Shipping to China requires understanding three critical areas: duty and tax rules, required documentation, and prohibited items. Unlike many countries, China has a 0 USD threshold for both duties and taxes, meaning every parcel is subject to charges. This blog provides complete, up-to-date information to help you send parcel to China without delays or surprises.
Table of Contents
Send Parcel to China: Duty & Tax Information
When you send parcel to China, import duties and taxes apply to every shipment. Here are the key details.
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Item
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Detail
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|---|---|
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Currency
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Chinese Yuan (CNY)
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Calculation Method
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CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
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Duty Threshold
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0 USD (no minimum – duties apply to all shipments)
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Tax Threshold
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0 USD (no minimum – tax applies to all shipments)
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VAT / GST Rate
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13%
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What Does CIF Mean?
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, Freight. This means duty and tax are calculated based on:
- Cost: The value of the items in the parcel
- Insurance: Any insurance paid on the shipment
- Freight: The shipping cost
Example: If you send a parcel with items worth S$100, shipping cost S$20, and insurance S$5, duty and tax are calculated on the total of S$125 – not just the item value.
Important Notes for Senders
- No de minimis threshold: Unlike the United States (US$800) or Australia (A$1,000), China taxes every shipment – regardless of value. A S$10 gift? Taxable. A S$5 sample? Taxable.
- 13% VAT applies to most shipments: This is a flat rate on top of any product-specific duties.
- Duty rates vary by product category: Different products have different duty percentages. Check the specific category for your item.
- Information subject to change: Customs rules can update without notice. Always verify current rates before shipping.
With EasyParcel: You can use Duty & Tax Estimator to estimate the duty and tax before shipping.
DDP vs DDU – Which Should You Choose?
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Option
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Who Pays
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Best For
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DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
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Sender pays upfront
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Business shipments, customer orders, high-value items
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DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
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Recipient pays
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Personal gifts (with recipient's agreement)
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Recommendation: For any commercial shipment or valuable item, choose DDP. Chinese recipients may refuse to pay unexpected duties, and returned parcels are expensive.
With Easyparcel: You can select DDP or DDU during booking steps.
Send Parcel to China: International Shipping Documentation
Proper documentation is essential when you send parcel to China. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork is the #1 cause of customs delays.
Required Documents
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Document
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Required
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Purpose
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|---|---|---|
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Commercial Invoice
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✅ Always required
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Declares value, quantity, and description of items
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Air Waybill (AWB)
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✅ Always required
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Shipping label with tracking information
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Commercial Invoice – What to Include
A complete commercial invoice must have:
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Field
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Requirement
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|---|---|
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Sender details
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Name, address, phone number
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Recipient details
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Name, address, phone number
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Item description
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Detailed – not "gift" or "samples"
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Quantity
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Exact number of each item
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Unit value
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Price per item in local currency
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Total value
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Sum of all items
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Country of origin
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Where the product was made (e.g., "Made in Singapore")
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Reason for export
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Sale, gift, return, or commercial sample
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Air Waybill (AWB)
The Air Waybill is generated automatically when you book on EasyParcel. It includes:
- Tracking number
- Barcode for scanning
- Sender and recipient information
- Parcel weight and dimensions
Pro tip: Print the AWB clearly and attach it securely to the parcel. A smudged or missing barcode = undeliverable parcel.
Smart HS Code – EasyParcel’s Documentation Tool
To send parcel to China with correct documentation, use Smart HS Code. When you select your item category from a dropdown menu, the HS code is auto-generated – no manual lookup required.
This helps prevent customs holds caused by incorrect or missing HS codes.
Ready to Send Parcel to China?
Send Parcel to China: Shipping Restrictions & Prohibited Items
Full Prohibited Items List
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Category
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Specific Items
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|---|---|
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Food & Perishables
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Food items, perishable goods
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Flammable Materials
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Aerosol, flammable liquids, dangerous items
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Indecent Material
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Obscene or immoral materials
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Personal Documents
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Driving license, birth certificate, ID card, passport, debit card, credit card
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Liquids
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Liquid substances of any kind
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Electronic Devices
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Electronics, batteries (including lithium batteries)
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Medication
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Medication, supplements, drugs
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Cosmetics
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Cosmetic and skin care items (creams, lotions, makeup)
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Currency
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Paper or coin currency of any nationality
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Used Items
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Used items or repair items
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Hazardous Goods
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Hazardous goods, toxic powder
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Tobacco
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Tobacco products and e-cigarettes
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Religious Items
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Religious objects, materials, or literature
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Improper Packaging
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Goods with insufficient packaging
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Luggage
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Luggage containing any of the above items
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How to Check If Your Item Is Allowed
- Review the prohibited items list above
- If your item is not listed, check the official China customs website
- For borderline items, contact EasyParcel support before booking
- When in doubt, do not send – seized items cannot be recovered
List Continues to Change
The prohibited items list changes frequently. Senders must check regularly for updates. The official China customs page provides the most current information.
Simple Steps to Send Parcel to China
International Delivery
1. Click on “International” Tab.
2. Enter your origin and destination with postcode, as well as parcel weight and click “Quote & Book” button.
3. Choose your preferred courier services and book now.
4. Fill in all details then proceed to payment.
Benefits of Using EasyParcel to Send Parcel to China
Save Time
Handle Compare, book, manage, track, from a single dashboard—no need to jump between multiple pages.
Save Cost
Compare rates from multiple international couriers and pick the most budget-friendly option.
Boost Security
Enhance protection with optional EasyCover, insuring valuable documents up to $5,000.
End-to-End Tracking
EasyTrack keeps you updated as your document is picked up, in transit, and delivered.
