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China · $800 exemption

Duty-Free Allowance from China

Returning from China: $800 personal exemption, up to 1 liter of alcohol duty-free.

Want the full guide? Get a PDF with tips for clearing customs from China smoothly — free.

Frequently asked questions

What's my duty-free allowance returning from China?

You get an $800 personal exemption on goods for personal use, plus up to 1 liter of alcohol duty-free.

What happens if I go over the $800 exemption?

You simply pay duty on the amount over $800 — there's no penalty for exceeding it as long as you declare everything honestly.

What should I watch out for bringing things back from China?

Counterfeit goods and certain antiques/cultural artifacts face heavy scrutiny — genuine antiques may need a Chinese export permit.

Do I need to declare gifts and items still in checked luggage from China?

Yes — everything you're bringing back needs to be declared, including gifts and anything packed in checked bags, not just what you're carrying on you.