CNLast reviewed 2026-07-21

China - Import & Export Regulatory Guide

China combines a large-scale customs infrastructure (GACC + Single Window) with an accelerating export-control regime. The Export Control Law (2020) and Dual-Use Items Control Regulations (Dec 2024) create a MOFCOM-administered licence system covering rare earths, graphite, gallium, germanium and drones. The Unreliable Entity List (2020) and Anti-Foreign-Sanctions Law (2021) enable retaliatory blocking of entities.

Open China trade toolkit Compare China vs other markets

Regulatory authorities

General Administration of Customs (GACC) ↗
Customs clearance, HS classification, inspection.
MOFCOM (Ministry of Commerce) ↗
Trade policy, export controls, AD/CVD.
SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) ↗
Forex controls, cross-border settlement.
SAMR
Product safety (CCC), anti-monopoly, consumer protection.
MEE (Ministry of Ecology & Environment)
Hazardous waste, chemical import licences, black-mass approval.

Licensing regimes

Licence	Scope	Issuer
Dual-Use Export Licence	Items on Dual-Use Items Export Control List (Dec 2024).	MOFCOM
Import Licence (restricted)	Automatic and non-automatic categories per Import Licence Catalogue.	MOFCOM
CCC (China Compulsory Certification)	132 product categories - electronics, autos, toys.	SAMR / CQC
AQSIQ / GACC registration	Foreign food and cosmetics manufacturers (Decree 248/249).	GACC

Prohibited goods

· Solid waste imports (comprehensive ban since 2021).
· Beef from BSE-history countries without specific protocol.
· Used electronics classified as e-waste.
· Publications and media contrary to CN law.
· Certain plants/animals (CITES + national list).

Restricted goods

· Rare earths (samarium, terbium, dysprosium, gadolinium, lutetium, yttrium, scandium) - MOFCOM export licence from Apr 2025.
· Gallium, germanium, antimony, superhard materials - export licence.
· Graphite - export licence Dec 2023 (spherical, high-purity forms).
· Advanced drones & drone components - Sep 2023 controls.
· Cross-border data transfer - CAC security assessment above thresholds.

Labelling requirements

· Chinese-language labelling mandatory for retail food, cosmetics, pharma.
· CCC mark for covered products.
· Food: date of manufacture + shelf life + Chinese ingredients list per GB 7718-2011.
· Cosmetics: NMPA registration/notification (Registration Regulation 2021).

Sanctions overlay

· Unreliable Entity List (MOFCOM) - restricts trade with named foreign entities.
· Anti-Foreign-Sanctions Law (2021) counter-measures list.
· Export bans/quotas on strategic minerals in response to US/EU controls.

Dispute resolution

Customs disputes: administrative reconsideration → administrative litigation (Intermediate People's Court). Commercial disputes: CIETAC arbitration (dominant), SHIAC/SCIA regional. China acceded to NY Convention 1987 with commercial reservation. FTA disputes: RCEP dispute settlement, bilateral FTAs (China-ASEAN, China-Peru).

Key official sources

Frequently asked questions (6)

Does the Dual-Use Regulation apply to re-export from third countries?

Yes - Article 47 asserts extraterritorial reach where the item incorporates Chinese-origin controlled content or was produced using Chinese controlled technology. Practical enforcement of the reach is still developing, but licensing prudence is advisable for anything with a >de-minimis Chinese controlled input.

How long does an NMPA cosmetic registration take?

Notification (general cosmetics) typically 20-60 working days; registration (special-use cosmetics, e.g. sunscreen, anti-hair-loss) 6-18 months including animal testing exemption processing.

What is the CCC mark and which product families require it?

China Compulsory Certification covers 100+ product categories including household electricals, wireless equipment, auto parts, safety glass, toys, and children's products. Certification is issued by CQC or accredited bodies after factory audit and product testing. Non-CCC goods are refused entry at customs.

How is HS classification determined in China's Customs Tariff?

China follows the WCO 6-digit HS at chapter/heading level, then adds a 4-digit national extension (total 10 digits). GACC issues Advance Rulings on classification valid for 3 years. Misclassification carries retroactive duty plus penalties up to 30% of underpaid tax.

How does the Export Control Law of the PRC affect dual-use exports?

Effective Dec 2020, the ECL created a unified regime covering dual-use, military, nuclear and other controlled items. MOFCOM issues export licences against the Control List. End-user and end-use certifications are mandatory. Extraterritorial effect: re-export from third countries can trigger enforcement.

What is the difference between General Trade and Processing Trade?

General Trade imports pay full duty + import VAT and can be sold domestically or re-exported. Processing Trade (进料 / 来料加工) imports inputs bonded duty-free for manufacture and re-export - regulated by GACC via a handbook system with quantitative controls.