On October 21, China News Service reported via the “Customs Release” official WeChat account that customs officials at the Capital Airport in Beijing recently intercepted 53 ancient coins in the outbound passenger channels. These coins are classified as national relics that are prohibited from being taken out of the country.
During a routine baggage inspection, customs officers noticed irregularities in the x-ray images of a traveler’s luggage. Acting promptly, they stopped the traveler and conducted a thorough search. Upon inspection, they discovered the traveler was in possession of 53 ancient coins. The State Administration of Cultural Heritage later confirmed that these coins, dating back to the Song Dynasty, are indeed classified as artifacts that cannot be exported.
Customs authorities would like to remind the public that, according to the Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics of the People’s Republic of China, the export of cultural artifacts must be approved by designated review institutions recognized by the State Council. Only those relics that have received the appropriate export permits can leave through authorized ports. Any individual or entity wishing to transport, mail, or carry cultural artifacts out of the country is required to declare them to customs, which will only grant clearance upon presentation of the export permit. Transporting cultural relics illegally constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by law.
