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MoreThis guide compiles Macau customs regulations for importing and exporting household goods and personal effects. It applies to shipments by sea or air, and is compiled from the latest FIDI and IAM guides. For reference only - please confirm details with your Seapoe consultant before shipping.
Macau Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes
Documents
Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.
Required Documents- Copy of passport
- Detailed inventory
- Packing list with a detailed inventory including quantity, brand name, unit price, and CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value — required before the shipment's arrival
- Original OBL or AWB, with name matching exactly that in the passport
Specific Information
Air Shipments: All air shipments are physically inspected by Customs at the air terminal. Average clearance time after arrival is approximately 1 to 2 days.
Sea Shipments from within Asia: Will normally undergo a physical Customs inspection. Average clearance time is 2 to 4 days for FCL and 4 to 6 days for LCL.
Sea Shipments from outside Asia: Will not normally undergo Customs inspection and are typically available for delivery within 2 to 3 days for FCL and 3 to 5 days for LCL.
Macau's Customs Status: Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China with its own customs territory, separate from mainland China and Hong Kong. Goods entering Macau from mainland China, Hong Kong, or any other origin are treated as imports subject to Macau customs procedures.
ISPM 15: All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary treatment standards.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited Items- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Knives and deadly weapons (without authorization)
- Endangered species of animals and plants [CITES]
- Radioactive substances
- Counterfeit goods
- Pornographic materials
The following items are subject to duties or special requirements when imported into Macau. Personal-use allowances apply to accompanied traveler baggage:
Tobacco:
- Cigarettes: 200 duty-free; MOP 0.20 per cigarette plus 10% of FOB value for amounts above the allowance
- Cigars (each not exceeding 3 g): 50 duty-free; MOP 280 per kilogram plus 10% of FOB value for excess
- Cigarillos: 100 duty-free
- Pipe tobacco: 250 g duty-free
- A detailed inventory including quantity, brand name, unit price, and CIF value is required before shipment arrival
Alcohol:
- Grape wine and beverages with alcohol content not exceeding 30% ABV: 1 liter duty-free; wine and liquor at or below 30% ABV is duty-free
- Beverages with alcohol content exceeding 30% ABV: 1 liter duty-free; excess is charged at MOP 20.00 per liter plus 10% of FOB value
- A detailed wine inventory with quantity, brand name, volume, price per bottle, and total value is required; FOB value must be verified by the Economic Department in Macau
Firearms, explosives, and ammunition: A firearm certificate from the Macau Police Department is required. [PERMIT REQUIRED]
Drugs and medicines: May only be imported as accompanied personal baggage. Commercial pharmaceutical imports require separate authorization.
Personal computers (including laptops): May only contain original software under copyright law. Software piracy is strictly enforced.
Consignment Instructions
Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences between air and sea shipments and between shipments originating within and outside Asia.
Detailed Pre-Arrival Inventory Required. A detailed inventory including quantity, brand name, unit price, and CIF value must be provided before the shipment arrives — this is a Macau Customs requirement, not just good practice. Late inventories delay clearance.
Asian-Origin Shipments — Inspection. All air shipments and sea shipments from within Asia are subject to physical Customs inspection. Allow for inspection time in delivery estimates.
Pet Lead Time — 6+ Months. For clients moving to Macau with pets from high-rabies countries, a minimum of 6 to 7 months of advance planning is required. Begin the pet process immediately upon confirming the move.
New Vehicles Only. Used vehicles cannot be imported. Clients expecting to bring a used vehicle will need to purchase locally in Macau or within mainland China.
Separate Customs Territory. Macau is a separate customs territory from both mainland China and Hong Kong. Goods moving between any of these jurisdictions are treated as imports.