Customs authorities intercept gold smugglers

Customs authorities in several regions have recently intercepted passengers attempting to smuggle gold into the country.

In one case, customs officers at Beijing Daxing International Airport detected anomalies in the X-ray images of two suitcases being transferred internationally. Upon inspection, they found nine gold bars weighing a total of 5 kilograms inside the suitcases.

According to Chinese laws and regulations, passengers are allowed to bring reasonable quantities of gold and gold products for personal use into the country. Those carrying gold and gold products must declare amounts exceeding 50 grams to customs. Any gold or gold products exceeding the limit for personal use in reasonable quantities are treated as imported goods.

In another recent case, customs officers at Futian Port in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, noticed that a male passenger appeared nervous during an inspection of his luggage.

Customs officer Hu Zebing said the officers found that the buckle on his belt was roughly made and coated with a layer of black paint. When the paint was scraped off, a gold color was revealed, and the buckle was found to be made of 426.65 grams of gold, she said.

As China's gold market developed, the State Council announced in November 2014 that the country would scrap a 65-year-old policy that required individuals carrying gold and gold products into or out of the country to obtain approval.

Customs authorities said passengers bringing gold and gold products into the country should take the initiative to declare them in accordance with China's laws and regulations. Those who attempt to evade customs supervision when transporting, carrying or mailing such items will be held accountable for smuggling.