Most first-time importers worry about freight, but the real work starts before the boat leaves. This guide walks through how to import from China to the USA step by step, from licenses and bonds to duties and customs clearance.
Can You Import from China to the USA? Licenses & Agency Rules
Most consumer goods from China can be imported into the United States, but some categories need extra approval before they reach a US port. The first step in how to import from China to the USA is checking whether your product is admissible at all. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces entry rules, and several other agencies step in depending on the item.
Products that touch the body, the mouth, or electrical systems draw the most scrutiny. The FDA regulates food, cosmetics, supplements, and medical devices. The FCC covers wireless and electronic products that emit radio frequency. The CPSC handles toys, cribs, and many household goods, and requires certified test results for children’s products.
Some goods need a specific import license or permit. Firearms, certain chemicals, and agricultural items fall into this group. Most everyday goods, apparel, and general merchandise sail through without a special license. Trade.gov and CBP list the participating government agencies and product requirements that may apply to your shipment.
CBP makes the final admissibility call at the port of entry. If an agency requires a certificate you cannot produce, the cargo can be refused and returned at your cost. Build the compliance check into your supplier agreement so the factory supplies the right test reports before shipping.
Get Your Importer Number, Bond & Registrations
Every formal entry needs an importer of record number. Most US businesses use their Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. If you are a non-resident without an EIN, you can request a Customs Assigned Importer Number (CAIN) by filing CBP Form 5106 with CBP.
You also need a customs bond, a guarantee that duties, taxes, and fees will be paid. A single entry bond covers one shipment. A continuous bond covers all shipments for 12 months and suits frequent importers. CBP asks for at least $50,000 on a continuous bond, or 10 percent of last year’s duties, taxes, and fees, whichever is higher.
Many first-time importers start with a single entry bond, then move to a continuous bond as volume grows. Your broker or freight forwarder can file the bond application with you.
Classify Goods & Estimate Landed Duty
US imports are classified using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), a 10-digit code that sets your duty rate. Getting the code right matters. An incorrect HTS can mean an underpaid duty, a CBP penalty, or a shipment held at the border. Your supplier’s invoice description helps, but the classification is the importer’s responsibility.
Chinese-origin goods often carry Section 301 tariffs on top of the base duty. These additional tariffs, introduced starting in 2018, apply to many categories and add to your landed cost. Trade.gov and CBP publish the current lists, and your broker should confirm the exact rate for your HTS code before you quote a customer.
To estimate landed cost, add the product cost, the international freight, the base duty, any Section 301 tariff, the Merchandise Processing Fee, and the brokerage. If you are unsure on a high-value product, request a binding ruling from CBP before shipping.
Book Freight, File ISF 10+2 & Clear Customs
Once goods are made, you book ocean or air freight. Ocean is cheaper for volume, air is faster for urgent or small loads. Your forwarder confirms the sailing schedule.
For ocean shipments, the Importer Security Filing (ISF), also called 10+2, is mandatory. The ISF must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the Chinese port. It carries 10 importer data elements, such as seller, buyer, manufacturer, and HTS code, plus 2 from the carrier. CBP can assess liquidated damages of up to $5,000 per late or inaccurate filing.
ISF quick definition: the Importer Security Filing (10+2) is a CBP requirement for ocean imports that must be submitted at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the Chinese port.
The ISF is filed through CBP’s ACE system by your broker or forwarder. You do not file it yourself unless you have ACE access. After the vessel departs, the customs entry is filed around arrival, duties are paid, and the goods are released. Choosing a forwarder that also holds a brokerage license keeps the ISF and entry data aligned and lowers the risk of an exam.
Plenty of first-timers treat the ISF like paperwork they’ll handle later, and that’s where it goes wrong. Build a buffer before the vessel loads so supplier documents arrive in time. Want one partner to handle both freight and clearance? Our China-to-USA shipping service will quote the full run from the factory to your warehouse.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to import from China to the USA?
Most general goods, apparel, and electronics do not require a federal import license. Some categories do, including FDA-regulated products, FCC-controlled radio devices, firearms, and certain agricultural or chemical items. Check the product requirements on CBP.gov and Trade.gov before you order.
How much does it cost to import from China to the USA including duties?
The total is product cost plus international freight plus import duty plus any Section 301 tariff plus the Merchandise Processing Fee and brokerage. Base duty varies by HTS code, and Chinese goods may carry additional Section 301 tariffs. Build the landed cost estimate before you commit to a supplier price.
What is ISF filing and when must it be done for China shipments?
ISF, or Importer Security Filing (10+2), is a CBP requirement for ocean imports. It must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the Chinese port. It includes 10 importer data points and 2 carrier data points, and late or wrong filings can bring penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.