Shipping Electronics from China: Freight, Customs & Duties Guide

Getting your products manufactured is half the battle. Getting them through Chinese export, international shipping, US customs, and into your warehouse is the other half. That’s where most first-time importers get burned.

The big surprises: Section 301 tariffs add 7.5% to 25% on top of the product cost. De minimis is gone for Chinese goods — every shipment pays duties. And the $800 per-unit FOB price you negotiated is not your cost. By the time goods hit your warehouse, landed cost is typically 40% to 80% higher.

If you’re planning a first shipment, read US customs and duties and the cost calculator before you sign anything.