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USA Shipping & Customs

USA Shipping & Customs: Importing from China to USA

Last updated: May 27th 2025 

Importing umbrellas shouldn’t feel like wading through a downpour of details. Our guide breaks it down, but the real forecast you need to know is, we make it easy. 

Forget the complex steps and endless information – with our years of experience, we deliver your umbrella order seamlessly. Think of it as your umbrella concierge service: delivery, straight to you, without the hassle. 

In this summary we cover:  

What has changed for the US and importing?  

General Tariff Policies President Trump implemented a range of tariffs on goods from various countries as part of his “America First” trade policy. A baseline tariff was placed on most imported goods into the U.S. Trade Deal Developments: There were efforts to negotiate trade deals to mitigate the impact of these tariffs.  

Key points to consider  

The trade relationship with various countries has been complex and subject to change. The situation is dynamic, and trade policies can change. In essence, during the Trump administration, there were increases in tariffs affecting goods entering the U.S., alongside efforts to negotiate specific deals to lessen those impacts. 

Import Process & Regulations for Umbrellas  

What are the current import regulations and requirements for bringing umbrellas into the US?  

Importing umbrellas requires compliance with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. This includes proper documentation like a commercial invoice and packing list. The umbrellas must also be correctly labelled with their country of origin.  

Are there any specific tariffs or duties applicable to imported goods?  

Yes, umbrellas will likely be subject to import duties based on their Harmonized System (HS) code. While there isn’t a comprehensive free trade agreement eliminating all tariffs, the standard duty rates will apply.  

What documentation is required for customs clearance in the US?  

For umbrellas, you’ll generally need:  

  • Commercial Invoice: Detailing the sale, value, and parties involved.  
  • Packing List: Showing the contents of each package.  
  • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: The shipping document.  
  • Potentially a Certificate of Origin, although its benefit for imports currently might be limited in terms of significant tariff reductions.  

Are there any restrictions or prohibitions on specific types of goods being imported? 

Generally, no specific prohibitions apply to umbrellas. However, all imported goods must meet US safety standards and regulations.  

What are the standard timelines for customs clearance in the USA?  If paperwork is correct, air shipments might clear within a day or two, and sea shipments within a few days to a week.  

Do I need a customs broker for importing umbrellas? What are the benefits of using one?  

While you can handle it yourself, a customs broker is highly recommended. They can ensure correct HS code classification, proper documentation, and smooth clearance, potentially saving you time and preventing issues. We act as your US customs broker when you order umbrellas from us. 

Shipping & Logistics for Umbrellas  

What are the common shipping methods available (air, sea, courier)? What are the typical transit times and costs for each?  

Sea freight: Most economical for larger umbrella shipments, transit times can be several weeks.  

Air freight: Faster (few days), more expensive, suitable for smaller or time-sensitive umbrella orders.  

Courier: Fastest for samples or very small quantities, but generally more costly for bulk.  

Costs vary greatly; we need details on quantity and weight for a quote. We do this for each order we prepare. 

What are the packaging and labelling requirements for umbrellas being shipped to the US?  

Packaging should protect the umbrellas during transit. Cartons should be clearly marked with the number of units, weight, and consignee details. The country of origin (“Made in [Country of Origin]”) must be clearly marked on the umbrellas or their packaging.  

What are the insurance options available for shipments?  

We can arrange cargo insurance to cover loss or damage during shipping.  

Can you handle door-to-door delivery of umbrellas to our location in the US?  

Yes, our “Duty Paid” service would include this.  

What are your warehousing or fulfilment options in the US?  

We have access to warehousing and fulfilment services in the US if you need them for onward distribution of your umbrellas. 

Duty & Taxes for Umbrellas  

What is the Harmonized System (HS) code typically used for umbrellas?  

The main HS code for umbrellas is 6601. Subcategories exist (e.g., 6601.10 for garden or similar umbrellas, 6601.91 for those with telescopic shafts, 6601.99 for others). The specific type of your umbrellas will determine the exact 10-digit US HTS code.  

How are import duties calculated in the US for umbrellas?  

Duties are a percentage of the declared value. For example, garden or similar umbrellas (6601.10.0000) have a duty rate of around 6.5%. Other types might vary (some can be free, others higher).  

Are there any other taxes or fees we should be aware of (e.g., Merchandise Processing Fee)?  

Yes, you’ll likely encounter the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), which is a small percentage of the value, and potentially the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) if shipped by sea. Our “Duty Paid” quote would account for these. 

Managing Your Umbrella Imports  

What information do you need from us to facilitate the import process for umbrellas? We’d need the type and quantity of umbrellas, their value, the supplier details, and your US delivery address. Providing the specific HS code if you know it is also helpful.  

Can you provide you a quote for shipping and handling of umbrellas, including all applicable duties and taxes (“Duty Paid”)? 

Yes, we would handle this, and we can prepare a comprehensive “Duty Paid” quote for importing your umbrellas. 

Duty Paid Delivery Process

Duty Paid Process The “Duty Paid” process, often referred to by the Incoterm DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), essentially means that the seller takes maximum responsibility for getting the goods to the buyer’s specified destination.  

Here’s a breakdown of what that entails: The Seller (that’s us, in the context of your initial request) is responsible for:  

Packing and Documentation: Ensuring the goods are properly packed and all necessary export documentation from the country of origin is in order.

Export Clearance: Handling all export formalities and costs in the country of origin.  

Transportation: Arranging and paying for the transportation of the goods to the agreed-upon destination in the USA (this could be by air, sea, or a combination). Import  

Clearance: This is a crucial part. The seller is responsible for:  

Customs Clearance in the USA: Navigating the US customs procedures. 

Payment of Import Duties and Taxes: Covering all applicable US import duties, taxes (like sales tax, if applicable at the point of import), and any other fees levied by US customs.  

Delivery to the Named Place: Ensuring the goods are delivered to the buyer at the agreed-upon location in the USA.  

What this means for the Buyer (a US company importing): Minimal Responsibility: The buyer’s main responsibility is to receive the goods at the agreed-upon destination.  

Predictable Costs: The buyer ideally knows the total cost upfront, as the “Duty Paid” price should include everything.  

Simplified Process: The buyer doesn’t have to worry about the complexities of export procedures or import procedures, duties, and taxes in the USA.

In summary, when we say “We offer Duty Paid deliveries to the USA,” it means we handle everything from the origin right to your door in the USA, including taking care of the complicated customs process and paying all the US import duties and taxes. 

Customs Procedures & USA Import Duties

Customs Procedures Customs procedures are the formal steps and processes that must be followed when goods are imported into (or exported from) a country. These procedures are in place to ensure compliance with a country’s laws and regulations, to control the flow of goods, and to collect any applicable duties and taxes.  

For importing into the USA, typical customs procedures involve: Entry of Goods: Goods must be formally “entered” into the U.S. This is typically done by the “importer of record,” who could be the owner, purchaser, or a licensed customs broker.  

Documentation: Submitting necessary documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These usually include:  

Commercial Invoice: Details the transaction, including price, quantity, and value of goods. 

Packing List: Describes the contents of each package.  

Bill of Lading (for sea) or Air Waybill (for air): The shipping contract and receipt of shipment.  

Certificate of Origin: May be required to determine the country of origin for tariff purposes. Other documents depending on the nature of the goods (e.g., permits for certain agricultural products).  

Classification: Assigning the correct Harmonized System (HS) code (also known as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States – HTSUS code) to the goods. This code determines the duty rate and any special requirements.  

Valuation: Declaring the value of the imported goods. Duties are usually calculated as a percentage of this value.  

Payment of Duties and Taxes: Paying any applicable import duties, taxes (like the Merchandise Processing Fee and Harbor Maintenance Fee), and other charges.  

Examination: CBP has the right to inspect shipments to verify the declared information and ensure compliance with U.S. laws.  

Release: Once CBP is satisfied that all requirements have been met, the goods are released for entry into the U.S. 

USA Import Duties USA import duties are tariffs or taxes imposed on goods when they are brought into the United States from a foreign country.  

The purpose of these duties can be to: Generate revenue for the government. Protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive. Address trade imbalances or unfair trade practices.  

Here are key aspects of USA import duties:  

Duty Rates: The rate of duty varies significantly depending on the type of goods (determined by their HTSUS code) and their country of origin. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS): This is a comprehensive list that classifies all goods imported into the U.S. and specifies the applicable duty rates. You can find this on the U.S. International Trade Commission website.  

Calculation: Duties are usually calculated as a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if an item has a 5% duty rate and its declared value is $1000, the duty would be $50.  

Other Fees: Besides the basic duty rate, other fees might apply, such as: Merchandise  

Processing Fee (MPF): A small fee charged on most formal entries of merchandise.  

Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): Applied to goods arriving at U.S. ports. Duty-Free Entry: Some goods from certain countries may be eligible for reduced or zero duty rates under various trade agreements. Also, there’s a de minimis value (currently $800), below which goods imported for personal use are typically duty-free. In the context of “Duty Paid,” it means that the shipper (seller) is responsible for paying these USA import duties and handling the customs procedures to get the goods to you. 

What does this mean for you and your umbrellas?  

You order your umbrellas, we manufacture them and deliver them, covering the paperwork necessary to do so. You take receipt of the umbrellas without doing the administration. 

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