HS code, tariff, duty, or restriction lookup
Better fit: ETCN / tariff portals
These workflows are compliance lookups, not trade-value datasets.
China customs data sources
China Customs Data Sources: GACC, ETCN, UN Comtrade, and Cleaned HS Data
Overseas users often need the same outcome: a trustworthy China trade dataset that can be used in a spreadsheet, research memo, procurement workflow, or market-entry model. The best source depends on whether the job is tariff lookup, official source checking, global comparison, or cleaned HS code delivery.
If you need official checking
Start with GACC
GACC is the source to verify China customs statistics, but the public query workflow still leaves cleaning and formatting work.
If you need global comparison
Use UN Comtrade
UN Comtrade is useful for global normalized trade data, especially when comparing China with other reporting countries.
If you need a usable file
Request cleaned HS data
ChinaData publishes Top 20 partner pages and delivers full all-country CSV / Excel files by scoped request.
Compare China customs data sources
| Source | Best for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| GACC public statistics | Official monthly China customs statistics and direct source checking. | Manual query flow, limited bulk workflow, and cleaning still required for analysis. |
| ETCN / e-to-china | HS code, tariff, customs restriction, and legacy customs information lookup. | Older product experience and less transparent public sample delivery for modern CSV workflows. |
| UN Comtrade | Free global trade data with standardized country reporting across many economies. | Different reporting structure, release lag, and less direct alignment with China GACC monthly extracts. |
| Large trade intelligence platforms | Sales intelligence, buyer / supplier search, and broad trade workflows. | Higher cost, opaque pricing, and features that may be unnecessary for narrow HS research tasks. |
| ChinaData cleaned HS data | Overseas users who need cleaned China HS trade data as CSV, Excel, API-style tables, or scoped analysis. | Public pages show Top 20 partner data; full all-country files are delivered by request. |
ETCN alternative search intent
Is ChinaData an ETCN or e-to-china alternative?
It depends on the job. ETCN-style tools are useful for HS code, tariff, duty, and customs restriction lookup. ChinaData is a better fit when the user needs China customs trade values by HS code, month, flow, and partner country as a cleaned CSV or Excel file.
Monthly HS6 trade value by partner country
Better fit: ChinaData public HS pages or custom data
Use public Top 20 tables first, then request full all-country CSV / Excel if the scope fits.
Clean files for research, sourcing, or market planning
Better fit: ChinaData custom data
The paid workflow is scoped around HS code, flow, period, fields, and delivery format.
Decision guide
Quick HS code or tariff lookup
Best first source: ETCN / tariff portals
ChinaData fit: Use ChinaData only when trade values or partner-country trends are needed.
Free global comparison
Best first source: UN Comtrade
ChinaData fit: Use ChinaData when direct China monthly GACC-style extracts are needed.
Official source validation
Best first source: GACC public statistics
ChinaData fit: Use ChinaData when you want cleaned files after source coverage is confirmed.
One HS6 CSV / Excel file
Best first source: ChinaData custom data
ChinaData fit: Request the exact HS code, flow, years, partner-country scope, and format.
Research pack across products
Best first source: ChinaData custom data or specialist platforms
ChinaData fit: Best fit when the output should be analyst-ready rather than a broad search dashboard.
What ChinaData publishes publicly
HS product pages Published Top 20 export and import partner data by HS6 code, month, country, and value. HS chapter pages Broader export and import trends by HS2 chapter for all major China trade categories. Paid custom delivery Full all-country files, missing years, HS8, quantity, import flow, and recurring delivery by request.
Public HS data examples
Use these pages to inspect the public Top 20 partner tables before requesting a full file.
Frequently asked questions
Where can overseas users get China customs data?
Common sources include GACC public statistics, ETCN / e-to-china, UN Comtrade, paid trade intelligence platforms, and cleaned HS data providers such as ChinaData. The best source depends on whether the user needs tariff lookup, global comparison, or analyst-ready China HS data files.
How is GACC data different from UN Comtrade?
GACC is the China customs source used for monthly China trade statistics. UN Comtrade is a global normalized database, useful for cross-country comparison but often different in timing, structure, and reporting conventions.
Is ETCN the same as ChinaData?
No. ETCN is a legacy customs information portal with HS, tariff, restriction, and trade tool positioning. ChinaData focuses on public Top 20 HS partner pages and scoped CSV / Excel delivery for overseas users who need cleaned trade data.
What should I request if I already know the HS code?
Send the HS code, export or import flow, years, partner-country scope, fields, and delivery format. ChinaData can confirm coverage and quote a cleaned CSV / Excel delivery.