CustomsChina

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of China. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

China

1. Customs

Customs is the government authority responsible for controlling goods entering or leaving a country or customs territory. In road traffic, a customs checkpoint is a place where drivers may be required to stop so officers can inspect the vehicle, luggage, cargo and relevant documents.

Customs controls may take place at borders, ports, ferry terminals, airports or inland control locations. Drivers must follow all traffic signs, lane signals, barriers and instructions from customs officers. Declaration requirements depend on the countries involved and on the type, value, quantity and intended use of the goods being carried.

Which customs authority should drivers consult for travel to China?

Consult China’s General Administration of Customs for the goods, luggage and vehicle-related customs requirements of the journey. Customs controls concern goods and declarations; they must be distinguished from passport checks, a road toll or ordinary traffic control.

🔗 app.www.gov.cn • General Administration of Customs — Announcement 43/2025: declarations, red/green channels, controlled goods and cash

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

Do customs requirements depend on the route and goods when entering China?

Yes. What you carry and whether it is personal luggage, commercial goods or temporarily imported luggage can change the declaration requirements. China’s customs guidance distinguishes arrival and departure declarations and controlled goods. Check vehicle-import requirements separately; a passenger-luggage allowance does not establish permission to import a car.

🔗 app.www.gov.cn • Chinese General Administration of Customs, passenger-luggage declarations, Announcement 43/2025

What should motorists check before declaring goods in China?

China’s passenger-luggage rules distinguish goods requiring a written declaration and the red channel from passengers carrying no such goods. Give accurate information and use the applicable channel; a passenger allowance does not remove controls on restricted articles.

🔗 app.www.gov.cn • General Administration of Customs — Announcement 43/2025: declarations, red/green channels, controlled goods and cash

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text