Shipping from Hong Kong to Mainland China is a logistical challenge that demands precise navigation of delivery options, customs regulations, and special rules for controlled items. This guide offers an in-depth analysis of the key differences between express courier services and postal services.
Time and Costs of Delivering to China
Choosing the right shipping method is the first step in cross-border delivery. There are significant differences between DHL and Hongkong Post in their service offerings, and senders should make an informed decision based on the nature of their package.
| DHL | Hongkong Post | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Time | 2–3 business days | 4–10 business days (Speedpost) 1–2 weeks (Regular Mail) |
| Customs Channel | Commercial Express Channel, pre-screens documents, low inspection rate | Postal customs channel, prone to congestion during peak season |
| Ideal Use | Urgent packages, documents, sensitive or high-value goods, business shipments | Non-urgent, low-value, small-sized general goods |
| Tracking Service | MyDHL+ provides real-time, end-to-end tracking, online document supplementation | Tracking status is less frequent, relies on destination postal agency |
| Corporate Features | Professional clearance agency, Breakbulk consolidation, agreement rates, e-commerce platform integration | Mainly for sending individual packages, fewer features for bulk services |
DHL
DHL's services are renowned for their exceptional speed and customs efficiency, with a transparent pricing structure designed for time sensitive business needs. The starting price for sending a 0.5kg A4 document to Mainland China is approximately HK$204*. In terms of delivery time, DHL can typically deliver goods directly to major cities in South China within 2 to 3 business days, offering a reliable and predictable delivery promise.
DHL’s customs clearance advantage stems from its unique commercial express channel. This channel allows DHL to pre-screen and electronically declare all export documents before the goods even leave Hong Kong, which not only significantly simplifies the clearance process but also markedly reduces the probability of physical inspections at the destination. This proactive, risk-oriented clearance model minimizes the uncertainty of the customs process. For business clients who value timely delivery and procedural predictability, its value extends far beyond the mere cost of shipping.
Special item handling is where DHL demonstrates its professional capability. Through its specialized “Medical Express (WMX)” account, it can handle the export permits and transportation of pharmaceuticals for eligible businesses. In addition, DHL also accepts electronic products containing batteries and has specific professional procedures for handling such goods. Senders can use the MyDHL+ platform for real-time, end-to-end tracking from dispatch to delivery and can supplement or modify documents online, which greatly enhances the convenience and transparency of the shipping process. For business clients, DHL also provides professional customs clearance agency services and can use “Breakbulk” for consolidated clearance, as well as offering volume agreement rates based on business scale.
Its “DHL Express Commerce” platform can seamlessly integrate with mainstream e-commerce platforms, enabling batch order management, one-click shipping label generation, real-time freight estimation, and automatic tracking updates, simplifying complex logistics operations for businesses.
*Exact shipping rate will depend on the specific dimensions, weight, and destination of the package. It is recommended that senders use the official DHL Shipping Calculator for an accurate quote.
Hongkong Post
In contrast, Hongkong Post's service model is more suitable for low-value, non-urgent parcel shipping. Hongkong Post offers various service options, with Speedpost typically delivering in 4 to 10 working days, while regular mail may take 1 to 2 weeks.
Hongkong Post’s customs clearance relies on the postal customs channel under the Universal Postal Union framework. This channel operates on a more traditional mechanism and is highly susceptible to congestion during peak seasons like Double Eleven or the Lunar New Year, leading to delivery delays. In handling special items, Hongkong Post's services are generally limited to general cargo. While items like pharmaceuticals or infant formula can be sent through postal channels, they typically require additional, more complex customs declaration procedures and document preparation. Consequently, Hongkong Post's services are primarily positioned for non-urgent, low-value, small-sized general parcels, with a relatively simple tracking service, making it suitable for individual senders with no strict time constraints.
Customs Declaration and Tariff Information When Delivering to China
The Chinese customs authority has a duty exemption threshold for personal items, where parcels with a taxable amount of RMB 50 or less are exempt from duty.
From December 2024, a significant regulatory update will uniformly raise the single shipment value limit for personal express items to RMB 2,000. For parcels with a value exceeding RMB 2,000 or those clearly not for personal use, customs will require a formal customs declaration under general trade regulations and apply the corresponding commercial tariff rates. Senders must accurately declare the true value and purpose of the items to avoid delays, returns, or even confiscation due to false declarations.
List of Tariff Rates for Common Goods
Category of Imported Goods | Comprehensive Tax Rate |
Books, newspapers, periodicals, educational audio-visual materials | 13% |
Computers, video cameras, digital cameras, camcorders, and other IT products | 13% |
Food, beverages (excluding alcoholic beverages) | 13% |
Gold and silver | 13% |
Furniture | 13% |
Toys, games, festive or other entertainment items | 13% |
Pharmaceuticals | 13% |
Sports equipment (excluding golf balls and golf clubs), fishing gear | 20% |
Textiles and their products | 20% |
Bicycles | 20% |
Tobacco products, alcoholic beverages | 50% |
Precious jewelry and gemstones | 50% |
Golf balls and golf clubs | 50% |
High-end watches | 50% |
High-end cosmetics | 50% |
Batteries | 50% |
Other goods | 20% |
Source: State Taxation Administration
Considerations for Shipping Specific Items from Hong Kong to Mainland
When sending certain special or sensitive items, in addition to regular declaration requirements, extra regulations and permit requirements must be followed. These items are typically subject to strict control by the Chinese customs authority, and their clearance process is more complex.
Item Type | Item Classification | Primary Restrictions | Required Documents/Information | HS Code | Declaration Example |
Pharmaceuticals | Export-Controlled Goods | Single shipment value < RMB 2,000, requires proof of personal use; psychotropic and narcotic drugs not accepted | Doctor's prescription/medical records, Hong Kong Department of Health license, WMX account | 30049090 | Paracetamol 500 mg Tablets ×20 |
Infant Formula | Export-Controlled Goods | Business accounts only; requires export license; must have Chinese and English labels | Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department export license, business registration | 19011000 | Infant Milk Formula, Stage 2, 900 g |
SIM Cards | General Low-Value Electronic Accessory | Single shipment value < RMB 2,000; must follow electronic product regulations if shipped with a phone | Accurate declared value, invoice/proof of purchase | 85235290 | Prepaid SIM Card, inactive |
Mooncakes | Food | Only accepts commercially packaged, room-temp items; meat fillings rejected; high inspection rate for egg yolk | Detailed ingredient list, commercial invoice | 19059000 | Mooncake, egg yolk filling, 4 pcs |
Shipping Pharmaceuticals
Shipping pharmaceuticals to Mainland China is considered a highly regulated activity. Pharmaceuticals are classified as “restricted import items,” and the single shipment value must not exceed RMB 2,000 for individual senders. It must also be accompanied by documents proving it is for personal use, typically a doctor's prescription or medical record.
A critical prerequisite is that any product containing medicinal ingredients must first obtain an "Import/Export License for Proprietary Chinese Medicines / Chinese Herbal Medicines" from the Hong Kong Department of Health before being exported from Hong Kong. If the parcel contains liquid content, it may also subject to additional declaration.
In handling such controlled shipments, DHL offers a specialized "Medical Express (WMX)" service. This service is specifically designed for qualified, professionally accredited medical or research business clients who have passed a strict approval process. A WMX account not only ensures that the package receives the highest priority throughout the entire transportation process but also provides a professional customs clearance team that can assist clients with complex compliance documents, allowing for the compliant and controlled transportation of items that are otherwise generally prohibited.
However, it is important to note that Chinese customs strictly prohibit the entry of psychotropic, narcotic, radioactive, and toxic drugs, and DHL does not accept such items for carriage. Senders should carefully confirm this before dispatch. For declaration purposes, the HS code 30049090 should be used, with a detailed item name provided, such as "Paracetamol 500 mg Tablets ×20".
Shipping Infant Milk Formula
Infant formula for babies under 36 months is classified as export-controlled goods by the Hong Kong government to safeguard local supply. This administrative measure restricts personal bulk shipments from the source. Therefore, DHL has a clear policy of not accepting personal shipments of infant milk formula to Mainland China; such shipments must be made through a business account.
Commercial senders, on the other hand, must apply for an export license from the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department. All infant formula shipped must be in its original, sealed packaging, and the product labels must be in both Chinese and English to comply with Mainland China's import requirements. For declaration purposes, the HS code 19011000 should be used, with a specific product name and specification, such as "Infant Milk Formula, Stage 2,900 g".
Shipping SIM Cards
SIM cards or phone cards are generally classified as low-value electronic accessories. To ensure the package can be cleared smoothly through the personal items channel, its declared value should be accurate and below the RMB 2,000 limit. It is important to note that if a SIM card is shipped together with a mobile phone or other electronic product, the entire package will be treated as an electronic product containing lithium batteries.
In this case, the customs clearance procedure and declaration requirements will differ and must follow the regulations for electronic products. To avoid customs delays, it is recommended to ship these items separately. For declaration purposes, the HS code 85235290 should be used, with a specific item name and status, such as "Prepaid SIM Card, inactive".
Shipping Mooncakes
DHL Hong Kong only accepts mooncakes that are room temperature stable and commercially packaged. Snow skin or ice cream mooncakes requiring a cold chain are explicitly rejected. In Mainland China, customs enforce strict animal quarantine on mooncakes with meat fillings, and such products are generally not accepted. DHL also typically does not carry them.
Mooncakes with egg yolk and custard fillings can be shipped, but due to their ingredients possibly triggering quarantine requirements, they have a higher customs inspection rate. To ensure smooth clearance, senders must provide detailed ingredient labels. Furthermore, the period before the Mid-Autumn Festival is a logistics peak season, so to avoid delays due to customs congestion, it is recommended to ship at least a few business days in advance. For declaration purposes, the HS code 19059000 should be used, with a specific item name and quantity, such as "Mooncake, egg yolk filling, 4 pcs".
Open a DHL Express Corporate Account to Enjoy Special Discount Today!
DHL's global network of international specialists are well-versed in customs regulations so that every shipment moves on to its destination. Whether you're importing or exporting, opening a DHL Express Corporate Account means all the hassle of customs will be taken care of for you, so that you can focus on the business of selling!
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