24 Must Understand FAQ When Shipping from China to USA

In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions when shipping from China. From the mode of shipping, cost, best shipping routes to goods to import from China.

Well, in this article, we have compiled some of the most commonly asked questions and answers.

1. Which Documents to you need to Ship from China to USA?

• Packing list: it details the volume of goods being shipped from China to the US, the cargo details, contact details of the buyer and the seller, and the total volume of goods.
• Commercial invoice: this is a legal document that shows the proof of sale between the buyer and the seller when shipping from China to the USA.
• Bill of lading: it is a proof of receipt of shipment and it gives the terms of agreement which are used in transporting the goods. We use this in sea freight.
• Airway bill – for airfreight from China to USA, this is the documents that bears the name of consignee. It accompanies your imports from China to USA
• Certificate of origin: it shows where goods were manufactured. The certificate of origin gives details of the relevant goods and shows the name and the port of destination.
• Letter of credit: this is a letter issued by a reputable bank that shows the financial capability of the buyer to ship goods from China to the USA.
• Entry manifest: it is a form known as CBB Form 7533 which is required to be filled for all imports entering the USA.
• Import license: this is required for those goods that have importing restrictions tothe USA from China. Examples of these goods include agricultural products, ammunition, radioactive materials, and consumer products.

2. How Long will it Take to Ship from China to USA?

On average the time frame may vary:

• Sea freight – 23 to 30 days
• Airfreight – 2 to 7 days
• Air freight takes about 2 to 7 days

3. Can you Recommend Best Shipping Route from China to USA?

The most common routes are:

• Pacific Ocean Route where your ports of destination will be West Coast
• Trans-Pacific Route which leads to the East Coast through the Panama Canal

4. Which is the Best Mode of Shipping from China to USA?

First when importing from China to USA, you only have two options: sea freight and air freight.

Therefore the mode of shipping will depending on:

• Type and nature of imports from China to USA
• How fast you need your goods from China

Air freight is great if you urgently need your products to reach the USA.Sea freight tends to cost far less. It is best for bulky goods.

Using express shipping courier services such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS tends to be a little more expensive as compared to others although it is the fastest.

5. What is the Cost of Shipping from China to USA?

Some variables that may affect the cost of shipping from China to USA are:

• Exact time you are shipping – whether it is peak or off-peak season
• Mode of shipping
• Types of goods you are shipping
• Fuel and security surcharges
• Geopolitical elements

With that in mind, let’s have a rough estimates as tabulated in the table below:

Note: For accurate shipping quotation, you can contact an experienced shipping agent.

6. What Ports in USA can you Ship to from China?

You should choose a port that is closer to your warehouse. In USA, there are many port with varying capacities.

Some of the most popular ports are Ports of Los Angeles, Newark, Long Beach, Savannah, Houston, Seattle, Tacoma, Norfolk, Charleston, Oakland, Miami, Baltimore, Everglades, Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Juan, Mobile, Jacksonville, Wilmington, Boston, West Palm Beach, and Chester, just to mention a few.

Here is a useful resources on: Major Ports in USA.

7. What is the Cheapest Way to Ship to China from the USA?

Sea freight to USA is generally affordable. This is even critical when shipping bulky imports from China to USA.

Tip: Always talk to your forwarder to understand what you wish to ship from China to USA. They will advise on the most economical shipping model.

8. How can you Reduce Shipping Costs from China to the USA?

To cut costs when shipping from China to the USA, using sea freight will help you. This is because it is cheaper than air freight.

Additionally, freight forwarders can negotiate for competitive prices, thereby reducing shipping cost.

You can also reduce the shipping cost from China to the USA by buying the goods in bulk and negotiating for quantity discounts. Bulk buying will ensure that you have sufficient inventory for a longer period thus cutting on the reordering costs.

9. How much are the Shipping Taxes from China to the USA?

The average import duty rate from China to the USA is currently at 19.3% multiplied by the value of the shipment. However, certain goods tend to be taxed using different rates depending on their nature.

10. How do I Verify Quality before the Shipment Leaves China for the USA?

You should start the quality verification by looking at the inner and outer packages to confirm that they conform to your specifications.

Check the markings on the export carton and their dimensions and weight to ensure they meet the required quality.

Additionally, check the packaging for the presence of vent holes and units to prevent molds. You should also review the quality of workmanship by using standardized checkpoints of the type of product.

Check the samples to ensure that your goods conform to the specifications which you gave. Some of the elements to check include color, product dimensions, artwork, labels, construction methods, and materials.

Ensure that the quality checks are detailed for example by checking the spelling on the packaging, fonts, positioning, boldness, and alignment. Once you have ascertained that the quality meets your specifications, you can approve its delivery.

You may also be interested in: China Quality Control Services.

11. When should you use Airfreight from China to the USA?

You should use airfreight from China to the USA when you want to obtain your delivery quickly and the package is small in size.

It will usually take between 2 to 5 days to use direct flights between major USA cities like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. Here are all: Airports in USA.

12. Who Pays for Customs when Importing from China to the USA?

The responsibility of paying for customs when importing from China to the USA is usually determined by the sales agreement being used.

The person responsible for paying for customs can either be the seller or the buyer depending on the sells agreement in place. Some of the agreements which are used are Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) and Deliver Duty Paid (DDP).

It is important to have an agreement on the sales agreement that will be used to understand the responsibility of custom clearance from the onset.

13. How will I know if my Shipment from China to the USA is Fully Insured?

You will know if your shipment is fully insured once you obtain the insurance certificate after paying the required premiums.

It is important to take care of insurance when shipping from China to the US to help protect your goods against financial losses.

14. Do you need a License to Import from China to USA?

USA is among the import-friendly countries in the world and in most cases, businesses and individuals will not be required to have an import license. However, before shipping it is important to check with the relevant agency for those goods which need a license or permit.

The agency that issues the license tends to vary depending on the type of goods being shipped from China to the USA. Not all the goods from China to the USA require an import license.

15. What is the Tariff Rate from China to the USA?

The tariff rate from China to the USA ranges from 7.5% to 25% and applies to roughly $550 billion in imports from China to the USA.

16. What are the Prohibited Imports to the USA from China?

The prohibited items to be imported to USA from China include:

• Dangerous toys
• Bush meat
• Prohibited substances like absinthe and Rohypnol
• Animal skins
• Ivory and certain other wildlife parts and products

Here is a complete list: Prohibited and Restricted Imports to USA.

17. What is the Best Shipping Company from China to the USA?

It is not easy to find a dependable company when shipping from China to the USA. When selecting a company to help in shipping consider its size, how long it has been in business, and customer feedback.

The following are the most dependable companies to use when shipping from China to the USA:

• COSCO Shipping
• FedEx
• DHL
• HPL
• APL
• ZIM
• MAERSK
• CMA

18. We have 5 Clients Shipping from Different Cities in China to the USA, Can we Ship from the same Port in China? And, Who handles the Paperwork?

Yes, you can ship from different cities in China to the USA using the same port in China. Your goods will be combined using consolidated shipping by combining the Less Container Load (LCL) shipments.

The paperwork will be handled by the freight forwarder or consolidation agent.

19. How do handle Dangerous Goods from China to the USA?

Dangerous goods when shipping from China to the USA are handled according to their different categories as follows:

• Flammable gas: do not expose it to high temperatures.
• Flammable Solids: do not expose them to flammable water and gas when shipping them from China to the USA.
• Toxic Infectious Substances: they should have clear labels. These labels should be visible according to international law and marked according to their risks.
• Radioactive Materials: for this category, ensure that you adhere to the Special Provisions Code IMDG 188 regulations in shipping them from China to the USA.
• Corrosive Materials: they are shipped using sea transport and with special containers that are free from corrosion.
• Miscellaneous items: when being shipped from China to the USA, label well and ship using sea.
• Explosive materials: ship then using sea transport
• Flammable Liquid: handle them using special containers and at low temperatures
• Oxidizer: they react with oxygen and thus should not be exposed to it when being shipped to the USA.

More resource: Shipping Dangerous Goods from China.

20. Should you use a Freight Forwarder or 3PL to Ship from China to the USA?

Yes, using a Freight forwarder or 3PL when shipping from China to the USA will help in simplifying the process. They are important, especially for those individuals or businesses that lack knowledge of international documentation and regulations.

21. Can Freight Forwarders from China to the USA Handle Door-to-door Shipping?

Yes, using a freight forwarder in handling door-to-door shippingis essential when shipping from China to the USA.

They will collect your products at the seller’s facility or another agreed point of origin in China and deliver them to the specified delivery address in the USA.

22. How can I Find the Right Forwarder from China to the USA?

You can find the right freight forwarder to ship from China to the US using the following ways:

• Using social media platforms
• Using the internet
• Joining forums
• Through trade exhibitions
• By searching for freight forwarders on the internet
• By visiting China

At Bansar China, we here to offer affordable freight forwarding services to any global destination – request for quotation now.

23. When Importing to the USA from China, Do you need a Forwarder in China or a Broker in the USA?

You should have a freight forwarder in China as compared to having a broker in the USA. They know all the suppliers in China well and thus will help in planning the seamless coordination of your shipment to the USA.

24. Can you Ship from China to Amazon FBA?

Yes, you can ship from China to Amazon FBA. Ensure that you adhere to the regulations in place for labeling and packing to avoid delays in shipping from China to the USA.

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