Asia - New custom duties for china since 1. July 2005

Hello,

I received the information that starting from 1. of july, travellers to china have to declare their belongings in a new taxform. If the total amount is more than 5000 yuan one has to pay taxes.

Is that true?

Anyone noticed the new rules and experienced it?

Regards,

Check balance

5000 yuan if you are a returning resident, 2,000 yuan if you are a visitor, article below.

Taipei Times (http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/06/25/2003260671)

Including things like laptops and cameras? How much is the "tax" and how do they figure out if you're an "individual" or a "company worker"? This sounds like downright Soviet to me... :confused:

I am confused now. Has anyone experienced this new custom duties? I still doubt if this new rule is already enforced, since almost no one is reacting to this thread. One would think, that travellers would be surprised by the new customs and complain here.

If I travell with laptop, I would have to pay each time I enter into CHina?!?

I asked at LH and Air China if they have information, but they don´t.

the camera/computer declaration was always in place, but widely ignored.

i guess what is new is the currency control, which is probably related to the recent speculation on RMB revaluation.