Traveling to China in January and plan to bring American ginseng as gifts for several people (maybe just 3 small boxes for 3 parties). Is this a problem with Chinese Customs? Do I need to declare it? Some old posts on the Internet seem to imply that I can't do this, but some friends tell me they do it all the time. Thanks!
1
jpdem
I have done it and there was no issue. I have no idea if it is not allowed but they never check. I know an American who always bring a frozen turkey and was never bothered.
2
rpbourne
I brought a dozen liters of alcohol in once. I even tried to pay duty on it. They laughed at me and waved me through.
3
albeamer
I took in ginseng frequently in quantity of 2-3 lb. I was asked once in the last 20 years, just told them that it was for self consumption and good for old folks. Received a smirk from one of the young ladies in return.
Strictly speaking, in the customs regulations, they would allow reasonable quantity for self-consumption. Beside, duty free of less than 5,000 rmb is still in force.
The good thing is, I have not read anything about import of durians.
4
manchurianexile
I have asked a number people to bring me various things over the years (Particularly cheese) and had very little trouble getting any of it until a couple of years ago when the authorities started circulating a list of "prohibited item". Unfortunately for me, cheese found its way onto that list and my Chinese friends became reluctant to bring it back with them fearing that they would lose it and get into trouble (All except the son of one particularly high-flying bigwig who, a year or two ago, brought me an enormous hunk of Aussie cheddar).
Foreigners, on the other hand, just don't seem to have these problems. Cheese, marmite/vegemite, herb seeds, almost anything seems to be OK (Or brushed off) if a foreigner brings it in in small quantities for personal consumption (I suspect the same would apply to people bringing in 1 bible. Drugs? Maybe not).
I have seen the list the authorities circulated, one of my friends showed it to me, although whether American Ginseng was on it or not I can't say as I don't know what it is. If it's the same or similar to Chinese Ginseng they SHOULD have a problem with it (In case it introduces diseases that aren't here). But, given the way that they generally deal with foreigners and the experiences of the people above, they, almost certainly, won't.
5
albeamer
.... they SHOULD have a problem with it (In case it introduces diseases that aren't here)....
Actually this is true.
In recent years, the Chinese tourists entering USA or returning from USA had their ginseng confisticated at the customs. Because, they brought the fresh ones.
7
Thorn Tree
This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner