Summary of this article：Getting products shipped from China to the US isn't just as simple as pick a courier, pay, and ship anymore. Since August 29, 2025, the US has eliminated duty-free minimis for all shipments. Every package will now have to pass customs, and requires an entry, and typically duties will be paid, no matter what the value of the goods.
Types of shipments: Express, Air, or Ocean
•Express courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx): Best for samples and small cartons when an urgent shipment is needed. Transit time is about 3 days. Duties and cost are usually paid by the receiver even for low value shipments.
•Air freight: Best for mid-size shipments when you have some flexibility on time. Transit time is about 8-10 days from airport to airport. Cost is heavily based on chargeable weight.
•Ocean freight (LCL/FCL): Best for large bulk cargo when you can accept the longest transit time for the lowest cost per unit. Transit time is about 33 days for the west coast and 52 days for the east coast. This requires documentation and lots of planning.
Major Change for 2026: No more duty-free minimis
Parcels under $800 were previously cleared through US Customs with no duty. The duty-free de minimis for China/Hong Kong Country was suspended on May 2nd, 2025, and world-wide was officially stopped on August 29th, 2025, by Executive Order 14324. From now on, it's assumed every package will need an invoice, an HS code, and customs entry.
Documents that are required:
1. Commercial invoice (seller and buyer details, HS code, value, Incoterm, country of origin)
2. Packing list (weights and dimensions, cartons count)
3. Air Waybill (for air freight) or Bill of Lading (for ocean freight)
4. Proper HS Code and commodity description
5. Customs bond (for Formal Entries)
For ocean freight, the ISF 10+2 needs to be filed 24 hours before vessel departure.
Incoterms: FOB, EXW, and DDP
•FOB: The buyer will be responsible for carriage to the US and the customs clearance (duties & taxes) at the time of entry. This method allows growing companies to retain more control over their freight process and gain greater transparency.
•EXW: cheapest terms but leaves the buyer responsible for everything from the time it's picked up until it's in the US. There are very little unknowns when purchasing under EXW and this should be used by experienced buyers.
•DDP: convenient, as the seller manages the product to the destination. However, a lot of "extra" charges are often built into making it difficult to understand how the total price was computed.
Tip for importers:
Buyers who are importing on large scale should opt for FOB and then utilize their own freight forwarder. New buyers may prefer the DDP option for ease, however, they must always obtain a detailed breakdown.
Step-by-step workflow:
Confirm product compliance Lock product specifications and packaging Select shipping method Finalize and agree upon the Incoterm and put it on the commercial invoice Book a forwarder/courier Prepare for export and pick up in China Track your product while in transit US Customs clearance (duties will now always need to be paid) Take delivery at the warehouse/your door
Key Cost Drivers:
Chargeable weight (whether actual weight or dimensional) chosen Incoterm method chosen shipping method peak season duties and clearance fees will be needed now more than ever.
Takeaway:
Strategy for winners in 2026 will be choosing the right method of shipping, accurate Incoterms, good documentation, proper clearance, and control over product packaging and chargeable weight.
