You are about to import products from China to the USA? Opportunities in China, particularly in contract manufacturing, remain extremely competitive, and the country remains one of the United States' largest trading partners in terms of volume.In addition, logistics from China to the United States is a booming industry, with many providers offering full services to meet the shipping needs of companies. As it is very difficult for you to find clear and precise information on the internet, you will find here, through our guideline, all the useful and relevant information concerning the different modes of shipping and the regulations for importing your products in the US.
Whether you're a large company, a small business, a start-up or an individual, DocShipper can organize your freight shipment from China to the United States, without you having to do anything. Tell us about your project, so our experts can find the most appropriate solution for your freight and give you tips on how to save on shipping costs. We'll answer any questions you have!
What is the best method of transport between China and the US?
There are 2 different methods to ship your goods between China and the United States: by sea freight or airfreight. To give you the best advice on which shipping method to choose for your shipment from China, we have compared these 2 options for you!
Sea freight from China to USA
The ocean freight china to USA is a common option for transporting goods over long distances.Large or heavy goods are often shipped by sea due to lower costs and the ability to ship large volumes at once.
Overview - Ocean shipping from China to the US
In 2019, the number of handled containers increased slightly in the 10 main American ports (+0.9 per cent), for 43.67 million TEUs handled, according to Alphaliner figures. But the trend is very uneven between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
According to the consultant, "this growth was the result of a 4.9% increase in empty container movements, while full box volumes were negatively affected by the China-America's trade war".
Import flows in the ten ports reached 20.48 million TEUs, down 0.9 per cent from 20.66 million TEUs in the previous year. However, a closer look reveals that the five major ports on the Pacific coast - Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma and Seattle - saw their container arrivals decline by 5% over the year to 10.82 million TEUs instead of 11.39 million TEUs over the twelve months of 2018.
On the contrary, the five major ports on the Atlantic coast - New York-New Jersey, Savannah, Norfolk, Houston and Charleston - experienced a 4.1 per cent increase in their cumulative container traffic, with 9.66 million TEUs.
The main shipping seaports in the US
The Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles is located on the Pacific coast of the United States and it is the country's busiest port with a traffic of 9.46 million TEU in 2019. For the third consecutive year, the port broke its record for general cargo, making it the most important port in the Western Hemisphere.
In early 2020, it announced that its traffic was holding up well despite the dangers of the trade war between the United States and China.
It is a major gateway for international trade and plays a key role in trade between the United States and China, as well as with other major Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea.
The Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach is the second largest port in the United States with a traffic of more than 8 million TEU every year. It is known as the most environmentally friendly port in the United States. Recent infrastructure and newly adopted measures have reduced diesel and gas emissions by 87%.
Located within a short distance of each other, the Port of Long Beach combined with the Port of Los Angeles are considered a gateway for trans-Pacific trade with Asia, it is essential for U.S. trade with some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It is also one of the few ports in the country large enough to accommodate the world's largest ships.
The Port of New York & New Jersey
The Port of New York and New Jersey is the third busiest port in the United States with a yearly traffic of 7.2 million TEU. It is also the largest port on the entire east coast of the country and a key gateway to the American economy and to one of the most concentrated markets in North America.
Following a sharp increase in TEU volumes in recent years, the port authority announced in 2019 a 30-year expansion and renovation plan aimed at increasing the port's capacity to handle the world's largest ships and equip its quays with the latest generation of equipment. The project also includes deepening the shipping lanes and the stated goal is to consolidate the region as the second largest trade hub in the United States.
DocShipper info : DocShipper is an international freight forwarder that organizes the transportation of your goods from the supplier's warehouse to the final destination. Relax, because we take care of everything: from packing, to organizing the transport, to customs clearance and administrative procedures, regardless of the shipping method (air, sea, road, rail).
Contact us to receive a free estimate in less than 24 hours. You have a question ? Call our consultants for free.
The Port of Savannah
The Port of Savannah is home to the largest single-terminal container facility in the Western Hemisphere and has two deepwater terminals. Located on the East coast of the United States, it handles a traffic of 4.35 million TEU each year.
A plan of $230 million to build a rail facility has been announced by the Georgia Ports Authority in partnership with the St Louis Regional Freightway to improve supply chain efficiency. This announcement is part of a larger $3 billion project by the port to increase its traffic to 8-9 million TEUs by 2030.
The Port of Seattle-Tacoma NW Seaport Alliance
The Northwest Seaport Alliance, which includes the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, is the fifth busiest container port in the country and is located on the north west coast, with traffic of 3.47 million TEUs annually.
It is the fourth largest gateway to Asia and the main distribution points in the Midwest and the Ohio Valley. It provides easy trade links to some of the most important economies in the Pacific and is worth approximately $75 billion.
Tacoma installed four super-Panamax cranes in 2019 and Seattle launched a $500 million modernization program to improve cargo handling operations.
many other major Chinese ports are available for international trade
How much time does it take to ship freight from China to US?
Average sea freight shipping time from China to US is between 14 to 45 days.
Los Angeles | Long Beach | New York | Savannah | Seattle-Tacoma | Houston | |
Shangaï | 21 | 29 | 35 | 40 | 21 | 38 |
Shenzhen | 20 | 20 | 32 | 39 | 19 | 34 |
Guangzhou | 20 | 20 | 32 | 39 | 19 | 34 |
Qingdao | 22 | 22 | 39 | 41 | 21 | 34 |
Tianjin | 23 | 23 | 40 | 45 | 22 | 36 |
Ningbo | 24 | 24 | 36 | 44 | 20 | 37 |
Xiamen | 21 | 21 | 37 | 42 | 19 | 37 |
Please note that ocean freight is the slowest mode of shipping, transit times are for information an average in days from port to port and do not take into account collection, delivery, and customs clearance procedures.
Do I have to ship by consolidation or full container between China and the US?
There are 3 types of standard size containers that are commonly used by most of the importers for shipping both commercial and personal freight. They are called "dry containers":
- 20 feet: 33 cubic meters capacity (approx. 10 pallets)
- 40 feet: 67 cubic meters capacity (approx. 20 pallets)
- 40 feet HQ: High Cube, 76 cubic meters capacity (approx. 24 pallets)
For pallets with a dimension of 120 x 100 cm (max height 230 cm)
Difference between the Less Container Load LCL and the Full Container Load FCL
Sea freight is a reliable way of transporting large volumes, with options designed to accommodate different sized cargoes. Two of them include Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL).
FCL refers to shipments in which all the goods in a container belonging to one party, while LCL refers to goods from several shippers or importers packed and loaded together in the same container.
A company's needs and inventory requirements determine the procurement and shipping decision, as well as factors such as cost and type of merchandise. For example, the LCL allows for smaller and more adaptable product inventory, while the FCL is more suitable for high-volume items and high-volume products.
Advantages of LCL shipping
- You will pay only for space used, based on the volume
- More convenient if you don't have enough storage space
- Possibility of loading any type of goods
Disadvantages of LCL shipping
- Slowest shipping method
- The merchandise must be palletized
- Handling in consolidation/deconsolidation warehouses (and therefore risk) is high
DocShipper Recommendation: We recommend that you use LCL shipping option if you have a volume of goods between 2 m3 and 13/14 m3. Exceeding that, it will be preferable and cheaper to ship in FCL.
Advantages of FCL shipping
- You have all the space you need in the container
- Less handling. Sealed container from departure to arrival
- Most affordable method for large volumes
Disadvantages of FCL shipping
- Ocean shipping is the slowest shipping mode
- You must purchase large quantities or a minimum volume of 15 CBM
DocShipper Recommendation: The FCL price is usually a flat rate for the entire container. The cost per cubic metre is generally less than the estimated LCL cost per cubic metre. It will be cost-effective to use this method even if you only fill half the container.
DocShipper Advice : If you are planning to import or export please hire an expert like Docshipper, consolidation is a more or less risky transportation option for your goods.
Docshipper is an expert in the export and import process, especially with both FCL and LCL consolidation. Please contact us or call us and one of our experts will take care of you very quickly.
Special sea freight between China and the US
There are a number of factors that determine the type of container you will need, including the size of your shipment, as well as the commodity. If you are about to ship specific goods, the below are available.
- Reefer container : Refrigerated containers, commonly known as reefers, can provide temperature-controlled transportation, allowing your product, whether meat, fruit, vegetables or dairy products, including pharmaceuticals and chemicals, to cross the world's oceans at a stable temperature so that your product and goods arrive in excellent condition.
- Ro-Ro : A Ro-Ro is a vessel used to ship vehicles, loaded by ramps. They are also called Ro-Ro, from the roll-on/roll-off meaning. RORO is the simplest and cheapest shipping method for vehicles. Vehicles are driven directly to the RORO vessel and secured to the car decks. They are securely stowed inside the ship, wind and watertight.
- Bulk : Bulk goods are products transported directly into the ship's hold or into the facilities provided for that purpose. A distinction is made in this case between bulk goods and general cargo. Solid bulk goods : (such as coal, ferrous and non-ferrous ores) liquids in bulk: (petroleum and petroleum products). Bulk goods are transported by bulk carriers, specialized vessels for each type of cargo: ore carriers, coal carriers, etc.).
- OOG : OOG (Out of Gauge) cargoes are a special category of goods. Because of, for example, their non-standard dimensions or weight, some goods cannot be loaded in standard containers. These types of cargo are usually loaded on a platform or trailer for transport. The Open Top Container is a container without a rooftop. The flat-Rack container is a container without a roof, nor partitions on the sides used to ship heavy and oversized items in height and/or width.
Docshipper Tip : All types of containers have a unique reference number and are "sealed" after each shipment and many problems can occur during customs clearance so please do not hesitate to contact us for any inquiries regarding your sea transportation. We are able to offer standard size containers as well as special containers for personal and commercial goods, our article on the services we offer can help you or you can contact us.
How much does ocean freight cost between China and the US?
Sea freight rates from China to the United States depend on many criteria, and each carrier, each freight forwarder applies its own rates, more or less high, more or less negotiable depending on the quantity transported. The essential information is the volume of your cargo rather than the weight, as it is always based on the international "equivalence rule". It really helps to optimize space without worrying too much about weight.
Shipping containers from China to the United States are commonly used for transporting bulk goods, providing a convenient and economical solution.
The weight/volume ratio: according to the sea freight equivalence rule "1 ton = 1 CBM".
- In LCL option, the basic rate is always calculated according to the weight/volume ratio rule. The tariff is based on the highest weight according to the result of this ratio, which is also called "chargeable weight".
- In FCL option, the rate is habitually a flat rate per container, it depends on the size/or type of container used and the carrier supplying it.
Port and Shipping Surcharges
The following surcharges may be applied in some cases in addition to freight. But they can also be included, in this case, we speak of all-in freight. The charges depend on the shipping companies and lines.
- BAF: Bunker Adjustment Factor
Also known as FAF (Fuel Adjustment Factor), it is applied to compensate for a fluctuation in the price of crude oil. - CAF: Currency Adjustment Factor
This charge enables the shipping company to protect itself against a possible major fluctuation in the exchange rate of the US dollar since the majority of world trade is carried out with this currency. - THC: Terminal Handling Charge
These are the fees charged by the ports for handling the goods during loading and unloading. They are fixed for a full container but variable for conventional freight LCL. - ISPS: International Ship and Port Facility Security
The purpose of this charge is to improve maritime safety, it contributes to the financing of maritime and port security measures. It grants certain countries the right to take measures to improve the security of their ports and fleets. - ORC: Origin Receipt Charge
This charge applies only in China and is designed to finance the rapid development of Chinese ports. - PSS: Peak Season Surcharge
This surcharge is applied to all cargo carried during the peak season (usually between June 1 and October 31 - the Christmas delivery) from Asia to Western ports. It is sometimes referred to as GRI (General Rate Increase). - Port Congestion
These charges are applied when the carrier vessel has to wait at the port to unload/load its cargo. - Demurrage
Demurrage is a compensation to be paid when the cargo has to be stored at the port. Usually due to non-conformity or non-approved documents to import in the country. Shipping companies call "demurrage" the cost of renting the container while it is parked in the port until the cargo can be released.
Airfreight from China to USA
Air freight from China to the United States is often preferred for urgent shipments requiring a fast delivery time.
Classic airfreight vs Express airfreight
When your goods need to be shipped quickly, air freight is the best method compared to sea freight. This method is also the safest in terms of the risk of damage to your goods.
There are to 2 different options to ship your goods by air: classic airfreight and express airfreight
Difference between the 2 options:
- Classic airfreight will load your goods using the space available of commercial flights on scheduled airlines such as American Airline, Air China, Catay Pacific, Emirates...
- Express airfreight is operated by the networks of "courier companies" that offer door-to-door solutions, such as DHL, FedEx, TNT, UPS... Express delivery is a fast and convenient option for shipping small packages or urgent documents around the world.
With express courier services, your parcel or cargo can be hand-delivered anywhere in the world within a week. It's an "all-inclusive" service, and low-value cargoes are usually not subject to customs clearance. In addition, you can save on transportation costs for small volumes of less than 1 CBM, which is even more competitive than LCL ocean shipping mode.
Major Airports in China
- PEK – Beijing Capital International Airport
- CAN – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- PVG – Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- SHA – Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- CTU – Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
- SZX – Shenzhen Baoan International Airport
- KMG – Kunming Changshui International Airport
- XIY – Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
- HKG – Hong Kong International Airport
Major Airports in the USA
- JFK – New York J.F Kennedy Airport
- LAX – Los Angeles Airport
- ATL – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
- ORD – O'Hare Chicago Airport
- DFW – Dallas-Fort Worth Airport
- DEN – Denver International Airport
- MCO – Orlando International Airport
- SFO – San Francisco Airport
- SEA – Seattle-Tacoma Airport
What is the advantages of air freight?
- Fast and reliability
Although it competes with traditional transport by sea and land, road or rail, the airplane is highly appreciated for its speed of performance, which makes it possible, particularly for certain categories of goods such as foodstuffs, plants and live animals, to move from one continent to another in a short time. - Safety
Strict regulations and controls in airport areas benefit air cargo shippers. Cargo receiving areas and air terminals are highly monitored and secure, limiting the risk of theft or damage. In addition, handling is minimal and transit time is reduced. - Locations served
Even the most remote locations can be served by air to the nearest airport and then by road in ever shorter times. - Tracking
Most air cargo service providers offer online tracking that allows you to check the status of your cargo from departure to arrival in real time. - Cost of packaging
Since goods are shipped in very light packaging, the need for packaging materials and containers is reduced.
Please note that air freight is only one part of the "supply chain". Indeed, in addition to the main transport, you will also need the administrative services related to export and import, taking into account airport charges, and delivery to the final destination. Services that we can also offer you at DocShipper!
How much does air freight between China and the US cost?
Shipping costs from China to US vary depending on the mode of transport, the size, and weight of the shipment, as well as any taxes and customs duties. In general, air freight rates can vary between $100 and several thousand dollars.
Compared to other methods of transport, air freight will be more expensive if you have a large volume. However, it can also be interesting in some cases.
THE IATA TARIFF
The basic rate is a weight band rate, rapidly decreasing, with a minimum charge for very small shipments.
For example:
- Price per kilo: $6
- Between 1000 and 2500 kg: $5/kg
- Between 2500 and 3500 kg: $4/kg
- More than 3500 kg:$3/kg
Minimum collection: $600
Please note that it is not necessarily the gross weight of your goods that will be used to calculate this tariff but the volumetric weight.
Once your volumetric weight is determined to set the freight price, it is important to note that airlines and airports add additional fees and taxes. (Airport tax, AWB Airway Bill, security tax, risk insurance tax, fuel tax)
How to calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment?
Just like the sea freight previously, an equivalency rule is applied as well by all air carriers to calculate the volumetric weight. The greater of the volumetric weight and the gross weight of your goods will be used. Please note the following rules:
- Classic airfreight : 1 CBM = 167 Kgs (1:6)
- Express airfreight : 1 CBM = 200 kgs (1:5)
How much time does it take to ship air cargo from to China to USA ?
The shipping time of air freight from China to USA depends on the place of departure and arrival, the type of air transport service chosen and the availability of flights. In general, the transit time for air freight from China to the United States is about 3 to 7 days. However, this may vary depending on different factors such as customs formalities, weather delays or flight delays.
During the Chinese holidays, there may be processing delays for international freight due to the temporary closure of ports and logistics companies in China.
We can support your cargo by air to several destinations in the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Dallas, etc. We have links with leading partners on the transport route between China and the US, this network allows us to move your cargo from any major Chinese city, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong.
Door to door service between China and the US
Door-to-door is the most common and convenient way to ship your goods. In this case, the customer is free of all the steps related to the shipment. We take care of the entire process from the beginning, including loading and collection of your goods, customs clearance, freight to the port/airport of arrival in the US and the delivery to your warehouse or your home. Door-to-door is above all a practical and fast solution.
By combining our experience with the professionalism of our partners in China and United States, we guarantee you a quality service from A to Z, you will not have to take any steps and you will be relieved of some of your worries. This method will save you time and also money!
What are the advantages of the door to door services?
Door-to-door service, as the name suggests, means that we pick up your product where you want it and deliver it to the address of your choice, right up to the doorstep of your door or warehouse. It means that you get a complete service, whether it's by sea or by air, and it can make your life easier!
SAFE DELIVERY
When you entrust us with your cargo, you can be sure that it will be delivered safely to your destination. All our partners guarantee you a quality experience.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
One thing we are very proud of at Docshipper is our friendly staff and their attention to detail. When you order your freight through us, you get a very personalized experience.
SHIPMENT TRACKING
Our staff will help you track your shipment every step of the way.
Are you looking for a safe and reliable door-to-door service between China and the US? Then contact us! We will be happy to discuss with you and help you find the complete offer that suits you best. Our staff is here to help you by taking care of the details of all your logistical needs.
Please visit our dedicated page for more information: Door to door service
You can also fill out our online form to get a free quote.
Customs clearance in the USA for goods imported from China
In this part, we will guide you through the requirements and regulations you need to know before importing products from China to the US. Our guidelines below can help you learn the process. You will have an overview and index to help you better understand the general rules when importing goods from China to the United States and links to the main regulations that apply in the country.
USA and China’s relations
The Trump government recently increased tariffs on Chinese products imported into the United States. These duties were intended, among other things, to reduce the trade deficit between the two nations, encourage domestic manufacturing, and encourage the Chinese government to respect the intellectual property of U.S. companies. However, this decision had rather disastrous consequences with the escalation of the trade war it triggered between China and the United States.
Over time, the United States published four lists of products that would be subject to higher tariffs until further notice, covering almost all items that could be imported. Tariff rates on these goods have also increased in retaliation for China's imposition of its own tariffs on U.S. goods. Nevertheless, part of this list has been rescinded due to progress in trade talks between the two nations.
These discussions are gradually easing tensions and the United States has published several lists of goods that have been excluded from the new tariffs after careful consideration.
The United States applies a number of embargoes, prohibiting or restricting imports of manufactured products with components from several countries. To see the list of countries for which the United States applies an embargo (full or partial), visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury website.
Company registration and licenses
To register your business as an import/export company, you must complete the U.S. Department of State's SNAP-R company registration.
Once you have submitted your information, the Department of State will send you an email with instructions on how to obtain a Company Identification Number (CIN). The CIN is used for tax purposes and for registration with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Generally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not require any license or permit to import goods into the United States. However, other government agencies or departments or local governments may require them for specific products.
Customs duties in the US
Customs duties define a tax on imported goods. This tax is payable when the goods cross the border of a country. The customs duty may be a flat fee or a percentage of the price of the goods, in which case the customs fee is called "ad valorem".
Customs duties were introduced to encourage the consumption of domestic products. Indeed, by taxing imported products, the State raises the price of foreign goods and thus encourages local consumption.
In the United States, customs duties must be paid by any electronic technology or credit card authorized by the Commissioner of Customs. In this sense, cash payment of customs duties in the United States is not authorized by the U.S. Customs Administration.
Customs valuation in the US
To calculate customs duties, the United States determines the value for duty using the CIF valuation method, which stands for "Cost, Insurance, Freight", just like most countries in the world.
CIF value = Cost of the goods + Cost of transportation to the port of departure + Cost of export clearance + Cost of transportation to the port of entry in the United States + Insurance
This value is also used to collect the US's foreign trade statistics
You are about to import products from China to the US? Our customer service will answer your questions and our team is able to assist on all customs procedures, for more information please fill out our online form.
How to calculate customs duties and taxes?
First step: Determine the "HS code" of your product.
To find out the rate of duty applied to your products, information is available online for free. You will be able to select the date, country of origin, destination and all related data to get the information you are interested in. We will guide you in this search a little further down.
Like most countries in the world, the United States use the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) for imported and exported goods. An HTS code is assigned to each good and corresponds to a specific product. This code will be used to determine the customs' tariff of the product in each country it enters.
Here is the composition of an HTS Code
How to find the HS Code of your product and check the duty rate?
The easiest way to find out the HTS code of your goods is to ask your supplier. Indeed, if he is used to selling his products for export, he will probably know the HTS code.
You can also search the tariff database of any country using the "Harmonized System" by simply entering a keyword, such as "pineapple" in our example.
Let's see this together:
Please click on the link US customs HTS page
Enter the keyword "pineapple" and then click on the "search" button.
This will take you to the following page
Let's check the results:
You know now the HTS Code for the pineapple!
08 04 30 (which can be used internationally)
Please don't close the above page as the information on customs duties rates are displayed at the same time.
As you can see, displayed rates of duty are divided into columns 1 and 2 and column 1 is further divided into General and Special. The General sub-column sets forth the general or normal trade relations (NTR) rates which are applicable to all products other than those of those countries with products eligible for special tariff treatment (such as countries with free trade agreements, trade acts, preference programs,etc.)
The Special sub-column reflects rates of duty under one or more special tariff treatment programs. These countries are identified in parentheses immediately following the duty rate specified in such sub-column. These rates apply to those products which are properly classified under a provision for which a special rate as indicated and for which all of the legal requirement for eligibility for such program or programs have been met. Where no special rate of duty is provided for a provision, the rates of duty in the General sub-column apply.
Rates of duty in column 2 apply to products of Cuba and North Korea.
For more information about customs duties, please do not hesitate to contact us. We study each case on a case by case basis to provide our customer with the most proper details for their shipment.
Does Docshipper charge duty?
You will not be charged by our customs broker. We will come back to you with the documents produced by the US customs to prove it to you. Make a difference between the customs clearance fees that will be charged by DocShipper (or any other freight forwarder). Customs clearance is the act of putting together a declaration file, the charges related to the declaration itself. The customs clearance fees will go to DocShipper while the customs duties and taxes will go directly to the government.
Customs Contact
Required documents
In addition to an HTS code, you’ll need a few other documents to clear customs with your imports. Here’s an overview of what these are:
- Bill of Lading
Document issued by the carrier. It certifies that the goods described have been delivered by the exporter. It is a document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transport company that acknowledges receipt of the goods It signifies what freight is to be transported between specified points for a specified price As the most basic document in the transport of goods, it serves as a title, contract of carriage and receipt for the goods It is prepared by the shipper on forms issued by the carrier.
This may be an AWB (airwaybill) for air cargo.
- Packing List
An export packing list is a document completed by the shipper detailing the contents of the shipment which must include the weight (gross and net), dimensions, contents, the numbering of each package in the shipment and any identifying features (e.g. serial numbers). It may also be used to identify damaged or missing items; the buyer pays duty only on what was actually received.
- Commercial Invoice
This is the invoice provided by your supplier in China when purchasing goods. Seller and buyer's contact details, the nature of the goods and the amount you paid for them have to be mentioned in this document. You will need the original invoice to clear your goods through customs. Make sure there is no difference between the original invoice and the packing list!
- Certificate of Origin
This is a document used in international trade that traditionally indicates the country of origin of the goods shipped, but the term "origin" in a Certificate of Origin (CO) does not mean the country from which the goods are shipped, but the country where the goods are actually manufactured. The purpose of the CO is to authenticate the country of origin of the goods shipped. This certificate indicates that the goods, which are being exported, are actually manufactured in a specific country mentioned in the certificate. It is very important if you wish to benefit from preferential rates of duty on certain products.
- Restricted and prohibited goods
Some products are prohibited from importation into the United States. Other food products, whether animal or vegetable-based, cannot enter the United States without authorization from the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) or the USDA (US Department of Agriculture).
Similarly, particularly strict regulations apply to the importation of weapons, medicines, alcohol, etc.
Restricted products
- Currency
- Gold and other precious metals
- Precious and semi-precious stones
- Electronic equipment not declared on arrival
- Firearms and ammunition
- Antiques
- Animal skins
- Religious artefacts and literature
- Plants, seeds, and soil
Prohibited items
- The distilled spirit absinthe (except certain diluted brands)
- Drug paraphernalia
- Endangered animals or items made from such species, including ivory
- Food containing meat or meat products (such as chicken broth)
- Most fruits and vegetables
- Narcotics
- Products from embargoed countries
If you intend to import into the United States any of the above products subject to the obligations, you should check directly with our experts. We will provide you with the necessary information regarding applications for permits, licenses, or any other specific documentation required. You can also visit the page of the US customs website regarding prohibited and restricted items
DocShipper’s other logistics services
Warehousing and storage
Because your needs are not limited to transport, our permanent service of logistics staff, complemented by our expert systems, allows us to offer exceptional services for the storage and warehousing of your goods. Strategically located near China's main ports, we are therefore able to receive your shipment for as long as you need it, before sending it to the United States (or elsewhere). If you intend to consolidate several shipments from different suppliers, or conversely if you receive a full container and wish to split it up and send it to several destinations. We also have a solution for you!
Please visit our dedicated page: Warehousing service
Packing and conditioning
The packing of your goods is very important because it guarantees perfect stability of the load during transport and provides excellent protection during storage and handling. We will be able to provide such services in China as well as in the United States, so do not hesitate to contact our experts if you need services such as cardboard box, palletization, wooden crate and others such as bubble wrap, adhesive tape, etc.
More information on our dedicated page: Packing services
Transport Insurance
The rate: variable according to the mode of transport, the nature of the goods... The insurance value declared by the subscriber (generally national costs + costs related to the main transport), the uses allow increasing the insured value by a maximum of 20%. You can, therefore, count on this calculation to make you an estimate. This rate is variable according to the nature/category of your goods.
Visit our dedicated page: Insurance services
Supplier Management in China
Always with a view to providing a complete service to guarantee you the right product, we will contact your Chinese supplier beforehand. We will know more precisely the characteristics of the product subject to the US regulations and will go through them with a fine-tooth comb (in particular the condition + packaging). Under our supervision, your products will not leave without proper packaging.
By trusting us, the operation will run smoothly from start to finish (regardless of the incoterm). Our staff is fluent in Mandarin and English among other things, to verify the dimensions as well as the HTS code of your goods.
For more information, visit our page: Sourcing services
3PL services in Europe
Purchase orders/packaging/labelling: If you are planning to ship goods in Europe from China, from the US or from anywhere in the world. We are able to receive your cargo and take care of all the services you will need (storage, packing, inventory, labelling, order preparation, distribution). With our warehouse in Camporosso in Northern Italy, we store your inventory and prepare all your orders on a daily basis. We will be your right-hand man, taking care of all services (packaging, inventory, labelling, fulfilment).
Delivery to the last mile: The partners we have been working with for years allow us to offer and guarantee delivery in any country (China, United States or Europe) with a competitive price and excellent service.
Visit our page for more information: 3PL services
Shipping personal effects and Moving
Are you planning to move to or from China? You are travelling and you have excess luggage or souvenirs to send? Our packing, wrapping or customs clearance services are carried out by professionals and ensure safe shipping and delivery to your home, whether in China, UK, or anywhere else in the world. Are you planning a moving to or from China? Or are you just coming back from a trip a little busier than expected? Do you have problems with packing, storage, packaging or customs clearance? Let's turn them into OUR problems, wherever you are in China or in the United States.
Visit our dedicated page: Moving services
As we are working in Asia for over 10 years, we are able to provide shipping solutions and offers at more competitive prices. Do not hesitate to contact our specialized team for more information about your shipment, we are always happy to serve you and share our knowledge! Contact us
FAQ - Shipping from China to the US
💷 What is the most affordable way to ship from China to US?
Obviously, it will depend on several factors including the volume, the weight, the origin, the final destination, and the nature of goods. If we keep in mind only the weight and volume which are the main parts, we usually advise shippers to use express services (such as DHL, FedEx...) if they ship less than 0.5 m³. If you are below 1.5/2 m³, conventional air freight should be the best solution. Above that volume, sea freight will start to be the cheapest method. Don't forget you have 2 choices in sea freight: LCL (consolidation) which is competitive until 13/14 m³, above this volume, you should consider an FCL (Full Container) even if the container is half full.
📑 What details do I need to provide to get a quote quickly?
Our vision of logistics and our desire to provide a quality service have led us to propose solutions that are as individual as possible by studying each case on a case-by-case basis. Thus, the dimensions, weight, volume, packaging requirements, departure/arrival address, and the nature of the products are all variables that will be necessary in order to obtain an estimate quickly.
📦 Can DocShipper group my goods from several suppliers?
We have been working in the international freight forwarding industry for over ten years, which has given us a better understanding of customer requirements and the elements of freight logistics. Our reputation is the result of close collaboration among our staff and we also cultivate a sense of detail that allows us to control your groupage shipment, coordinate different suppliers, and track from procurement to delivery with the highest efficiency.
⏱️ How long do I need to ship from China to the US?
You have 3 options for transporting your cargo between China and the US. Sea transport takes on average between 19 to 45 days, taking into account the extra time required for loading and unloading the cargo in the ports and then transporting it to your place. By air, it takes between 3 and 8 days. In door-to-door mode, air freight takes between 6 and 16 days. If you use express courier delivery, which is always door-to-door, it takes between 3 and 5 days for shipping. Finally, you probably ePacket services for websites such as AliExpress for example, usually the delivery will take around 20/25 days for a small parcel.
🌐 How does DocShipper handle the entire product life cycle?
DocShipper has a unique business model that includes 3 main departments: Sourcing services, Freight services, and 3PL services. Our sourcing department assists you in your procurement, we search the supplier, negotiate pricing and MOQ, proceed to quality control, make sure products comply with the regulation. Then, our freight department will handle the whole logistics process from China to the USA including packing services, air or sea freight, customs clearance, and trucking. Finally, our 3PL department will handle all E-Commerce operations: inventory management, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery.
💷What are the sea freight rates from China to the USA?
Sea freight rates from China to the United States vary depending on several factors, such as the nature of the cargo, the size and weight of the shipment, and the distance between the loading and unloading ports. Typically, rates can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a standard 20ft container (TEU).
💷How much is the customs tax from China to the US?
Customs tariffs from China to the United States vary depending on the category of imported products, and can range from 0 to more than 100% of the value of the goods. It is therefore difficult to give a precise answer without knowing the exact nature of the imported goods. It is recommended to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HS) online database for more accurate information.
DocShipper info: Do you like our article today? For your business interest, you may like the following useful articles :
- Sourcing Guide from China
- Freight Shipping from China to France | Rates – Transit times – Duties & Taxes
- Freight Shipping between China and Germany | DocShipper
- Freight shipping between China and Belgium | DocShipper
- Freight Shipping between China and Canada | Rates – Transit times – Duties & Taxes – Advices
- Freight Shipping from China to UK | Rates – Transit times – Duties & Taxes – Advices
DocShipper Advise : We help you with the entire sourcing process so don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
- Having trouble finding the appropriate product? Enjoy our sourcing services, we directly find the right suppliers for you!
- You don't trust your supplier? Ask our experts to do quality control to guarantee the condition of your goods!
- Do you need help with the logistics? Our international freight department supports you with door to door services!
- You don't want to handle distribution? Our 3PL department will handle the storage, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery!
DocShipper China | Procurement - Quality control - Logistics
Alibaba, Dhgate, made-in-china... Many know of websites to get supplies in Asia, but how many have come across a scam ?! It is very risky to pay an Asian supplier halfway around the world based only on promises! DocShipper offers you complete procurement services integrating logistics needs: purchasing, quality control, customization, licensing, transport...
Communication is important, which is why we strive to discuss in the most suitable way for you!