How much Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions can I bring into China?
Prohibited
You cannot bring Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions into China.
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
If you do not declare
- Step 1: Confiscation, Destruction
- Step 2: Criminal prosecution
Official sources
- 中华人民共和国禁止进出境物品表（1993年海关总署令第43号公布执行），一、禁止进境物品 第5项 中华人民共和国驻开普敦总领事馆（外交部）
Questions about Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in China
- How many printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions can I bring into China?
- printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions may not be brought into China at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions at China customs?
- There is nothing to declare — printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
- What happens if I do not declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in China?
- The goods are confiscated; the goods are destroyed. If it is treated as smuggling, it carries between 0 and 15 years of imprisonment.
- Can I post or ship printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out of China?
- China publishes no separate rule for taking printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the China limit for printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 中华人民共和国禁止进出境物品表（1993年海关总署令第43号公布执行），一、禁止进境物品 第5项. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “对中国政治、经济、文化、道德有害的印刷品、胶卷、照片、唱片、影片、录音带、录像带、激光视盘、计算机存储介质及其它物品；”
- How does China compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?
- Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 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) — 中华人民共和国禁止进出境物品表（1993年海关总署令第43号公布执行），一、禁止进境物品 第5项 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中华人民共和国禁止进出境物品表（1993年海关总署令第43号公布执行），一、禁止进境物品 第5项 · 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 (Regulations of the PRC on the Implementation of Customs Administrative Penalty) · verified 2026-09-16
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中华人民共和国禁止进出境物品表（1993年海关总署令第43号公布执行），一、禁止进境物品 第5项 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中华人民共和国禁止进出境物品表（1993年海关总署令第43号公布执行），一、禁止进境物品 第5项 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 中华人民共和国禁止进出境物品表（1993年海关总署令第43号公布执行），一、禁止进境物品 第5项 · verified 2026-09-19