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Customs Clearance From China
Simplify customs clearance for shipments from China to the US, UK, Canada and EU. We coordinate HS classification, documentation, import declarations, duties, taxes and destination customs brokers — end to end, across 4 markets, with DDP and DDU options.
4 Major Markets
6-Step Process
DDP Available
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What Is Customs Clearance From China? 4 Markets, 6-Step Process, HS Code
Customs clearance is the destination-country import process that goods from China must pass before being released to the importer or end customer. For eCommerce sellers shipping from China to the US, UK, Canada, or EU, customs clearance happens under one of 4 destination-country regulatory frameworks — each with its own tariffs, taxes, broker requirements, and product compliance rules.
This page covers the 4-market customs framework at the Pillar level: regulatory authority, key duties and taxes, broker requirements, and country-specific deep links. For each market, a dedicated destination page covers the deep details (port-by-port, document templates, FAQ).
6-Step Customs Clearance Process: HS Code → Release
The customs clearance process is broadly similar across the 4 markets, with country-specific variations in the regulatory authority and the import declaration system. The 6-step workflow.
- 1
HS Code Classification
Goods are classified under the destination country’s tariff schedule. The HS Convention provides a common 6-digit international classification; countries and customs unions may extend the classification with additional national or regional digits for tariff and statistical purposes. Correct classification is the basis for duty, tax, and regulatory compliance.
- 2
Pre-Clearance Documentation
Commercial invoice (with declared value, HS code, country of origin, buyer/seller information), packing list (carton count, weight, dimensions, SKU), bill of lading or air waybill, and product compliance certificates (FDA, FCC, CPSC, UKCA, CE) are prepared. For Amazon FBA, FNSKU labeling is applied to each unit.
- 3
Import Declaration Filing
Import declaration is filed with the destination customs authority. US: CBP via ACE (Automated Commercial Environment). UK: HMRC via CDS (Customs Declaration Service). Canada: CBSA via CARM (Canada Assessment and Revenue Management). EU: 27 national customs authorities, with EU Customs Data Hub from 2028.
- 4
Duty and Tax Assessment
Destination customs assess duty based on HS code, country of origin, and declared value. US: MFN + Section 301 where applicable. UK: import VAT at the applicable UK VAT rate. Canada: MFN duty + GST/HST/PST. EU: MFN + 2026/382 reform for low-value parcels.
- 5
Duty and Tax Payment
Under DDP, the seller is responsible for arranging delivery with import duties and taxes paid. Depending on the destination country and shipment structure, the seller, its appointed customs representative, or another authorized party may act as the importer of record. Under DDU/DAP, the importer of record pays destination duty directly.
- 6
Release and Last-Mile Delivery
After duty payment and compliance verification, customs releases the goods. For end-customer delivery, the carrier (USPS / Royal Mail / Canada Post / DHL Parcel) handles last-mile. For Amazon FBA, the shipment is received at the assigned fulfillment center.
US Customs Clearance: HTSUS, Section 301, ISF 10+2, Product Compliance
Shipments from China entering the US may involve customs declaration, HTSUS classification, applicable tariffs, product-specific compliance and, for ocean freight, ISF filing.
- HTSUS classification — the US tariff schedule, with the 6-digit HS code as the international base and 4 extra digits for US-specific tariff lines.
- Section 301 / applicable tariffs — additional tariffs on Chinese-origin goods under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. Current rates are subject to applicable USTR / CBP rules and HS code classification.
- ISF 10+2 for ocean — required for ocean shipments, filed 24 hours before vessel loading at the China origin port. $5,000 penalty per violation. Does not apply to air or road freight.
- Product compliance — FDA (food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices), FCC (electronics), CPSC (consumer products, toys), EPA (vehicles, engines, chemicals) as applicable to the product category.
Note on U.S. de minimis treatment for China-origin shipments: U.S. de minimis treatment has changed materially and should not be assumed when quoting or booking shipments. Current eligibility depends on the shipment date, origin, transport mode, and applicable CBP rules. Confirm the current treatment before shipment.
Read the complete China → USA customs & shipping guide →UK Customs Clearance (Post-Brexit): GB EORI, CDS, UKCA
Since 1 January 2021, the UK operates its own customs and VAT system separate from the EU. Shipments from China entering the UK may involve customs declaration, GB EORI registration, CDS filing, applicable import VAT, and UKCA marking for most products.
- GB EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) — the UK-specific number, separate from EU EORI. Mandatory for all commercial imports.
- CDS (Customs Declaration Service) — replaced CHIEF in 2023. All UK import declarations are filed via CDS.
- Import VAT — generally charged at the applicable UK VAT rate, with 20% being the standard rate for most goods. Certain products may be subject to reduced or zero rates.
- UKCA marking — required for most products on the GB market from 1 January 2025 (CE marking still accepted in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework).
Canada Customs Clearance: CBSA, CARM, GST/HST/PST
Shipments from China entering Canada may involve customs declaration through CBSA, duty and tax assessment under MFN rates, applicable GST/HST/PST, and a possible review of preferential origin under CUSMA where applicable.
- CBSA + CARM — Canada Border Services Agency + Canada Assessment and Revenue Management digital platform for trade compliance.
- GST / HST / PST — GST 5% federal + HST 13% in Ontario, 15% in Atlantic provinces + PST 7% in British Columbia (province-specific).
- CAD de minimis — current CBSA guidance continues to provide duty/tax remission for postal and courier shipments valued at CAD$20 or less. This policy is in active review and may change. Confirm current treatment with your customs broker before booking.
- CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) — CUSMA does not provide preferential treatment simply because goods are shipped through the US or Mexico. Origin must satisfy the applicable rules of origin, which generally do not apply to direct China-origin goods.
EU Customs Clearance Overview: 2026/382 Reform, EUR 3, IOSS / EORI, 2028 Data Hub
The EU operates customs through 27 national customs authorities, with the European Commission setting EU-wide policy. For shipments from China, the EU has introduced major reforms under Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382 affecting low-value eCommerce parcels. Specific implementation details — including EUR 3 per-item flat duty, EU EORI requirements, and the 2028 Data Hub timeline — are subject to official EUR-Lex guidance and may continue to evolve.
- EUR 3 per-item flat duty for low-value eCommerce parcels, effective 1 July 2026 (replacing the previous EUR 150 IOSS threshold).
- EU EORI for all importers (implementation timeline subject to official guidance).
- EU Customs Data Hub for centralized data exchange, operational from 1 July 2028.
- Combined Nomenclature (CN) — 8 digits. TARIC — 10 digits (CN + 2 additional digits for EU measures).
The deep EU customs detail (EUR 3 mechanics, Product Identifiers / PIDs, IOSS / EORI registration, per-EU-country variations, and 2028 Data Hub implications) is covered in the dedicated EU Customs Clearance page.
Read the full EU Customs Clearance guide (deep dive) →HS Code Classification: 6-Digit International HS, 8-Digit CN, 10-Digit National Tariff
The HS code (Harmonized System code) is the international standard for classifying traded products, maintained by the World Customs Organization. The HS Convention provides a common 6-digit international classification. Countries and customs unions may extend the classification with additional national or regional digits for tariff and statistical purposes.
| Market | Classification | Digits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| International | HS — Harmonized System | 6 digits | WCO standard, all members |
| US | HTSUS — Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States | 10 digits (6 HS + 4 US) | US-specific tariff lines |
| UK | UK commodity code | 10 digits (6 HS + 4 UK) | UK Trade Tariff |
| Canada | Canadian tariff classification | 10 digits (6 HS + 4 CA) | CBSA tariff schedule |
| EU | CN — Combined Nomenclature | 8 digits (6 HS + 2 CN) | EU-wide common tariff |
| EU (extended) | TARIC — Integrated Tariff of the European Communities | 10 digits (8 CN + 2 TARIC) | EU-specific measures (anti-dumping, quotas, preferences) |
Correct classification determines the applicable duty rate, the applicable regulatory requirements (FDA / FCC / UKCA / CE), and eligibility for preferential treatment (where a trade agreement applies and origin rules are met). Mis-classification can lead to under-paid duty (audit risk), over-paid duty (cash flow impact), or product seizure (compliance failure). For high-volume shipments, automated HS code classification via WMS / OMS integration reduces risk.
DDP vs DAP Shipping From China: Importer of Record and Duty Payment
The choice of Incoterm determines who pays destination-country duty and import tax, who handles import customs clearance, and where risk transfers. For eCommerce sellers shipping from China, the right Incoterm depends on whether the seller or the buyer holds the importer-of-record registration in the destination country.
| Incoterm | Export customs (China) | Destination duty & tax | Import customs (destination) | Risk transfer point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Buyer responsibility | Buyer pays | Buyer / importer of record handles | Seller’s premises (China hub) |
| FOB (Free On Board) | Seller handles | Buyer pays | Buyer / importer of record handles | On board vessel / aircraft |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Seller handles | Seller pays (included in rate) | Seller / customs representative handles | Buyer’s door (destination) |
| DAP (Delivered At Place) | Seller handles | Buyer pays (import duties / import VAT) | Buyer / importer of record handles | Named place (destination) |
Required Customs Documents: 4 Markets
Standard customs clearance documents for shipments from China to the 4 major markets:
| Document | US | UK | Canada | EU | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Required | Required | Required | Required | Declared value, HS code, country of origin, buyer/seller |
| Packing List | Required | Required | Required | Required | Carton count, weight, dimensions, SKU |
| Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | Required | Required | Required | Required | From carrier (DHL, FedEx, Maersk, etc.) |
| ISF 10+2 Filing | Required (ocean only) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24h before vessel loading |
| GB EORI / EU EORI / BN | N/A | Required | Required (BN) | Required (subject to 2026/382) | Importer registration number |
| FDA / FCC / CPSC Compliance | Per category | N/A | N/A | N/A | FDA for food/drugs/cosmetics, FCC for electronics |
| UKCA / CE Marking | N/A | UKCA required (most products) | N/A | CE (until 2026/382 transition) | Product safety marking |
| Health Canada / CFIA / ISED | N/A | N/A | Per category | N/A | Health products, food, wireless devices |
| Certificate of Origin | When claiming FTA | When claiming FTA | When claiming EU CUSMA | When claiming EU FTA | For preferential treatment under an applicable trade agreement |
| CITES / Hazardous Goods Permits | Per category | Per category | Per category | Per category | Wildlife, batteries, dangerous goods |
Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder, Shipping Agent, DDP Provider: 4 Roles Compared
For shipments from China, four distinct roles coordinate freight, customs, and delivery. The lines between them often blur in marketing copy. Here is what each role actually does:
| Service | Main responsibility |
|---|---|
| Freight Forwarder | Transport coordination: factory pickup, supplier consolidation, export customs in China, ocean / air / rail booking, last-mile delivery at destination. |
| Customs Broker | Import declaration and customs compliance in the destination country: HS code classification, import filing, duty payment, regulatory document review. Licensed by each destination customs authority (CBP, HMRC, CBSA, national EU authorities). |
| Shipping Agent (China-based) | Coordinates the freight forwarder, destination customs broker, carrier and last-mile providers as one managed workflow for the seller. Acts as the single point of contact from China to the buyer’s door. |
| DDP Provider | Coordinates freight, customs clearance, duty and tax payment, and last-mile delivery as a single landed-cost service. The buyer pays one price covering freight + duty + tax + delivery. |
Common Customs Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Five common customs clearance pitfalls for shipments from China, and how to prevent them:
- Wrong HS code classification. Mis-classification leads to under-paid or over-paid duty, regulatory non-compliance, and audit risk. How to avoid: use a customs broker or automated HS code classification tool. Verify HS code against the destination tariff schedule for every product. For high-volume categories, lock the HS code at supplier onboarding.
- Missing ISF 10+2 filing for ocean shipments to the US. Late or missing ISF filing incurs a $5,000 penalty per violation. How to avoid: the freight forwarder or shipping agent should file ISF automatically 24 hours before vessel loading at the China origin port. Confirm ISF filing status before shipment.
- Missing product compliance certificates. FDA, FCC, CPSC, UKCA, CE, Health Canada, CFIA — missing the applicable compliance certificate leads to product seizure at customs. How to avoid: confirm product compliance at supplier onboarding, not at shipment time. Maintain a compliance document library per SKU.
- Under-declared value. Customs authorities audit declared values. Under-declaring to save duty is a compliance violation and can result in penalty, seizure, and loss of import privileges. How to avoid: declare the true transaction value. Optimize product cost and shipping cost instead of declared value.
- Country-specific importer registration missing. UK GB EORI, EU EORI, Canadian Business Number — missing registration blocks import declaration. How to avoid: the importer of record or the DDP shipping agent must hold the applicable registration number before the first shipment. For DDP, the shipping agent includes registration handling.
Customs Clearance Checklist: Pre-Shipment Action Items
Before the first shipment from China to the 4 markets
- HS code classification — confirm HS code per SKU against the destination tariff schedule (US HTSUS / UK commodity code / Canadian tariff classification / EU CN + TARIC).
- Product compliance — confirm FDA / FCC / CPSC / UKCA / CE / Health Canada / CFIA / ISED certificates for the product category, where applicable.
- Importer registration — confirm GB EORI for UK, BN for Canada, EU EORI for EU shipments. US does not require an importer ID at customs declaration but does require an EIN for tax / Section 301 reconciliation.
- US de minimis treatment — confirm current CBP de minimis treatment for China-origin shipments by date, origin and transport mode. Do not assume a fixed threshold.
- Canada de minimis — confirm current CBSA guidance on CAD$20 remission for postal and courier shipments (policy in active review).
- EU 2026/382 readiness — confirm EU EORI registration and PIDs (Product Identifiers) data field preparation for the effective date.
- Section 301 classification — for US ocean shipments, confirm HS code falls under the applicable List 3 / List 4A rate.
- ISF 10+2 filing — for ocean shipments to US, confirm the freight forwarder / shipping agent files ISF 24 hours before vessel loading.
- Insurance — arrange cargo insurance for high-value shipments (FBA inbound, electronics, branded goods) because FBA inbound coverage is limited.
- Customs broker / DDP provider — confirm whether the seller, the buyer, or a DDP provider acts as importer of record for the shipment structure.
Customs Clearance From China FAQ
Customs clearance is the destination-country import process that goods from China must pass before being released to the importer or end customer. The 6-step process: (1) HS code classification, (2) pre-clearance documentation, (3) import declaration filing with the destination customs authority, (4) duty and tax assessment, (5) duty and tax payment, (6) release and last-mile delivery. With DDP shipping, the seller handles all 6 steps on behalf of the importer of record.
Standard documents: commercial invoice (with declared value, HS code, country of origin, buyer/seller), packing list (carton count, weight, dimensions, SKU), HS code classification, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin (when required or when claiming preferential treatment under an applicable trade agreement), product compliance certificates (FDA / FCC / CPSC / UKCA / CE), and any destination-specific permits (CITES, FDA Prior Notice, etc.).
HS code (Harmonized System code) is the international standard for classifying traded products, maintained by the World Customs Organization. The 6-digit HS code is universal; countries and customs unions extend the classification with additional national or regional digits for tariff and statistical purposes. The US uses HTSUS (10 digits), the UK uses UK commodity code (10 digits), Canada uses Canadian tariff classification (10 digits), the EU uses Combined Nomenclature (8 digits) plus TARIC (10 digits). Correct HS code classification determines the applicable duty rate, regulatory requirements, and trade-agreement eligibility.
Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 authorizes additional tariffs on Chinese-origin goods. Current rates are subject to applicable USTR / CBP rules; the importer of record is responsible for the additional Section 301 duty. With DDP shipping from China, the seller includes Section 301 in the per-kg rate. With DDU/DAP, the importer pays Section 301 to US Customs at the time of entry. HS code classification determines the applicable rate. For the full US Section 301 detail, see the China to USA shipping guide.
GB EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is the UK-specific number required for customs operations in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales), separate from EU EORI. Since 1 January 2021, the UK operates its own customs and VAT system separate from the EU. CDS (Customs Declaration Service) replaced CHIEF in 2023. All commercial imports from China to the UK require GB EORI, CDS filing, and import VAT at the applicable UK VAT rate, with 20% being the standard rate for most goods.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382, effective 1 July 2026, introduces major changes affecting low-value eCommerce parcels. Specific implementation details (including EUR 3 per-item flat duty, EU EORI requirements, and the 2028 Data Hub timeline) are subject to official EUR-Lex guidance and may continue to evolve. For the full EU reform detail, see EU Customs Clearance.
For Express and Air DDP, the carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) handles customs clearance as part of the DDP service. For Sea FCL / LCL / Rail, a customs broker is typically required for the destination-country import declaration. With DDP shipping, the broker is included. With DDU/DAP, the importer of record must engage a broker in the destination country. Alleasy coordinates destination customs broker services in all DDP options.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is an Incoterm where the seller is responsible for arranging delivery with import duties and taxes paid. Under DDP, the seller, its appointed customs representative, or another authorized party may act as the importer of record (depending on the destination country and shipment structure). DDP simplifies customs clearance for the buyer because the seller handles the entire workflow including destination duty and import tax payment. For the full DDP mechanics and DDU/DAP comparison, see DDP Shipping From China.
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