Travellers cannot classify old, aged-look or modern replica ceramics by appearance alone. For objects sold as antique, excavated or from an old collection, retain lawful provenance and check cultural-relic review and customs requirements before carrying, shipping or mailing them out.
Separate old, antique and antique-style
Sales terms such as 'old porcelain', 'old collection' and 'antique style' are not legal findings. Obtain seller identity, invoice or receipt, the claimed age and provenance, dimensions, photographs and price. Do not substitute a story or low price for checks when provenance is unclear or an object is described as excavated.
Modern art, replicas and cultural relics may follow different procedures. A visitor, guide, courier or ordinary seller cannot replace the designated cultural-relic review authority.
Carrying, mailing and freight all require checks
The national service guide states that transporting, mailing or carrying cultural relics out of China requires declaration and review; an approved object clears customs with the exit permit and mark. Splitting a parcel, changing the description or using a courier does not avoid the rule.
The guide lists object information and photographs, carrier identity, the physical object and an application, and directs filing to the review office for the exit-port province. Confirm current timing, location and documents with the responsible office.
Build export risk into the purchase
Before payment, agree in writing what happens if exit is not approved: refund, lawful storage in China or another seller-arranged solution. International transport separately requires packing, insurance, destination import rules and tax checks.
Keep proof of purchase even for ordinary souvenirs. A multilingual guide may translate instructions and seller discussions, but authentication, licensing and customs release belong only to the competent authorities.