The Process of Importing Goods from China

1. Find and vet the supplier

Start with a shortlist, not a single factory. Compare quotes on price, minimum order, lead time, and export experience, and confirm the company is a real, registered manufacturer rather than a middleman. A sourcing agent in China can do this on the ground.

2. Samples, then the purchase order

Approve samples before you commit, ideally collected from several factories and shipped to you together. Your purchase order should set the specification, packing and labeling rules, the Incoterm, and the payment terms.

3. Set up the US side

Every import needs an importer of record. For most businesses that is the company EIN, registered with CBP. Formal entries, generally shipments over $2,500, need a customs bond. A continuous bond covers a year of imports and suits anyone shipping more than a few times.

4. Classify the product and cost it

Every product has an HTS code, and that code sets the duty rate. Goods from China usually add a Section 301 tariff on top. Check the classification and total the landed cost per unit before you finalize the order, not after the goods land.

5. Inspect before the balance is paid

A pre-shipment quality inspection checks quantity, workmanship, labels, and packing while you still hold leverage over the supplier. Fixing a problem in China costs a fraction of fixing it in the US.

6. Book freight and file the ISF

Once goods are ready, freight is booked by sea or air. For ocean cargo the Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) must be transmitted at least 24 hours before loading in China. A late or wrong ISF can draw a penalty of up to $5,000.

7. Customs entry, duty, and release

As the cargo approaches the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the broker files the entry and pays duties, taxes, and fees such as the merchandise processing fee and, for ocean cargo, the harbor maintenance fee. CBP releases the goods, or selects them for an exam, which adds time.

8. Delivery and records

Released goods are delivered to your facility or to Amazon. Keep your import records for five years. CBP can ask for them.

What changes when the goods are going to San Diego

Very little Asia container traffic calls directly at San Diego, so ocean cargo for San Diego businesses clears at Los Angeles or Long Beach and trucks south, about two hours. Budget that leg into your delivered cost. San Diego importers who also buy from Mexico can combine an ocean lane from China with land freight through Otay Mesa, and it pays to use one broker for both so the entries, bond, and classifications line up.