Can I bring food to China?
Check the latest Customs rules — add name, packaging, or ingredients for better results.
Airline baggage rules and China Customs rules are different.
When in doubt, check customs.gov.cn before you travel,
or use the quarantine disposal bin at the border.
For reference only — not legal advice. Rules can change; final decisions rest with Customs officers on site.
Browse common categories:
Fresh fruit & vegetablesUsually not allowed
Fresh produce is on China's prohibited carry-in list. Even one apple or a salad kit can be confiscated — packaging does not help.
Raw or cooked meatUsually not allowed
Includes jerky, sausages, ham sandwiches, canned meat, and broth cubes with animal content. Usually prohibited regardless of packaging.
Meat-based snacksUsually not allowed
Beef jerky, pork floss, and crisps with real meat ingredients are treated as animal products — not as ordinary snacks.
Dairy & eggsUsually not allowed
Fresh milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, fresh eggs, and many egg-based sauces are usually prohibited in carry-on and checked luggage.
Seafood & aquatic productsUsually not allowed
Fresh, frozen, and most processed seafood items are restricted. Do not assume dried or sauce-type products qualify without checking.
Homemade foodUsually not allowed
Baked goods with butter or eggs, family vacuum-sealed meals, and home preserves often contain prohibited categories even if only for personal use.
Packaged snacks (no meat/dairy/egg)Often allowed
Biscuits, plain chips, candy, chocolate, sealed tea, and instant noodles without meat or egg are often allowed in small amounts for personal use.
Protein bars & supplementsCase-by-case
Plant-based bars often pass; bars or powders with whey, egg white, or collagen may not. Large identical quantities can look like commercial import.
Baby formula & baby foodCase-by-case
Commercially sealed infant products are often carried by parents, but large quantities may trigger questions about personal-use limits or declaration.
Spices & dried plant productsCase-by-case
Germinating seeds, fresh herbs, and plant materials with reproduction ability face stricter control. Commercial dried spice jars are usually lower risk.
Honey & jamsCase-by-case
Sealed processed jars may be treated as packaged food, but fruit content, carry-on liquid limits, and quantity still matter.
Phrases, packing tips, and dietary-restriction advice.