From CA Travel September 22, 2008

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:   Chinese customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from China of items such as antiquities, banned publications, religious literature (which may be imported for the visitor’s personal use only), or vehicles not conforming to Chinese standards.  It is advisable to contact the Embassy of China in Washington or one of China’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

 Read on for more about: purchasing items

Some Americans report that items purchased in China and believed to be antiques or genuine gems are often later determined to be reproductions.  Some travelers report that this occurs even at state-owned stores and museum stores.  Travel agencies and tour guides will often escort tour groups to particular shops at which the travel agency or tour guide will share in the profit, and may claim to guarantee the “authenticity” of items sold in those shops.  Travelers are warned to be vigilant when purchasing items in China.

China’s customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes.  ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States.  For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.uscib.org for details.

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