Spring Festival outbound travel: these new customs policies you must know

With the official implementation of Announcement No. 176 by the General Administration of Customs on December 1, 2024, significant adjustments have been made to the management policies for inbound and outbound personal items. As a foreign trade expert with 20 years of experience, I understand how these changes will directly impact travelers' experiences. Today, I will explain these new policies in the simplest way possible.

Mailing item value limit doubled, good news for overseas shoppers

The most exciting news for overseas shoppers is:The value limit for personal inbound mail items increased from 1000 yuan to 2000 yuan! This means:

• Single overseas shopping allowance doubled, more shopping freedom
• 800 yuan mailing limit from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan remains unchanged
• Outbound mailing limits remain 800 yuan for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, 1000 yuan for other countries

However, it is important to remind you that although the quota has been increased, customs supervision of "reasonable personal use" has not been relaxed. It is recommended to make purchases in a dispersed manner and avoid excessively high single-item values.

Three major changes in passenger declaration system

The new policy has made three important adjustments to the inbound and outbound passenger declaration system:

1. Declaration age threshold raised

The age threshold has been adjusted from the original 16 years old to18 years old, aligning with the age of majority stipulated in Chinas Civil Code. This means:

• Minors do not need to declare carried items
• Parents can bring more personal items for their children

2. Duty-free allowance for Hong Kong and Macau significantly increased

The most pleasant surprise is:The duty-free allowance for personal items brought from Hong Kong and Macao has been increased from 5,000 yuan to 12,000 yuan! While other countries and regions maintain the 5,000 yuan standard. This is equivalent to:

• The shopping allowance for Hong Kong and Macao is 2.4 times that of other regions
• More suitable for purchasing high-value goods such as luxury items and electronic products

3. More detailed regulation of tobacco, alcohol and e-cigarettes

The new policy provides more detailed regulations on tobacco, alcohol, and e-cigarettes:

• Added quantity limits for e-cigarette devices and cartridges
• The tobacco and alcohol limits for Hong Kong and Macao are half of those for other regions
• E-cigarette valueis included in the duty-free baggage allowance for the first time

Detailed explanation of new e-cigarette regulations

As a foreign trade professional, I particularly noticed the changes in e-cigarette regulations:

• Duty-free e-cigarette value counts toward the 5,000/12,000 yuan duty-free allowance
• Passengers under 18 years old are prohibited from bringing e-cigarettes into the country
• Clearly specifies quantity limits for various e-cigarette products

These adjustments demonstrate customs timely response to emerging product regulations. E-cigarette users are advised to carefully check the quantity limits before traveling.

Customs clearance advice from foreign trade experts

Based on 20 years of foreign trade experience, Ive summarized several practical suggestions:

1. Understand destination customs policies in advance

Different countries have different regulations on inbound items. It is recommended to:

• Check the destination countrys customs website
• Pay attention to announcements from Chinas General Administration of Customs
• Consult with travel agencies or airlines

2. Keep shopping receipts

Shopping receipts and payment records can help you:

• Prove item value
• Expedite customs inspection
• Avoid unnecessary duties

3. Distribute high-value items when carrying

For luxury purchases, it is recommended to:

• Remove packaging and carry items personally
• Distribute items among traveling family members
• Avoid concentrating all high-value items on one person

4. Active declaration saves trouble

Remember this golden rule:Unsure whether to declare? Then declare!Voluntary declaration can:

• Avoid fines or confiscation
• Save clearance time
• Obtain professional guidance

Final notes

Customs policy adjustments always keep pace with the times, reflecting changes in the international trade environment. As a traveler, understanding these new policies can not only avoid unnecessary trouble but also make your cross-border shopping experience smoother. With the Spring Festival approaching, I hope this guide helps you shop with ease and travel happily!

If you have any questions about the new customs policies, feel free to leave a comment below. Ill answer them with my 20 years of foreign trade experience.