How much Counterfeit and pirated goods can I bring into China?
Restricted
You can bring Counterfeit and pirated goods 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
- 中华人民共和国知识产权海关保护条例，第二十七条、第三十一条（2018年第二次修订） 中国政府网 国务院公报（国务院）
Questions about Counterfeit and pirated goods in China
- Do I have to declare counterfeit and pirated goods at China customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to China customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare counterfeit and pirated goods 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 counterfeit and pirated goods 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 counterfeit and pirated goods out of China?
- China publishes no separate rule for taking counterfeit and pirated goods out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the China limit for counterfeit and pirated goods 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 中华人民共和国知识产权海关保护条例，第二十七条、第三十一条（2018年第二次修订）. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-20. The sentence it rests on reads: “个人携带或者邮寄进出境的物品，超出自用、合理数量，并侵犯本条例第二条规定的知识产权的，按照侵权货物处理。”
- How does China compare with other countries on counterfeit and pirated goods?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 10 prohibit counterfeit and pirated goods, 7 limit it and 3 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) — 中华人民共和国知识产权海关保护条例，第二十七条、第三十一条（2018年第二次修订） · 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) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中华人民共和国知识产权海关保护条例，第二十七条、第三十一条（2018年第二次修订） · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中华人民共和国知识产权海关保护条例，第二十七条、第三十一条（2018年第二次修订） · verified 2026-09-20