Shipping from the USA to China
Owning a motorcycle and getting this shipped to China can prove to be a big disappointment for many motorists, especially for those who have plans of visiting this Eastern country. This is because this two-wheeled vehicle has been prohibited in the mainland.
In addition, China considers most motor vehicles, especially those privately-owned, as luxury items. Not surprisingly, these carry generally higher customs duties, and in many cases, the charges can be as much as 200%. In addition, depending on the vehicle size and type, a few other taxes and restrictions can be imposed.
When it comes to other products entering China, the customs office can be as equally strict. For example, second-hand personal items are not duty-free for foreign tourists even if they are entering China on an extended basis. This applies even to Chinese nationals who unfortunately hold foreign passports.
The list of merchandise that can be brought into China and which will incur the corresponding customs duties is quite extensive. Many of these are quite essential such as food, electronic/electrical appliances like TV’s, refrigerators, stereos and washing machines, watches, cameras, textiles, audio and video cassette tapes.
Surprisingly, even bicycles, a popular means of transportation in China and an ideal alternative to motorcycles, are also taxed at Chinese customs when these are purchased outside of China and consequently shipped into the mainland. Foreign antiques, even those crafted in the Orient, can be expected to be levied the appropriate customs duties as well.
Nevertheless, a few concessions can be availed of in the case of certain products. Automobiles, for instance, can be imported for both brand-new and second-hand types for as long as the necessary import permit can be presented. This has to be duly approved by Chinese customs and should be obtained first before making any arrangements on the shipment of a motor vehicle.
It should be noted though that the above privilege is extended only to foreigners and not necessarily to Chinese residents returning to their homeland. Under Chinese laws, citizens are prohibited from shipping in imported motor vehicles.
One other privilege is afforded to Chinese foreigners when it comes to importing cars. This is in the case of diplomats and those who work in the diplomatic corps. Under Chinese customs regulations, these people are allowed to bring in more than one vehicle to China, with one of these declared as duty-free.
Diplomats are also exempt from the Chinese prohibition on the shipment of imported motorcycles. However, as per customs laws, the motorcycle has to initially be placed in a bonded warehouse. This will be released and given customs clearance after being duly registered and given a valid plate number.
For all other cases, the shipment of motorized vehicles into China will be subject to the normal customs inspection and the corresponding duties. As such, it is advisable to be prepared in paying comparatively higher customs charges apart from securing the needed documents to ensure that the imported vehicle will be given the required customs clearance. Basically, the documents you will need to secure in order to satisfy Chinese customs include the purchase invoice, an Import Cargo Declaration and a written application to the customs office for the release of the shipped vehicle.