Do not apply an airline-style 100ml rule to every train toiletry. Ordinary shampoo is allowed; specified flammable non-pressurized toiletries have a 100ml container limit, while listed pressurized toiletries have a 150ml limit per container, one of each type and 600ml combined. Leave unnecessary knives at home rather than treating a short blade as guaranteed permission.[301][302]
1. Sort by product category, not by the word ‘liquid’
Start with the container, ingredients and intended use. The official list distinguishes pressurized aerosols from non-pressurized daily-use products containing flammable ingredients; it does not impose a blanket 100ml limit on all toiletries. An August 2026 railway explanation specifically permits ordinary shampoo, shower gel and facial cleanser.[301][302]
For an ordinary 250ml shampoo bottle, the useful question is therefore whether this is a normal wash product, not whether it meets an airport liquid-bag rule. Keep the label readable and separate unusual treatments from ordinary toiletries. This guide concerns mainland national rail, not metro systems, aviation or cross-border services. Public travelers have asked about cologne and repair tools, illustrating the real confusion between product categories and transport modes.[303][304]
2. Aerosols: read the can’s capacity before packing
The national catalogue permits limited quantities of listed self-spraying pressure-container products, including mousse, hairspray and air freshener: each container must be no more than 150ml, each type is limited to one item, and the combined total must not exceed 600ml. The August 2026 explanation expressly includes sunscreen sprays in this category.[301][302]
A 200ml can with only a little product left is not a workaround: the railway explanation says the capacity printed on the packaging is the standard. Nor does the 600ml aggregate allowance permit multiple cans of the same type.[302] For deodorant or shaving foam, identify the pressure-container format and ask about your exact product if uncertain. A solid or ordinary non-aerosol alternative is a practical way to avoid carrying an ambiguous can; it is not permission for every formulation.
3. Pump sprays and perfume: the separate 100ml category
Perfume, floral water, sprays and gels containing flammable ingredients in non-self-spraying pressure containers are limited to containers no larger than 100ml, one item of each type. Nail polish and polish remover have a separate combined 50ml allowance.[301] Thus ‘it has a pump’ does not by itself establish the correct limit, and a cosmetic bottle should not automatically be treated like ordinary shampoo.
Read both volume and ingredients before departure. For a partly used 120ml perfume bottle, plan on the container-capacity rule rather than estimating the remaining liquid. One public traveler reported precisely this cologne dispute; that account demonstrates a packing problem, not a right to argue through security.[301][303] Prefer a clearly labeled compliant original bottle or leave the product behind; do not obscure its identity by relabeling it.
4. Pocket knives: 60mm is not a universal safe harbor
The catalogue puts listed everyday knives and scissors with blades longer than 60mm in the category prohibited on the person but eligible for consignment. It separately lists professional cutting tools, while controlled knives are prohibited both as carried and consigned items. Classification therefore matters as well as length.[301]
Do not translate this into ‘every folding knife under 6cm is allowed.’ A multi-tool can contain other relevant implements, and a traveler publicly reported losing a short-bladed Swiss Army knife at high-speed-rail security.[304] For a sightseeing trip, leave pocket knives and loose cutting tools out of the bag. If a tool is essential, show its photograph, blade measurements and function to the railway before travel. Consignability is not proof that your chosen station or train offers a suitable service.
5. Resolve uncertain items before station security
The official notice took effect on July 1, 2022 and replaced the previous catalogue. Its live 12306 text was checked for this guide on September 23, 2026; the August 2026 railway explanation confirms the toiletry limits. The notice also allows legally heightened controls in particular places and periods, so this is a national baseline, not a boarding guarantee.[301][302]
Review the pouch before leaving your accommodation. Keep questionable products accessible, allow time for inspection, and arrange to leave or replace noncompliant items before reaching security. Do not assume a suitcase carried onto the train becomes ‘checked baggage’ merely because it is locked. Ask the station about any available lawful alternative, but do not rely on storage, mailing, later collection or refunds being offered. If an item cannot travel, follow staff instructions rather than hiding or transferring it to another passenger.
Before you go
- Separate ordinary wash products, flammable pump products and pressurized cans.
- Check printed container capacity; do not use the remaining contents as the measure.[301][302]
- For listed aerosols: 150ml per container, one of each type, 600ml total.[301]
- For the specified flammable non-pressurized products: 100ml per container, one of each type.[301]
- Remove unnecessary blades; confirm essential tools and any consignment arrangements before travel.
- Plan to repack before security; station storage or mailing is not promised.
Sources & freshness
Independent desk research, not a field test. No bookings or affiliate links. Numbered statements cite sources; unnumbered planning steps are editorial advice.
- [301] Railway prohibited, restricted and consignable articles catalogue
China Railway 12306; National Railway Administration and Ministry of Public Security notice · Source date: Notice May 17, 2022; effective July 1, 2022; live official text checked September 23, 2026 · Accessed: 2026-09-23
Scope: Mainland railway national baseline; allows heightened checks at specified places/times. Not airline, metro or cross-border guidance. Supersedes the old 2015 catalogue.
- [302] High-speed train packing: sunscreen spray, perfume and toiletries
China.org.cn, credited to China State Railway Group · Source date: August 13, 2026 · Accessed: 2026-09-23
Scope: Recent railway explanation confirms 150ml/600ml aerosol and 100ml flammable non-pressurized categories; ordinary shampoo allowed. Not a separate legal amendment.
- [303] Is it that time of the month? — train cologne security report
Reddit r/chinalife · Source date: Publication date not verified; relative date not used · Accessed: 2026-09-23
Scope: Public demand evidence only. Body excerpts retrieved; anecdotal enforcement is not policy or a legal guarantee.
- [304] High speed rail luggage restrictions — tools and knife question
Reddit r/travelchina · Source date: Publication date not verified; relative date not used · Accessed: 2026-09-23
Scope: Public demand evidence only; body excerpts retrieved. No claim of universal enforcement or verified travel date.