International Logistics: Export from China - A Complete Guide to General Goods and Sensitive Goods

In international logistics, goods are categorized into three main types: general goods, sensitive goods, and prohibited items. General goods refer to those that do not fall into the categories of dangerous goods, frozen/refrigerated goods, prohibited items, counterfeit branded goods, or sensitive goods. In international trade, general goods follow standard procedures for transportation and customs declaration, with fewer regulatory restrictions, facilitating standardized processing and ensuring efficient trade operations. In contrast, the definition of sensitive goods is more complex. They typically refer to goods requiring statutory inspection (including those in the statutory inspection catalog - with export supervision condition "B" - and those outside the catalog but subject to statutory inspection). Sensitive goods lie between general goods and prohibited items, carrying risks of being returned during security checks or seized by customs, hence they are also called "special goods" - goods with higher transportation risks. Below is a detailed explanation of the differences between general and sensitive goods, along with specific examples.

Categories and Examples of General Goods

General goods are broadly defined as goods that have no special requirements for transportation, loading, unloading, or storage. They can be loaded in standard containers, are not dangerous goods, frozen goods, or perishable items, do not exceed height/width limits, and do not require special containers like flat racks. Simply put, most goods that are neither sensitive nor prohibited are considered general goods. Common examples include:

• Daily clothing and textiles: Ordinary wearing apparel such as shirts, pants, skirts, T-shirts, sweaters, down jackets; accessories like socks, hats, scarves; bedding such as bed sheets, quilt covers, pillowcases, quilts, blankets; and plain fabrics (non-branded or counterfeit).

• Household daily necessities: Items like regular tissues, cleaning tools (plastic brooms, mops), mirrors, ceramic tableware, glass cups, ordinary bowls and chopsticks; containers such as paper boxes, plastic storage bins; non-magnetic, non-electric tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers.

• Electronics (partial): Battery-free electronics such as standalone computer monitors (without hosts), battery-free keyboards/mice, regular speakers (non-magnetic), printers (if toner cartridges contain no special powders); accessories like phone cases, tablet cases.

• Toys and gifts: Common plush toys, plastic toys, wooden toys, puzzles, building blocks; ordinary gifts like crafts (non-precious materials, no sensitive cultural/religious elements), decorative paintings.

• Furniture: Wooden or metal chairs, sofas, beds, wardrobes, tea tables, TV stands; plastic furniture like stools, hangers.

• Office supplies: Stationery such as pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, staplers; office desks, chairs, file cabinets.

Categories and Examples of Sensitive Goods

The classification of sensitive goods is more complex, with definitions varying by context. Common types include:

Goods with Batteries or Magnets

• Battery-powered products: Devices with built-in batteries such as mobile phones, laptops, Bluetooth headsets, smartwatches, tablets, electronic drawing boards, servers; battery-containing electronics like LED lights, power banks, dashcams, players, cameras, digital cameras; small appliances with batteries like electric shavers, electric toothbrushes. Batteries pose risks of overheating, short circuits, or explosions during transportation, making them restricted. Large-capacity or standalone batteries have stricter requirements, often needing battery test reports and safety certifications such as MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and UN38.3 (UNDOT) test certificates.

• Magnetic items: Speakers, motors, some magnetic shavers, magnets, magnetic blocks; most sound-producing electronics contain magnets. Magnetic materials can interfere with aircraft/ship navigation and communication equipment, so they may require demagnetization or compliance with special magnetic goods transport standards, often needing magnetic test reports to confirm magnetic strength is within permissible limits.

Liquids, Pastes, and Powders

• Liquids: Perfumes, skincare toners, lotions, serums, makeup removers; beverages, alcohol; chemical reagents, ink, glue, paint. Leakage from poor packaging can contaminate other goods or damage transport vehicles, so strict packaging (leak-proof containers) and labeling are required. Alcoholic liquids, for example, have strict limits on concentration and quantity, often needing MSDS and customs inspection reports from the port of departure.

• Pastes: Lipsticks, concealers, foundation creams, toothpaste, mask mud, hair wax, body lotions. Similar to liquids, they risk leakage from挤压, requiring special packaging and labeling.

• Powders: Milk powder, protein powder, flour, chemical powders. Powders are hard to identify, and some are flammable, explosive, or toxic, requiring intact packaging, ingredient descriptions, and safety certificates.

Food and Pharmaceuticals

• Food products: Edible health supplements, processed foods (chips, biscuits, instant noodles), condiments (soy sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper), grains (rice, wheat, corn), oilseeds (soybeans, peanuts), beans (mung beans, red beans), processed meats (sausages, cured meat), fresh fruits/vegetables (strictly restricted by some countries, needing complex quarantine procedures), nuts (sunflower seeds, pistachios). These involve biosecurity, so mandatory quarantine is standard globally. Transport requires quarantine certificates, often fumigation certificates, with strict import regulations varying by country due to health and safety concerns.

• Pharmaceuticals: Both Western and Chinese medicines (including proprietary Chinese medicines) are sensitive in international transport. Countries have differing准入标准, with strict requirements for ingredients and production资质. Transport may need formulas, production licenses, sales permits, etc.

Counterfeit or Infringing Goods

Products bearing brand logos without authorization, such as fake designer clothing, bags, watches, shoes, electronics. These involve intellectual property infringement; seizure by customs can lead to severe penalties: confiscation, fines, or legal action. Most counterfeits are prohibited unless accompanied by brand authorization or legal proof.

CDs, DVDs, Books, and Printed Materials

Printed materials, CDs, DVDs, films, or computer storage media containing content harmful to national economy, politics, morality, or state secrets are sensitive. Transport may require certificates from national audio-visual publishing houses. Content promoting terrorism, cults, or obscenity is prohibited.

Products in Direct Contact with the Human Body (Some Requiring Special Certification)

Products sold in regions like Europe that contact the human body often need EU certifications. Examples include: baby products (feeding bottles, teething toys, children’s toys); oral-contact items (cups, cutlery); cosmetics (foundation, essential oils, eyeshadow). The EU, for instance, has strict safety standards for children’s toys (e.g., EN71 certification), requiring proof of compliance during transport.

Other Sensitive Items

• Sharp objects: Kitchen knives, fruit knives, paper cutters, hardware tools (knives, saws). Note: Some toy guns may be classified as weapons (prohibited).

• Political/religious items: Goods with political slogans, figures, or organizational logos; religious symbols, scriptures, or ritual items sensitive in the destination country, possibly needing permits.

• Valuables: Gold/silver products, high-end jewelry, antiques. Prone to theft, they require secure logistics and insurance, with some needing transport permits.

In China’s export logistics, accurately distinguishing general and sensitive goods is critical. Shippers must clarify goods’ nature, follow transport procedures, partner with qualified logistics providers, and prepare necessary documents to avoid delays, seizures, or financial losses.