Importing from China to the USA: Guide to Shipping, Regulations & Costs

Importing & Shipping from China to the United States: A Complete Guide

Planning to import products from China to the United States? This guide provides essential information for US businesses on importing consumer goods from China and other Asian countries. We cover US product regulations, labeling requirements, shipping, and import costs.
This guide answers your questions about shipping from China to the USA, including:

  • Product Safety Regulations

  • Labeling Requirements

  • Shipping Regulations

  • Customs & Taxes

Product Safety Regulations: Navigating US Compliance

US importers must adhere to both:

  • Federal regulations: Applicable nationwide.

  • State regulations: Specific to certain states.

Let's start with federal regulations. Here’s an overview of key agencies and regulations:
a. CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act):

  • What it regulates: Toys and children's products (under 12 years old).

  • Key aspects: Framework for product standards (referencing ASTM and others), certification, documentation, and labeling.

  • Important: CPSIA isn't a standard itself but references standards like ASTM.

b. FCC (Federal Communications Commission):

  • What it regulates: Communication devices sold in the US.

  • Key aspects: Administers regulations like FCC Part 15 for electronics.

c. FFA (Flammable Fabrics Act):

  • Administered by: CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

  • What it regulates: Flammability of fabrics.

  • Key aspects: Requires product certificates and documentation for fabric products.

d. Restricted Substances:

  • Regulated by: CPSC, primarily under CPSIA.

  • What it regulates: Limits on certain substances in products, including some non-children's items.

  • Find the list: [Link to CPSC restricted substances list] (Please insert the actual link here)

  • Importer Responsibility: Always ensure your products comply with all applicable safety regulations.

State Regulations: Key Considerations
Beyond federal rules, state regulations also impact importers. Here are crucial examples:
a. California Proposition 65 (CA Prop 65):

  • What it regulates: Over 800 chemicals in consumer products.

  • Compliance Options:

    • Option 1: Compliance Assurance: Obtain documentation from your manufacturer or conduct lab testing. (Lab testing is often necessary).

    • Option 2: Warning Label: Affix a label stating the product may contain substances that can cause cancer or reproductive harm.

  • Mandatory for: Importers based in or selling to California.

  • Small Businesses: Even businesses with fewer than 10 employees are often affected due to marketplace and retailer requirements.

b. California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 (TB117-2013):

  • What it regulates: Fire safety for upholstered furniture.

  • Mandatory for: Certain upholstered furniture sold in California.

c. Other State Regulations:

  • Many states have local substance restrictions (e.g., phthalate bans), packaging, and reporting rules.

  • Action: Contact local authorities and seek legal advice to ensure compliance in your target states.

Labeling Requirements: Essential Marks for US Imports

Besides safety, proper labeling is mandatory. Requirements vary by product, but here are general guidelines:

  • Children’s Products:

    • Warning Label

    • CPSIA Tracking Label

    • Country of Origin

  • Electronics:

    • FCC Mark

    • Country of Origin

  • Apparel:

    • Fiber Composition

    • Care Instructions

    • Flammability Warning

    • Country of Origin

  • Packaging:

    • Warning Label

    • Country of Origin

Country of Origin Labeling: “Made in China”

  • Mandatory for: Most products imported from China to the USA.

  • Sufficient Mark: "Made in China" on the product or packaging is usually enough.

  • Exceptions: Specific rules exist for some products (e.g., watches - origin based on movement, not assembly).

  • Quality Note: "Made in China" doesn't mean low quality; quality depends on manufacturing management.

Non-Mandatory Standards & Associations: Enhancing Product Trust
While not legally required, these organizations set respected standards:

  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL): www.ul.com

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): www.astm.org

  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI): www.ansi.org

  • Influence: Federal agencies like CPSC may reference these standards (e.g., CPSIA referencing ASTM F963 for toys).

  • Example: Hoverboards: CPSC declared hoverboards must meet UL 2272, making a non-mandatory standard effectively mandatory for this product category.

  • Important: CPSC doesn't require UL certification, only compliance with the standard.

Shipping: Regulations and Considerations

Transportation Regulations:

  • 1. Wooden Packing Materials: Must comply with ISPM 15 (unless exempt) to prevent pest spread.

  • 2. Lithium Batteries: Strict packaging and documentation rules due to fire risk.

Customs & Taxes: Import Costs Explained

  • Import Duties: Most imports from China to the US are subject to duties.

    • Duty Rate Factors:

      • HS Code: Product classification code.

      • Country of Origin: China.

    • Calculation: Usually a percentage of the customs value. Some products have percentage rates with minimum/maximum limits.

  • Tax ID (EIN):

    • Required for: Imports valued over $2,500.

    • Issued by: IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to US citizens and businesses.

    • Needed for: Customs Broker and formal entry.

  • Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF):

    • Applies to: Air and sea shipments.

    • Based on: Value of goods.

    • Rate: 0.3464%, with minimum US$25 and maximum US$485.

  • Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF):

    • Applies to: Sea freight shipments.

    • Rate: 0.125% of the goods value (no min/max).

Customs Value: Calculating Import Duty Base

  • Definition: "Transaction value" - price paid for goods sold for export to the US, plus certain costs.

  • Minimum Value: FOB (Free on Board) value.

  • Excludes: International freight costs (unlike EU customs value).

  • Includes potential "assists":

    • Packing costs

    • Selling commissions

    • Value of "assists" (tooling, molds, design services, samples provided to the manufacturer)

    • Royalties/license fees

    • Proceeds from resale that benefit the seller

  • Action: Declare assists to US Customs.

Customs Broker: Your Import Facilitator

  • Role: Files entries and documents with US Customs on your behalf.

  • Freight Forwarder vs. Broker: Many freight forwarders also act as brokers, but confirm this.

  • Requirement: Engage a Customs Broker before importing.

  • Customs Bond: Broker can help you obtain a Customs Bond.

  • Power of Attorney: Required to authorize the broker to act for you.

Customs Bonds: Ensuring Compliance

  • Purpose: Guarantees payment of duties and taxes to US Customs.

  • Types:

    • Single Entry Bond: For one shipment.

    • Continuous Entry Bond: For multiple shipments over a period (e.g., 1 year).

  • Mandatory when: Goods valued at US$2,500 or more (Formal Entry).

  • Timing: Purchase bond before cargo departs origin port.

  • Obtain through: Your Customs Broker.

  • Information Needed: Tax ID, Power of Attorney.


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