Shipping goods from China to USA is a key part of global trade, with both countries playing important roles in international business. For many companies, understanding the shipping process is essential to stay competitive. Whether you run a small business or a large company, navigating international shipping can be challenging. This guide simplifies the process into easy-to-follow steps. We cover everything you need to know about shipping from China to USA – including the differences between air and sea freight, estimated shipping times, and an overview of shipping costs.
Shipping from China to USA
Importing products from China to USA is a well-established practice. Over the past decade, the volume of goods transported from China's ports and airports to North America has grown significantly. Items like clothing, electronics, furniture, and industrial equipment are shipped directly to USA.
Despite its popularity, the shipping process can be complex due to the many regulations and logistical factors involved. For new shippers entering the Chinese market, navigating this process can be particularly challenging. We will walk you through the process.
Also read our guide on shipping from China to Europe.
What you need to know before shipping from China to USA:
1. Understand your import rights
Before making any purchases or arranging for shipping, you need to familiarize yourself with the import regulations imposed by US Customs. Knowing the rules and understanding your rights as an importer will ensure avoiding mistakes that could lead to delays or extra costs.
Research tariffs, taxes, and any restrictions on the products you intend to import.
2. Identify the goods you want to import
Knowing what products to import is a key step. Do your research on the demand for the items in your market, as well as their size, weight, and potential profit margins. Ensure the products are not banned or restricted.
Keep an eye on the weight and size as these factors affect shipping costs. Make sure to consider all costs – purchase cost, shipping, customs clearance, and duties.
3. Avoid contraband and restricted items
Certain goods are prohibited from entering the US. Importing banned items can lead to cargo being seized and your investment lost.
Double-check the US Customs prohibited items list and any specific restrictions related to your products.
4. Classify your goods and calculate landing costs
Every product has a specific tariff code. Determine the correct code for each product to calculate the import duty and taxes. Use the 10-digit tariff code to calculate duties. A licensed customs broker can guide you on classifying products correctly.
Make sure to gather important documents like the Certificate of Origin and calculate all costs, including shipping fees, customs duties, and transportation charges.
5. Find a reliable supplier in China
When you’ve decided what products to import, the next step is to find a reliable supplier or manufacturer in China. Make sure they have a good reputation and offer fair prices.
Ask them for a Quote sheet or Proforma invoice. These documents list important details about your order, such as product descriptions, prices, weight, and size.
After checking and agreeing on the details, place the order with the supplier and finalize the agreement. This means confirming the terms of the deal, like the price, delivery time, Incoterms, and payment terms/method.
6. Choose your mode of transportation
The shipping method depends on how quickly you need your products and your budget. The options are air freight, sea freight, and express freight.
For large shipments by sea, choose Full Container Load (FCL), where the contract is for an entire shipping container. If your shipment is smaller, go with Less than Container Load (LCL), where you share a container with other goods. Air freight is much faster but costs more.
Contact freight forwarders to get price quotes and help with which transport solution you should choose.
7. Track your shipment
Once the shipment is on its way, it’s important to track it to make sure it arrives on time and in good condition. Using a forwarder with a transportation management system (TMS) allows you to track your shipment in real-time – providing updates on its location and status. Stay alert for any potential delays or issues that might arise during the journey to address them promptly.
8. Clear customs and take delivery
When the goods arrive, they must go through customs clearance. A customs broker will handle the necessary paperwork and ensure any required duties are paid. Be ready to pay import duties once the shipment is cleared by US Customs. A US-licensed customs broker can manage this step to make it easier.
After clearance, the goods will either be delivered to your location (if you chose a door-to-door service) or will need to be picked up from the port or airport.
Read our guide to international shipping.
Understanding duties, taxes, and clearance
Now that we have covered the basics of shipping from China to USA, it’s time to explore some of the most important aspects of the process – duties, taxes, and customs clearance. Below, you’ll find all the key information you need to navigate these steps.
1. Import regulations
Importing goods from China to USA requires compliance with several regulations designed to ensure safety, legality, and proper taxation. These regulations cover areas like prohibited goods, which cannot be imported, licenses required for specific items, and the customs clearance process – which applies to all shipments upon arrival in the US.
Understanding these rules is essential for smooth importing, but you don’t have to manage them alone. Freight forwarders and licensed customs brokers can assist in navigating these requirements, helping to avoid delays and ensure the shipments meet all legal standards.
● Prohibited Goods
Some items are not allowed to enter the US from China. If these goods are shipped, they will be confiscated by US Customs. Always check the prohibited items list before importing.
Examples of products that are prohibited from entering the US from China:
- Pirated media
- Illegal drugs and controlled substances
- Certain agricultural products
- Weapons
● Licenses
Some types of goods require to have an import or export license before they can legally enter or leave the country. These licenses are often needed for products that fall into classified categories, such as high-tech machinery, chemicals, or items with potential security or safety concerns.
For example, if you are importing restricted goods like certain electronics, a special import license might be required. This license ensures that the shipment complies with both US and international trade laws.
● Customs clearance
When the shipment reaches the US, it must go through a process called customs clearance to ensure it complies with US laws and regulations. This process involves two main steps:
1. Inspection of the goods
Customs agents may check the shipment to confirm that the items match the declared documentation and meet US safety, health, and legal standards.
2. Calculation of import duties
If the goods meet all requirements, US Customs assigns an import duty, which is a tax based on the product type, value, and classification under the harmonized system (HS) code.
> Read more about customs clearance.
2. Classifying goods
Every product imported must be classified using a harmonized system (HS) code. This code is an internationally standardized system used to categorize goods. It serves two main purposes:
- Determining import regulations: The HS code helps identify any specific rules or restrictions for importing the product into the US.
- Calculating import duties and taxes: The code determines the exact amount of duties and taxes for the shipment.
Proper classification is crucial to ensure the goods meet US import standards. You need to classify your products accurately if you:
- Require an import license: Some goods need special permission to enter the US.
- Need a certificate of origin (COO): To confirm where the product was manufactured.
- Want to calculate duties and taxes: To budget for the costs involved in your shipment.
Using the correct HS code ensures a smooth customs clearance process and prevents delays or fines.
Essential documents when shipping from China to USA
International shipping involves several documents that ensure goods are transported smoothly and comply with regulations. Below is a list of documents that are needed when shipping from China to USA.
1. Bill of lading (BOL)
The bill of lading is a contractual document between you, the owner of the cargo, and the carrier. It confirms that the carrier has received your shipment, outlines the terms and conditions for transporting your goods, and acts as a legal document, proving that the shipment belongs to you.
This document is essential for releasing the goods at their final destination.
2. Packing list
The packing list provides detailed information about your shipment. Including the dimensions, weight, and volume of the cargo, a list of items included in the shipment, and the value of the goods.
This document is mandatory for ocean freight and helps customs officials verify the shipment's contents. It is also useful for tracking and ensuring accurate delivery.
3. Commercial invoice
The commercial invoice is a financial document that acts as proof of the sale agreement between the buyer and seller. It includes:
- A description of the goods.
- The value of each item.
- Payment terms and shipping details.
Customs officials use this document to calculate import duties and taxes, making it a critical part of the customs clearance process.
4. Certificate of origin (COO)
The certificate of origin certifies the country where the product was manufactured or sourced. This document is required for meeting trade agreement requirements and determining if the goods qualify for duty exemptions or reduced tariffs.
It must be issued by the appropriate authority in the country of origin and is often requested during customs clearance.
5. Letter of credit (LC)
The letter of credit is a secure payment method that guarantees payment from the buyer to the seller. It protects both parties by ensuring the seller receives payment once shipment terms are met and reassures the buyer that goods will be shipped as agreed.
This document is particularly important for high-value shipments or transactions involving new trading partners.
How long does it take to ship from China to USA?
The time it takes to ship from China to USA depends on the shipping method and destination. Air freight can take 2-15 days and sea freight 15-35+ days.
These are just estimates, and actual times can vary based on factors like the type of goods, the destination, busy seasons, and Chinese holidays – which can cause delays.
In the next sections, we’ll explain the shipping times for each shipping method in more detail.
> Learn how to calculate shipping costs.
Air freight from China to USA
Air freight is the fastest way to ship goods from China to USA, making it ideal for urgent or high-value shipments. However, it comes with higher costs and specific logistics considerations. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into air freight from China to USA.
What is the shipping cost from China to USA by Air?
Shipping costs are primarily determined by the weight of the cargo. This calculation is based on a DIM (Dimensional Weight) factor set by the airline, which reflects the cargo capacity of the aircraft. Pricing is also influenced by the specific route, which is determined by the airline based on supply and demand, similar to sea freight. Additionally, factors such as currency exchange rates, fuel surcharges, and transit times are frequently reflected in air freight rates, indicating that prices may increase with shorter transit times.
How long will shipping by air take?
Air shipping from China to USA usually take 2-15 days because of the time needed for customs clearance at both the departure and arrival ports. However, if you choose an express service, your shipment can take 2-3 days.
As you’ve seen, several factors can impact both shipping time and costs when using air freight.
We’ve gathered the key factors below.
Factors affecting air freight:
- Weather conditions: Bad weather can cause delays or re-routing of flights.
- Shipping season: Peak seasons, such as holidays, can lead to increased demand and longer transit times.
- Offloading and reloading: Frequent offloading and reloading at various ports along the shipping route can add delays.
- Fuel prices: Changes in fuel prices can affect the overall shipping cost.
> Read: Top 10 advantages of air transport.
Sea freight from China to USA
Sea freight is the most affordable way to ship goods from China to USA, making it a great option for larger shipments. By carrying large volumes of goods, sea freight helps lower the cost per item. In this section, we’ll cover the key details of sea freight shipping.
If you plan to use sea freight, there are two main options to consider: FCL and LCL:
- FCL (full container load)
FCL is ideal for businesses that need to ship large quantities of goods. With FCL, the cargo is placed in a full container by itself. This gives the exclusive use of the container.
- LCL (less than container load)
LCL is for shippers whose cargo doesn't fill an entire container. In this case, items will be grouped with other shipments in the same container.
> Learn more about shipping container sizes.
Shipping costs from China to USA with sea freight
Shipping rates for sea freight are based on the weight of your cargo. Freight companies calculate prices based on the volume (cubic meters), which reflects the space occupied by the goods. Generally, the greater the volume, the higher the price. Additionally, the cost is influenced by the location of the pick-up. For example, if your goods are to be picked up several hundred kilometers inland in China, the shipping costs for collection will be significantly higher than if your supplier is located in a coastal city like Shanghai, which has its own port.
How long does sea freight shipping take?
Sea freight from China to the USA usually takes 15-35 days, depending on factors like shipping route and destination. Larger shipments (20-30kg) usually take take up to 20 days.
Factors affecting sea freight:
- Weather conditions: Bad weather can cause delays along the shipping route.
- Shipping season: Peak seasons, like holidays, can increase demand and slow down transit times.
- Port handling: Frequent offloading and reloading at various ports can add delays.
- Fuel prices: Rising fuel costs can impact shipping prices.
Interested in understanding what's affecting the shipping costs? Read: What´s driving the increase in shipping costs?
Ship from China to USA with Bertling
When importing goods from China to the US, selecting the right freight forwarder is essential for ensuring a smooth and cost-effective shipping process. Bertling has an extensive global network and expertise that can handle all aspects of your shipment – whether by air or sea. From the moment the cargo is collected from the supplier in China to its final delivery in USA, we ensure that everything is managed efficiently and on time.
Whether shipping large volumes with sea freight or time-sensitive goods by air, we offer tailored solutions to meet your needs. With Bertling handling your shipments, you can rest assured that the cargo will be delivered safely and on schedule.
Contact us for more information!
