Importing Electronics from China to the USA
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Electronics imported from China to the US face Section 301 tariffs layered on top of the base HTS duty rate, plus FCC requirements for any device with a clock, processor, or radio. The landed cost calculation that trips up first-time importers is forgetting that Section 301 (commonly 7.5–25% depending on List) applies to the customs value, not the sale price. Getting the right 10-digit HTS code and a valid FCC ID or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity before the shipment leaves Shenzhen avoids both overpaying duty and CBP holds.
When you import, the FCC rule that surprises buyers is that intentional radiators (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) need full certification with an FCC ID, while most digital devices need only a SDoC. We verify the FCC grant matches your exact model number, since a generic grantee certificate on a relabeled product does not cover you.
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FAQ
How are tariffs on Chinese electronics calculated for US import?
You pay the base HTS duty (often 0% for finished electronics) plus the Section 301 tariff on the same customs value, which ranges roughly 7.5–25% depending on the product's List. Confirm both rates against your specific HTS code before quoting landed cost.
Does every electronic device need FCC certification?
Devices with radios (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular) need full FCC certification with an FCC ID. Most other digital electronics need only a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, which is the importer's responsibility to hold.
What goes wrong at US customs with China electronics?
The frequent issues are an incorrect HTS code triggering the wrong tariff, missing or mismatched FCC documentation, and unmarked country-of-origin. Any one of these can hold the container and rack up demurrage.
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