Key points and precautions for transporting toys exported from China to the United States

I. Preliminary preparation

Product compliance

Ensure that the toys comply with the standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Meet the requirements of ASTM F963 toy safety standards

Obtain necessary certifications (such as CPSIA compliance certificates)

Age labels and warning labels must comply with U.S. requirements (English)

Packaging requirements

Clear product information (in Chinese and English) must be on the packaging

Comply with U.S. environmental requirements for packaging materials

Consider U.S. retailers’ shelf packaging standards (such as Walmart, Target, etc.)

II. Transportation method selection

Sea transportation (most commonly used)

Full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) selection

Pay attention to booking in advance during the peak season (August-October)

Typical voyage: about 14-18 days from major Chinese ports to the West Coast of the United States, about 25-35 days from the East Coast of the United States

Air transport

Suitable for small quantities, high value or urgent orders

The cost is about 4-8 times that of sea transport

Typical time: 3-7 days

International express

Suitable for samples or very small quantities (DHL, FedEx, UPS)

Door-to-door service, but the cost is the highest

III. Things to note for customs clearance

Document preparation

Commercial invoice (detailed product description, HS code, value)

Packing list

Bill of lading/airway bill

Certificate of origin (such as FORM A GSP Certificate of Origin)

Product Qualification Certification Documents

Declaration of Conformity (DOC)

Tariff Issues

HS codes for toys are generally 9503 series

The average tariff for US toys is about 0-5% (depending on the specific category)

Note the 301 tariff list (some toys made in China may be applicable)

FDA registration

Some electronic toys may require FDA registration

IV. Logistics Risk Management

Insurance Purchase

It is recommended to purchase full transportation insurance

Pay attention to additional insurance such as war insurance and strike insurance

Seasonal factors

Before Christmas is the peak transportation period, make arrangements in advance

Note that US ports (such as Los Angeles/Long Beach) are congested during the peak season

Quality Spot Check

CPSC will conduct port spot checks, and unqualified products may be Detention

Ensure that each batch of goods has a compliance test report

V. Other considerations

Intellectual property

Ensure that the toys do not infringe on US patents, trademarks or copyrights

In particular, cartoon characters and brand co-branded products must be authorized

Environmental protection requirements

Comply with US restrictions on chemical substances such as phthalates and lead content

Electronic toys must comply with battery recycling requirements

After-sales service

Consider after-sales logistics arrangements such as returns and recalls

Retain sufficient product liability insurance

Cultural adaptability

Toy design is in line with American cultural habits and values

Avoid elements that may cause cultural misunderstandings

It is recommended to cooperate with professional international freight forwarders, especially logistics service providers familiar with Sino-US toy trade, which can greatly reduce transportation risks and improve efficiency.