General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China

01/23/2025

Announcement

No. 177 [2024]

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China ( “GACC”) has formulated and issued the Customs Clearance Notice for the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 (the “Notice”) to support the success of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 (“Harbin 2025”).

General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China

2 December 2024

Customs Clearance Notice for the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025

China Customs will provide comprehensive and high-quality services for the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 (hereinafter referred to as “Harbin 2025” or the “Games”), and will regulate the entry and exit of goods and personnel related to Harbin 2025 and test events in accordance with the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection, the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine, the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Biosecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Tariff Law of the People’s Republic of China, and other relevant laws and regulations.

I. Registration

Harbin Customs will process temporary registration formalities for the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 Organising Committee (“HAWGOC”). To facilitate the efficient customs clearance of goods and personnel, HAWGOC or their customs brokers shall provide relevant information on the inbound and outbound personnel and goods to Harbin Customs in advance.

II. Guarantee for Payment of Duties for Temporarily Imported Goods

For temporarily imported goods for Harbin 2025, HAWGOC should pay a guarantee deposit to Harbin Customs equivalent to the tax payable or provide an alternative form of guarantee acceptable to the Customs in accordance with the law (such as a letter of guarantee [L/G] issued by the bank or customs bond insurance). The NOC delegations or their customs brokers are exempted from submitting a customs duty guarantee for each consignment to the Customs during the customs clearance process by presenting the Letter of Evidence for Imported Goods for Harbin 2025 (the “Letter of Evidence”, see Appendix 1) and the List of Imported Goods for Harbin 2025 (the “List of Imported Goods”, see Appendix 2) issued by HAWGOC.

III. Pre-entry Filing and Approval for Imported Goods

i. Importers of food, animals and plants, and their products, or their customs brokers shall register with the Customs in advance.

ii. For animals and plants, their products, and special articles subject to quarantine approval before entry (see Appendix 3), importers or their customs brokers shall go through quarantine approval procedures with the Customs in advance.

iii. For food, special articles, and plant and animal products as brought by NOC delegations as carry-on items into China for self-use, the List of Imported Goods for Self-use for Harbin 2025 (the “List for Self-use”, see Appendix 4), the Declaration of Self-use of Imported Goods for Harbin 2025 (the “Declaration of Self-use”, see Appendix 5), and the Declaration of Sanitary Responsibility of Self-used Goods for Harbin 2025 (the “Declaration of Sanitary Responsibility”, see Appendix 6) shall be provided in advance to HAWGOC, which will then issue a Letter of Proof for Self-used Goods for Harbin 2025 (the “Letter of Proof”, see Appendix 7). For items subject to quarantine approval, NOC delegations shall provide HAWGOC with certificates of origin and valid quarantine certificates in advance, to leave enough time for HAWGOC to apply for quarantine approval from the Customs.

iv. Imported goods must comply with the requirements stated in the List of Items Subject to Inspection and Quarantine for Harbin 2025 (Appendix 8) and the List of Goods Prohibited from Entry into China Following Inspection and Quarantine for Harbin 2025 (Appendix 9).

IV. Customs Clearance for Imported Goods

(I)Temporarily imported goods

Temporarily imported goods for Harbin 2025 can be declared through nationwide integrated customs clearance procedures. This means HAWGOC or their customs brokers can declare temporarily imported goods at Harbin Customs, and the Customs at the entry port shall release the declared goods after examination. For goods imported in other forms of trade, the NOC delegations or their customs brokers must go through Customs formalities in accordance with existing regulations.

Sports equipment, competition supplies, technical equipment, medical equipment, security equipment, telecommunication equipment, TV broadcasting and press equipment, and other items temporarily imported by freight for Harbin 2025 shall be declared to and cleared by the Customs using the Letter of Evidence and the List of Imported Goods issued by HAWGOC before entering or exiting from China.

The ATA Carnets can be used for the temporary import of sport supplies necessary for competition and training for Harbin 2025. The Customs at the place of entry will verify the ATA Carnet before endorsing it. The deadline for re-export of the goods is the same as the validity of the ATA Carnet.

Product samples, gifts, temporarily imported and exported goods, and other non-tradable items are exempted from inspection, unless otherwise stipulated by laws and administrative regulations.

(II) Imported goods exempted from Customs duties

In accordance with the Notice of the Ministry of Finance, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, and the State Taxation Administration on Tax Policies for the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 (C.S. [2024] No. 24), as well as the relevant regulations of the GACC, consumables directly used for Harbin 2025 events and imported by HAWGOC upon demands of the Olympic Council of Asia or the International Sports Federations are exempted from customs duties, import value-added tax, and consumption tax if they cannot be produced domestically or domestic productions do not meet the demands. Games consumables arriving at the port before the scope and quantity of duty-free goods are determined can be granted permission to entry upon presentation of the Letter of Evidence, the List of Imported Goods and customs duty guarantee issued by HAWGOC. After the list of the scope and quantity of duty-free Games consumables is issued, HAWGOC shall go through the procedures for duty payment, exemption and discharge of guarantee according to the regulations.

Other duty-free imported goods shall go through procedures according to relevant regulations.

(III)Leased goods

Goods imported for Harbin 2025 under lease shall go through Customs procedures as per the regulations governing the import of general leased goods.

(IV) Imported goods requiring special approval under the law

For imported goods requiring special approval under the law, the Customs will check valid approval documents issued by the competent authorities of China before permitting their entry.

1. Wild animals and plants and their products

The entry and exit of wild fauna and flora and their products must conform to China’s laws and regulations on the protection of wild animals and plants. The Customs shall verify the supporting documents issued by the competent authorities of China before permitting their entry.

2. Pharmaceuticals

The entry of pharmaceuticals must conform to the drug administration laws and regulations of China. The Customs shall verify the supporting documents issued by the competent authorities of China before permitting their entry. Pharmaceuticals brought by NOC delegations as carry-on items shall only be for their own use during Harbin 2025. Any unused portions shall be re-exported promptly after the Games. Pharmaceuticals transported into China as checked luggage for the exclusive use of an NOC delegation shall be used only by the delegation. Any unused portions shall be re-exported promptly after the Games.

3. Competition firearms and ammunition used for Harbin 2025

The entry and exit of competition firearms and ammunition used for the Games must conform to the applicable laws and regulations of China on firearms and ammunition control. The Customs shall verify the supporting documents issued by the competent authorities of China before permitting their entry. During transportation, firearms shall be stored separately from ammunition, and must not be taken with carry-on luggage according to applicable regulations. The firearms and unused ammunition must be re-exported after the Games.

4. Electromechanical products

For the temporary import of products subject to compulsory certification, the verification of certification is not required before entry into China. However, if these products are to be used or sold within China after the Games, the verification of relevant certification must be conducted before entry according to relevant regulations. For the entry of used electromechanical products, please log in to the China International Trade Single Window, and visit the “Pre-shipment Inspection, Supervision and Management of Imported Used Electromechanical Products” platform to check the regulatory information about the related products. Temporarily imported used electromechanical products can be exempted from the inspection at destinations, but must be re-exported, without continuing to be used or being used for sale in China after the Games. The entry of key used electromechanical products that require import permission must conform to China’s relevant laws and regulations. The Customs shall verify the supporting documents issued by the competent authorities of China before permitting their entry.

5. Radio equipment

Customs clearance of radio equipment shall be processed upon presentation of the approval documents issued by the competent radio authorities of China. For the entry of broadcasting equipment and TV broadcasting vehicles, the approval documents of the competent authorities must be presented.

6. Ground receiving equipment of satellite television broadcasting

The entry of ground receiving equipment of satellite television broadcasting must conform to the applicable laws and regulations of China. The Customs shall verify the supporting documents issued by the competent authorities of China before permitting their entry.

7. Other goods

The entry and exit of other Games goods that require special approval under the law must conform to the applicable laws and regulations of China.

(V) Imported goods subject to inspection, quarantine, and supervision requirements

1. Food (including dietary supplements), cosmetics, animals, plants, and their products

(1) Imported food (including dietary supplements), cosmetics, animals, plants, and their products shall be brought into China through a recommended port of entry and be regulated at designated sites.

(2) After quarantine at the port of entry, imported food (including dietary supplements), cosmetics, animals, plants, and their products will be transported to designated sites, where Harbin Customs will conduct inspections and subsequent supervision.

(3) Imported food (including dietary supplements), cosmetics, animals, plants, and their products shall meet HAWGOC’s food safety standards. If HAWGOC has not stipulated specific standards, China’s mandatory standards in the national technical specifications and relevant laws and regulations shall apply.

2. Self-use food and cosmetics brought into China by NOC delegations as carry-on items

(1) Food and cosmetics for personal use by NOC delegations must be declared as goods collectively when entering China. The Customs at the port of entry shall process customs clearance based on documents such as the List for Self-use, Declaration of Self-use, Declaration of Sanitary Responsibility, and Letter of Proof provided by HAWGOC.

(2) Food and cosmetics provided by overseas sponsors exclusively for delegations are subject to the aforementioned provisions.

3. Other imported goods subject to inspection, quarantine, and supervision requirements shall go through customs entry procedures in accordance with relevant regulations.

V. Supervision of Imported Goods

(I) Temporarily imported goods

Temporarily imported goods shall be re-exported from China within six months from the date of entry. If an extension is required for the re-export after the Games, an application shall be submitted to Harbin Customs in accordance with the regulations. If the temporarily imported goods are not re-exported within the specified period, the required customs procedures must be completed. If temporarily imported goods are damaged, lost, or become unusable due to force majeure, the supporting documents from HAWGOC and other relevant authorities shall be provided to the Customs for verification.

For temporarily imported consumables, HAWGOC shall prepare a list of intended consumables based on collected information in advance, specifying their intended usage and quantity (within a reasonable range), and inform Harbin Customs in writing. Harbin Customs will assess the quantity and total value of the proposed consumables. If both are within a reasonable range, the Customs will exempt the consumables from customs duties, import VAT, and consumption tax in accordance with the relevant regulations. Harbin Customs shall conduct on-site supervision of the actual usage of the consumables, keep detailed consumption records, carry out verification procedures, and supervise the necessary procedures for unused consumables after the Games, as per relevant regulations.

(II) Food (including dietary supplements), animal and plant products, and cosmetics for self-use by NOC delegations and those provided by overseas sponsors for exclusive use by NOC delegations

HAWGOC will regulate food (including dietary supplements), animal and plant products, and cosmetics intended for self-use by NOC delegations and those provided by overseas sponsors exclusively for the delegations entering hospitality hotels to ensure that these goods are strictly limited to the use by the respective delegation. Any remaining or unused goods mentioned above shall be re-exported or destroyed under the supervision of Harbin Customs and are strictly prohibited from entering the Chinese market.

(III)Imported goods subject to inspection and quarantine requirements of Harbin 2025

In special circumstances where on-site inspection of goods is required at competition venues, hospitality hotels, or logistics centres, HAWGOC shall submit an application to the Customs. Once the application is approved, these goods can be transported to the designated locations for inspection. The competition venues, hospitality hotels, and logistics centres shall provide the necessary office spaces and facilities for inspection. The Customs responsible for the inspection shall complete the relevant procedures.

(IV) On-site Games-time inspection by the Customs under the law

Harbin Customs will dispatch personnel in charge of monitoring the actual use of goods at Harbin 2025 by on-site inspections and video surveillance. HAWGOC and NOC delegations shall cooperate with the Customs on the inspection, quarantine, epidemic monitoring, and quarantine procedures.

VI. Passenger and Personal Items

(I) Passengers

Passengers subject to quarantine inspection before entering China who have exhibited symptoms of infectious diseases, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or unexplained subcutaneous bleeding, or those entering or leaving China who have been diagnosed with infectious diseases, shall report their health conditions to the Customs. They shall present vaccination certificates, health certificates or other valid documents as required, and cooperate with the Customs in completing quarantine inspection procedures, including temperature monitoring, epidemiological investigation, medical screening and sample testing. Passengers who feel unwell during their stay in China are advised to see a doctor immediately and explain their travel history to the doctor, so as to receive timely treatment. Non-Chinese nationals with severe mental illnesses, infectious tuberculosis or other infectious diseases that may jeopardise public health are not allowed to enter China. Other Customs inspection and quarantine procedures shall be carried out in accordance with existing policies.

(II)Personal items

General articles for daily use (except for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products) brought by individuals into China, if within reasonable amounts and for self-use only, shall be exempt from customs duties and released by China Customs according to the law. Otherwise, they will be subject to customs clearance procedures deemed necessary by the Customs.

Sport and medical equipment carried as personal belongings into China by NOC delegations will undergo a simplified and expedited customs clearance process if the equipment is within a reasonable scope as required by Harbin 2025, upon the presentation of the List for Self-use, the Declaration of Self-use, the Letter of Proof, and other documents issued by HAWGOC. HAWGOC shall ensure that the equipment is used exclusively for Harbin 2025 and re-exported out of China as scheduled, and shall assist in resolving any customs clearance issues that may arise.

Personal items shall conform to the Administrative Measures on Quarantine of Articles Carried by Entry and Exit Passengers (Decree No. 146 by the former General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and amended in accordance with GACC Decrees No. 238, 240, and 243), the Catalogue of Animals and Plants, Animal and Plant Products, and Other Quarantine Objects Prohibited from Being Carried, Mailed, or Delivered into the People’s Republic of China (Announcement No. 470 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs [“MARA”] and GACC in 2021), the List of the People’s Republic of China of Articles Prohibited from Importation and Exportation, and the List of the People’s Republic of China of Articles Restricted from Importation and Exportation (GACC Decree No. 43).

For special items not intended for personal use, a Health and Quarantine Approval on Entry/Exit Special Articles shall be provided in accordance with the Administrative Regulations for Entry-Exit Health Quarantine on Special Items (GACC Decree No. 243). These items are subject to quarantine inspection by the Customs.

VII. Press Equipment of Journalists

If accredited journalists of Harbin 2025, who hold a confirmation letter, carry any piece of press equipment into China, they shall declare the equipment to the Customs before entering and leaving China. The Customs shall verify the Letter of Evidence, equipment list, and customs duty guarantee provided by the journalists as part of the customs clearance procedures.

For the press equipment brought to China by non-accredited journalists, customs clearance procedures shall be processed according to the related provisions of GACC Announcement No. 104 [2008], Announcement No. 19 [2009] and Announcement No. 31 [2009].

Journalists leaving China with their equipment may request a refund of deposits in accordance with the GACC Announcement No. 59 [2009].

VIII. Miscellaneous

(I) Ports of entry and exit recommended by HAWGOC for Harbin 2025 participants:

1. Official port of entry/exit: Harbin Taiping International Airport;

2. Recommended ports of entry/exit: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG);

(II) Harbin Taiping International Airport has been designated by HAWGOC as the official port for the entry and exit of goods for Harbin 2025.

(III)Dedicated channels and counters will be set up at major ports to facilitate the customs procedures for the Games participants and goods.

(IV) Stakeholders of Harbin 2025 carrying or transporting goods into China shall provide the lists of goods to HAWGOC or their designated customs brokers in advance.

(V)Food, cosmetics and other items for self-use by NOC delegations are exempt from the requirement of carrying labels or marks in Chinese.

(VI) For goods entering or leaving China without having gone through the Customs procedures according to the regulations, the Customs shall handle these goods in accordance with the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Implementing Customs Administrative Penalty.

This Notice is applicable during Harbin 2025 and its preparation period (from the date of release to 28 February 2026).

The revised Frontier Health and Quarantine Law of the People’s Republic of China will come into effect as of 1 January 2025. For matters not covered herein, the current laws and regulations concerned shall apply.