New Customs Regulations in China Could Cause Trouble for Foreign Recruiters

Michael Streat
Director, EduGlobal Communications

From July 1, 2010 China Customs have introduced new regulations that could affect the delivery of institution promotional materials, such as brochures, into China. In essence the new regulations require that recipients of brochures in China must engage a customs broker to clear the shipment before it can be delivered.  This would mean that the recipients, often agents or hotels, would have to pay a customs broker and any resulting duties charges before they would receive the brochures.  

In international education marketing, the industry standard is for the courier company to clear the shipment on behalf of the sender i.e. the institution and then bill the duties back to the institution, thereby freeing the recipient of any responsibility or cost.  If this new rule is applied uniformly then this arrangement could become impossible.  Click here for an update from TNT Express.

It’s not yet clear how this will affect education institutions’ marketing efforts in China because it is as yet unknown if it will be applied consistently across the country.  However, we expect that it will take several months for this new law to start taking effect.

One solution to this problem is to print the brochures required for the China market in China, as brochures printed domestically will not attract  duty charges or inspection. This will continue to be a major reason why printing and logistics providers like EduGlobal Communications will continue to be a vital partner for foreign institutions recruiting in China.  Those looking for more information or advice on this customs issue can feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or they can contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , EduGlobal Communications Consulting Services Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .