Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at China customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to China customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products out of China?

China publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the China limit for CITES-protected species and products 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 出入境人员携带物检疫. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “携带濒危野生动植物及其产品进出境或者携带国家重点保护的野生动植物及其产品出境的，应当在《中华人民共和国濒危野生动植物进出口管理条例》规定的指定口岸进出境，携带人应当向海关提供进出口证明书。”

How does China compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. China is among the ones that set a limit.

How much CITES-protected species and products can I bring into China?

Restricted

You can bring CITES-protected species and products into China only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

出入境人员携带物检疫 General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China
野生动植物进出口证书管理办法国家林业局、中华人民共和国海关总署

Questions about CITES-protected species and products in China

Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at China customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to China customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products out of China?: China publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the China limit for CITES-protected species and products 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 出入境人员携带物检疫. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “携带濒危野生动植物及其产品进出境或者携带国家重点保护的野生动植物及其产品出境的，应当在《中华人民共和国濒危野生动植物进出口管理条例》规定的指定口岸进出境，携带人应当向海关提供进出口证明书。”
How does China compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. China is among the ones that set a limit.

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