China Prohibited Items 2026: What Not to Bring to China for Singaporeans

Travelling from Singapore to China soon? China Customs enforces strict rules to protect national security, public health and local agriculture. Items that may seem harmless at home can be confiscated or lead to fines if not declared correctly.

This guide explains what items are prohibited or restricted in China, how to declare goods properly, and what Singaporean travellers should especially watch out for in 2026.

🚫 Items Strictly Prohibited from Entry in China

1. Weapons, Explosives, and Hazardous Related Items

• Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, controlled knives, and realistic imitation weapons (e.g., toy guns) are strictly banned.
• Toxic substances: Pathogens, live viruses, bacteria cultures, or highly toxic chemicals are forbidden without official scientific/medical approval.

These are non‑negotiable! Do not try to bring them with you.

2. Illegal Drugs & Controlled Substances

• Illegal and psychotropic substances are prohibited. Critically, some common Singaporean prescription meds (e.g., strong painkillers, sleeping pills, certain cold remedies) may contain controlled ingredients.

Always carry a doctor’s prescription if you must bring medication.

3. Items Endangering National Security or Political Stability

• Printed/AV/digital materials: Books, magazines, DVDs, USB drives, or digital files containing politically sensitive, subversive, obscene, pornographic, cult-related, or superstitious content will be seized. Note that content freely available in Singapore may be considered sensitive in China.
• Promotional/advocacy materials: Even small quantities of flyers, stickers, or documents with political messaging or incendiary content are prohibited
• Political, extremist or subversive materials are not allowed.

Customs can seize such media without warning.

4. Endangered Animals & Products

• Items containing ivory, rhinoceros horn, tiger bone or products from endangered plants/animals.
• CITES‑protected material is uniformly banned.

This aligns with global conservation commitments. 

Food & Agriculture - Very Strict Rules

China’s quarantine rules prevent pest/disease transmission. This is a top area for Singaporean travellers to slip up.

• Food with meat/eggs: Meat floss products, sausages, raw ham are not allowed jerky, meat-filled pastries, and mooncakes with salted egg yolk are prohibited or heavily restricted.
• Fresh produce: Durian, mango, mangosteen, and other fresh fruits/vegetables from Singapore are not allowed without official approval.
• Other products: Seeds, soil, animal specimens, or unprocessed plants may require quarantine certificates.

These rules help protect local ecosystems and livestock from pests or disease.

Tobacco, Alcohol, and Cash Limits

Personal use is permitted, but strict quantity/value limits apply:

• Tobacco: Up to 400 cigarettes (or 100 cigars/500g tobacco) duty-free.
• Alcohol: Up to 1.5 litres of beverages with ≥12% alcohol content.
• Cash: RMB 20,000 maximum (excess prohibited); foreign currency ≥US$5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Failure to declare excess cash may result in confiscation.

Personal Medication and Medical Devices

Prescription meds: Allowed for personal use (usually up to 3 months’ supply) with a valid doctor’s prescription or medical certificate.

Controlled substances: Meds containing sedatives, strong painkillers, or ephedrine require extra caution—verify regulations beforehand even with a prescription.

E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products

Regulations are now clear and strict for these items:

• Regular travellers: Max 2 devices, 6 pods/cartridges, and 12ml total e-liquid.
• Frequent Hong Kong-Mainland travellers: 1 device, 3 pods/cartridges, and 6ml total e-liquid.
• Key rules: Packaging must clearly show liquid volume; e-cigarettes count towards your RMB 5,000 duty-free allowance; travellers under 18 are prohibited from bringing them.

Electronics and High-Value Items

• Quantity limits: 1-2 personal devices (phones, laptops) are exempt, but multiple brand-new/unopened items (e.g., cameras, laptops) require declaration and potential tax payment.
• Value limits: Overseas-purchased items exceeding the duty-free allowance (RMB 5,000 for Chinese residents, RMB 2,000 for non-residents) must be declared. Keep purchase receipts.

Singaporean Souvenirs: What’s Safe to Bring?

Stick to these low-risk options to avoid confiscation:

• Baked goods without meat/eggs: Vegan food or egg-free snacks (check labels for hidden meat/egg ingredients).
• Tea and dried goods: Singaporean tea is generally allowed; dried mushrooms/herbs must be fully dried, pest-free, and in reasonable quantities.

Customs Declaration & Clearance Tips

Navigating customs smoothly comes down to choosing the right channel and being prepared:

Red Channel vs Green Channel

• Green Channel (Nothing to Declare): Use only if you have no prohibited/restricted items and all tobacco, alcohol, cash, and valuables are within limits. Note that using this channel is a formal declaration. Violations found during inspections carry harsher penalties.
• Red Channel (Goods to Declare): Mandatory if you’re carrying excess items, high-value goods, prescription meds, professional equipment, or cash exceeding limits. Proactive declaration reduces misunderstandings.

Consequences of Rule Violations

• Confiscation/destruction: Common for prohibited food, meat products, or printed materials.
• Taxes/fines: Applied to excess but permitted items (e.g., extra cigarettes, over-value electronics).
• Legal action: Carrying drugs, weapons, or political contraband can lead to detention or criminal charges.

Stay calm, be honest, and present supporting documents (prescriptions, receipts) if questioned. Cooperation goes a long way.

Tips for Singaporean Travellers

• Always complete the China Customs declaration form truthfully.
• Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare; otherwise choose the Red Channel. 
• Translate key documents (e.g. prescriptions) into Chinese when possible.
• Don’t assume common Singapore travel gifts (local snacks, herbal items) are acceptable. Check rules in advance.

A stress-free trip to China starts with proper preparation. By adhering to these rules, declaring honestly, and packing smart, you’ll clear customs smoothly and focus on enjoying your journey. For the latest official updates, visit the China Customs Website. Always check the latest official customs guidance weeks before travel for any rule changes. Ready to book your trip? Travel with confidence knowing you’re prepared for customs with Trip.com!