How much Lighters and matches can I bring into China?
Prohibited
You cannot bring Lighters and matches into China.
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
On the plane
Airline differences
| Airline | Difference from the baseline |
|---|---|
| AJet | Stricter than the standard rule |
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- 中国民用航空局--航空旅行常识 Civil Aviation Administration of China
Questions about Lighters and matches in China
- How many lighters and matches can I bring into China?
- lighters and matches may not be brought into China at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare lighters and matches at China customs?
- There is nothing to declare — lighters and matches cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
- What happens if I do not declare lighters and matches in China?
- If the goods are found without being declared, the goods are confiscated; the goods are returned to where they came from; the goods are destroyed.
- Can I post or ship lighters and matches to China instead of carrying it?
- Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
- Is there a minimum age for the lighters and matches allowance in China?
- Yes — 18 years. A traveller under that age gets no allowance for lighters and matches at all, not a smaller one.
- Can I take lighters and matches out of China?
- China publishes no separate rule for taking lighters and matches out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the China limit for lighters and matches apply per person or per family?
- Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
- Where does this rule come from?
- General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) states it in 中国民用航空局--航空旅行常识. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “火种（包括各类点火装置），如打火机、火柴、点烟器、镁棒（打火石）、自热食品等不能随身携带和托运。”
- How does China compare with other countries on lighters and matches?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit lighters and matches, 5 limit it and 14 let it through. China is among the more permissive.
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中国民用航空局--航空旅行常识 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中国民用航空局--航空旅行常识 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中华人民共和国海关行政处罚实施条例 · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — china age limits · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中国民用航空局--航空旅行常识 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中国民用航空局--航空旅行常识 · verified 2026-09-19