Germany to China

Whether you are relocating to China for a new job assignment, joining family, retiring, or finishing your studies in Germany, moving your household goods across borders requires careful planning. Demand for international moves from Germany to China continues to grow as foreign professionals, academics, and families begin new chapters in Chinese cities.

Seapoe Global Relocations has years of experience in international personal effects shipping. We provide professional, efficient, door-to-door moving solutions for expatriate families, corporate assignees, students, and retirees relocating from Germany to China. Our flexible options—including FCL/LCL ocean freight and air freight baggage services—cover Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, and surrounding areas. From collection and professional packing to export customs clearance, import clearance in China, and final delivery, we manage every step of your move.

To help your relocation go smoothly, we have compiled this guide based on extensive practical experience with shipments from Germany to China. It covers transport options, required customs documents, prohibited and restricted items, and key precautions, ensuring your furniture, boxes, and personal belongings arrive safely and on time at your new home in China.

Germany to China - Transport Options

Shipping household goods to China generally involves ocean freight or air freight. Seapoe offers tailored solutions based on your shipment volume and timeline.

Air Freight: Minimum 2 cartons, with each carton limited to 25 kg. Total transit time is approximately 10-25 days (5-7 days flight + 7-15 working days for customs clearance). Air freight is ideal for urgent items like clothing, books, and small essentials. Note that volumetric weight is calculated as "length × width × height ÷ 5000". Using standard 40×50×60cm cartons helps keep shipping costs within the most reasonable range.
Ocean Freight: Minimum 2-3 cubic meters (CBM). Total transit time is approximately 3 months. Due to the current situation in the Red Sea, vessels must route via the Cape of Good Hope, extending sailing times to 45-50 days. Combined with export customs clearance in Germany and import clearance in China, the overall cycle takes about three months. Ocean freight is charged per CBM, making it suitable for large furniture, pianos, kitchen appliances, and full-household moves. If your goods can fill a 20ft or 40ft container, an FCL solution offers better value.

We recommend discussing your volume, timeline, and budget with a Seapoe consultant to confirm the most cost-effective and timely transport plan for your move to China.

Germany to China - China Customs Regulations and Precautions for Chinese Nationals

The following section applies only to Chinese passport holders returning to China. Foreign nationals relocating to China should skip ahead to the next section.

I. Guide to the RMB 5,000 Duty-Free Allowance

The RMB 5,000 duty-free allowance for returning residents is a statutory benefit granted by China Customs to Chinese citizens (including returning students and visiting relatives). The key to utilizing this allowance is: you must use the manual inspection channel upon arrival. Obtain and complete the "Declaration Form for Baggage Articles of Inbound/Outbound Passengers" (also known as the unaccompanied baggage declaration form) at the airport customs passenger inspection area. Keep the original copy safe after customs stamps it. With this stamped declaration form, your separately shipped household goods can enjoy a duty-free allowance up to a declared value of RMB 5,000.

All items must meet the requirement of being in "reasonable quantities for personal use". China Customs conducts 100% physical inspections of inbound baggage, and zero-value declarations are not accepted. All items must be declared at their true value; false declarations carry the risk of penalties.

II. Documents Required for Duty-Free Clearance (Chinese Nationals)

Mainland Residents:
- Original Passport: Effective May 22, 2026, ports including Beijing Customs require the original passport for customs clearance. Copies or scanned copies will no longer be accepted. Plan the delivery of your original passport in advance so it does not conflict with your travel dates.
- Valid Visa/Residence Card: Your foreign visa must have been valid for at least 1 year, and you must have resided in Germany for a cumulative total of 365 days within the past two years. Entry and exit records can be verified via the WeChat/Alipay mini-program "Immigration Administration 12367".
- Airport "Declaration Form for Baggage Articles of Inbound/Outbound Passengers": The original stamped form obtained via the manual channel upon entry. If lost, you may submit a written explanation to customs, but approval is entirely at customs' discretion. Keep this document secure.
- Bill of Lading and Packing List: Seapoe will assist in providing these. The packing list must accurately state "item name + quantity + depreciated value". Avoid vague terms like "daily necessities".
Hong Kong/Macau Residents:
- Hong Kong/Macau Resident ID card, Mainland Travel Permit, and a residence permit valid for at least one year. Holders of a long-term Mainland Travel Permit and residence permit moving to the mainland for the first time may apply for duty-free entry.
Taiwan Residents:
- Taiwan ID card, Taiwan Compatriot Permit (residence permit), and Mainland Travel Permit. Residents who have lived abroad for more than one year may apply for duty-free clearance. Note that the duty-free allowance for subsequent entries is only RMB 2,000.

III. Clearance Precautions for Chinese Nationals

Personal entry is a prerequisite: Customs clearance must be completed within six months of your arrival in China. Late applications will be rejected. If you cannot attend in person, you may authorize a friend or relative to handle it at the port using your original documents.
High-value items: Collectible figures, luxury goods, golf clubs (tax rate up to 50%), and pianos (tax rate approximately 15%-20%) face higher duties. Branded dolls require brand authorization. High-value collectible figures containing sexually suggestive or violent elements cannot clear customs. Reproductions of famous artworks cannot clear customs due to copyright restrictions.
Risks with new items: Brand-new items cannot clear customs through the personal used-goods channel. New furniture bearing manufacturer logos, instruction manuals, or price tags may be inspected and taxed by customs. Remove all new-item markers before export and declare everything as used personal effects.
Special items: Books are limited to 50 per carton; quantities over 10 are taxed at 13% of the declared value. Vinyl records are limited to 100 per carton; quantities over 20 are taxed at 20% of the declared value.

Germany to China - China Customs Regulations and Precautions for Foreign Nationals

I. Declaration Requirements and Duty-Free Allowances

Foreign non-resident long-term travelers (such as foreign nationals holding a Chinese work visa) must complete the "Customs Declaration Form for Personal Articles of the People's Republic of China" when importing personal effects. Unlike Chinese residents, foreign nationals relocating to China receive a duty-free allowance of RMB 2,000 (primarily covering clothing, shoes, and hats). However, if you hold a Chinese residence permit valid for more than one year and this is your first time moving household goods into the country, you may apply for comprehensive duty-free clearance for your personal effects.

II. Documents Required for Duty-Free Clearance (Foreign Nationals)

Original Passport;
Chinese Long-Term Residence Permit (over 365 days) and your long-term residence visa from Germany (the origin country);
Work Permit (including the work permit decision letter, notification letter, etc.);
Bill of Lading and Packing List: Seapoe can assist in preparing and providing these documents.

III. Precautions for Foreign Nationals

All items must comply with the principle of "reasonable quantities for personal use". Excess items may be subject to return shipping or taxation by customs.
Foreign nationals arriving in China on a work visa can only apply for duty-free import on their first shipment, provided their German residence permit or work visa was valid for at least one full year. We recommend aligning your cargo's arrival date with the issuance date of your Chinese residence permit to ensure smooth clearance.
For shipping marks on packaging, use the consignee's exact passport name to facilitate customs verification.
According to Seapoe's operational records, false declarations result directly in customs fines. Ensure all information is truthful and accurate.

Germany to China - Prohibited Items and Insurance Coverage

List of Prohibited and Restricted Items International shipping of personal effects is subject to strict prohibitions and restrictions. Beyond standard bans on weapons, ammunition, and narcotics, the following categories frequently cause issues for people relocating to China:

Cosmetics and Liquids: Powdered cosmetics (like loose powder), lipstick, lip gloss, skincare creams, nail polish, perfume, and other paste or liquid items are prohibited in international moves. They cannot be shipped by sea or air. Carry them in your hand luggage or dispose of them locally before departure.
Battery-Powered Items: Power banks, electric wheelchairs, Dyson vacuums, and other appliances containing lithium or built-in batteries are classified as dangerous goods and are prohibited in ocean freight. Some items can be shipped if the battery is removed and transported separately.
Food and Medicine: Any food products containing meat, eggs, dairy, buckwheat hulls, tea, or traditional Chinese medicine are prohibited by customs. Medicines cannot be shipped due to Chinese import regulations. Pack medicines in your checked airline luggage or finish using them before leaving Germany.
Infringing or Prohibited Content: Counterfeit luxury goods, electronics with infringing branding (including logos on packaging), collectible figures depicting sexual or violent content, reproductions of famous artworks, and subversive publications or audio-visual materials cannot be exported or cleared through customs.
Other: Flowers, seeds, endangered animal and plant products, and controlled knives are also prohibited or strongly discouraged from shipping.

Insurance Protection: All Risks vs. Total Loss International ocean freight covers long distances, making insurance essential. Seapoe provides professional door-to-door insurance services:

All Risks: The premium is 3.5% of the insured value, with a minimum of $150 and a deductible of $100. This policy comprehensively covers damage, loss, and theft from the moment of collection in Germany to final delivery and signature in China.
Total Loss: The contract includes complimentary marine transport insurance up to $10,000. This only compensates for total vessel loss, not partial damage. For special items like pianos, fragile goods, and marble, insurance companies typically cover loss but not scratches or dents. Self-packed items are covered for loss only, not damage. If you notice severe exterior damage upon delivery, record an unpacking video and file a claim within 48 hours of signing for the goods.

Friendly Reminder

The information above is based on Seapoe Global Relocations' extensive operational experience and current customs policies, provided for reference only. Specific customs regulations, logistics details, ocean freight rates, and fuel surcharges are subject to change. Ocean freight costs fluctuate due to oil prices and geopolitical events. We strongly recommend consulting a Seapoe advisor before shipping to receive a customized, one-on-one moving plan, ensuring your relocation to China is handled professionally and without delay.

Germany to China - Customs Guide

See also: Germany Customs Guide (PDF download included)

Seapoe (Germany) - Order Counts

Orders from Germany to China (Past 12 Months): 228

Top 10 Germany Cities:

#1	Dusseldorf	27 orders
#2	Berlin	22 orders
#3	Munich	21 orders
#4	Stuttgart	10 orders
#5	Hamburg	<10 orders
#6	Frankfurt	<10 orders
#7	Cologne	<10 orders
#8	Erfurt	<10 orders
#9	Hannover	<10 orders
#10	Nuremberg	<10 orders

(Source: Real-time internal data from Seapoe system)

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