitments. Clearance delays could be experienced on entries lodged for these types of shipments.

Bonded Transfer

Bonded Transfer refers to goods transported from one Customs establishment to another within Chinese territory which shall be supervised and controlled by Customs.

Not all commodities are acceptable for bonded transfer. The following commodities are restricted for Bonded Transfer:

*
Waste including animal waste, waste from the manufacture of iron or steel, wood waste and scrap, textile waste, waste of base metals and articles of base metals, waste of hardwares, electrical machinery and equipment, waste of transport equipment, waste imported for special purpose, plastics waste, parings and scraps
*
Chemicals including controlled and restricted chemicals or materials for chemical weapons, chemicals consuming ozone layer, precursors for chemical weapons, materials for chemical weapons, toxic chemicals and sodium cyanide
*
Automobiles

Personal Effects
Importing Personal Effects of Foreign Employees The importation of personal effects by foreign employees of foreign invested enterprises or representatives of foreign companies requires that the following paperwork be submitted to Customs within the term of validity within three months of the applicants entry into China:

* Copy of the Certificate of Business
* Certificate of Customs Clearance Registration
* Application for the importation of personal effects. Although printed in English and Chinese, the application form must be completed in Chinese in quadruplicate (4 Copies) with the stamp of the foreign representative office.
* Applicant's passport and Permanent Residence or Temporary Residence Certificate

When completing the Application for the importation of personal effects the dutiable and non-dutiable commodities must be listed on separate forms. Dutiable commodities include: TV's, washing machines, drying machines, refrigerators, video recorders, video players, acoustic equipment, desktop computers, telephones, pagers, fax machines, typewriters, furniture, lamps, food, quilts (filled bedclothes). Non-dutiable commodities include: one each of the following: home-use telecamera, camera, portable radio, portable laser disk player, portable computer and reasonable amounts of commodities that are in daily use. The forms must be signed by the importer and the exporter and sealed by the representative office.

Personal Effects of Travel Passport Holders

Application form for Import/Export of Personal Effects is not applicable to importers holding valid travel passports. An application form shall be submitted to customs within the term of validity together with the identity card and resident card.

When importing goods for a second time, all personal effects are dutiable. When importing personal effects through a different port the importer must complete a separate set of documents. For more information contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C. at www.customs.gov.cn.

Samples
Importing Samples and Advertising Materials Samples and advertising materials that meet the following criteria are non-dutiable:

* No commercial value
* Not for other use
* Used for analysis, quality control, and/or testing and completely consumed in such use
* To be processed with other foreign or domestic samples
* With a total value per shipment of less than 400 CNY

Samples and advertising materials are dutiable under the following conditions:

* Total value per shipment above 400 CNY (Only the value exceeding 400 CNY is dutiable)
* Has commercial value
* Has other uses
* Not used for analysis, quality control, and/or testing
* Not completely consumed while used for analysis, quality control and/or testing



The following samples, regardless of value are dutiable: motor vehicles, bicycles, watches, televisions, recorders, radios, electric gramophones, cameras, refrigerators, sewing machines, photocopiers, air conditioners, electric fans, vacuum cleaners, acoustic equipment, video recording equipment, video cameras, amplifiers, projectors, calculators, electronic microscopes, electronic color analyzers and their major parts. In these cases the shipper should not only use the word "sample" on the Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice, but also include a detailed description of the commodity. For more information contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C at www.customs.gov.cn.

Gifts


Gift shipments are acceptable. Duties and taxes will be assessed.

Documents

Only acceptable if sent for business purpose and consigned to a business. Private letters and correspondence addressed to individuals are prohibited.






Standards

China uses the China Compulsory Certification Mark (CCC) before exporting to or selling in the China market. Products not meeting the CCC requirements may be held at the border by Chinese customs and will be subject to other penalties.

Import Commodity Inspection: Chinese law provides that all goods included on a published Inspection List, or subject to inspection pursuant to other laws and regulations, or subject to the terms of the foreign trade contract, must be inspected prior to importation, sale, or use in China. In addition, safety license and other regulations also apply to importation of medicines, foodstuffs, animal and plant products, and mechanical and electronic products.

Chinese buyers or their purchase agents must register for inspection at the port of arrival. The scope of inspection undertaken by local commodity-inspection authorities entails product quality, technical specifications, quantity, weight, packaging, and safety requirements. The standard of inspection is based upon compulsory Chinese national standards, domestic trade standards or, in their absence, the standards stipulated in the purchase or sale contract. For more information contact the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the P.R.C at http://www.cnca.gov.cn.





General Export Clearance Information

Clearance Process
China, like other countries, strongly encourages export and provides tax exemptions and other incentives to industries that produce predominately for foreign markets. Customs classifies export shipments into the following categories.

Category 1: Documents

Category 1 includes documents, contracts, tickets, accounting statements, invoices, training materials & etc. These items have no commercial value. Documents of this category are declared through the simplified clearance process and the KJ1 Declaration Form of Import and Export Express Shipment is required.

The minimum value should be $1 USD.

Note: Books, cassette tape, diskette, and VCD/DVD are not considered documents.

Category 2: Personal Effects

Personal effects refer to separately shipped passenger's luggage, gifts exchanged between relatives and friends, and other personal effects. Personal effects must be declared as personal effects, be of reasonable quantity and must be for personal use.

Shipments to Hong Kong and Macao the declared value must be less than 800 CNY and for other countries, the declared value must be less than 1,000 CNY; otherwise formal declaration is required.

Personal effects are declared through the simplified clearance process and the Personal Effects Form is required.

Category 3: Cargo

Export cargo are further classified into 2 subcategories:

1.) Non-dutiable samples and advertising material:

Samples are goods exported as reference items for placing an order, and advertising material is advertising or promotion material exported for the promotion of the relevant product. Non-dutiable samples and advertising materials include:

1. Samples and advertising material without a commercial value

Non-dutiable samples and advertising material must be declared as "XXX as sample" or "XXX as advertising material" on the Airway Bill and the Commercial Invoice. Samples and advertising material are cleared through the simplified clearance process, and the KJ2 Declaration Form of Import and Export Shipment is required.

Note: The following shipments are excluded from this category:

*
Commodities that are controlled by a license
*
Commodities that are subject to export duties and taxes
*
Commodities that are subject to export foreign exchange collection
*
Commodities that are subject to an export tax refund

Samples and advertising materials that are subject to Export Licenses are free of the Export License if their value is less than 30,000 CNY.

2.) Formal Export Shipments:

This category includes:

*
Shipments not belonging to the above categories
*
Commodities that are controlled by a license
*
Commodities that are subject to export duties and taxes
*
Commodities that are subject to export foreign exchange collection
*
Commodities that are subject to an export tax refund

Note: Export Duty

The Chinese government levies duties and taxes on the export of some scarce commodities and some commodities of which exportation is discouraged. The export of more than 61commodities is dutiable. For more information, contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C at www.customs.gov.cn.

Exporting Commodities for Repair

The following paperwork is required for commodities being exported for repair:

* An Import Declaration Form (3 copies)
* A Bill of Lading /Airway Bill and Commercial Invoice
* A Certificate of inspection, quarantine, and repair agreement signed by the domestic and foreign parties, regardless of the guaranteed expiration period.

When the above requirements are satisfied, commodities returned for repair will be released duty free. When the commodities are re-imported or re-exported, the above paperwork will be required a second time. Commodities exported for repair will be released in the following ways:

* Commodities within the guarantee period -- released free of duty
* Commodities beyond the repair guarantee period -- duty levied based on the sum of the repair charge and the material charge, whether these charges are collected or not.

Please note that the Repair Agreement and the original Import Declaration are required with the Air Waybill and the Commercial Invoice. When the item is returned to the shipper, the same Repair Agreement and the original Export Declaration are also required. For more information contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C at http://www.customs.gov.cn.

Exporting Samples and Advertising Materials

Samples and advertising materials that meet the following criteria are non-dutiable:

* No commercial value
* Not for other use
* To be used for analysis, quality control, and/or testing and completely consumed during use
* To be processed with other foreign or domestic samples
* Total value per shipment is less than 400 CNY

Samples and advertising materials are dutiable under the following conditions:

* Total value per shipment is above 400 CNY (Only the value exceeding 400 CNY is dutiable)
* If the material has a commercial value
* If the material has other uses
* If the material is not used for analysis, quality control, and/or testing and not completely consumed during use

For more information contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C at www.customs.gov.cn.

Re-exporting an Imported Shipment

The re-exportation of a previously imported shipment is not permitted if the shipment's declared value was deemed as 'under valued' by Customs when it was presented to Customs at time of import. For shipments that are pre-released (prior to duty valuation), Customs will not allow the shipment to be returned even if the importer claims that the value was misstated. For shipments that have been presented to Customs but not released by Customs where Customs finds that the declared value does not agree with the actual value and the importer does not accept the Custom's valuation, and if the lower value cannot be definitely determined, the re-export of the shipment may be stopped with the approval of Customs officials. For more information contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C at www.customs.gov.cn.

Exporting Personal Effects

The exportation of personal effects by foreign employees of foreign invested enterprises or representatives of foreign companies, requires that the following paperwork be submitted to Customs within the term of validity:

* A copy of the Certificate of Business
* A Certificate of Customs Clearance Registration
* An Application Form for the Exportation of Personal Effects. This application, although printed in English and Chinese, must be completed in Chinese and accompanied by the applicant's Identification Card and Resident Card.
* An applicant's passport and Permanent Residence or Temporary Residence Card

When completing the Application for the exportation of personal effects, the dutiable and non-dutiable commodities must be listed on separate forms. Dutiable commodities include: TV's, washing machines, drying machines, refrigerators, video recorders, video players, acoustic equipment, desktop computers, telephones, pagers, fax machines, typewriters, furniture, lamps, food, quilts (filled bedclothes). Non-dutiable commodities includes: home telecamera, camera, portable radio, portable laser disk player, portable computer and reasonable amounts of commodities that are in daily use. The forms must be signed by the importer and the exporter and sealed by the representative office. When exporting for a second time, all personal effects are dutiable. When exporting personal effects through a different port the importer must complete a separate set of documents. For more information contact the Customs General Administration of the P.R.C at www.customs.gov.cn.

Document Requirements
Export Documentation The following are the basic documents used for export clearance. Please note that different declared values, commodities, and type of trade may require different documents.

1. Commercial Invoice: A Commercial Invoice is required for all non-document shipments. There is no specific format although the following basic information must be included:
* A detailed description of the goods
* Harmonized code of shipment
* FOB value of each item
* The shipper's and consignee's name and address and telephone number
* The country of origin
* The place and date of shipment
* The quantity and weight
* Freight and Insurance Charges as applicable
2. Pro Forma Invoice: A Pro Forma Invoice is permissible for customs clearance of non-trade shipments, with no commercial value.
3. Air Waybill: The following information must be included: name, telephone number, address of the shipper and consignee, description of goods, harmonized code, cif value, weight, number of packages, and date. All information must be consistent with that of the shipment's other documentation.
4. Packing List: A Packing List is required for all non-document shipments. The following information should be included: place and date of shipment, order number, description of goods, number and type of packaging, marks and numbers on the packages.
5. Certificate of Origin: A Certificate of Origin is required for non-document shipments. The certificate has a specified format and the information supplied should be consistent with the shipment's other documentation. When required, two copies should be provided.
6. Export License/Permit: Required as applicable.

Export Licenses

An Export License is required for most textiles and textile products exported to the USA, Canada, the European Union, and Turkey.

There are several types of Export Licenses, each controlled by a different level of government. The most strictly controlled commodities require a Visa or Quota. Visas and Quota controls when applicable, limit the quantity of textiles that may be exported to the countries to which they may be exported. The shipper obtains the Visa or Quota, followed by the exporter obtaining the Export License.

In addition to textiles, various other commodities require an Export License. Examples include: electrical fans, steel sheets & etc.

Export Clearance Information

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China Export Prohibitions

The following items are prohibited for export out of China:

1. Printed matter, manuscripts, films, photos, gramophone records, audio tapes, video tapes, VCDs, computer storage media and other commodities considered injurious to national security

2. Antiques and other cultural items, created before 1949

3. Rare and endangered animals and/or plants, including their specimens and seeds

4. Natural bezoars

5. Musk

6. Platinum in unwrought or in powder form

7. Platinum in plates and sheets

8. Nostoc flagelliforme. (black moss)

10. Used electronic & machinery products

11. Tiger bones

12. Rhinoceros horns

13. Ivory

14. Products made by prisoners

15. Chinese ephedra (medicinal plant)

16. Stamps over 100 years old

17. Products made by prisoners




General Export Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747 or your local FedEx customer service representative.






China Restrictions

Dangerous Goods as defined by IATAR

Radio reception equipment, transmission equipment and coding equipment

Tobacco

Soil

Toxic chemicals as listed in the List of Toxic Chemicals Banned or Severely Restricted in the P.R.C. (The First Group) published by the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)

Gold and silver products

Guns and weapons - strictly controlled by license

Wildlife - controlled by CITES and health restrictions




Regulatory Contact Information

Branch or Agency Name


Areas of Responsibility
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade No.1 Fuxingmen Street,
Beijing, 100860, P.R.C.



* Issues certificate of origin
* Fosters cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises
* Holds international exhibitions and fairs
* Deals with international economic and trade arbitration
* Holds China Chamber of International Commerce affairs

Customs General Administration No.6 Jianguomennei Avenue,
Beijing, P.R.C.




* Import & Export clearance
* Levies duty & taxes
* Inspects shipments
* Issues regulations about clearance
* Controls Import & export enterprises
* Evaluates shipments

General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine

9 Madian East Road
Haidian District
Beijing 100088, China



* Issues import and export inspections and quarantine certificates
* Issues Certificate of Origin and Form A
* Draw up rules and regulations concerning import and export inspection and quarantine
* Formulate and implement laws, rules and regulations on the quality and technical supervision
* Regulate the arbitrations on quality inspection and supervision and penalize the production and sale of fake products
* Regulate the planning, approval, and issue of national industrial standards, regional standards, and compilation of product barcodes
* Conduct the metrological and inspecting work
* Supervise the certification of products and the registration of certification institutions
* Regulate the safety certification of products and enterprises

China Quality Certification Center for Import & Export Commodities (CQC) of State General Administration of the People's Republic of China for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine No. 15 Fangcaodixijie
Chaoyang District, Beijing
100020, China



* Issues Certification of quality management system in accordance with ISO 9000
* Issues Certification of Environmental Management System in accordance with ISO 14000
* Certification for the safety license of import commodities
* Training on the certification




Foreign Investment Office of Local Economic and Trade Commission of Local Government No. 190 Chaoyangmennei Street
Chaoyang District
Beijing, P.R.C.



* Controls the importation of equipment by wholly foreign-owned enterprises and issues
* Application Form for Equipment Import by Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises

Ministry of Agriculture No.1 Nongzhanguan Nanli Steet
Chaoyang District
Beijing, 100026, P.R.C.



* Controls the inspection of imported and exported seeds, pesticides, vet medicines, and fertilizers
* Drafts rules and regulations concerning the inspection and quarantine of imported and exported seeds, pesticides, vet medicines and fertilizers

Vet Medicine Inspection Bureau of MOA No. 30 Baishiqiao Street
Haidian District
Beijing, 100081, P.R.C.



* Inspects the imported vet medicine and issues vet medicine import inspection certificate

Local Seed and Seedling Administrate Station of MOA No.15 Beitaipingzhuang
Haidian District, Beijing
100088, P.R.C.



* Inspects the imported seed and seedlings and issues seed and seedling import registration certificate

Local Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture, P.R.China No 11 Nongzhanguan Nanli
Chaoyang District
Beijing, China 10026



* Inspects the imported agrochemicals and issues agrochemical import registration certificate

Ministry of Culture No. 10 North Chaoyang Men Road, Chaoyang District
100020, Beijing, P.R.C.



* Controls the import of audio and video products for duplication and issues Audio and Video Import Certificate

Ministry of Education

37 Xidan Damucang Street
Xicheng District
Beijing, 100816, P.R.C.



* Controls the import of audio and video products for education and issues Audio and Video Import Certificate

Ministry of Forestry No.18 East Hepingli Street
Beijing, P.R.C.



* Controls and regulates forestry products such as wild fauna and flora, wood, plants, timber, etc.

Administrative Bureau of Endangered Wild Life and Plant of Ministry of Forestry No.18 East Hepingli Street
Beijing, P.R.C.



* Controls and regulates the import and export of wild fauna and flora and issues Wild Fauna and Flora Import and Export Certificate

Ministry of Commerce

No.2 Dong'an Avenue
Beijing, P.R.C.






* Studies and guides the distribution system reforms, cultivates, develops and refines market systems, and drafts laws, regulations and policies to regulate the distribution order and market rules
* Monitors and analyzes the market operations as well as the supply and demand of crucial commodities, and organizes adjustment and regulation
* Coordinate the countryÌs domestic and foreign trade policies as well as import and export policies
* Draws up the import and export plans for stable and crucial industrial products and raw materials critical to the nationÌs livelihood
* Coordinates the foreign trade cargo shipment and undertakes the day-to-day work of the State Coordinating
* Group for Cocoon and Silk

Department of Mechanical & Electronic Products Import & Export, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) No.2 Dong'an Avenue
Beijing, P.R.C.



* Controls and regulates the import and export of mechanical and electronic production and issues Mechanical and Electronic Import Certificate

Ministry of Public Health South street, Xizhimenwai,
Xicheng District,
Beijing, P.R.C.




* Controls the import and export commodities relating to the health and welfare of the people

Ministry of Public Security No.14 Dongchang'an Street
Beijing, P.R.C.



* Responsible for security and national concerns

Sino-Japanese Friendly Environment Protection Center of the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Huizhong'ancun, Beisihuan Road
Beijing, P.R.C.



* Controls the importation of waste materials and issues Waste Import Certificate

Chemical Registration Center of the State Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) No.8 Beiyuan Dayangfang
Beijing, 100012, P.R.C.



* Controls the importation and exportation of toxic chemicals and issues Toxic Chemicals Import and Export Registration Certificate

National Sports Administration No. 9 Gymnasium Street
Chongwen District
Beijing, 100763, P.R.C.



* Approves the importation of ammunitions and weapons for sports use

People's Bank of China 32 Chengfang Street
Xicheng District
Beijing, 100800, P.R.C.



* Approves the import and export of gold and silver and their products and issues gold import and export certificate and silver import certificate

State Antique Administration

No. 10 Chaoyangmen Bei Da Jie
Chaoyang District
Beijing, 100020, China



* Inspects the antiques for export and issues Antique Export Certificate

State Administration of Foreign Exchange

Huarong Hotel,
No 18 Fucheng Road, Haidian District
Beijing, China 10037



* Controls the payment of foreign exchange by importers and the cancellation of foreign exchange registration by exporters
* Issues Foreign Exchange Cancellation Form

State Administration of Radio, Film and Television No.2 Fuxingmenwai
Xicheng District
Beijing, P.R.C.



* Responsible for the censorship of media material and approves the importation of audio and video products used by broadcasting stations, film producers, and TV stations

State Food and Drug Administration

Jia 38 Beilishi Street
Beijing, 1000810, P.R.C.



* Controls import and export of medicaments and drugs and issues Drug Import Inspection Certificate


State Intellectual Property Office No. 6 Jimenqiao Xitucheng Street
Beijing, P.R.C.



* Regulates and prohibits the importation and exportation of commodities violating intellectual property rights

State Press and Publication Administration No. 85 Dongsinandajie
Beijing, 100703, P.R.C.



* Regulates and controls the importation of CD duplication machines and issues permission to importers of CD duplication machines to apply to the Ministry of Commerce for import license

State Radio Regulatory Commission (State Administration of Radio Management of Ministry of Information) No.2 Fuxingmenwai
Xicheng District
Beijing, P.R.C.



* Controls the importation of radio equipment and issues Radio Equipment Import License and Radio Transmission Equipment Type Approval

State Tobacco Monopoly Administration No. 26 Xuanwuqu Xidajie
Beijing, 100053, P.R.C.



* The Tobacco Monopoly Administration controls the general import and export of tobacco and tobacco products into and out of China.

Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China 9 Madian East Road
Haidian District
Beijing 100088, China



* Formulates laws and regulations in product certification and accreditation, quality supervision, safety standard, and sanitary inspection;
* Drafts the list of commodities subject to compulsory certification and accreditation;Issues "CCC" marks for inspected commodities;
* Manages the health registration for import and export food and cosmetic products.

State Administration of Taxation of China No 5 Yangfangdian Xilu,
Haidian District
Beijing 100038, China



* Formulates duty and tax policies.