China is one of the largest exporters in the world, showing significant growth in 2024 in major markets like Russia, the EU, ASEAN, the U.S., and Japan. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a business, you’ve likely asked yourself, “How do I import goods from China?” Twings Supply is here to answer that question with over 20 years of experience as a China freight forwarder.
We’ve outlined the basics of importing from China, specific tariffs to consider if you’re from the USA, and a step-by-step guide for importing for you to easily understand.
Key Takeaways
- China Section 301 tariffs are anti-dumping tariffs placed against Chinese goods entering the USA, ranging from 25 to 100%.
- To import goods from China, you must learn your importer rights, choose the right product, find a supplier, and arrange documentation and transport.
- Sea freight, air freight, and express shipping are the most common methods of importing goods from China.
Basic Terminology for Importing Goods from China
It’s important to understand the essential terms when working with Chinese suppliers, logistics companies, and importation classification items to import goods from China. Here are some essential terms and their meanings for new importers and exporters to understand:
| Terminology | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) | Defines the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade, such as Ex Works (EXW), Free on Board (FOB), Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF), and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) |
| Harmonized System Code (HS Code) | A standardized code used to classify and identify goods for customs clearance |
| Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) | Based on HS codes, a standardized system for tariffs and statistical categories for U.S. imports |
| Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) | The smallest quantity a supplier is willing to produce or sell |
| Bill of Lading | A shipping document that acts as a receipt for goods, a contract of carriage, and a title to the goods |
| Pro Forma Invoice | A preliminary bill of sale that provides details of the transaction, used for customs and payment arrangements |
| Customs Clearance | The process of declaring imported goods to customs authorities to obtain permission for entry |
| Container Load Types | Full Container Load (FCL) for exclusive use of a container; Less than Container Load (LCL) for shared containers |
| Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI Number) | Required in the EU for import/export activities |
What are the China Section 301 Tariffs?
China Section 301 tariffs are tariffs the United States places on specific Chinese goods, including electric vehicles, medical equipment, furniture, and toys. You must understand the China Section 301 tariffs if you plan to import Chinese goods, as they can severely impact how much it costs to import goods.
| China Imports | Tariff Rate (U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP) |
|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles | 100% |
| Solar Cells and Modules | 50% |
| Steel and Aluminum Products | 25% |
| Battery Parts | 25% |
| Semiconductors* | 50% |
| Medical Equipment | 25–100% |
*Semiconductor tariffs are planned to take effect on 1 January 2025.
How to Import Products from China | Your Step-by-Step Guide
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Learn your Importer Rights | Verify import authority requirements for your country and obtain necessary business tax numbers or import licenses |
| 2. Identify Goods You Want to Import | Conduct thorough market research using tools like Google Trends to identify profitable, in-demand products while checking if they are permitted to import |
| 3. Classify the Goods and Calculate Costs | Calculate total landed costs, including product price, freight charges, customs duties, broker fees, import taxes, and local transport expenses |
| 4. Find a Chinese Supplier | Research suppliers through platforms like Alibaba, attend trade shows, verify business licenses, and request samples before committing |
| 5. Arrange Transportation | Choose between sea freight (20 to 60 days) and air freight (1 to 10 days) |
| 6. Prepare for Arrival | Gather required documentation: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, arrival notice, and customs declaration forms |
If you plan to send a shipment from China to the US or anywhere else, it can be intimidating to understand the import requirements, customs regulations, and which carriers to schedule your Chinese goods with. Take a look at our step-by-step guide and tips for new importers.
1. Learn Your Import Rights
Import rights are necessary documents for importing goods from China. They vary from country to country, with some countries like Australia not requiring import licenses. Other territories, like Japan and the European Union, have stricter import licensing regulations.
- U.S. Import Rights: U.S. importers do not require a special license to import goods from China. Instead, you will need your SSN (individual) or IRS EIN (business) for importing and exporting.
- Euro Import Rights: European importers require registration as an economic operator with an EORI number.
- Japan Import Rights: Japanese importers must declare any goods imported to the Director-General of Customs and obtain an import permit.
- Canada Import Rights: Similar to the U.S., you will need a business number issued by the CRA.
- Australia Import Rights: You don’t need an import license to import goods as an individual or business.
If you need clarification on the specific requirements you need for your country, check the general administration of customs for your country (both destination and origin) or navigate to the government website for more information.
2. Identify the Goods You Want to Import
To identify the goods you want to import, you must determine if you are importing for commercial or personal intent. Commercial importers will identify Chinese goods by the potential resale value, while personal importers will have a broader range of options.
If you are planning to import commercially, the most valuable items you may consider importing to resell in your country of origin could be:
- Wireless Earbuds
- Smartwatches
- Kitchen Tools
- Phone Accessories
- Facial Roller Tools
- Educational Toys
All goods are subject to changes in popularity and duty rate, so you must complete thorough market research on the commercial goods that will be profitable on secure websites.
Check your Country’s Banned Import List
Before you commit to importing goods made in China, check which goods are permitted to be imported into your country. Importing goods like cheese, livestock, meat, fireworks, medicine, animal fur, alcohol, and motor vehicles may be outright banned in your country or subject to particular food safety requirements.
3. Classify the Goods and Calculate Costs
Once you’ve chosen an item to import, you must identify the HS Code that classifies the item. In most cases, this is a 6-digit code (along with the Certificate of Origin) that lets you know the duty rate and tariffs you must pay on your import. For U.S. import documents, this will be a 10-digit HTS code instead.
Also, pay attention to the Incoterms that outline at which point you must pay for shipping your goods and calculate the landed costs. A landed cost is your base cost for purchasing the units, plus all the additional costs for transportation, taxes, fees, and insurance.
Remember that unexpected costs for goods shipped are typical, depending on fines, duties, taxes, and hidden fees. Consider working with a freight forwarder like Twings Supply to manage your expenses and timelines smoothly.
4. Find a Chinese Supplier
The People’s Republic of China offers several suppliers for your chosen goods. These can be online suppliers like Alibaba, wholesale suppliers like Yiwu Market, or sourcing agents that will help you manage quality control of your import. When looking for a supplier, you will also negotiate or be provided with the Incoterms of your items.
Whenever possible, aim for FOB terms to minimize your shipping costs. You may also be expected to purchase a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) or minimum quota of goods for them to be shipped from China.
5. Arrange Transportation
After negotiating terms with your supplier, you must arrange transport for your goods. Three main types of freight shipping are available: sea freight, air freight, and express shipping.
| Shipping Option | Cost | Transit Time | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | $2,000 to $8,800 for 20-ft container $2,500 to $12,000 for 40-ft container | 11 to 60 days | Bulk orders, large volumes, non-urgent shipments, heavy machinery, furniture, textiles |
| Air Freight | $6 to 12 per kg; approximately | 1 to 10 days | High-value items, urgent shipments, electronics, seasonal products, items between 150 and 500 kg |
| Express Shipping | $10+ per kg | 1 to 7 days | Small urgent orders, samples, lightweight items under 150 kg, time-sensitive products |
6. Prepare for Arrival
The final step is to prepare for your import good’s arrival at the port of entry and have the necessary documentation ready for customs and border protection. You will likely need the following:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Customs Declaration
- Packing List
- Sales Contract
- Import Security Filing for Sea Shipments
If you want to avoid paying duties on goods or reduce the costs of importing goods from China, you will benefit from a freight forwarder like Twings Supply. We offer 20 years of professional experience to help you deliver cargo safely and smoothly. Contact us today for a rate.
Importing from China to the USA FAQs
Which product is best to import from China?
The most profitable products to import from China include smart home appliances, electric vehicles, and eco-friendly clothing made from sustainable materials. It’s always best to do your market research before importing goods for your commercial business.
What are China’s main imports?
China’s top imports are dominated by electrical machinery and equipment. They also import mineral fuels, including oil and ores like slag and ash.
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