US Customs and Import Duties for Electronics from China (2026)

Importing electronics from China means dealing with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Get this wrong and your shipment gets held, or you pay more than you planned.

This guide covers import duties for electronics from China in 2026. You’ll learn what you’ll pay, what you need to file, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

How Import Duties on Electronics Work

Every product entering the US gets classified under a Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code. That code determines your duty rate.

Electronics fall under HTS Chapter 84 (machines, computers) and Chapter 85 (electrical equipment). A Bluetooth speaker might be HTS 8518.22. A laptop is HTS 8471.30. A USB cable falls under 8544.42.

The base duty rate for most electronics is 0% under the General Rate. But that’s before Section 301 tariffs stack on top.

Section 301 Tariffs on Chinese Electronics in 2026

Section 301 tariffs are the big number you need to plan for. The US Trade Representative (USTR) imposed them on Chinese goods in four lists starting in 2018.

Here’s where things stand in 2026 for common electronics categories:

• Most electronics components and consumer electronics (List 3): 7.5% additional tariff
• Networking equipment, circuit breakers, industrial electronics (List 1 and 2): 25% additional tariff
• Semiconductors: 50% additional tariff as of January 2025
• Laptops (HTS 8471.30) and smartphones (HTS 8517.13): Still exempt from Section 301 additional duties

On top of Section 301 tariffs, a separate 10% IEEPA tariff was added in 2025 as part of the US-China trade negotiations. A November 2025 agreement extended a tariff reduction through November 10, 2026, bringing that rate down from 125% to 10% for most goods.

You’re likely looking at a combined duty rate of 17.5% to 35% on most electronics from China in 2026. Use the USTR tariff lookup tool to confirm your specific HTS code.

De Minimis Is Gone for China

The $800 de minimis exemption no longer applies to Chinese goods. As of May 2, 2025, CBP ended de minimis for all products made in China and Hong Kong.

Every shipment from China, no matter how small, is subject to full duties. There’s no free pass under $800 anymore.

For postal shipments, CBP now charges flat per-item fees based on the applicable tariff rate. If you’re ordering samples or small test shipments, budget for duties.

Learn more about payment methods for sourcing to structure sample orders cost-effectively.

What You Need to File Before Your Shipment Arrives

ISF (Importer Security Filing, also called 10+2)

If you’re shipping by ocean freight, you must file an ISF at least 24 hours before your cargo loads onto the vessel in China. CBP requires 10 data elements from you as the importer and 2 from the carrier.

The 10 data elements you provide include:

• Seller name and address
• Buyer name and address
• Importer of record number (your EIN or CBP-assigned number)
• Consignee number
• Manufacturer name and address
• Ship-to party
• Country of origin
• HTS code (first 6 digits minimum)

Miss this filing or file it late and CBP can hit you with a $5,000 penalty per violation. Don’t skip it.

A customs broker will file the ISF for you. Typical cost is $30 to $50 for the filing, plus a single-transaction ISF bond of about $50. Many brokers bundle this into a package around $80 to $120.

Customs Entry Types

For most commercial shipments, you’ll file a formal entry (CBP Form 7501). This is required for any shipment valued over $2,500.

For shipments under $2,500, you can file an informal entry, which is simpler and cheaper. Your broker handles both.

Air freight shipments skip the ISF requirement, but you still need a formal entry if the value is over $2,500.

Working with a Customs Broker

You can self-file customs entries, but most importers use a licensed customs broker. The cost is usually $150 to $500 per shipment depending on complexity.

Use a broker for your first few shipments. The cost of a misclassification or a missed ISF is far higher than the broker fee.

A good broker will:

• Classify your goods and find the right HTS code
• File your ISF on time
• Prepare and submit the CBP entry
• Handle any questions or holds from CBP

Customs Bonds

If your shipment requires a formal entry, you need a customs bond. You have two options:

Single-entry bond: Covers one shipment. Costs around $50 to $100 for smaller values.

Continuous bond: Covers all entries for 12 months. Minimum $50,000 bond amount, with annual premiums around $500 to $600.

If you’re importing more than a few shipments per year, a continuous bond saves money over buying single-entry bonds each time.

What Happens When Customs Holds Your Shipment

CBP holds shipments for several reasons. The most common ones are:

Exam hold: CBP physically inspects the cargo. You pay examination fees, typically $300 to $1,000 or more.

Missing or incorrect documents: Your commercial invoice, packing list, or certificate of origin has errors.

HTS misclassification: CBP disagrees with how you classified the goods.

Compliance issues: Missing FCC authorization or other agency holds. See our guide on FCC and UL compliance.

An exam hold can add 5 to 14 days to your delivery time. Stay in close contact with your broker if this happens.

Calculating Your Total Landed Cost

To price your product correctly, calculate your total landed cost before you buy. Use this formula:

Product cost + ocean/air freight + insurance + customs bond + broker fees + duties = landed cost

For example: You import 1,000 Bluetooth speakers at $8 each ($8,000 total). Assume 7.5% Section 301 tariff plus 10% IEEPA tariff (17.5% combined). Your duty bill is $1,400.

Add $800 in ocean freight, $150 broker fee, and a $50 ISF fee. Total landed cost is about $10,400, or $10.40 per unit.

Use our cost calculator to run your own numbers.

Key Steps Before Your First Shipment

1. Look up your HTS code at hts.usitc.gov and confirm which Section 301 list applies.
2. Get a continuous customs bond if you plan to import regularly.
3. Find a licensed customs broker before you place your order.
4. Make sure your commercial invoice shows the correct value, HTS code, and country of origin.
5. File your ISF at least 24 hours before vessel loading.

Also read our beginners guide to importing from China if you’re just starting out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current tariff rate on electronics from China in 2026? Most consumer electronics from China carry a combined rate of 17.5% or more. This includes Section 301 tariffs (7.5% to 25% depending on the product category) plus a 10% IEEPA tariff extended through November 2026. Some products like laptops and smartphones remain exempt from Section 301 duties.

What is the de minimis threshold for China imports in 2026? De minimis no longer applies to Chinese goods. CBP eliminated the $800 exemption for China and Hong Kong on May 2, 2025. All Chinese imports, regardless of value, are subject to full applicable duties.

Do I need a customs broker to import electronics from China? You’re not legally required to use a broker, but it’s strongly recommended. A licensed customs broker handles ISF filing, HTS classification, and CBP entry submission. Costs run $150 to $500 per shipment. Mistakes you make yourself can cost thousands in penalties.

What is ISF filing and when is it due? ISF stands for Importer Security Filing. It’s required for all ocean freight shipments entering the US. You must file at least 24 hours before your cargo is loaded onto the vessel in China. Late or missing filings carry penalties of $5,000 per violation.

How do I find the HTS code for my electronics product? Go to hts.usitc.gov and search by product description. Your customs broker can also classify the product for you. Getting the right code matters because it determines which tariff rates apply. A wrong code can trigger CBP holds or penalties.