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Importing commercial goods from China into the United States involves more than arranging transportation. Before the supplier ships the cargo, the importer should understand whether the product is admissible, how it will be classified under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule, whether additional tariffs apply, what documents are needed, and how the shipment will clear Customs after arrival.
This guide covers the main steps involved in importing from China to the U.S., including product requirements, duties, air and ocean freight, Importer Security Filing for applicable ocean shipments, and customs clearance.
Before deciding what to import, it is also essential to understand that certain goods may have restrictions and specific regulations. For example, any product from China’s “Xinjiang” region cannot enter the U.S. The ban is due to human rights issues such as the forced labor of Uyghur Muslims. While you do not need a permit to import from China, certain commodities require an import license. Government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) request that imports such as cheese have an import license. Speak to a customs broker if you are uncertain if your shipment needs a permit.
While you do not need a permit to import from China, certain commodities require an import license.
There is no single duty rate that applies to everything imported from China.
The starting point is the product’s U.S. HTS classification. That classification determines the ordinary duty rate and helps identify whether additional trade measures apply.
Many products of Chinese origin are also subject to additional Section 301 duties. Whether those duties apply, and at what rate, depends on the specific HTS classification. Other additional duties and trade measures may also apply and can change over time, so the current treatment should be checked against the specific HTS classification before the goods ship.
Country of origin is important here. Section 301 duties are based on the origin of the goods rather than simply the country they are shipped from.
Before placing a large order, confirm the U.S. classification and current duty treatment rather than relying only on the tariff code or duty estimate supplied by the manufacturer.
The exact documents depend on the product and method of transportation, but commercial imports commonly involve a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill.
For applicable ocean shipments, Importer Security Filing information must also be provided before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port. Regulated products may require additional permits, certificates, or agency documentation.
The Commercial Invoice should clearly describe the goods, quantity, value, buyer, and seller. The product description needs to be specific enough for the customs broker to identify and classify what is actually being imported.
Commercial imports valued at more than $2,500 generally require a formal Customs entry, and a Customs bond is required for formal entries. A bond can also be required for goods subject to requirements from other federal agencies. Importers that ship infrequently may use a single-transaction bond, while regular importers may prefer a continuous bond.
Once the goods are ready, the next step is arranging transportation from the supplier in China to the United States.
Commercial imports generally move by air or ocean freight. Air freight may be appropriate for smaller, high-value, or time-sensitive cargo, while ocean freight is commonly used for larger and heavier shipments.
Ocean cargo can move as a Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) when an importer does not need an entire container. Machinery or other cargo that exceeds standard container dimensions may require specialist equipment such as flat racks or open-top containers.
Before booking the shipment, also confirm the shipping terms agreed with the supplier so that it is clear who is responsible for pickup, origin charges, international freight, and delivery.
A freight forwarder can coordinate pickup in China, carrier booking, air or ocean transportation, and destination services.
If you are deciding between the two main modes, see our guide to shipping by air or ocean.
Customs clearance can often begin before the shipment physically arrives in the United States if the importer and broker have provided the necessary information in advance.
The customs broker prepares the entry using the shipment documents, product classification, value and country of origin. Duties and other applicable charges are determined, and CBP or another government agency may request additional information or select the cargo for examination.
Once the necessary requirements are satisfied and the shipment is released, the cargo can be collected from the port or airport and transported to its final destination.
Requirements can vary considerably by commodity. See A1’s U.S. import guides for more detailed guidance on machinery, food products, vehicles, construction materials, and other imports.
A1 provides customs clearance as well as freight forwarding and trucking, allowing international transportation, entry, and final delivery to be coordinated when required.
Importing from China is much easier to plan when the product requirements, classification, duties, and shipping arrangements are checked before the cargo leaves the supplier.
A1 Worldwide Logistics provides customs brokerage and international freight forwarding for commercial imports from China to the United States. If you have goods ready to ship, contact us at 305-821-8995 or info@a1wwl.com to begin your import journey. We guide you through each shipping process step to provide transparency in our services. Whether you need to speak to a customs broker or a freight forwarder, A1WWL has you covered.
Because of China’s ability to manufacture products on a large scale, importing from the country can present many opportunities.
Regulatory note: This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. U.S. import rules and agency requirements can change and may vary by product, country of origin, and shipment. Importers should confirm current requirements with the relevant U.S. agency and, where appropriate, a licensed customs broker or legal adviser before shipping.
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