Why You Need a Customs Checklist for 2026
Shipping from the USA to China is a great way to access brands and products not available locally. However, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) maintains strict regulations that are updated frequently. Using a reliable package forwarder like comGateway helps streamline the process, but the responsibility of ensuring contents are legal lies with the sender. Before you finalize your order, run through this mandatory checklist to ensure your items aren't on the banned list.
1. Verify the Absolute Prohibitions
These items are strictly banned from entering the People's Republic of China. If these are found in your shipment, they will be confiscated, and the sender may face legal repercussions or heavy fines.
- Arms and Ammunition: This includes imitation weapons, crossbows, and even some types of tactical gear.
- Counterfeit Goods: Any items that infringe on intellectual property rights, including fake designer bags or pirated software.
- Subversive Material: Any printed matter, films, or storage media (USB drives, DVDs) that are deemed detrimental to the political, economic, or cultural interests of China.
- Lethal Poisons: Chemicals and infectious materials that pose a threat to public health.
2. Check for Restricted Food and Biological Items
China has tightened its biosecurity laws in 2026. To protect local agriculture, the following items are generally prohibited for personal import:
- Fresh Produce: All fresh fruits and vegetables are banned.
- Animal Products: Meat (including beef jerky), eggs, and skins.
- Biological Samples: Soil, GMO seeds, and certain organic fertilizers.
- Bird's Nests: Only processed, canned bird's nest products are generally allowed; raw nests are prohibited.
3. Understand the Personal Use Thresholds
Customs distinguishes between "personal use" and "commercial quantities." Before you estimate shipping costs to China, remember that items exceeding 1,000 RMB in total value for a single shipment (containing multiple items) may be subject to formal commercial clearance. If the shipment contains only one indivisible item (like a single high-end laptop), it may still be cleared as personal use even if it exceeds the 1,000 RMB limit, provided it is declared correctly.
4. Restricted Electronics and Battery Regulations
While most consumer electronics are permitted, lithium batteries remain a point of scrutiny for air freight. In 2026, the following rules apply:
- Integrated Batteries: Batteries must be installed inside the device (e.g., inside the iPhone or laptop).
- Loose Batteries: Power banks and loose lithium batteries are strictly prohibited in air mail and most courier services.
- Radio Equipment: High-power radio transmitters and certain encryption hardware require special permits from Chinese authorities.
Common Prohibited Items at a Glance
| Category | Status | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Narcotics | Banned | Opium, Morphine, Marijuana, and psychotropic drugs. |
| Valuables | Restricted | Currency and securities must be declared; gold/silver has weight limits. |
| Antiques | Banned | Cultural relics and historical artifacts. |
| Medicines | Restricted | Must be for personal use with a valid prescription in reasonable quantities. |
5. Final Documentation Review
Before you ship, ensure your declaration is accurate. Vague descriptions like "Gift" or "Electronics" often trigger manual inspections and delays. Be specific (e.g., "Men's Cotton T-shirt" or "Mechanical Keyboard"). If you are unsure about a specific item or how to categorize it on your customs form, check our FAQ for detailed guidance on labeling and documentation requirements to ensure a smooth delivery process.
