Do I need to pay tax, customs and duties?

[timeruler]

Hello, if I import items bought from foreign countries to China, do I have to pay tax, customs and duties? In HK, there is no such charge.

[liuzhou]

Yes, imports to the mainland attract duties.

Hong Kong is a special case. It is a free port, as is Macau.

[timeruler]

Thanks. How much will that be? Is it a percentage of the product?

[liuzhou]

It depends on the product. Different products attract different rates. Yes, it is generally a percentage of the value (sometimes as determined by customs).

The regulations cam be found here.

[timeruler]

Thanks. So, if I am going to move to China, I better buy the stuff I need in HK and then move there. Am I right?

[liuzhou]

Yes. Stuff carried in by foreigners is not usually examined - unless you are bringing in a 100 cameras and 50 laptops. If it's for personal use, no one is likely to pay any attention.

Stuff coming in by post or courier is usually examined and charges often levied.

[timeruler]

Thanks. What if a foreigner is working in China for a few years? Can he bring in stuff to China (from short trips to foreign countries) for personal use without being charged?

[liuzhou]

Yes. I've been in China for 15 years and have often brought things back after visits outside. Never even had my bags searched.

[driftman]

they have never checked my bags and never heard of it happening to another foreigner. I have quite a few friends who brought stuff in that might actually need to be taxed, but that was never a problem.

[timeruler]

Thank you very much for the info.