In short: Clearing customs from China to the USA involves five main steps: filing an Importer Security Filing (ISF, also called 10+2) at least 24 hours before your goods load onto the vessel, classifying your goods with the correct HTS code, having your customs broker or freight forwarder submit an entry to CBP (Customs and Border Protection), paying duty and any applicable fees, and receiving the "release" that lets your container leave the port. Most first-time US importers use a licensed customs broker rather than filing themselves, since a single wrong HTS code can trigger delays, penalties, or the wrong duty rate. On a typical $20,000 shipment, budget for duty (rate depends on HTS code and any Section 301 tariffs), a customs bond, and broker fees, on top of your freight cost.

Last updated: 30 July 2026

What Are the Steps to Clear US Customs When Importing from China?

Here's the process in the order it actually happens:

1. Classify your product with the correct 10-digit HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code. This determines your duty rate and whether Section 301 China tariffs apply.
2. File your Importer Security Filing (ISF or "10+2") at least 24 hours before your cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the Chinese port. This is required for ocean freight only, not air.
3. Get a customs bond, either a single-entry bond for a one-off shipment or a continuous annual bond if you import regularly. Most brokers can arrange this for you.
4. Your broker files the entry with CBP once your goods arrive, using your commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.
5. Pay duty, Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) where applicable.
6. CBP reviews and releases the shipment, sometimes after inspection, and your goods can leave the port or airport for delivery.

Do I Need a Customs Broker, or Can I File Myself?

Legally, you can self-file as the importer of record. In practice, almost no first-time importer does, because a broker's fee (usually $75-$200 per entry) is small compared to the cost of a misclassified HTS code, which can mean overpaying duty for years or facing CBP penalties for underpaying it. A broker also handles your ISF filing and customs bond, and can flag if your product needs FDA, CPSC, or FCC clearance before it's released.

Worked Example: Clearing a $20,000 Shipment

Here's what customs clearance might cost on a $20,000 FOB shipment of a general consumer product with a 15% duty rate (base MFN rate plus an illustrative Section 301 surcharge, since actual rates vary by HTS code and are subject to change):

Your actual duty rate depends entirely on your product's HTS classification, so always confirm the exact code and rate with your broker before you place a production order, not after your goods have shipped.

What Documents Do I Need for US Customs Clearance?

At minimum, your broker will need: a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (ocean) or air waybill (air), and your HTS classification. Depending on your product, you may also need an FDA prior notice, a Certificate of Origin, or CPSC certificates of compliance for children's products, electronics, or textiles.

How Long Does US Customs Clearance Take?

For most shipments with complete paperwork, CBP clearance takes one to three business days after arrival. If your shipment is selected for a physical exam, it can take an additional five to ten business days. Having accurate documentation and a correct HTS code from the start is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I use the wrong HTS code?

You risk either overpaying duty for the life of your import program, or underpaying it, which can trigger a CBP audit, back-duty demands, and penalties. Always confirm classification with a licensed customs broker.

Do I need a customs bond for every shipment?

You need either a single-entry bond per shipment or one continuous annual bond that covers all your shipments for the year. If you import more than a few times a year, a continuous bond is almost always cheaper.

Are Section 301 tariffs still in effect on Chinese goods in 2026?

Section 301 tariffs on various Chinese-origin goods remain a live and shifting part of US trade policy. Because rates and product lists change, always check the current Section 301 exclusion list and your product's specific HTS code before finalising landed costs.

Can my freight forwarder handle customs clearance instead of a separate broker?

Many freight forwarders are also licensed customs brokers, or have one in-house, so this is common and can simplify your supply chain to a single point of contact.

What's the difference between ISF and the customs entry itself?

The ISF (10+2) is a security filing submitted before your goods leave China, giving CBP advance visibility into what's on the vessel. The customs entry is the actual declaration filed on arrival that triggers duty assessment and release.

How Epic Sourcing Helps

Epic Sourcing coordinates with vetted freight forwarders and customs brokers to help US-bound clients get HTS classification right from the start, avoiding costly surprises at clearance. Get in touch for a no-pressure, no-obligation chat about your next US import.

Related reading: for the freight side of the journey, see our guide to sea freight from China to the USA, and for the post-2025 policy shift affecting small parcel importers, see Section 321 de minimis ending for US importers. If duty rates and HTS codes are your main concern, our Import Duty from China to the USA guide has more worked examples. If you're deciding between working with a sourcing agent or a trading company for your US-bound orders, see our comparison for Irish importers choosing between the two models, which applies the same logic globally. And if China+1 diversification is on your radar, see our guide on sourcing from Vietnam to Singapore for how tariff exposure compares.

Learn more on our freight forwarding page or our end-to-end sourcing service.