Interception of Over 90,000 Tobacco Products at Shanghai Pudong Airport

Recently, the customs at Shanghai Pudong International Airport intercepted over 90,000 cigarettes and e-cigarette pod products during the preliminary inspection of checked baggage of two suspects upon entry.

Customs officials detected four pieces of checked luggage with abnormal images in the X-ray scan, raising suspicions of carrying a large quantity of tobacco products. As a result, interception orders were immediately issued. After retrieving their luggage, two passengers chose to go through the "nothing to declare" channel. The customs' intelligent interception facilities assisted on-site officers in accurately intercepting them.

During the inspection, it was discovered that one suspect had 46,000 packs of cigarettes in their two checked bags and a carry-on backpack. Another suspect was found to be carrying 43,200 packs of cigarettes and 2,600 electronic pods in their two checked rolling suitcases and two carry-on backpacks.

Currently, the aforementioned items have been handed over to the customs anti-smuggling department for further disposal.

The customs authorities have reminded the public that tobacco products are restricted items for importation into the country. According to the Regulations on the Inspection of Baggage and Articles of Entry and Exit Passengers by the Customs of the People's Republic of China and the List of Articles Restricted from Entry and Exit of the People's Republic of China, travelers from and to Hong Kong and Macau, as well as mainland residents visiting Hong Kong and Macau for private purposes, are allowed to bring in 200 duty-free cigarettes, 50 duty-free cigars, or 250g of duty-free tobacco leaves. Other travelers (excluding those who frequently travel to and from Hong Kong and Macau, frequent border crossers, and border area residents) are allowed to bring in 400 duty-free cigarettes, 100 duty-free cigars, or 500g of duty-free tobacco leaves.

According to the Announcement No. 102 in 2022 issued by the General Administration of Customs, new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes must comply with certain requirements. Starting from November 1, 2022, passengers entering the country are allowed to bring in up to 2 smoking devices without paying any taxes. They can also bring in up to 6 products that are sold as a combination of e-cigarette pods (liquid aerosols) or pods and smoking devices, including disposable e-cigarettes. However, the total liquid capacity should not exceed 12 milliliters. For passengers traveling to and from the Hong Kong and Macau regions, they are allowed to bring in one smoking device without paying any taxes. They can also bring in up to 3 products that are sold as a combination of e-cigarette pods (liquid aerosols) or pods and smoking devices, including disposable e-cigarettes. However, the total liquid capacity should not exceed 6 milliliters.

Customs will take legal action against those who bring in tobacco products exceeding the prescribed quantity or capacity.