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Compare Country Trade Regulations

Pick up to 4 economies and see customs authorities, licensing regimes, prohibited & restricted lists, sanctions overlays and dispute forums side by side. Decision-support only - always confirm with local counsel.

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Dimension
China
CN →
IntroChina 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.
Primary 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.
  • SAMRProduct safety (CCC), anti-monopoly, consumer protection.
Licensing regimes
  • Dual-Use Export LicenceItems 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 registrationForeign 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 resolutionCustoms 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).
Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare import regulations between two countries?

Pick two to four countries above. The table lines up the customs authority, import licensing, VAT/GST rate, prohibited and restricted goods, sanctions overlays and dispute forums, with links to each official source.

Is this comparison legal advice?

No. It is decision support built from published government sources. Regulatory positions change often, so confirm every action with the named authority or licensed local counsel before you ship.

Where do I calculate the duty once I know the rules?

Use the Import Duty & VAT Calculator for a quick CIF-based estimate, or the Landed Cost Calculator for the full cost stack including freight, insurance and destination charges.

Next step: Import Duty & VAT Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

Comparison is decision-support only. Regulatory positions change frequently - confirm every action with the named authorities or licensed local counsel.