US Import Duties from China: Customs Value and Quote Checklist

Shipping from China to the USA requires two separate calculations: the cost of moving the shipment and the duties and fees applicable to the goods. There is no single duty percentage that reliably covers every Chinese-origin product. Use this checklist to prepare a product-specific estimate before booking.

Customs value is not the same as landed cost

For US imports, international freight and insurance are generally excluded from customs value when properly identified and supported. Do not simply use a CIF total as the dutiable value. The applicable valuation method and any required additions still need to be checked for the transaction. See CBP guidance on cost, insurance and freight.

Keep the supplier invoice, payment terms and separately identified transport and insurance charges available for the customs broker. The full landed cost includes transport and delivery expenses even when those expenses are not part of customs value.

What determines the duty estimate?

• Product classification: provide the material, function, composition and intended use. Ask the broker to confirm the US classification; do not choose a code simply because its rate is lower.
• Country of origin: confirm where the goods originate, rather than relying only on the shipping location.
• Customs value: confirm the valuation basis and supporting documents.
• Entry date and applicable measures: ask which ordinary and additional duties, exclusions or product-specific measures apply on the relevant date.
• Other charges: identify customs processing, brokerage, bond and transport-related charges separately where applicable.

A quote should identify its assumptions and validity period. A blanket estimate such as “20–30% for all products” is not a substitute for a classification-based calculation.

Small parcels: do not assume the old $800 exemption

CBP’s August 2025 guidance suspended duty-free de minimis treatment effective August 29, 2025. That notice distinguished appropriate formal or informal entries for non-postal shipments from procedures for international mail. It did not say every parcel requires a formal entry. Read the dated CBP guidance and have your carrier or broker confirm the current procedure for your shipment.

For dropshipping, ask who supplies the customs data, how duties and clearance charges are collected, and whether the recipient may be asked to pay before delivery. Do not advertise a duty-free or all-inclusive service without confirming the actual terms.

ISF applies to ocean cargo, not air cargo

Importer Security Filing requirements apply to cargo arriving by ocean vessel; they do not apply to air cargo. Other entry and cargo reporting requirements may still apply. For an ocean shipment, agree with the responsible filer which information is needed and when it must be provided. See CBP’s tips for new importers and exporters.

Build a landed-cost comparison without double counting

1. Record the goods cost and the agreed sales terms.
2. Confirm the customs value and product-specific duty calculation with the broker.
3. List origin handling, international freight and insurance separately.
4. Add applicable entry fees, brokerage and destination handling.
5. Add final delivery and any agreed appointment, unloading or accessorial services.
6. Check which items are already included in the supplier or freight quote before adding them again.

For a USA FCL DDP shipment, confirm the named delivery location, importer arrangements, included duties and stated exceptions in writing. For dropshipping parcels, compare processing, shipping, clearance and delivery charges at the expected order volume.

What to send with your quote request

Prepare a clear product description, material and use, origin, invoice value, any proposed HS code, packing list and US destination ZIP code. For FCL, include the proposed container size and receiving requirements. For parcels, include packed weight, dimensions and expected order volume.

Request a shipping quote from LHD Logistics and ask for the assumptions behind the estimate. Final classification, valuation and entry treatment should be confirmed with the responsible customs professional for the actual shipment.