Inbound passengers are allowed to bring cultural relics into China. Those who plan to take any cultural relics that have been brought into China out of Chinese territory later shall file a written declaration with the customs authority when entering China, and complete formalities at the cultural relic appraisal institution. The scope of declaration includes the name, quantity, year of production, specification, quality, style, and photos (if required) of cultural relics. Upon the examination by the customs authority, the cultural relics shall be registered and put on record. In order to take any cultural relics that have been brought into China out of Chinese territory, the declaration and registration documents filed with the customs authority when entering China shall be presented for the purpose of customs clearance.

To carry, mail, or consign cultural relics (including paintings and calligraphies of the late famous modern artists) out of China, declaration forms and the cultural relics exit permit issued by the national cultural relic appraisal institution or the unified invoice of cultural relics and antiques shall be submitted to the customs authority. The customs authority will identify the appraisal marks on the cultural relics for clearance. Outbound passengers taking, mailing or consigning cultural relics to places out of China without completing customs declaration, whether in a concealed way or not, shall be subject to punishment by the customs authority according to law.