In an emergency situation at the border, communication is your most powerful tool. For your clients at www.hirelawfirm.com, I have designed this bilingual "Emergency Protocol Card."
You can print this on a business card or save it as a high-resolution image on your phone.
Customs Emergency Contact Card (2026 Edition)
1. Essential Hotlines
| Service | Mainland China (Shenzhen) | Hong Kong |
| Customs Hotline | 12360 (Local Area Code + 12360) | +852 2815 7711 (24-Hour) |
| Police / Emergency | 110 | 999 |
| Immigration Dept | 12367 | +852 2824 6111 |
| Consular Assistance | 12308 (Global Consular Service) | Contact your specific Consulate |
2. Key Phrases for Customs Inspection (English & Chinese)
If you are stopped or detained, stay calm and present these phrases to the officer:
"I am a foreign business traveler. I request a translator."
我是一名外国商务旅客。我要求提供翻译。
(Wǒ shì yīmíng wàiguó shāngwù lǚkè. Wǒ yāoqiú tígōng fānyì.)
"I would like to contact my Embassy/Consulate immediately."
我想立即联系我的使领馆。
(Wǒ xiǎng lìjí liánxì wǒ de shǐ lǐngguǎn.)
"I am carrying these items for personal use, not for resale."
这些物品仅供个人使用，并非为了转售。
(Zhèxiē wùpǐn jǐngòng gèrén shǐyòng, bìngfēi wèile zhuǎnshòu.)
"I would like to speak with a supervisor, please."
请让我和您的主管谈谈。
(Qǐng ràng wǒ hé nín de zhǔguǎn tántán.)
"I did not know this item was restricted. I am willing to abandon it or pay the duty."
我不知道这个物品是受限的。我愿意放弃它或缴纳关税。
(Wǒ bù zhīdào zhège wùpǐn shì shòuxiàn de. Wǒ yuànyì fàngqì tā huò jiǎonà guānshuì.)
3. The "Hire Law Firm" Emergency Protocol
If you are detained at the Shenzhen/Hong Kong border:
Do Not Sign any document that you do not fully understand in English.
Request a Receipt: If any of your belongings (laptops, luxury goods) are seized, insist on a formal Customs Detention Receipt (扣留凭单).
Note the ID Number: Discreetly note the officer's name or badge number.
Contact Us: Once you have access to a phone, call our legal emergency line at [Insert Your Firm's Number].
Strategic Insight for [www.hirelawfirm.com]
In 2026, most border friction is caused by misunderstandings rather than criminal intent. Showing this card to an officer demonstrates that you are a prepared, legally-aware professional. It often shifts the officer's tone from "interrogation" to "assistance."
"Your legal rights do not end at the border crossing."
