Importing from China to the United States: shipping, costs and customs
The US is one of the biggest markets for goods from China — and one of the strictest. Since August 2025 the $800 duty-free allowance no longer applies, so every shipment pays duty.
Shipping options and prices from China to United States
| Method | From | Time |
|---|---|---|
| International express, 10 kgdoor to door · delivered by UPS | ¥600≈ $85 | — |
| Air cargo, 100 kgairport to airport | ¥4,554≈ $641 | — |
| Air line with delivery, 21 kgdoor to door · delivered by FedEx | ¥1,874≈ $264 | 10–16 days |
| Sea line with delivery, 200 kgdoor to door · delivered by COSCO/OOCL/EMC | ¥4,410≈ $621 | 20–25 days |
| Sea LCL to portLos Angeles | price on request | 14 days at sea |
| Sea LCL to portNew York | price on request | 28 days at sea |
Cheapest line on our rate sheet in October 2026, in Chinese yuan (≈ US dollars at 7.1 yuan per dollar). Not included: duties and taxes in your country, and destination charges for air and sea. Prices change with fuel and season — use the calculator for today's price.
Customs duties and taxes
- The $800 duty-free exemption (de minimis) has been suspended for all countries since 29 August 2025: every shipment from China pays import duty.
- Goods from China pay the normal duty rate plus additional tariffs (such as Section 301). These rates change often — check the HTS code of your product before you order.
- There is no national VAT in the US; sales tax depends on the state where you sell.
- Shipments worth more than $2,500 need a formal customs entry with a customs bond, usually through a licensed customs broker.
Rules and documents
- Sea shipments need an Importer Security Filing (ISF, "10+2") sent at least 24 hours before loading in China.
- Many products have their own rules: FDA (food, cosmetics, medical devices), FCC (electronics with radio), CPSC (children's products need a Children's Product Certificate).
- The country of origin ("Made in China") must be marked on the goods or their packaging.
Our tips
Ask us to check the HTS code before ordering: tariffs can change the total cost a lot.
Group your orders in our warehouse: fewer shipments mean fewer customs fees.
By sea, the West Coast (Los Angeles) is about two weeks at sea; New York about four weeks.
Customs rules change often. This page was checked in October 2026 and is general information, not legal or tax advice: confirm the duty rate of your product with a customs broker before you import.
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