Do not carry unknown items across a border or accept suspicious packages for someone else
China’s consular authorities advise travelers not to carry another person’s luggage or goods, especially prohibited items or contents they do not understand. If contraband is found, a claim that you did not know can still leave you facing an investigation and serious legal difficulty. The same practical caution applies to unexplained domestic deliveries, especially arrangements requiring you to advance money for a later refund.
What it takes
Nothing. Decline.
What you may gain
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ consular guidance urges travelers to avoid carrying others’ baggage or unfamiliar goods so they do not unknowingly transport prohibited items and face legal liability. The original emphasizes the evidentiary difficulty of explaining unknown contents if drugs or smuggled goods are found. The exact legal elements and burden of proof depend on the jurisdiction; the cited guidance does not establish a universal rule shifting that burden to the traveler.
Context & considerations
Customs and police warning pages were unavailable to the original author, so this entry cites only consular guidance. It gives a precaution rather than detailed legal provisions, hence grade B. Apply the same caution to domestic package collection, particularly requests for advance payment followed by a supposed refund.
Research & references
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs (2023). Advice for Chinese citizens preparing to travel abroad. https://cs.mfa.gov.cn/gyls/lscs/201106/t20110615_876383.shtml.