Hi,

We are moving to Shanghai in 3 weeks and the movers are already here, but we still don't know what we shouldn't bring and should bring. I've gone through the questions and most of them have been helpful but not concrete enough.

Is there a list of approximations of import duties on personal items? For example, do we bring our really comfy mattress to China or store it? I know everything is available in Shanghai and I can rebuy everything, but I really would rather pay a duty if the duty is reasonable.

We have heard some horror stories on moving companies not making clear enough inventory lists and having things held up at customs. How clear were your lists when you moved? Do we need to itemize everything in the box? Or is Kitchen supplies, Books, Electronics clear enough?

Thank you so much.
Alexa

PS the two questions are: List of exact duties (percentage or amounts)
How clear does inventory list need to be?

I suppose you read the relocation articles
http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/News+article-sid-163-mode-thread-order-1-thold-0.html

There is big thick book that changes almost weekly and its written in Chinese about which duties apply to which items. Its a really complex question. I have never seen one outside of a US customs office. For example.. the big thing we got dinged for was computers ( 4 ), some other electronics, some kitchen items. We had almost no furniture. We paid around 7000 RMB duty ( almost a $1000). Rumor has it that its much less on many items than it was 4 years ago.

They will most certainly take the items to be taxes off of the manifest the shipper provides. They may not actually even physically inspect the contents of your shipment, but don't count on that.

A good mover who knows how to pack for international shipping will keep a fairly detailed list. Normally, you let them pack the boxes and watch what they do.

If you really love your mattress, you should probably bring it, though you will probably pay nearly as much in shipping ( not even including duties) as it cost to purchase a new one here.