Importing from China

Hey! I’ve got a question. I'm looking at an appliance on Alibaba for $1,100 with free shipping. Can I actually import this into the US if I don't have a business license? Thanks!

I think you can, but you're going to get hit with customs fees and sales tax

Bradley Wilson5 said:I think you can, but you're going to get hit with customs fees and sales tax

Thanks... so that's a 25% sales tax on the item value, but what about the customs duty?

I reckon customs duties depend on what kind of goods you're bringing in, so those rates change based on the product type.

Is there actually a customs duty on toys now? I don't recall there ever being one before.

It feels like no matter which agency you call in this country, they just point you toward someone else in an endless loop of bureaucracy.

Maybe one of you folks here actually knows the drill.
I’m looking to import some small electronic components to be used as sub-assemblies within a finished product. I haven't been able to find a local supplier, and even if I did, the markup would probably be astronomical. I have a few specific questions:

- What kind of certifications am I looking at for importing electronics from China? Is RoHS enough since they already comply, or am I going to need Dell or LVD compliance too?

- Would it be a smart move to have them ship via FedEx? It’s a pretty small package, maybe around 30x20x20 cm, and weighs about 2 kg.

- If they use FedEx, once the package hits the US, am I going to get hit with a phone call demanding I pay customs, taxes, and whatever other random fees they decide to invent on the spot?

- Are there any other little traps or fine print details I should be keeping an eye out for?

Megan Kelly412 said:It feels like no matter which agency you call in this country, they just point you toward someone else in an endless loop of bureaucracy.

Maybe one of you folks here actually knows the drill.
I’m looking to import some small electronic components to be used as sub-assemblies within a finished product. I haven't been able to find a local supplier, and even if I did, the markup would probably be astronomical. I have a few specific questions:

- What kind of certifications am I looking at for importing electronics from China? Is RoHS enough since they already comply, or am I going to need Dell or LVD compliance too?

- Would it be a smart move to have them ship via FedEx? It’s a pretty small package, maybe around 30x20x20 cm, and weighs about 2 kg.

- If they use FedEx, once the package hits the US, am I going to get hit with a phone call demanding I pay customs, taxes, and whatever other random fees they decide to invent on the spot?

- Are there any other little traps or fine print details I should be keeping an eye out for?

Look, if you've already paid them for the goods and the shipping, then you'll just owe FedEx for the customs duties, sales tax, and their brokerage fees.

FedEx actually has a tool on their site where you can estimate costs and transit times—just plug in your info and you'll see what the damage looks like...

I took a quick peek at the FedEx site, and it looks like we’re looking at roughly $250, plus whatever extra fees they decide to tack on just for the fun of it.

Does anyone here actually know the deal with all the necessary certificates and official testing? Like, what kind of paperwork do you really need when you're moving electronics across the border?
I mean, if the exporters already have their certifications in order—which, logically, they should—you’d think I wouldn't have to jump through a dozen extra hoops once it hits the US, but does anyone actually have real-world experience with how that works in practice?

I'm planning on selling books at my booth

If I import them into the US, say for $5 per unit...

...using my own import and retail business.

How much do you think I can actually mark those up from that $5 starting point?

wiredcrane13 said:Basically... if you're looking for any kind of assistance—whether that means vetting suppliers, hunting down the absolute best quality goods, or finding the most budget-friendly options—along with navigating taxes, logistics, and everything else involved in importing from China... feel free to shoot me a DM
I have extensive experience working within construction materials, consumer electronics, textiles, and the food industry
I also maintain a very well-established network of agents over in China.

Hey there,
I’m looking into importing some glass from China. I'm considering either a LCL (less than container load) shipment or maybe just a smaller container for my first run. I already have a supplier lined up, but I suspect I might be able to find the exact same goods at a better price elsewhere. I could really use some advice on how to organize the logistics and navigate the options for group shipping. Any tips on how to get this moving?

I also read somewhere on a forum that when you order smaller quantities via air freight and the supplier offers free shipping, Customs still calculates the duty based on both the value of the goods and the cost of delivery—even if that delivery fee wasn't actually charged to you. Is that actually possible?

Regarding sanitary inspections—as far as I know, any goods related to food have to pass through those checks before they can clear customs. Since the total value of what I’m looking to order is pretty low, around $200, I'm starting to think it might not even be worth the hassle. Does anyone know how I can find out what the actual cost for a sanitary inspection would be?

Thanks in advance!

Ethan Turner10 said:Hey there,
I’m looking into importing some glass from China. I'm considering either a LCL (less than container load) shipment or maybe just a smaller container for my first run. I already have a supplier lined up, but I suspect I might be able to find the exact same goods at a better price elsewhere. I could really use some advice on how to organize the logistics and navigate the options for group shipping. Any tips on how to get this moving?

I also read somewhere on a forum that when you order smaller quantities via air freight and the supplier offers free shipping, Customs still calculates the duty based on both the value of the goods and the cost of delivery—even if that delivery fee wasn't actually charged to you. Is that actually possible?

Regarding sanitary inspections—as far as I know, any goods related to food have to pass through those checks before they can clear customs. Since the total value of what I’m looking to order is pretty low, around $200, I'm starting to think it might not even be worth the hassle. Does anyone know how I can find out what the actual cost for a sanitary inspection would be?

Thanks in advance!

Shoot me a DM and let me know what you're actually after... I've been importing stuff from China for years now, so I've picked up a thing or two along the way😉. As far as the glass goes, it really depends on the specific type you need, but I can probably help you out there too since I've got some "interesting" connections over there...

Best,

Greetings
The more I read through these threads, the less sense any of this makes..

I’m looking to purchase just a single item. The value is $300 and it weighs about 9 pounds..
Shipping is free via air mail..
The box will be labeled "DJ Light"
Here is the link
http://m.aliexpress.com/item/743947384.html

Now, I have specific questions..
Which carrier should I insist on using for the shipment?

What kind of expenses should I expect regarding taxes, customs duties, etc.?
Where will the package actually arrive—directly to my doorstep, or will I have to pick it up somewhere else?
The item will be labeled "DJ Light" if that matters for clearance
I realize this is a minor issue since everyone here is discussing shipping containers...but if there is a kind soul willing to spare a moment to give me some answers...

Thanks in advance...

Here's the deal

it says shipping via FedEx is free

so the price is basically ~$290

tax and customs hit you for about 35%, roughly speaking

870 x 0.35=$101

expect maybe ~$400 total

once it shows up, you just send them the invoice, they handle the customs (~$100) and

it gets dropped right at your door

Dennis Sanders66 said:Hey! I’ve got a question. I'm looking at an appliance on Alibaba for $1,100 with free shipping. Can I actually import this into the US if I don't have a business license? Thanks!

Depends on what you're actually buying, I guess.

It's possible if it's just for you, though you gotta convince the customs agent it isn't for resale if they ask.🙂

Anthony Ortiz10 said:Here's the deal

it says shipping via FedEx is free

so the price is basically ~$290

tax and customs hit you for about 35%, roughly speaking

870 x 0.35=$101

expect maybe ~$400 total

once it shows up, you just send them the invoice, they handle the customs (~$100) and

it gets dropped right at your door

I appreciate the response.
Let me ask one more thing.
The Chinese person claims the goods have "no commercial value." Is that actually helpful, or is it just going to complicate the whole process? Also, regarding the invoice—I'm not sure which document I'll need to provide. I'm paying him via Western Union. What happens if I don't have a bank account, or if a friend sends the money for me? It might sound like a stupid question, but I'm new to this and I don't want any surprises.

I personally wouldn't dream of sending money to someone in China via Western Union..

I'm not sure where you're ordering from or if that site even offers PayPal, but just handing cash over to a seller $300 without any protection isn't exactly my idea of a smart move. You have zero guarantee they’ll actually ship the goods, and you won't have any way to get your money back if things go south...

Joshua Wood42 said:I appreciate the response.
Let me ask one more thing.
The Chinese person claims the goods have "no commercial value." Is that actually helpful, or is it just going to complicate the whole process? Also, regarding the invoice—I'm not sure which document I'll need to provide. I'm paying him via Western Union. What happens if I don't have a bank account, or if a friend sends the money for me? It might sound like a stupid question, but I'm new to this and I don't want any surprises.

Look, Customs doesn't care if it's a gift from your brother or some prize from a sweepstakes. You still gotta pay the duty and prove what it cost. They gotta verify it (so you should probably show where you bought it—like a website link), but honestly, I bet you could just show a Western Union receipt and say you're new to this and don't know how it works...

I'm with rim912 on this one
I'd only deal with them through PayPal because at least if they scam you, you can get your money back. But I see they don't even offer PayPal and
their feedback history is empty, so either they haven't sold anything or I just can't see it since I'm not logged in!?

I'd suggest checking Alibaba and once you find someone, just make sure they're a GOLD member (those are the ones you can actually trust)

When a Chinese person tells you there's "no commercial value," they're basically saying they're giving you a way to dodge customs by using an invoice with a way lower price. Once you send that Chinese person the cash, they couldn't care less how much you end up getting hit with at customs. That's your headache when it hits the border.

The people at DHL are pretty chill, you can usually work stuff out with them
but those guys at regular customs, like the USPS or whatever
man, that's a different story.... you need nerves of steel for dealing with them regarding imports

Hope I cleared some things up for you

LP

Thanks for the input..
That site functions somewhat like PayPal where you can dispute charges and get your money back... He’s telling me that using the platform is too expensive for him. Instead, he sent me a link to a company and the names of people he deals with directly rather than through the site, even though those exact same people are registered on the platform. He claims the website is just for advertising purposes. To be honest, I can see right through that nonsense. I'm not an idiot; he could easily play me for a fool here.

So, isn't there something similar available on eBay?

It’s not like it's a struggle for a Chinese person to bump up the price just to cover the fees eBay and PayPal take out of their cut..

Chinese sellers can be even more difficult to deal with than folks from the Midwest, if you ask me.😬

slyorca122 said:So, isn't there something similar available on eBay?

It’s not like it's a struggle for a Chinese person to bump up the price just to cover the fees eBay and PayPal take out of their cut..

Chinese sellers can be even more difficult to deal with than folks from the Midwest, if you ask me.😬

Sure, it exists, but when a Chinese seller lists the exact same thing on eBay, it ends up being twice as expensive... so use your head. I did some digging on Alibaba... even there, not everyone accepts PayPal. I sent out a few inquiries, so we will see... shipping costs aren't even listed. That means they can rip me off on shipping however they want.