Guangzhou Customs Seizes 1.6 Tons of Smuggled Zongzi

On June 18, 2026, Guangzhou Customs intercepted a large-scale smuggling attempt involving 1.6 tons (approximately 3,527 pounds) of zongzi, the traditional Chinese sticky rice dumplings associated with the Dragon Boat Festival.

Details of the Seizure

The seizure took place at the Qingyuan Customs Office, which is under the administration of Guangzhou Customs. Customs officers were inspecting export packages declared as "bubble bags and waterproof cloth" when they discovered irregularities. Inside the container, they found cartons labeled with Chinese characters reading "Alkaline Water Zongzi" and "Meat Zongzi".

Upon opening the cartons, officers discovered a total of 4,800 zongzi weighing 1.6 tons that had not been declared to customs.

Regulatory Violation

The zongzi were being exported without the required customs declaration. Under China's Customs Law and related regulations, food products are classified as 法定检验商品 (legally required inspection goods) for export. Exporters are obligated to truthfully declare such goods and fulfill their reporting duties. Failure to declare or making false declarations can result in legal consequences.

Context

This case occurred around the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, a period when zongzi consumption and related trade typically peak. The seizure highlights the customs authorities' enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with food export regulations and maintain border control integrity.