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What to expect when receiving a gift in China?

A Guide for Recipients

Written by Catherine Walker

&Open is excited to deliver your special gift directly to you in China! This guide outlines the specific requirements for receiving international shipments in China, as mandated by Chinese customs regulations.

For more general information on the process of receiving a cross border &Open gift, please see this link.

Important Note:

For a smooth customs clearance process, please ensure your name entered into the gift platform at redemption exactly matches the name on your government-issued Resident Identity Card.

Resident Identity Number (ID):

  • What is it? Your Resident Identity Card (also known as Shēnfènzhèng) is an official identification document issued to all Chinese residents. It contains a unique 18-digit ID number required for customs clearance of imported goods.

  • Why do I need to provide it? Chinese customs requires your Resident ID number to process your shipment. Without a valid ID number, your gift may be delayed or even returned.

  • How do I provide it? &Open will work with our client to ensure your ID number is collected securely in advance of your gift's shipment. Your privacy is important and your ID number will only be used for customs clearance purposes.

Client Confirmation:

To ensure compliance with Chinese regulations, &Open has received confirmation from our clients that it is acceptable to collect your Resident ID number for customs clearance purposes.

Duties and Taxes:

  • What to expect? Be aware that China has import duties and taxes that will apply to your gift. The specific rate depends on the type of product. For example, a woven cotton blanket might have a 12% duty applied.

  • Who pays? &Open will not charge you for these fees, but you may be contacted by local customs for additional information.

General Process

For many international shipments, the customs clearance process starts as soon as the shipment is in transit, rather than waiting for it to physically arrive in the destination country. This allows the shipping carrier to begin collecting any required information in advance so that, once the shipment reaches the destination country, they already have everything on hand and can expedite the customs clearance process.

This is a standard practice used by international carriers to help reduce delays during customs clearance.

For China specifically, it is also expected that the carrier, such as UPS or DHL will contact the recipient directly for the customs declaration, as Chinese customs may require additional personal information or documentation from the recipient before the shipment can be cleared. As these requirements are specific to the importer, carriers communicate directly with recipients to complete the process.

Additional Information:

  • According to Chinese customs regulations, import shipments classified as personal effects cannot exceed a value of CNY 1,000 (approximately USD $145). &Open will ensure your gift complies with this regulation.

&Open's Support:

If you have any questions or require assistance regarding your Resident ID number or import taxes, please don't hesitate to contact &Open's customer support team via andopen.co/support. We're here to help ensure a smooth delivery of your special gift!

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