American Citizen Services

Chinese & U.S. Customs

Chinese customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from China of items such as antiquities, banned publications, some religious literature, or vehicles not conforming to Chinese standards. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Washington or one of China's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.  Please check the current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard.

China's customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, which issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States, may be contacted at

US Council for International Business
1212 Avenue of the Americas
NY, NY  10036
(212) 354-4480
atacarnet@uscib.org