Country profile
China
CN · CHNAs of: 7/20/2026Global production and export hub, world leader in sea freight
China is the world's largest exporter and a central node of global supply chains. With the world's biggest container ports (Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, Qingdao), strong air freight hubs (Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) and the China-Europe rail express, the country covers every transport mode. Customs clearance runs electronically through the China Single Window under the General Administration of Customs (GACC); the standard import VAT rate is 13 percent. Export controls, especially on rare earths, and trade tensions with the United States shape the current situation.
Overview
China (CN) is the world's manufacturing and export hub and the global leader in ocean freight; as the largest exporter it links Asia's production clusters with markets in Europe and the Americas. Customs clearance runs electronically through the China Single Window under the General Administration of Customs (GACC); import VAT is 13 percent at the standard rate (reduced rate 9 percent, new VAT law since 1 January 2026), and FTAs such as RCEP and the China–Switzerland agreement apply. The main gateways are the container ports of Shanghai (the world's largest), Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen and Qingdao, and the cargo airports Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN) and Shenzhen (SZX). Inland, the national expressway network and the China-Europe rail express via Alashankou and Khorgos (around 20,000 trains per year) connect the Yangtze Delta, Pearl River Delta and Bohai Bay regions with Central Asia and Europe; the Yangtze serves as an inland waterway up to Chongqing. Key exports are electronics, machinery, vehicles, textiles and e-commerce shipments; the main trading partners are the USA, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Germany.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Import system
Electronic customs declaration via the China Single Window under the GACC (integrated customs and quarantine inspection CIQ). Foreign companies for food must register via CIFER.
Export system
Export handling also via the China Single Window. Export declaration with the GACC; controlled goods require a MOFCOM license.
Import VAT
- Import value added tax (VAT) standard rate 13 percent, reduced rate 9 percent for certain goods. Assessed on CIF value plus duty. New VAT law since 1.1.2026.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill (B/L, AWB)
- Certificate of origin
- Import license (if required)
- CIQ / quarantine certificates
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration
- Bill of lading / air waybill (B/L, AWB)
- Certificate of origin
- Export license (controlled goods)
Origin proofs / FTA
China uses FTAs such as RCEP, ASEAN-China and the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement. Proof of origin via the Certificate of Origin issued by the authorized body, valid 12 months.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Import bans or restrictions, including for waste, certain agricultural products, publications and weapons, among others. Many products require CCC certification.
Export controls & sanctions
Export Control Law in force since 1.12.2020; MOFCOM licensing requirement for dual-use goods. Stricter controls for rare earths, magnets and semiconductor technology: magnet licensing regime fully in force, two suspended control tracks end on 10.11. and 27.11.2026; since 1.7.2026 a reporting mechanism for violations, active enforcement including entity listings (06/2026: 10 US companies) and Japan-specific restrictions.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (China) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to China. Depending on goods, product requirements, labeling and clearance steps can be relevant; correct classification and clear descriptions matter.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: additional product/compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export + complete documentation
- Import clearance (agent/broker, potential inspections)
- Release, duties/taxes, and delivery
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or wrong classification → delays
- Certificates/product requirements not checked → holds
- Inconsistent values/documents → queries
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- PVG - Shanghai Pudong
- CAN - Guangzhou Baiyun
- SZX - Shenzhen Baoan
- PEK - Beijing Capital
- PKX - Beijing Daxing
Inland ports & terminals
- Chongqing (Yangtze)
- Wuhan (Yangtze)
- Nanjing (Yangtze)
Road corridors & border crossings
- National expressway network (G expressways)
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Rail corridors
- China-Europe freight train (New Eurasian Land Bridge)
- Alashankou / Horgos (Xinjiang)
- Middle corridor via Central Asia
Top trade lanes
- China - USA
- China - EU
- China - ASEAN
- Transpacific
- China - Europe (rail)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Trade tensions with the USA and export controls (rare earths) may affect supply chains. Strong seasonal peaks before Chinese New Year.
Seasonal & weather risks
Typhoon season July to September on the south and east coasts may disrupt ports and air traffic. Chinese New Year slows production and logistics.
Current logistics notes
Export controls remain the main topic: the licensing regime for rare earth magnets is fully in force; two suspended control tracks resume on 10.11. and 27.11.2026 respectively. Since 1.7.2026 a reporting mechanism for violations applies with stricter enforcement (including entity listings of US and Japanese companies, arrests in Dalian). Frontloading before the US tariff changes (24.7.2026) increases utilization and waiting times in Shanghai and other ports; watch the typhoon season until September. (Status 2026-07-20)
As of: 2026-07-20
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2027 | New Year's Day | National | Statutory holiday; the 2027 rest-day arrangement follows with the State Council plan (Oct/Nov 2026). | ||
| May 1, 2027 | Labour Day | National | Statutory holiday; the 2027 rest-day arrangement follows with the State Council plan (Oct/Nov 2026). |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2027
Statutory holiday; the 2027 rest-day arrangement follows with the State Council plan (Oct/Nov 2026).
Labour Day
May 1, 2027
Statutory holiday; the 2027 rest-day arrangement follows with the State Council plan (Oct/Nov 2026).
Tolls & charges
Expressway-Maut China (ETC)
Distance-basedOperator: Provinzielle Autobahngesellschaften unter Aufsicht des Ministry of Transport (MOT)
Lkw nach Achszahl-Klassen (seit 2020); Pkw und Busse nach Fahrzeugklassen
Distance-based tolling across the entire expressway network (over 180,000 km, the world's largest). Since the 2020 reform trucks are charged nationwide by axle count instead of weight; collection is electronic via ETC (RFID, over 180 million users) or at toll stations. Rates vary by province and operating company; during national Golden Weeks passenger cars (not trucks) travel toll-free.
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which documents do I need for importing into China?
Typically required are a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Depending on the goods, import licenses, CCC certificates or CIQ / quarantine certificates may also be required. Declarations are made electronically via the China Single Window.
What is the import VAT in China?
The standard import VAT rate is 13 percent; a reduced rate of 9 percent applies to certain goods. The tax base is the CIF value plus duty. The new Chinese VAT law has applied since 1.1.2026.
Which customs authority is responsible in China?
The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) is responsible. It combines customs and quarantine inspections (CIQ) and handles imports and exports via the China Single Window.
Which are the most important seaports in China?
Shanghai is the world's largest container port (around 51,5 million TEU in 2024), followed by Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen and Qingdao. China hosts several of the world's ten largest container ports.
Is there a rail connection from China to Europe?
Yes, the China-Europe freight train connects over 100 Chinese cities with Europe, mainly via the Alashankou and Horgos border crossings in Xinjiang. In 2025 around 20'000 trains ran; rail complements sea and air freight.
Which export controls must I observe for deliveries from China?
Since the Export Control Law of 1.12.2020, dual-use goods require a MOFCOM license. Since 2025, stricter controls apply to rare earths, magnets and semiconductor technology; some measures are temporarily suspended.
Does Switzerland benefit from a free trade agreement with China?
Yes. The China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement has been in force since 2014 and lowers duties for many goods. Preferences require a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the authorized body, which is valid for 12 months.
Which trade partners are important for China?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for China?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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