Can you import goods from china

They are much lower than the general rates which apply to non- MFN nations. The adjusted tariffs will be lower than that of the most-favored-nation MFN tax rate in It will predominantly affect three categories of goods:. There are several different approaches that foreign companies can take when importing from or exporting to China….

There are three categories for imports: prohibited, restricted and permitted. Without this document filed, you will be subject to a large fine.

For more information, check out the CBP website. Now that your commercial goods have arrived at the destination port, you have only 5 days to submit your documentation. These must be accepted by CBP before you file any other documents or the import is cleared. These documents include: Bill of lading BOL , packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, the customs bond, and delivery form. Your imported goods have made it all the way from China.

You need not be intimidated by this process! It may be a tricky thing to get a handle on at first, but it is indeed worth your time to figure out the process of moving goods from China and clearing customs in the U. It is a profitable venture, and if done correctly with the correct compliance, you will succeed at building out your import business and importing goods with ease.

With our team of licensed customs brokers and customs clearance consultants, we can answer any questions you may have about the process. Prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, the Trump administration had been issuing a series of high tariffs on Chinese goods imported into the U. Known as the Section tariffs, these were meant to, among other things, reduce the trade deficit between the two nations, encourage domestic manufacturing, and incentivize the Chinese government to respect U.

A rather unsavory consequence of that decision, however, was the escalating trade war that it sparked between China and the U. Ultimately, these tariffs have had a massive impact on the import tax of products from China to the U. Over time, the U. The tariff rates applied to those goods also increased over time in retaliation to China imposing its own tariffs on U. List 4 was going to have two parts, but the second half of the list was called off as a result of positive advancements to the trade discussions between the two nations.

Also in light of the trade discussions, the U. You can also review section tariff exclusions. Importers that imported goods that were excluded can file for a retroactive drawback claim to get refunded for the taxes they may have already paid on the import. For more information, make sure you check out our article on the topic: Section Tariffs: A Comprehensive Guide.

If you have questions about whether your goods are subject to these increased tariffs, then reach out to us. We can provide information on exactly which HTS codes are affected by these rules. Don't make costly mistakes when importing from China. Are my Imports from China marketable and easy to sell? Do my imports from China have profitable margins? Do my imports from China have or bring quality to the market?

Are my suppliers easy to work and communicate with? Answering these questions can help you source goods. When you find suppliers, keep MAPS in mind. Many importers travel to China to meet with Chinese suppliers.

Many regions in China specialize in the manufacturing and wholesale of specific goods. Items like furniture from China and toys imported from China have their own markets.

If you are unable to travel to China to meet with suppliers, you might want to work with a sourcing agent. A sourcing agent from a trade company will work on your behalf to reach out to suppliers and Chinese factories that manufacture the goods you seek to import. Online global sourcing is also a growing market for those importing from China.

Websites like Alibaba. You might need to be aware of minimum order quantities MOQ when importing from China. This involves a lot of legwork and planning. We offer import consulting sessions to help you get in the know about what it takes to import goods from China and get your products in the hands of your consumers. Another thing to be aware of when participating in international trade is Incoterms. Incoterms relate to international commercial laws.

Incoterms are used in many commercial transactions and the procurement process. Trade councils and international courts both encourage the use of incoterms to make the import process seamless and easy. Incoterm regulations are designed to communicate the tasks, expenses, and risks associated with importing goods and global trade. There is a lot to know when it comes to Incoterms. To learn more, check out our article " What Are Incoterms? Following established Incoterms from the outset will clearly outline the sourcing responsibilities between you and your supplier.

Incoterms define financial responsibilities including who is responsible for import tax from China. In short, Incoterms reduce and remove doubt of what your exact contractual supply chain responsibilities are in the sales process.

Alternatively, give us a call at , and we can chat about the different incoterms and their requirements. Even though imported goods can be less expensive than domestic goods, there are some additional costs associated with bringing in goods from China. Importing costs you need to know about include:. Our licensed brokers are experts that can make sense of all the different factors that influence cost, and can assist you in filling out all the right paperwork too.

There is no general import permit for importing products from China. However, you might need a permit to import from a federal agency certain goods from China. Different federal agencies oversee different imported products and requirements can vary. As an importer, you must ensure your imported products meet all federal requirements, which sometimes include permits.

A customs broker can help you understand all the requirements that apply to your shipment, and can get in touch with all the applicable PGAs on your behalf. Generally, Chinese suppliers prefer methods of payment that involve working with a bank. The method of payment you select likely depends on many factors. Shipping costs can vary. Many imports from China are shipped via sea freight, however, which is the cheapest option.

Nominating a licensed, bonded Non-vessel Operating Common Carrier NVOCC coupled with International Freight and Logistics Network IFLN agency at the point of origin will help navigate the containerization, ocean carrier, sailing schedules and estimated time of arrival to your destination port of entry.

There are many things to be aware of when importing from China. You might want to ship your imports from China in bulk to save on shipping.

Items shipped in bulk from China are often transported in by foot containers. A full cargo container holds approximately 2, cubic feet or square feet of goods. A full cargo container can haul 61, pounds of goods. If your imports from China are at least 5 pallets, FCL shipping might be the best option. If your cargo is a lesser volume, LCL shipping might better accommodate your needs. When shipping imports via LCL, they will share cargo space with other, similar goods. Your customs broker can also advise you on which option would be best for your shipment, based on risks, cost, and a variety of other factors.

Shipping from China can take some time. Transit time might take between two weeks and two months. Customs clearance can add to this time.

You might estimate that goods shipped in bulk from China will arrive in 2 or 3 months, depending on the circumstance. You might use air freight rather than sea freight if you are shipping small amounts from China. Air freight is more expensive than sea freight, but also much quicker. Working with a Licensed Customs Broker can help you figure out the best shipping method for you. For help classifying your imports, you can work with an experienced customs broker. Most brokers have imported into the U.

They know the process inside and out, and you can count on them to answer any of your questions about tariff classification and importing in general. They rely on information provided and updated by the CBP. You will need:. In many cases, a customs bond is mandatory when importing from China.

Those requirements cover almost every type of import. A customs bond is basically an insurance policy covering the payment of duties and taxes to the U.

A customs bond will ensure that duties and taxes are paid, even in extraordinary circumstances. Imports arriving by both air and sea will need a customs bond.