{"id":247913,"date":"2026-10-05T10:07:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T08:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rarecoin.store\/?page_id=247913"},"modified":"2026-10-05T11:23:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T09:23:49","slug":"coin-shipments-to-china","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rarecoin.store\/en\/customs-duties-and-import-taxes-for-coin-shipments-china\/","title":{"rendered":"Customs duties and import taxes for coin shipments: China"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Customs
Customs inspection of a gold coin imported into China. AI-generated illustration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Customs duties and import taxes on coin shipments to China<\/strong> are considerably more complex than in many other destination countries. For gold coins, the key issue is not so much the customs-duty rate as China\u2019s licensing and import-control system for gold and gold products. Gold coins are expressly included in the catalogue of goods controlled by the People\u2019s Bank of China (PBOC) and the Chinese customs authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For modern gold coins, one point is therefore crucial: an ordinary commercial direct shipment from Germany to a private collector must not simply be treated like a standard courier parcel. Under Article 5 of the Measures for the Import and Export Administration of Gold and Gold Products<\/em>, the import and export of gold coins, including gold precious-metal commemorative coins, is handled by institutions designated by the PBOC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platinum coins are not subject to this special regime for gold coins. They remain subject, however, to Chinese customs classification, import Value Added Tax (Import VAT), customs-clearance requirements and the acceptance rules of the chosen carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hong Kong is not combined with China on this page.<\/strong> Hong Kong has its own customs and tax system and is therefore covered in a separate country article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin shipments to China: the key rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Topic<\/th>Mainland China<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
7118.10 \/ 7118.90<\/td>0% Most-Favoured-Nation rate (MFN) in the published Chinese tariff tables<\/td><\/tr>
9705.31 \/ 9705.39<\/td>0% MFN duty is also published for genuine numismatic collectors\u2019 pieces<\/td><\/tr>
Import VAT on ordinary commercial imports<\/td>Standard rate 13%, unless a special tax rule applies<\/td><\/tr>
Gold coins<\/td>HS (Harmonized System) subheading 7118900010 appears in the PBOC control catalogue; import and export are handled by PBOC-designated institutions<\/td><\/tr>
Platinum coins<\/td>No equivalent special gold-coin regime; ordinary customs, tax and clearance rules continue to apply<\/td><\/tr>
Platinum and Import VAT<\/td>The former exemption for imported platinum has no longer been applied since 1 November 2025<\/td><\/tr>
Customs value<\/td>Transaction value plus transport, related costs and insurance to the place of unloading in China; generally CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)<\/td><\/tr>
Personal postal \/ courier shipment<\/td>Separate simplified system only for permitted goods for reasonable personal use; not automatically applicable to commercial dealer shipments<\/td><\/tr>
2,000 renminbi (RMB)<\/td>Personal shipments up to RMB 2,000, as well as one indivisible item above RMB 2,000, may fall under the simplified system if reasonable personal use is confirmed<\/td><\/tr>
Gold and silver under the personal-import system<\/td>Combined rate of 13% according to the official table; product-specific import restrictions remain unaffected<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7118 or 9705: customs classification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

China also uses the international HS headings 7118 and 9705 for coins. 7118.10<\/strong> covers coins other than gold coins and coins that are not legal tender; 7118.90<\/strong> covers other coins. In the published Chinese tariff tables, the MFN rate<\/strong> for both headings is 0%<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For genuine numismatic collectors\u2019 pieces, the Chinese tariff distinguishes between 9705.31<\/strong> for numismatic collectors\u2019 pieces more than 100 years old and 9705.39<\/strong> for other numismatic collectors\u2019 pieces. The published MFN tables also show 0%<\/strong> for these headings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For modern numismatic gold and platinum coins, however, heading 9705 is not automatically the correct classification. Proof, a low mintage, a high market value or grading by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) does not by itself turn a modern coin into a numismatic collectors\u2019 piece under heading 9705.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many coins, the Chinese import-duty rate is therefore not the main issue. Import VAT, product-specific permits and the actual customs-clearance procedure may be far more important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gold coins: the PBOC rule is the decisive point<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

China regulates the import and export of gold and gold products separately. Under the Measures for the Import and Export Administration of Gold and Gold Products<\/strong>, the People\u2019s Bank of China (PBOC) is the competent authority. Goods included in the control catalogue are, in principle, subject to a licensing system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gold coins are expressly covered. In the current Gold and Gold Products Import and Export Administration Catalogue<\/strong>, Chinese customs subheading 7118900010<\/strong>covers gold coins, including gold precious-metal commemorative coins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even more important is Article 5 of the regulation: the import and export of gold coins, including gold precious-metal commemorative coins<\/strong>, is handled by institutions designated by the PBOC. Article 21 also provides that individuals, legal persons and other organisations may not, as a rule, import or export gold and gold products by routes other than those expressly provided for, unless the State provides otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 1 June 2026<\/strong>, legal persons with frequent gold imports or exports may, under certain conditions, apply for a \u201cNon-One-Batch-One-License\u201d arrangement. This simplification is aimed at approved market participants and does not remove either the licensing system or the special rule for gold coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important for future developments:<\/strong> in June 2026, the PBOC and the General Administration of Customs published a draft revision of these rules. The gold-coin rule in Article 5 remains in place. The draft also proposes that gold and gold products in reasonable quantities for personal use, carried personally or sent to the individual, may be exempt from the PBOC permit and instead be supervised by customs. As of 5 October 2026, this draft is not yet in force.<\/strong> It is also unclear whether the proposed personal-use exception would cover gold coins despite Article 5. For an actual shipment, the currently effective rules should therefore continue to be followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a purchase from a dealer in Germany, this means in practice:<\/strong> a gold coin should not be shipped to mainland China until the legally permitted import route has been confirmed. For a direct delivery to a private collector, it cannot be assumed that declaring the item to the courier and paying taxes will be sufficient. The recipient, customs broker or courier and, where required, a PBOC-designated institution should confirm the permissible import procedure before shipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platinum coins: no equivalent special gold-coin regime<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The special PBOC rule for gold coins does not automatically apply to platinum coins merely because platinum is also a precious metal. A platinum coin does not fall under the dedicated gold-coin subheading 7118900010 and is not part of the gold control catalogue described above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platinum coins still require proper checks. The exact HS classification, tax treatment, actual import route, documentation and carrier acceptance rules remain relevant. For a commercial import, the ordinary Chinese import rules should therefore be assumed to apply unless a specific exemption can be demonstrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Import VAT: generally 13% on ordinary commercial imports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

China\u2019s new value-added tax law has been in force since 1 January 2026. Under Article 10 of the VAT Law of the People\u2019s Republic of China<\/strong>, imported goods are generally subject to 13%<\/strong> VAT unless they expressly fall into a 9% category or another special rule applies. Coins are not included among the general 9% categories listed there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Article 14<\/strong>, Import VAT is calculated on a composite taxable amount. This generally consists of the customs value plus customs duty and, where applicable, consumption tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For an ordinary commercial import of a modern coin, 13% is therefore the starting point. Any different treatment for a specific gold or platinum coin must be checked against the actual product and the legally permitted import route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gold tax exemptions: why they do not automatically apply to coins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

China has special VAT rules for gold. These rules, however, should not automatically be applied to finished numismatic coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One Chinese tax rule exempts the import of gold<\/strong>, including standard gold and gold ore, from Import VAT. The PBOC rules, however, expressly distinguish between \u201cgold\u201d as unwrought gold and \u201cgold products\u201d as semi-finished and finished products. Gold coins are also expressly treated as controlled gold products. No general Import VAT exemption for foreign gold coins can therefore be derived from this rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The well-known Chinese VAT exemption for Panda Bullion Gold Coins<\/strong> is also narrowly defined. It applies to certain Panda bullion coins issued by the PBOC and to qualified Chinese taxpayers or distribution channels. It is not a general exemption for foreign gold coins such as the Krugerrand<\/a>, American Gold Eagle<\/a>, Gold Maple Leaf<\/a>or Gold Libertad<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imported platinum<\/strong> also used to benefit from an Import VAT exemption. The General Administration of Customs ended this relief with effect from 1 November 2025<\/strong>. Since then, imported platinum has been subject to Import VAT under the general rules. The former platinum exemption can therefore no longer be relied upon for a platinum coin; on an ordinary import, the normal Import VAT rate should generally be taken into account unless another specific exemption applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal shipments by post or courier: a separate tax system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to ordinary commercial imports, China has a simplified tax system for certain personal inbound articles. Since 1 December 2024, customs duty, VAT and, where applicable, consumption tax are combined into a single composite rate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This system applies only to goods that are legally permitted to enter China and that customs accepts as being for reasonable personal use<\/strong>. The rules define \u201cpostal or courier articles\u201d as goods for personal use sent by a private individual by post or express delivery. The system does not apply to Cross-Border E-Commerce retail imports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Wasserthal RareCoin.Store, this distinction matters: a commercial dealer shipment does not automatically become a personal postal or courier article under these rules. The simplified personal-import system should therefore not be applied to a commercial invoice without confirmation from Chinese customs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RMB 2,000 threshold and individual high-value coins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For qualifying personal postal or courier shipments, there is generally a value threshold of RMB 2,000<\/strong>. The rules contain an important exception, however: a single indivisible item worth more than RMB 2,000<\/strong> may also fall under the simplified system if Chinese customs confirms that it is for reasonable personal use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A single high-value collector coin is therefore not automatically excluded from the personal-import system merely because of its price. This expressly does not<\/strong> mean that a gold coin can use this route to bypass PBOC import controls. The personal tax rule presupposes that the goods are legally permitted to enter China in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the assessed tax on such a personal shipment does not exceed RMB 50, the current rules allow it to be released without tax being collected. If the quantity exceeds what is considered reasonable personal use, the shipment is instead taxed under the rules for ordinary imported goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13% for gold and silver, potentially 20% for platinum under the personal-import system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The official Chinese table of composite rates assigns gold and silver<\/strong> to Category 1 with a composite rate of 13%<\/strong>. This rate combines customs duty, VAT and, where applicable, consumption tax under the simplified personal-import procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platinum is not expressly listed in this category. Category 2, with a rate of 20%<\/strong>, includes, among other things, other goods not covered by Categories 1 and 3. A platinum coin may therefore potentially fall within this residual category under the personal-import system. The final classification remains a matter for Chinese customs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here too, the two systems should not be confused: these composite rates apply only to the simplified personal-import regime and are not the same as the standard 13% Import VAT rate on ordinary commercial imports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customs value: transport and insurance also count<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under Article 24 of the Chinese Customs Tariff Law, the customs value of imported goods is based on the transaction price plus transport costs, related expenses and insurance up to the place of importation before unloading. Economically, this broadly corresponds to a CIF basis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For rare coins, the actual purchase price should be documented fully and transparently. Artificially reducing the declared value is not sensible from either a tax or insurance perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customs clearance and courier service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the procedure, Chinese customs clearance generally requires a commercial invoice, description of the goods, HS code, value, country of origin or issue and transport documents. For rare coins, the invoice should clearly state the year, precious metal, weight or denomination, actual purchase price and, where relevant, legal-tender status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carrier acceptance must be checked separately. Depending on the service, international courier companies may restrict the carriage of cash, collector coins, gold and other precious metals. A shipment being legally possible from a customs perspective therefore does not automatically mean that every UPS, FedEx or other standard service will accept or insure the specific coin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially for China, the actual transport and clearance route should therefore be confirmed before<\/strong> shipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anti-money laundering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

China\u2019s gold-import rules expressly require compliance with anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing requirements. In addition, the Chinese Anti-Money Laundering Law, effective since 1 January 2025, also covers certain non-financial businesses. Dealers in precious metals and precious stones are among the categories covered when transactions exceed the statutory thresholds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional PBOC rules for precious-metals and precious-stones dealers have applied since August 2025. In particular, cash transactions of RMB 100,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency trigger customer-identification and reporting requirements. Independently of this, banks and other parties involved may request additional information under their own anti-money-laundering and compliance obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanctions and embargoes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

China implements sanctions decisions of the United Nations Security Council (UN) through domestic measures. One example relevant to the precious-metals trade is North Korea: UN Security Council Resolution 2270 (2016) prohibits, among other things, the procurement of gold from North Korea. China\u2019s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and General Administration of Customs (GACC) implemented the related raw-material restrictions domestically through Announcement No. 11 of 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a coin shipment, it therefore matters not only whether the coin can be imported from a customs and tax perspective. The buyer, payment sender, beneficial owner, banks and actual delivery destination may also be relevant for sanctions screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Wasserthal RareCoin.Store, the applicable German and European sanctions also continue to apply independently of Chinese import rules. A transaction that is permissible in principle under Chinese customs law must therefore not be carried out if an applicable German or European sanctions rule prohibits it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you order from Wasserthal RareCoin.Store<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wasserthal RareCoin.Store ships modern numismatic gold and platinum coins internationally with full insurance and clear, traceable commercial and transport documentation. For deliveries to mainland China, however, gold and platinum coins must be assessed separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gold coins:<\/strong> before an order is accepted or shipped, it must be clear through which legally permitted import route the coin will enter China. Because the PBOC has an express rule for gold coins, we do not assume that an ordinary direct delivery to a private collector is automatically permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platinum coins:<\/strong> they are not subject to China\u2019s special rule for gold coins. Delivery can therefore be simpler, but the customs classification, tax treatment, recipient clearance and carrier acceptance still need to be confirmed for the specific shipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For deliveries outside the European Union, the buyer is responsible for import duties, taxes, declaration costs and other fees arising in the destination country. Wasserthal RareCoin.Store does not calculate or collect these amounts itself. Our current terms are available under Payment and shipping<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently asked questions about coin shipments to China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is the import-duty rate on modern coins in China?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The published Chinese MFN tariff tables show 0% for headings 7118.10 and 7118.90. They also show 0% MFN for numismatic collectors\u2019 pieces under 9705.31 and 9705.39. This does not mean, however, that a coin can be imported without further permits or taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can a gold coin simply be sent by courier to a private collector in China?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This should not be assumed. Gold coins, including gold precious-metal commemorative coins, are expressly covered by the PBOC control system. Article 5 of the relevant rules provides that their import and export is handled by institutions designated by the PBOC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Chinese customs code specifically applies to gold coins?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The PBOC\/customs control catalogue lists 7118900010<\/strong> for gold coins, including gold precious-metal commemorative coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did the reform of 1 June 2026 liberalise private gold-coin imports?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No. The reform simplifies the licensing procedure for legal persons that regularly trade in gold and gold products and, under certain conditions, allows a \u201cNon-One-Batch-One-License\u201d arrangement. The special rule for gold coins was not removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the special gold-coin rule also apply to platinum coins?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not merely because platinum is another precious metal. Platinum coins are not included in the specific 7118900010 gold-coin subheading of the gold control catalogue. The ordinary import, tax and clearance rules still apply to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Import VAT rate on an ordinary commercial import?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since 1 January 2026, the general rate for imported goods has, in principle, been 13%, unless a special rule expressly applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are gold coins exempt from Import VAT because of China\u2019s gold tax exemption?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This cannot be assumed generally. The gold-import rule concerns gold as raw or standard gold, while the PBOC rules expressly treat gold coins as controlled gold products. It does not create a general automatic Import VAT exemption for foreign gold coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the Panda exemption also apply to Krugerrand or Libertad?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No. China\u2019s Panda rule is limited to certain Panda Bullion Gold Coins issued by the PBOC and qualified Chinese distribution channels. It is not a general exemption for foreign gold coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are platinum coins exempt from Import VAT in China?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No. The former exemption for imported platinum has no longer been applied since 1 November 2025. On an ordinary import of platinum coins, normal Import VAT should therefore generally be taken into account unless another specific exemption applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does the RMB 2,000 threshold mean for a single expensive coin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Under the personal-import system, in addition to shipments up to RMB 2,000, a single indivisible item above that threshold may also be admitted if customs accepts it as being for reasonable personal use. The goods must nevertheless be legally permitted to enter China, and this does not replace any special permit required for gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does a 13% rate apply to personal shipments of gold?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The official table for the simplified personal-import system assigns gold and silver a composite rate of 13%. This rate applies only to the personal-import procedure and does not remove the PBOC import control for gold coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do these rules also apply to Hong Kong?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No. Hong Kong has its own customs and tax system. The rules described on this page apply to mainland China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transparency note<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wasserthal RareCoin.Store is a professional dealer in modern numismatic gold and platinum coins and ships coins to international customers. We therefore have a commercial interest in the topics covered on this page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The information on customs duties, VAT, permits and import rules is researched independently of the sale of individual products and is based on official sources. This overview also applies to coins purchased from other dealers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace individual customs, tax or legal advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

China regulates gold imports particularly strictly. Tariff classification, tax treatment, licensing requirements, carrier acceptance and clearance procedures may depend on the specific coin and the actual import route. The Chinese rules in force at the time of importation and the decisions of the competent authorities are binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Author: Dirk Wasserthal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dirk Wasserthal is Managing Director of TriaPrima GmbH, the company operating Wasserthal RareCoin.Store. His focus is on modern numismatic gold and platinum coins as well as high-quality certified collector coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wasserthal RareCoin.Store has already supplied collectors in 40 countries. TriaPrima GmbH is an Authorized Dealer with PCGS and NGC<\/strong>. The company is also a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Berufsverband des Deutschen M\u00fcnzenfachhandels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources and data status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This overview is based primarily on primary sources from the People\u2019s Bank of China, the General Administration of Customs, the Chinese tax authorities, the Ministry of Finance and the Standing Committee of the National People\u2019s Congress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n