China to/from USA Customs Clearance & Logistics Service | BETTERluck Shipping
Professional Since 2007 | Best Services | Fast Delivery
As the world's two largest economies, China and the United States maintain a huge volume of cross-border trade. However, the complex customs regulations, strict inspection standards and frequent policy adjustments between the two countries have become major challenges for enterprises engaged in Sino-US trade. BETTERluck Shipping, with 18 years of professional experience since 2007, specializes in providing one-stop customs clearance, declaration and logistics transportation services between China and the United States. We have successfully helped over 5,000 enterprises solve pain points such as high inspection rates (average 4% for our clients vs industry average 15-25%), long clearance cycles and compliance risks, ensuring stable and efficient cargo flow for Sino-US supply chains.
Your Reliable One-Stop Partner for China-US Logistics & Customs Clearance
The US market, with its strong consumption capacity, is a key overseas destination for Chinese enterprises in sectors such as electronics, machinery, textiles and consumer goods. Meanwhile, Chinese demand for US agricultural products, energy and high-tech components is also growing steadily. However, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has rigorous regulatory requirements, including the mandatory ISF (Importer Security Filing) declaration, strict HS code classification and anti-dumping duty supervision. On the Chinese side, customs clearance also involves commodity inspection, tax calculation and compliance verification. BETTERluck Shipping has built a professional service system integrating "China-US dual-localization support + full-process risk control" by virtue of in-depth mastery of customs policies of both countries and solid cooperative resources.
Our services cover the entire chain from cargo collection in China, export declaration, international transportation (sea/air/express) to US import clearance, tax payment, and final delivery to door. We also provide reverse logistics services from the US to China, solving problems such as defective product returns, replacement goods transportation and cross-border e-commerce reverse supply chains. Whether you are a small cross-border e-commerce seller, a medium-sized trade company or a large multinational enterprise, we can customize exclusive logistics solutions to meet your needs for timeliness, cost and compliance.
Core Competencies of BETTERluck Shipping: Why Choose Us?
1. Dual-Localized Professional Team & Rich Resources
We have established professional teams in both Guangzhou (China) and Los Angeles (USA), with senior customs brokers certified by CBP and Chinese customs declaration experts with over 10 years of experience. Our US team is familiar with the regulatory details of major ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, Savannah and Houston, and has long-term cooperative relations with local customs, port authorities, FDA (Food and Drug Administration), FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and other institutions. This enables us to quickly respond to unexpected situations such as customs inspections and document supplements, ensuring smooth clearance.
2. Strict Risk Control & Low Inspection Rate
We have independently developed a Sino-US logistics risk control system that covers three core links: pre-shipment verification, in-transit monitoring and post-clearance follow-up. Before shipment, we conduct multi-dimensional reviews on HS code accuracy, declaration value rationality, document completeness and commodity compliance to avoid risks such as misclassification and under-declaration. For US-bound goods, we strictly implement the ISF declaration (completed 24 hours before vessel departure) to avoid CBP fines of up to $5,000 per shipment. Relying on this system, our average customs inspection rate is controlled within 4%, far lower than the industry average.
3. Diversified & Efficient Transportation Solutions
China-US Sea Freight Express Line:快船服务（如美森快船、以星快船），从上海/深圳到洛杉矶仅需12-15天，门到门含清关20-22天，适合跨境电商旺季补货及高时效需求货物。
Economy Sea Freight: Direct shipment to major US ports, 25-35 days to port, cost-effective for large-volume general goods such as machinery and raw materials.
Air Freight Special Line: Direct flights from Guangzhou/Shanghai to Los Angeles/New York/Chicago, 3-5 days door-to-door, meeting the urgent needs of high-value goods such as electronic products and medical supplies.
LCL & FCL Services: Weekly fixed schedules for LCL and FCL from major Chinese ports, providing flexible consolidation services and ensuring stable shipment frequency.
E-Commerce Logistics Solutions: Supporting Amazon FBA first-leg transportation, including label replacement, FBA appointment and customs clearance, covering all Amazon warehouses in the US.
US to China Reverse Logistics: Specializing in the transportation of returned goods, samples and trade commodities, providing one-stop services from US warehouse collection to Chinese customs clearance.
4. Full-Process Visualization & Transparent Service
Our intelligent logistics management platform allows customers to query the real-time status of goods (collection, declaration, transportation, customs clearance, delivery) at any time through mobile phones or computers. The system will automatically send SMS and email notifications for key nodes such as shipment departure, arrival at port, customs clearance completion and delivery. We provide detailed cost quotes in advance, including transportation fees, customs clearance fees, tariffs, handling fees and other expenses, with no hidden charges throughout the process.
5. Professional Handling of Special Commodities
We have rich experience in clearing special commodities between China and the US, including: electronic products (FCC certification), medical devices (FDA registration), food and health products (FDA food registration), chemicals (MSDS certification), toys (CPSC certification), and agricultural products (USDA inspection). Our professional team will provide one-stop services from certification application to customs clearance, solving the compliance problems of special commodities for customers.
China-US Customs Clearance Processes: Detailed Operation Guidelines
The customs clearance processes between China and the US involve the regulatory requirements of both countries, and each link needs to be operated in strict accordance with the rules. BETTERluck Shipping will arrange professional personnel to follow up the whole process to ensure that your goods pass through customs smoothly. The following are the detailed processes of import and export customs clearance in China and the US:
1. China Export Customs Clearance Process (Goods from China to USA)
China's export customs clearance focuses on commodity inspection, compliance verification and tax declaration. The whole process is usually completed 3-5 working days before the goods are loaded on board. The specific steps are as follows:
Step 1: Pre-Export Preparation & Document Collation
This is the core link to ensure smooth customs clearance. Our document team will sort out the required materials with customers, including:
Export Declaration Form: Filled in truthfully and accurately, including commodity name, HS code, quantity, value, origin, destination and other information.
Commercial Invoice: Signed by both the buyer and the seller, clearly stating the detailed description of the goods, unit price, total amount, trade terms (such as FOB, CIF) and other contents.
Packing List: Detailedly listing the specifications, weight, packaging method and number of packages of each commodity, which must be consistent with the actual goods.
Sales Contract: Proving the trade relationship between the buyer and the seller, including the terms of the transaction, payment method and delivery time.
Commodity Inspection Certificate (if required): For commodities subject to mandatory inspection (such as toys, textiles, machinery), a commodity inspection certificate issued by the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau is required.
Export License (if required): For commodities under quota management or restricted export (such as some chemicals, high-tech products), an export license issued by the relevant government department is required.
Certificate of Origin: For goods that enjoy preferential tariff treatment under the Sino-US trade agreement, a certificate of origin is required to apply for preferential tariffs.
Step 2: Electronic Declaration & Customs Review
Our customs declaration personnel will upload the sorted documents to the China Customs Electronic Port System for electronic declaration. The customs will conduct a computer review and manual review of the declaration materials. During the review process, if the customs has doubts about the goods, it will issue a notice of supplementary materials, and our team will respond and supplement the relevant explanations and certificates in a timely manner.
Step 3: Customs Inspection (if required)
The customs will determine whether to inspect the goods according to the risk level of the declared commodities. If inspection is required, the goods will be transferred to the customs inspection site. Our staff will coordinate with the customs to complete the inspection, including checking whether the actual goods are consistent with the declaration, whether the packaging is intact, and whether there are prohibited items. The inspection usually takes 1-3 working days.
Step 4: Tax Payment & Customs Release
For goods subject to export duties, the exporter needs to pay the corresponding taxes in accordance with the regulations. After the tax payment is confirmed by the customs, the customs will issue a customs clearance certificate (customs declaration form with release seal). At this point, the goods can be loaded on board or loaded on the plane, and the export customs clearance process is completed.
2. US Import Customs Clearance Process (Goods from China to USA)
US import customs clearance is dominated by CBP, with strict requirements on security declaration, commodity compliance and tax payment. The key is to complete the ISF declaration in advance and ensure the accuracy of the declaration materials. The specific steps are as follows:
Step 1: Pre-Arrival Preparation (Critical for Avoiding Fines)
ISF Declaration: Also known as the "10+2 Rule", the importer or its agent must submit 10 pieces of importer information and 2 pieces of carrier information to CBP 24 hours before the vessel carrying the goods departs from the Chinese port. The main information includes: importer RFC code, consignee information, commodity HS code, container number, etc. Failure to declare or late declaration will result in fines of $500-$5,000 per shipment.
Document Collation: Prepare documents including Bill of Lading (B/L), commercial invoice, packing list, POA (Power of Attorney, authorizing the customs broker to handle customs clearance), certificate of origin, and product certification (such as FDA certification for food, FCC certification for electronics).
Tariff Pre-Calculation: Our team will calculate the applicable tariff rate, value-added tax (VAT) and other fees according to the HS code of the goods and the latest US tariff policy, and provide a detailed tax breakdown to the customer.
Step 2: Customs Declaration & CBP Review
After the goods arrive at the US port, our local customs broker will submit the declaration materials to CBP and complete the electronic declaration through the CBP Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. CBP will review the declaration materials and the ISF information. If the information is consistent and compliant, it will enter the next link; if there is any discrepancy, it will require supplementary materials or initiate an inspection.
Step 3: Commodity Inspection & Compliance Verification
In addition to CBP's review, some commodities need to be inspected by other US federal agencies:
FDA: Responsible for the inspection of food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and other commodities to ensure they meet US health and safety standards.
FCC: Inspects electronic products to ensure they do not interfere with US radio frequency signals.
CPSC: Inspects children's products, toys and other commodities to ensure they meet safety standards.
USDA: Inspects agricultural products, livestock products and wood products to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
If the goods fail to pass the inspection of the relevant agencies, they may be detained, returned or destroyed. Our team will coordinate with the agencies to provide supplementary certification and rectification plans to minimize losses for customers.
Step 4: Tax Payment & CBP Release
The US import taxes mainly include: Ad Valorem Tariff (calculated based on the CIF value of the goods, the tax rate ranges from 0% to 30%, and some commodities are subject to anti-dumping duties), Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) (usually 0.3464% of the goods value, with a minimum of $27.23 and a maximum of $528.33 per shipment), and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) (0.125% of the CIF value for sea freight goods).
After the customer pays the taxes (or entrusts us to pay on their behalf), CBP will verify the tax payment information and issue a release notice. For goods that need to be inspected, they can be released after passing the inspection.
Step 5: Port Pickup & Final Delivery
After the goods are released, our local trucking team will pick up the goods from the port and arrange for transportation to the customer's designated address (warehouse, store or FBA warehouse) in the US. We provide door-to-door delivery services covering the entire US, and track the transportation process in real time to ensure the goods arrive safely and on time.
3. US Export Customs Clearance Process (Goods from USA to China)
US export customs clearance is mainly managed by CBP, focusing on export control and security review. The process is relatively simple, but attention should be paid to the export license for controlled commodities. The specific steps are as follows:
Export Eligibility Confirmation: Confirm that the US exporter has a valid EIN (Employer Identification Number) and complies with the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). For commodities under export control (such as high-tech products, military-related products), an export license issued by BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) is required.
Document Preparation: Sort out export invoice, packing list, export declaration form (SED), bill of lading, certificate of origin and export license (if required). The documents must clearly state the commodity information, trade terms and destination country.
Electronic Export Information (EEI) Filing: For goods with an export value exceeding $2,500 or subject to export control, EEI must be filed through the AES (Automated Export System) before shipment, and the AES filing number must be provided to the carrier.
CBP Declaration & Review: Submit the declaration materials to CBP. CBP will review the EEI information and commodity compliance. After passing the review, the goods can be loaded and shipped.
International Transportation Arrangement: Choose the appropriate transportation method (sea/air/express) to transport the goods to China, and track the whole process to ensure the goods arrive at the Chinese port safely.
4. China Import Customs Clearance Process (Goods from USA to China)
China's import customs clearance involves multiple links such as declaration, inspection, tax payment and release, with strict requirements on commodity compliance and document integrity. The specific steps are as follows:
Step 1: Pre-Arrival Preparation
Import Eligibility Confirmation: The Chinese importer must have a valid import and export business qualification and complete the customs registration. For special commodities (such as food, medical devices), corresponding business licenses and qualification certificates are required.
Document Collation: Prepare bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, import contract, certificate of origin, inspection and quarantine certificate (issued by US authorities), and product certification (such as China Compulsory Certification (CCC) for electrical products).
HS Code Confirmation: Accurately classify the imported goods according to the China Customs Tariff Schedule to determine the applicable tariff rate, tax type and whether inspection is required.
Step 2: Customs Declaration & Review
After the goods arrive at the Chinese port, our customs declaration personnel will submit the electronic declaration materials to China Customs through the Single Window System. The customs will conduct computer review and manual review. If the declaration materials are incomplete or there are doubts about the goods, the customs will issue a notice of supplementary materials, and our team will respond in a timely manner.
Step 3: Commodity Inspection & Quarantine
Chinese customs implements the "inspection and quarantine integration" management. For imported goods, the customs will conduct inspection and quarantine according to the commodity type, including: safety inspection (whether it meets Chinese safety standards), hygiene inspection (for food and cosmetics), and quality inspection (for mechanical and electrical products). For goods that fail the inspection, they need to be rectified within a time limit or returned/destroyed.
Step 4: Tax Payment & Release
Chinese import taxes mainly include import tariff, value-added tax (VAT, general rate 13%) and consumption tax (for luxury goods, tobacco and alcohol, etc.). Our team will calculate the tax amount accurately according to the HS code and declare it to the customs. After the customer pays the taxes, the customs will verify the tax payment information and issue a release notice. If the goods need to be inspected, they can be released after passing the inspection.
Step 5: Delivery to Destination
We will arrange for the goods to be picked up from the port and transported to the customer's designated address in China through our domestic logistics network. For cross-border e-commerce goods, we can also provide services such as warehouse allocation and direct delivery to consumers.
Success Stories: Driving Sino-US Trade Growth with Professional Services
Case 1: Cross-Border E-Commerce 3C Brand - 300% Shipment Growth with Stable Clearance
A Chinese cross-border e-commerce brand specializing in mobile phone accessories faced serious challenges in entering the US market: frequent ISF declaration delays leading to CBP fines, high inspection rate (up to 18%) resulting in Amazon FBA stockouts, and unclear tariff calculation leading to cost overruns. After cooperating with BETTERluck Shipping, we provided a one-stop solution:
Assign a dedicated document specialist to be responsible for ISF declaration, ensuring 100% on-time submission and avoiding fines.
Optimize HS code classification and declaration value, combined with our local CBP resources, reducing the inspection rate to 3%.
Provide weekly fixed-schedule sea freight express line services, ensuring 12-15 days of port arrival time, and realizing "stock replenishment on time" for Amazon warehouses.
Within 6 months of cooperation, the brand's monthly shipment volume to the US increased from 15 tons to 60 tons, and the Amazon store rating rose from 3.2 to 4.7 stars due to stable delivery timeliness. During the Black Friday promotion, we successfully helped it complete 150 tons of goods delivery, achieving a 280% year-on-year sales growth.
Case 2: Medical Device Enterprise - Solving FDA Clearance Difficulties
A Chinese medical device manufacturer planned to export a new type of medical monitor to the US, but was stuck in the customs clearance link due to incomplete FDA registration materials. The goods were detained at the Los Angeles port for 15 days, and the customer faced the risk of breach of contract. After entrusting BETTERluck Shipping, we took the following measures:
Cooperate with our US FDA professional team to sort out the product technical documents and assist in completing the supplementary application for FDA 510(k) registration.
Communicate with CBP and FDA on behalf of the customer, explain the product compliance situation, and apply for priority inspection.
Arrange for local technical personnel to provide on-site explanation and sample testing support during the FDA inspection.
The goods were successfully cleared within 7 days, and we also provided a long-term compliance plan for the enterprise, including regular updates of FDA regulatory policies and document review. Up to now, the enterprise's monthly export volume to the US has reached 800 units, and it has successfully entered 3 local US medical device distribution networks.
Contact BETTERluck Shipping for Your Customized Sino-US Logistics Solution
Whether you are exploring the US market for the first time, optimizing the existing Sino-US logistics chain, or solving the pain points of reverse logistics, BETTERluck Shipping can provide you with professional, efficient and compliant one-stop services. With 18 years of experience in Sino-US trade logistics, we have witnessed the growth of thousands of enterprises and are willing to be your reliable partner on the road of Sino-US trade.
Guangzhou Office Address
Room 607-608, 6/Floor Talent Building, No. 1 Yichuang Street, Huangpu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong P.R.China 510555
Contact Information
WeChat/WhatsApp: +86-18898403007
Email: sales8@blshipping.com
Official Website: www.blshipping.com
Contact us now! Our professional Sino-US logistics team will reply to your inquiry within 2 hours, provide free customs clearance consulting and logistics solution quotation, and help you open up the Sino-US trade market smoothly!
