Importing from China to the US — customs, duties, logistics.

1. Production: supplier manufactures and packages parts
2. Export preparation: packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, HS code classification
3. Origin freight: truck from factory to port of export (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian)
4. Export clearance: Chinese customs inspection and approval
5. Ocean or air freight: vessel or aircraft to US port (LA/Long Beach for west coast, NY/Newark or Savannah for east coast)
6. Import clearance: US customs entry, duty payment, FDA/EPA/other agency reviews if applicable
7. Destination freight: truck from port to your facility

Each step has cost, time, and paperwork. Miss any and the shipment delays or gets held at customs.

The US has tariff rates for imported machined parts. Standard rates per HTSUS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule):

Plus Section 301 tariffs: as of late 2024, many Chinese-origin goods have additional 7.5% or 25% duties on top of HTS rates. Status changes regularly — check ustr.gov for current rates on your HTS code.

Plus Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of value, minimum $31.67, maximum $614.35 per entry.

Typical all-in duty on CNC parts (with Section 301 at 25%): 28-30% of entered value. This is why FOB or EXW pricing can look deceptively cheap.

For typical CNC part shipments:

• Under 50 kg total: air freight is cheaper than LCL ocean
• 50-200 kg: LCL ocean wins unless time-critical
• 200+ kg: LCL ocean definitively cheaper
• 5,000+ kg: consider FCL (full container) if you have the volume

For shipments over $2,500, US customs requires a formal entry. You can:

Self-file: possible but requires CBP Automated Broker Interface (ABI) software, HTS classification expertise, and continuous tariff-update tracking. Typical cost: training + $300+/month software. Worth it for companies importing 20+ shipments/year.

Use a customs broker: they file entry, classify goods, calculate duties, handle CBP queries. Typical cost: $85-250 per shipment (entry fee), plus $50-150 for inspection coordination if CBP examines. For most importers, the broker pays for itself in avoided errors alone.

For first-time importers, always use a broker. They handle: HTS classification (getting the right rate), paperwork, and problem resolution if CBP holds the shipment.

Most Chinese suppliers offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) or FOB (Free on Board). What each actually means for you:

DDP: supplier handles everything — ocean freight, customs, duties, destination delivery. You pay the invoice; parts arrive at your dock. Typical markup over FOB: 10-15%.

FOB: supplier loads parts on ocean vessel. You (or your broker) handle the rest. Cheaper direct cost but more work on your side.

For small orders (under $10,000), DDP is usually the right choice — the overhead of handling FOB yourself costs more than the markup. For large orders, FOB with a good broker saves significant money.

• Supplier offers DDP "below market": usually means they're under-declaring value to reduce duties. Illegal. You can lose goods and face fines.
• Vague Incoterms: "door-to-door" isn't a real Incoterm. Confirm DAP (you handle duty) or DDP (they handle duty) explicitly.
• Missing certificates of origin: required for some trade programs and for Section 301 exemptions. Request explicitly when ordering.
• No HS code on invoice: you'll spend hours classifying parts yourself. Request 10-digit HS codes from supplier upfront.
• Packaging inadequate for ocean transit: 30+ days in a container means parts can shift, get damp, get damaged. Specify anti-corrosion and anti-moisture packaging.