How to import from China to the United States
If you want to expand your business and are looking for cheaper products, it is best that you know how to import from China to the United States. Hispanic Entrepreneurs He tells you how to approach this market that offers many advantages.
Tips for importing from China
This Asian nation has emerged as the largest exporter in the world, which is why it is very popular with small businesses. It stands out thanks to the low price of the merchandise and the possibility of significantly increasing its value.
However, receiving products from such a distant place carries some risks, so you must set clear goals. This is important when looking for a supplier, it is also key that you choose products that are compatible with the general strategy of your business.
Another important measure is that you familiarize yourself with the import regulations. Investigate in detail the regime and restrictions that apply to the products. Find out if you need to process licenses to avoid difficulties when you are in customs. For example textile, agricultural, iron and steel products are among those subject to strict regulations.
Try to work with reliable and accredited suppliers, in this way you will guarantee that the merchandise is of quality. Be wary of sudden price increases, unusual payment methods, or long delays in replying to messages you send.
Build long-term relationships with distributors
Establish a good long-term relationship with the supplier to maintain a strong union. A good idea is to go meet them to demonstrate the commitment to work there is. This way the activities will be more fluid and the possibility of obtaining better agreements increases.
Please have product codes handy for paperwork and duty rate information. Include all the details in the contract, which you establish from the terms of payment to spend the delivery.
Test the merchandise through samples. In this way, risks are minimized and you check if they comply with the quality standards and legal requirements of the country. This especially applies to businesses that buy in bulk.
On the other hand, plan the transport with enough time to avoid delays in deliveries, which would affect the relationship with customers. To do this, seek the service of a reputable courier company.
How to import from China to the United States
Special attention must be paid to the payment of tariffs and regulations to import from China to the United States. Failure to comply with any of these aspects can result in the payment of high fines or delays in shipping.
Although the economic movement between the two countries was affected at the start of the covid-19 pandemic, it still remains. The most demanded products became ventilators, personal protective equipment, surgical gloves and beds for intensive care.
To continue the flow of trade from China to the United States, some tariffs and regulations were eliminated. The exceptions were upright freezers, plastic drinking straws, N95 masks and respirators, anesthesia masks. For this reason, many are taking advantage of the moment to grow.
Although there is no general import permit for Chinese products, it is necessary to have a permit from a federal agency for certain items.
The first step is to choose the products and make sure it is legal to import them. It is recommended to consult the United States import guidelines and Chinese export laws.
Then choose a reliable supplier or manufacturer. Many opt for the well-known Alibaba, Made In China and AliExpress. Another option is to hire a customs broker who will handle this step. They know the import business and have connections with the right suppliers. In addition, you can visit China and attend trade shows to place the order there. Pay the order and proceed to customs clearance.
Hire a freight forwarder from China to the US and a customs broker licensed in North America. Process the necessary import documents to bring the merchandise from Asian territory to your warehouse. These are requested by the US Customs and Border Protection. (CBP) within days of arrival.
This is the step that will have the most challenges. Once the merchandise enters a port or airport in the United States, it will undergo various inspection processes. You must submit two documents: CBP Form 3461 and CBP Form 7501 and pay taxes. If the cargo arrives by sea, you have to record the importer security declaration (ISF).
In general, they will require the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs bond, CBP forms, arrival notice. As well as specific documents of the merchandise and the safety declaration of the importer. By fulfilling all this, the products will leave customs for trade.