timeruler Posted April 18, 2012 at 10:24 AM Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 at 10:24 AM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liuzhou Posted April 18, 2012 at 12:26 PM Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 at 12:26 PM Yes, imports to the mainland attract duties. Hong Kong is a special case. It is a free port, as is Macau. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timeruler Posted April 18, 2012 at 02:14 PM Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 at 02:14 PM Thanks. How much will that be? Is it a percentage of the product? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liuzhou Posted April 19, 2012 at 09:14 AM Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 at 09:14 AM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timeruler Posted April 19, 2012 at 02:39 PM Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 at 02:39 PM 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liuzhou Posted April 19, 2012 at 02:49 PM Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 at 02:49 PM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timeruler Posted April 19, 2012 at 03:13 PM Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 at 03:13 PM 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liuzhou Posted April 19, 2012 at 03:21 PM Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 at 03:21 PM Yes. I've been in China for 15 years and have often brought things back after visits outside. Never even had my bags searched. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
driftman Posted April 20, 2012 at 03:03 AM Report Share Posted April 20, 2012 at 03:03 AM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timeruler Posted April 20, 2012 at 07:12 AM Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2012 at 07:12 AM Thank you very much for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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