Conclusion first: domestic flights are fine, international flights require caution. Agarwood is not on the civil aviation list of prohibited items; bracelets, pendants, small pieces, and incense sticks can all be carried on or checked in; however, all species of the genus Aquilaria are listed in CITES Appendix II, and carrying products across borders requires legal documentation. Cases of being inspected without documentation have been very numerous in recent years. For agarwood essential oil carried on board, a single bottle must not exceed 100 milliliters.
The civil aviation prohibited items list targets flammable and explosive materials, controlled instruments, corrosives, and radioactive items—agarwood is a natural fragrant wood and is not on the list.
When the shopkeeper himself travels to incense material exhibitions in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hainan, he wears a bracelet and puts a few small samples in his luggage, and has never been stopped. For the domestic segment, you can rest assured.
The trouble lies in leaving the country. All species of the genus Aquilaria are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). China Customs' notice states clearly:Except with legally held import and export certificates for wild fauna and flora, trade in, carrying of, and mailing of endangered species and their products into and out of the country are prohibited; in serious cases, criminal liability shall be pursued according to law.
Seizure notices have been frequent in recent years:
Note two points. First,"personal use" is not a reason for exemption, inspection looks at the species and documentation, not the purpose. Second, standards vary by country; for example, Indian Customs has clear limits for personal-use carrying by passengers (about 1 kilogram of wood chips, 24 milliliters of essential oil, two bead chains), and other countries differ in strictness, so be sure to check the destination country's regulations before traveling.
To send agarwood gifts to relatives or friends abroad, the safer route is to first check the regulations of both countries and, if necessary, use compliant channels. For gift-selection ideas, see the English site'sAgarwood Gift Guide, and for cross-border cases also refer to this article for permit procedures.
Yes on domestic flights. Agarwood is not on the civil aviation prohibited/restricted items list; bracelets may be carried on or checked, and the X-ray image shows wood characteristics, so they are usually passed directly. When transiting on international flights, if agarwood species are involved, customs inspects according to CITES rules, and products without permits may be detained.
Yes on domestic flights. For incense sticks and chunk material, the original packaging or source documentation is recommended; for large quantities (several kilograms or more), prepare explanatory materials in advance. Checked baggage on international flights is likewise subject to CITES Appendix II rules, and no entry or exit is allowed without legal documentation.
"Carrying it casually" is not advised. Agarwood species are listed in CITES Appendix II, and carrying without permits across borders is a violation; there have been many seizures reported at airports and post offices in recent years. If you truly need to carry it, first obtain the import/export permits and keep purchase receipts; if unsure, call 400-809-1913 to clarify before traveling.
Tell us your specific situation clearly, and we'll give the corresponding judgment and advice—sourcing, personal use, authentication, all accepted.
Ask about agarwood-related questions12 years of incense-selection experience compiled into a book: look at oil lines, smell the aroma, test sinking grade, distinguish producing regions—4 steps to judge agarwood authenticity yourself, so even beginners can avoid pitfalls. Sent as soon as you message on WeChat, free forever.
When adding, note "Authentication Handbook"; the shopkeeper will send it to you personally
Or book a visit to the store to authenticate incense in person →