Shipping and Removals in China

If you want to bring your personal belongings when you relocate, you should consider shipping and removals in China carefully. When weighing the pros and cons of shipping goods to the People’s Republic, there are key things to bear in mind.

You can rent a furnished apartment, and there are plenty of furniture and appliance shopping options. This is usually the cheaper alternative, so it may be worth leaving household belongings in storage in your home country if you plan to return.

Shipping companies in China

We recommend getting quotes from several companies and researching the recommended organisations when you're considering shipping furniture to China. Large international companies may have offices in your home country and China, while others may outsource one end of the shipping process to local companies.

Many expats use relocation firms when making the move, often provided by the employing company. These firms specialise in a comprehensive selection of services, from getting visas to shipping logistics. We recommend consulting relocation companies as well as moving companies.

We highly recommend that you purchase insurance for your shipment. Insurance typically comes as part of a moving package, though some expats prefer to take out insurance separately through a different company.

Relocation companies in China

Shipping goods to China

Shipping times vary depending on where in the world you are shipping from, though most companies can provide an accurate estimated arrival time. If you are feeling sceptical, use expat forums and online testimonials to confirm this estimate.

Although costs can be much higher than if shipping by sea, airfreight is a popular method and a much faster way to ship smaller cargo. It is typically billed by weight, while sea freight is billed according to the size of the container. Some expats prefer to spend a little more on the cost of excess baggage to have their belongings arrive immediately.

You should also note that China levies various taxes depending on the type of imported goods. Electrical goods are always taxed, and depending on their material, books, CDs, and DVDs may be confiscated by customs.

Be meticulous about making copies and keeping the completed documents, as these will be needed when exporting the items from China back to your home country.

Bringing medicine into China

Shipping medical and dental supplies and equipment into China is restricted. You should check the latest customs requirements and query the moving company on this. Pharmacies and healthcare centres in the country may stock the same medication, so bringing it in may not be necessary.

There are also restrictions for both tourists and expats on carrying medication in their luggage when travelling into China. You should keep your prescriptions and limit the medicine to the amount deemed reasonable for personal use.

Shipping pets to China

Bringing pets into China generally proves expensive and requires extensive documentation and potentially quarantine.

Cats and dogs require proof of rabies vaccination and an international health certificate issued at least 14 days before entering China. Your furry friend must also be implanted with an ISO-compliant microchip. If your pet is already implanted with a non-compliant microchip, you'll have to provide a scanner that is capable of reading the chip. 

Travellers are only allowed to bring one pet per adult, and you won't require an import permit if you travel with your pet. Dogs must be registered with the local police within one month of arriving. Certain dog breeds, such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers, are banned or restricted in Chinese cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai. 

Useful links

• People's Republic of China General Administration of Customs