Items to be included in the declaration are goods shipped beyond amounts deemed reasonable for personal use, cameras and tape recorders, over RMB 20,000 in cash, gold or silver and ornamental items that weigh more than 50 grams. Anything that is considered of commercial value besides one's personal baggage also has to be declared along with animals and plants for quarantine.
Among items restricted entry to China are deadly weapons of all kinds, including radio transmitters and receivers as well as similar gadgets. All objects found to cast a negative light on China as a nation, including films, CD's and the like, narcotics, infected animals and disease carrying foodstuff are also restricted.
Expats who need to be on maintenance medications can bring their medicines from home. It is also wise to bring extra clothing since the Chinese tend to have smaller sizes and it may take a while for non-Asians to find a store where they can buy clothes that fit. If you need to ship most of your wardrobe and furniture, make sure to do a thorough research of shipping and removals companies in China.
Chinese shipment regulations are common and simple and should not pose considerable inconveniences to expats moving their belongings from home.
