A full breakdown of prohibited items for business people entering China. Businessmen are advised to print out all kinds of certificates and other documents and carry them with them so that they can present them quickly in case of inspection. If you are not sure whether an item is prohibited or not, call the Customs hotline at (+86 12360) 48 hours in advance.
1. Medications: Pseudoephedrine Bans
Banned Drugs (2024):
| Popular Medicines | Risk Ingredient | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Contac Cold (Pseudoephedrine) | Narcotic precursor | Paracetamol-based cold meds |
| Sinutab (Pseudoephedrine) | Carry doctor’s prescription |
Declaration Rules:
- Prescription meds: English prescription + original packaging.
- Max 1-month supply; over-quantity needs “Customs clearance of medicines”.
Case: A German executive had weight-loss pills confiscated due to pseudoephedrine.
2. Electronics: Drone Regulations
Classification:
| Drone Weight | Business Requirements | No-Fly Zones |
|---|---|---|
| ≤250g | Flight plan pre-notification | Airports, government buildings |
| >250g | Real name registration@UOM | Forbidden in historic sites |
Documents Needed:
- Purchase invoice (model/SN).
- Flight mission letter (inviter-stamped).
- Temporary permit for sensitive areas (72-hour advance).
Penalties:
- Unregistered flight: Up to ¥30,000 fine.
- Flying in restricted zones: Criminal investigation.
3. Cultural Materials: Religious Publications
Prohibited Content:
- Unofficial religious texts (e.g., self-printed Bibles).
- Ethnically discriminatory materials.
- Extremist propaganda.
Business Exemptions:
- Academic materials: University invitation needed.
- Expo exhibits: Pre-approved via “Certificate of Record of Cultural Products”.
Inspection Focus:
- Digital files on devices (USB drives, laptops).
- Sensitive terms like “Tibetan independence.”
4. Other Business-Related Bans
| Category | Items | Policy Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | >¥20,000 cash (declare) | Foreign Currency Regulations |
| Bio-samples | Blood/gene materials | Biosafety Law |
| Dual-use | Telescopes, night vision | Dual-Use Items Control List |
5. Tools & Resources
- Self-Check Tool:
- Customs Prohibited List: http://www.customs.gov.cn
- WeChat Mini-program: “中国海关” (auto-check items).
- Permit Applications:
- Drones: UOM Civil Aviation Platform
- Religious materials: National Religious Affairs Administration (+86 10-64095216).
6. 2024 Updates
- New: Cannabis-based medications (even legal in home country) classified as drugs.
- Strict Check: Unapproved movies/games on devices now subject to deletion.
- Convenience: “Green Channel” for pre-declared items via “单一窗口” platform.