How much Banned knives and edged weapons can I bring into China?
Restricted
You can bring Banned knives and edged weapons into China only within the stated limits.
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- 公安部关于印发《管制刀具认定标准》的通知 Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China (Gongtongzi [2007] No. 2)
Questions about Banned knives and edged weapons in China
- Do I have to declare banned knives and edged weapons at China customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to China customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare banned knives and edged weapons in China?
- Under 《进境物品关税、增值税、消费税征收办法》第十一条（税委会公告2024年第11号公布，自2024年12月1日施行）, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. If the goods are found without being declared, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 《中华人民共和国海关行政处罚实施条例》第十九条第二项、第四项（国务院令第420号）: an administrative fine is imposed.
- Can I post or ship banned knives and edged weapons 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.
- Can I take banned knives and edged weapons out of China?
- China publishes no separate rule for taking banned knives and edged weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the China limit for banned knives and edged weapons 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 公安部关于印发《管制刀具认定标准》的通知. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “一、凡符合下列标准之一的，可以认定为管制刀具：”
- How does China compare with other countries on banned knives and edged weapons?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit banned knives and edged weapons, 8 limit it and 1 let it through. China is among the strictest.
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 公安部关于印发《管制刀具认定标准》的通知 · verified 2026-09-19
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) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 公安部关于印发《管制刀具认定标准》的通知 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 公安部关于印发《管制刀具认定标准》的通知 · verified 2026-09-19