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Country Commercial Guide
FY 1999: People's Republic of China
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IX. Business Travel
Business firms seeking the following exemptions should consult
with Customs authorities for information on the procedures and to
obtain copies of appropriate forms.
Temporary Entry: Goods imported in China for display or
demonstration at trade shows and exhibitions are exempt from
Customs duty, provided they are re-exported within three months.
The exhibition organizer must obtain advance approval from
Customs, provide certain shipping documents and a list of items
to be exhibited, and coordinate with Customs officials. Customs
may sometimes request a guarantee in the form of a deposit or
letter.
A local sponsor with authority to engage in foreign trade may
sponsor small exhibitions or technical seminars, requiring less
than 500 square meters, without first seeking approval from
MOFTEC. Customs will handle the tariff exemption formalities
based upon a guarantee of re-export that is signed between the
sponsor and the foreign party.
Food and beverage exhibition "not-for-sale" sample-entry rules
are not clearly defined and appear capriciously applied. U.S.
exhibitors should contact the exhibition organizers to determine
their liabilities regarding sample entries for such events before
registering to participate, to obtain a clearer understanding of
exhibition-related expenses.
Passenger Baggage: Reasonable quantities of items for personal
use by short-term visitors may be imported duty-free. Other
items such as cameras, televisions, stereo equipment, computers,
and tape recorders must be declared and may be assessed a duty
depending upon the item's value.
Advertising Materials and Trade Samples: Samples and advertising
materials are exempt from customs duty and VAT if the item's
value does not exceed RMB 200. Samples and advertising materials
concerning certain electronic products, however, are subject to
customs duty and VAT regardless of value.
Representative Offices: Resident offices must submit a written
application to Customs if they intend to import any personal
effects or vehicles. Approval by Customs waives any relevant
import license requirements and allows the office to import the
equipment in reasonable amounts for office-use only.
[end of document]
Note* International Copyright, United States Government, 1998 (or other year of first
publication). All rights under foreign copyright laws are reserved. All portions of this
publication are protected against any type or form of reproduction, communications to the
public and the preparation of adaptations, arrangement and alterations outside the United
States. U. S. copyright is not asserted under the U.S. Copyright Law, Title 17, United
States Code.
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