Guide for DHL Express Dutiable Shipments to China

All importers and exporters in China are required to register with Customs authorities for an importer or exporter Customs Registration code (CR Code), or engage with an agent who has the CR Code and is authorized to act as the importer or exporter of record for their shipments. This CR code is to be indicated on customs declaration forms of all shipments, except for documents and personal effects. We encourage you to relay the urgency of these requirements (for both HS Codes and CR Codes) to your trading partners in China, as shipments being imported into/exported out of China may be placed on hold by Customs authorities until this information is available.

Further information regarding Customs Registration applications:

All shipments, with the exception of documents, being exported from/imported into China will require a Harmonized System code (HS Code) to be indicated on customs declaration forms. The provision of the HS code, along with an accurate and detailed goods description in the supporting documents, will help expedite HS classification and ultimately clearance of the goods.

Samples and advertising materials not exceeding RMB 400 (approximately $71 US) in value are currently exempted from duties and taxes. This duty-free value threshold will no longer apply. The new threshold will be based on the duty and VAT liability, as determined by the HS code. Any shipment with a duty and VAT liability less than RMB 50 (approximately $7 US) is exempted from duties and taxes.