China classifies imports into three categories - prohibited, restricted and permitted categories. Certain goods (e.g. wastes, toxics) are banned from being imported, while select products in the restricted category are subject to strict restrictions by requiring quotas or licenses.
Most goods fall into the permitted category. Importers are free to decide how much and when to purchase. MOFCOM implements an Automatic Licensing system to monitor the import of part of these goods (e.g. machinery, electrical products). A detailed list of merchandise categories can be obtained from MOFCOM or through the one of Canada’s missions in China.