Guide to successfully shipping to China

As the world becomes more interconnected, international shipping plays a pivotal role in global trade. For businesses in Myanmar, venturing into the Chinese market offers immense opportunities for growth and expansion. However, importing goods to China requires a thorough understanding of the regulations and restrictions imposed by the customs authorities. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential aspects of how to export from Myanmar to China, ensuring a smooth and successful shipping experience.

Restricted items: Shipping under special conditions

While many items can be shipped to cities in China without major hurdles, certain goods fall under the category of restricted items. These restricted items can be shipped, but they require special conditions and authorisation. To ship such items, the sender must present relevant documentation and certifications confirming that they are authorised to transport these goods.

Here are some examples of restricted items and how to ship them:

Printed materials

Advertising brochures, magazines, periodicals, and journals intended for commercial purposes are only allowed for import by government-authorised importers. For personal use, the quantity should not exceed 10 sets or 50 pieces.

For books, it's mandatory to provide the Chinese translation of the book name, cover, and a brief introduction.

Foodstuffs(including grain)

Before importing, ensure the specific food is allowed for import and your country holds the qualification to export it to China. If not, permits from Chinese customs are required.

When importing food, including grains, exporters, importers, manufacturers and agents must give prior notice and register in advance with Chinese customs. A Chinese label registration is mandatory for such items. 

An animal and plant quarantine permit is necessary for food imports. 

Dietary supplements and formula food for medical purposes must be registered with China's Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Imported pre-packed food and food additives shall have labels in Chinese and as legally required, instructions in Chinese. Otherwise, they may not be allowed for import. The Chinese label shall contain the following info: 

• The name, specifications, net content, and date of production; 
• A table of ingredients or components; 
• The name, address, and contact methods of the producer; 
• The shelf life; 
• The product standard code; 
• The storage requirements; 
• The common names of the used food additives in the national standards; 
•  The serial number of the production permit and other information as required by laws, regulations, and food safety standards. 

To assist businesses in understanding what paperwork they need to ship to China, refer to the table below for a general overview of documents needed for a smooth customs clearance process:

Plant products

Importing coffee or plant products to China requires formal entry clearance. Providing a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, License for Quarantine of Entry Animals and Plants, veterinary certificate, and contract is essential for clearance. Other qualification documents (eg Filing certificate), commercial papers (eg Invoice/Contract), certification and declaration documents are required too.

For endangered species, a CITES document is necessary. Quarantine import licenses, certificates of origin, photo sanitary certificates from the origin, and sales contracts are all prerequisites.

Entertainment films

To ship DVDs and VHS to China for entertainment purposes, an import license from the Ministry of Culture or State Administration of Radio Film and Television is essential.

Jewellery

Costume jewellery is the only accepted type for both import and export.

Non-Hazardous chemicals

For chemicals and non-hazardous items, providing their molecular formula and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in both Chinese and English is mandatory.

Cosmetics

Shipping cosmetics requires prior registration with China customs by both the exporter and importer. Required documents include sanitary certificates from the origin country, certificate of origin, sales contract, and the original label with Chinese translation. Personal use items might be exempt from Chinese label registration, but quantities must be reasonable.

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products

For shipping dutiable items like alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco, a permit is needed for land or sea connections to China.

Telecommunication equipment, mobile phones, accessories, components, and toys

Certain items like toys, telecommunication equipment, mobile phones, accessories, and components might require an import license from China’s Ministry of Commerce.

Lithium batteries

Only Lithium Battery Section II (except PI965 & PI968) can be transported, subject to the Global Capability List. To get an Appraisal Certificate, battery samples must be tested at an authorized center.

Prescription drugs

Importing prescribed drugs necessitates registration with China customs by both the exporter and importer. An import license from the State Food & Drug Administration is required. For personal shipments, a medical prescription is essential.

Coal and firewood

Both exporters and importers must register with China Customs to ship coal and firewood. Import/export licenses from the Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce or its approved authority are necessary for various types of coal and wood products.

Textile articles

When importing textile articles, a garment tag with a Chinese illustration is required. Depending on the commodity, a certificate of origin and a declaration of conformity might also be necessary.

Medical/Dental supplies and equipment

An import license from China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) Bureau is mandatory for medical/dental supplies and equipment. Used or defective goods are strictly prohibited.

Complying with the required procedures and obtaining the necessary approvals will pave the way for a smooth customs clearance journey in China.

Prohibited items: Strictly forbidden goods

Prohibited items, on the other hand, are strictly forbidden to be shipped to China, regardless of the circumstances or entities involved. It is essential to be well-informed about these prohibited items to avoid any complications during the shipping process. 

Examples of prohibited items include:

• Plants
• Medicinal Cannabis
• Illegal goods(counterfeit,narcotic)
• Cheques, Cancelled (NI)
• Animal skins
• Animal fur(real)
• Bullion (of any precious metal)
• Activated Credit/Debit/ATM Card
• Cash (current legal tender)
• Animals, fish, birds (live)
• Ivory
• Dangerous goods, haz. or comb. mats
• Pornography
• Loose (semi)precious stones
• Explosives and weapons
• Imitation explosives, devices, ammunition
• Seeds
• Airline Tickets, Blank Stock (NI)
• Replica Ammunition
• Soil samples
• Firearms
• Hunting trophies, and animal parts/remains
• Biological Substance Cat B, UN3373
• Gambling device(incl. Playing card)
• Traveller's Cheques
• Precious Metals & Stones
• Money Orders (NI)
• Cheques, Blank (NI)
• Toy guns
• Firearms (complete), ammunition
• Imitation(replica) firearms,weapons
• Human remains, including ashes
• Cash Letters (NI)
• Air Guns
• Military equipment
• Personal mail
• Perishables(fruit/flower/vegetable)
• Money or Postal Orders
• Cashlike negotiable instruments
• Radar equip.-transmitters/receivers
• Cheques, Cashier (NI)

Adhering to the regulations and refraining from shipping prohibited items is critical to maintaining a seamless customs clearance experience.

Essential documents for customs clearance in China

To clear China's customs, certain essential documents must be provided for all non-document shipments. These documents include waybills, invoices, packing lists, and sales contracts (if applicable). 

Each of these documents must include specific information such as incoterms, Change Of Origin (COO), actual value, and a full description of the items being shipped. Accuracy in document preparation is crucial, as false or ambiguous declarations can lead to clearance delays and penalties. Additionally, the receiver's phone number is mandatory for all shipments into China, ensuring effective communication throughout the shipping process.

Common exports from Myanmar to China: opportunities and regulations

Myanmar boasts several significant exports to China, including chemicals such as petroleum gas and staple commodities like rice. 

Shipping chemicals and non-hazardous items requires the provision of their molecular formula and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in both Chinese and English. 

For foodstuffs such as Myanmar tea, certain regulations apply, particularly for personal use shipments. When importing foodstuffs, including grain, both the exporter and importer need to register with China customs. Chinese label registration is mandatory for such goods. 

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