China → United States
Shipping from China to United States
Importing from China into the US: HTS classification, extra Section 301 duties, ISF filing for ocean cargo and a customs bond.
Trade agreement
No trade agreement — normal (MFN) duty plus any Section 301 and other additional duties that apply to Chinese goods
Import VAT / sales tax
No federal VAT; state sales tax may apply on resale
Typical ocean transit
about 15–35 days
Typical air transit
about 3–7 days
Documents on both sides
Exporter in China
- Commercial invoice with 10-digit HTS code
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- China export declaration
Importer in United States
- Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) — ocean only, 24 h before loading
- Customs bond (single entry or continuous)
- CBP entry (Form 3461 / 7501) via a licensed broker
- FDA, FCC or CPSC compliance where the product requires it
Watch out for
- Additional duties on many Chinese goods can exceed the normal rate — check the full HTS line.
- Late or missing ISF can lead to penalties per filing.
- US duty is charged on the goods value (FOB), not CIF.
Transit times are typical ranges. General guidance only — confirm rates and requirements with a customs broker.
Check the exact duty for your product
Describe what you ship and get the official HS code, duty and VAT for United States.
Live official tariff
HS code & duty calculator
VAT is calculated on goods value + duty; freight and insurance are excluded here. Confirm the final classification with a customs broker.