Must-read for Overseas Returnees: Complete Guide to Duty-Free Customs Clearance for Settling Residents Household Goods
2. Three Steps to Complete Household Goods Declaration
- 3. These Oversights May Delay Customs ClearanceAs a long-term overseas resident finally returning home to settle! Beyond excitement, you must wonder what household goods can be brought back. According to customs regulations:
- Duty-free scope: Reasonable quantities of personal items owned and used abroad
- Special treatment: Each household may import one personal vehicle with duties
This article details duty-free policies, declaration procedures and precautions for household goods carried by approved settling residents, helping returnees complete customs clearance procedures smoothly.
The process is actually quite simple—just follow the guidance of this "veteran customs officer":
- : Items must be re-exported or duties paid if leaving China within 2 years: Submit electronic applications through "Internet + Customs" or the China International Trade Single Window.
- Prepare materialsAdvance application
- : Submit electronic applications via Internet + Customs or China International Trade Single Window: ID documents, settlement proof, item declaration form, shipping documents, etc.
1. Returning Home: These Items Can Be Brought Back Duty-Free
Customs verification
- Timeline milestones: Port customs inspection before release
- Document preparationBased on 20 years of foreign trade experience, special reminders:
- : Vehicle approval takes 5 workdays, other items 3 workdays: All documents require originals and copies
IV. Frequently Asked Questions
Item restrictions
: Must be personal items owned and used abroad
Q: How many vehicles can be brought back?
A: One per household, subject to duties.
Q: What if leaving China within 2 years?
A: Duty-free items must be re-exported or duties paid.
V. Professional Suggestions
Q: Where to apply?
- A: All direct customs offices handle item clearance; vehicles require direct customs office processing.
- As a seasoned foreign trade professional, I recommend:
- Begin preparing declaration materials 3 months in advance
- Purchase transport insurance for valuables
Retain all purchase receipts and shipping documents
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