Shipping household goods out of China involves customs procedures that differ from many other countries and can catch departing expatriates off guard if not planned well in advance. China's customs authority (海关, Hǎiguān) applies specific regulations to personal goods exported by departing residents.
Key customs considerations: China does not charge export duties on household goods for departing foreign residents, but documentation must be prepared carefully. A complete inventory of goods being shipped — in Chinese and English — is typically required. Original purchase receipts for high-value items (electronics, jewellery, antiques) are often requested. Items that cannot be exported include certain categories of antiques (pre-1911 items require special permits), endangered species products, and items deemed culturally significant.
For antiques specifically: China's regulations on cultural relics export are strict. Any item that might be construed as a cultural relic — old porcelain, paintings, bronze objects — should be assessed by a removal company experienced in China customs before being included in a shipment. Uninspected items can be seized at the port.
Container sizes: a standard 20-foot container holds approximately the contents of a three-bedroom apartment; a 40-foot container covers larger households. Many departing expatriates opt for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping if the volume does not justify a full container.
Recommended approach: engage an international removal company with demonstrated China experience at least two months before departure. Companies with China offices or affiliates include Crown Relocations, Santa Fe Relocation, Asian Tigers Group, and AGS Movers, among others. Local Chinese removal companies can be cost-competitive but may have less experience with the English-language documentation required by destination country customs.
Transit times from Shanghai or Shenzhen to Europe are typically 25–35 days; to the US West Coast 15–20 days; to Australia 20–30 days.