Costs & Restrictions
China is one of the largest suppliers of imported goods in the United States. As more businesses explore importing from China, it’s important to evaluate the associated cost of shipping fees, duty fees, taxes, potential restrictions, as well as to choose the right supplier
Importing to the US Requirements
The CBP (Customs and Bounder Protection Agency) has basic requirements for those who are wishing to import to the US. Certain documents are required before the shipment can enter through customs.
Entry manifest (CBP Form 7533) or a Special Permit for the immediate Delivery (CBP Form 3461)
The entitlement of the right to make entry
The packaging list of the goods.
Proof of Import license or permits (if required for certain goods)
All documents must be prepared and ready for at least 15 calendar days before the arrival of any import at the US port of entry.
Importing Restriction
In general, there are no import restrictions on most goods if imported to the USA from China. However, there are some restrictions and specific goods may need additional permissions, such as an import license.
An example of some products that may have restrictions include
Cheese, milk, and dairy products.
Fruit, vegetables, and nuts.
Animals and livestock
Meat, Poultry, and egg products.
Plants or seeds
Tobacco
Arms, Ammunition, and radioactive materials.
Consumer Goods
Household appliances – must comply with the US safety and energy regulations.
Commercial and industrial equipment – Must also comply with the US energy standards.
If you are not sure whether you need an import license, you could check with the US CBP Customers Bounders Protection has published a list of commodities that requires an import license. For advice, you can contact the federal agency regulating goods for import.
US import tax
Import tax, otherwise known as custom tax, is levied on products entering the US. However, this depends on the country of shipping as goods may be tax-exempt depending on trade agreements. Also, Import Tax will vary based on the country of shipment originated from and the type of goods being imported.
Import tax can be calculated from China to the US through the Harmonized Tariff System or the HTS code. Also, you can find out more information on calculating import tax on products imported from China here.
Cost of importing from China
There are some other costs to consider when importing from China.
One of the main costs that an import business needs to consider is shipping and logistics.
This will be the cost of getting the products to the US, warehouse storage and how would be transported to your location. If you decide you’ll need warehouse storage, consider the costs of different storage locations. Other costs may include operating expenses such as websites, marketing or other related business costs.
Peakzone Trading can deal with your importing needs, contact us for more information at hello@peakzonetrading.com