Importing goods from China in suitcase

[kangalou]

What are the rules regarding bringing back stock from China as part of your luggage allowance? I am thinking of going to visit my supplier and would like to bring a box of stock back, it would be too much to declare as samples.

Firstly is this allowed? And will I face lots of problems on the China side going through customs to export the goods?

Thanks
Louise

 

[promohouse]

only one box? I think it is ok to declare as samples.And the commercial value,less than USD200 is better.Otherwise,you could use express.

 

[Mister B]

As long as you have all of the supporting import/export documentation, then there should be no problem at all. It should be no different than sending it via courier.

Mister B

 

[primar]

Nothing to stop you brining it back in luggage, provided that you comply with China's Export regs; when you arrive in the UK, should should go the red channel as you will have "Goods to Declare". At this point you may need the services of a clearance agent - best thing is to call HM Customs helpline & get their views - they are usually very helpful.

 

[kangalou]

Thanks for all the replies. It is more the China customs that i'm worried about as you can only check in 3 hours or so before a flight and this doesn't leave much time for customs if there are any problems. Suppose its just a case of making sure I have the right documents though. No they shouldn't be worth much more than $200.

 

[Idontbuy]

I had no problem with the customs leaving China last year straight through.
I had some samples in the suitcase never even gave it a thought, when i got back to Heathrow i did tell them i had some chicken feet in my case and showed them the feet but they where all shrink wrapped in chilli sauce.
Customs laughed and told me to go on my way.
Pete

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

At this point you may need the services of a clearance agent

You will not - just declare, agree the commodity code (ideally you supply it and they agree), pay duty and VAT.

Unless it is something you cannot export from China, it shouldn't be an issue getting out - I do not think you need to declare it!

 

[3Atech]

Need do customs if your samples value reaches USD125 for now in China customs.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

I had no problem with the customs leaving China last year straight through.
I had some samples in the suitcase never even gave it a thought, when i got back to Heathrow i did tell them i had some chicken feet in my case and showed them the feet but they where all shrink wrapped in chilli sauce.
Customs laughed and told me to go on my way.
Pete

I certainly would not have allowed that into the country.

 

[Merchant UK]

I certainly would not have allowed that into the country.

I agree, I doubt it very much that the customs men just laughed and tell you to be on your way, as its illegal to bring in meat into the UK from China, However its packed.

All meat products are banned - whether they are fresh, dried, cured, cooked, frozen, powdered, canned or vacuum packed.
Banned products include:

• Beef jerky
• Chicken
• Duck
• Goose
• Moon cakes containing meat or made from lard (pig fat)

• Meat sausages
• Noodles with meat/chicken
• Pork
• Soups with meat/chicken
• Shin chan

Products containing meat (such as beef, lamb, goat or pig meat) may carry diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Swine Fevers. Poultry meat (like chicken and guinea fowl) may carry diseases such as Bird Flu.

Look here http://foodimports.direct.gov.uk/china-hong-kong.html