Do I need a license to import from China?

There is no general “import license” for most products. You import as the importer of record using a customs bond and the standard entry documents. Specific product categories (for example, FDA- or CPSC-regulated goods) carry their own requirements, but the act of importing from China itself does not require a blanket license.

How much are the tariffs on Chinese goods?

It depends entirely on the product’s HTS code. You pay the base HTS duty plus any additional Section 301 tariff and any antidumping or countervailing duties that apply to that code. Those additional rates change frequently with trade policy, so confirm the current figure for your specific code with CBP or a customs broker rather than relying on a published estimate.

What is the UFLPA and does it apply to me?

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act bars goods linked to forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. CBP presumes covered goods are inadmissible, and you must prove otherwise with supply-chain documentation. It applies to any importer whose product or its inputs may trace to the region — a real risk for cotton, electronics, and solar components.

Who is responsible if my customs broker files the wrong information?

You are. The importer of record bears the legal duty of reasonable care for the accuracy of every entry, even when a broker prepares it. Choose a broker carefully, review what they file, and keep your own records. Importing from China rewards preparation and punishes guesswork. Reidel Law Firm advises importers on classification, tariff exposure, UFLPA supply-chain documentation, and reasonable-care programs on flat-fee terms. Get an import compliance memo.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW

How to Import Products from China to the US

Schuyler 'Rocky' Reidel July 14, 2023 6 min read

Importing products from China means clearing them through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as the importer of record — classifying each item under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, paying the correct duties (including any additional Secti