How Long Does Customs Clearance Take from China to the USA? 

Intro 

Do you want to know how long it takes to clear customs for imported goods? Are you worried about the length of time it takes to ship your goods? Here’s everything you need to know about customs processing from China to the U.S. Stay tuned.

How Long Does Customs Clearance Take from China to the USA? 

You would see many factors that affect the Customs Clearance time. It mainly depends on the shipping service, the type of goods, and correct documentation.

Normally, if the shipment is not flagged for special inspection, then it takes 1 or 2 days by Air Freight. Ocean Freight takes around 3 to 7 days, while courier packages are processed on the same day or 1 to 2 days.

However, A lack of proper documentation delays the whole process. Furthermore, you should ensure that goods are not restricted or special inspections are required.

To deal with all uncertainties, you should be prepared for all processes. We made it easy to understand in Step by Step guide in the upcoming section. 

Factors Affecting Customs Clearance Timelines

Customs clearance is sensitive to time, and some factors can influence the amount of time taken. Generally, these are the leading factors involved:

1. Accuracy in Documentation

Customs clearance will largely be dependent on comprehensive and correct documentation. It is highly possible that one error or omission in any documentation could delay clearance. You need to double-check the documentation or partner up with a customs broker for paperwork scrutiny. 

2. Nature of Goods

There are certain products, such as drugs or chemicals. Permits and or licenses, along with some certifications, would be required. You may require FDA approval in the n U.S.A.

On the contrary, there are thousands of items that are restricted or banned. 

You are free to import them, but their inspection and paperwork are time-consuming. Search for import regulations related to your products and try getting permits well in time.

3. Customs Valuation

Customs authorities calculate the duties and taxes based on the declared good’s value. If you have Undervalued shipments, then it may cause trouble. You may face delays or penalties.  Be transparent with invoices and proof of purchase to avoid such a mess. 

4. Random Inspections

Well, this is the most unexpected thing. Customs authorities can randomly choose shipments for detailed inspection. They basically look for errors that can raise questions. All of this may result in 1 to 5 days of extra clearance time. Keep everything transparent with complete paperwork to reduce your chances of being flagged. 

5. Congestion at Port & Public Holidays

There is high traffic at the port during seasonal peak shipping time. Delays in unloading, processing, and customs clearance are common on such days. A similar thing goes during Public Holidays. For example, during the Chinese New Year, there may be a slow process in China. The same goes with the USA when it comes to Christmas. The only thing you can do is better strategy for shipping from China during off-peak seasons. 

Step-by-Step Customs Clearance Process for Importers 

As a first-time importer, you may go through various processes that seem overwhelming. So here is what you should expect in your Customs clearance and how to deal with it.

Step 1: Things to do Before Shipping

Documentation is a significant thing in the Customs process so you need to start preparing for it from the start. Ensure that the documents at hand comply with detailed paperwork. This includes:

• Commercial invoice: It details the particulars of the cargo and the commercial transactions.
• Packing List: It lists out what forms the consignment.
• Either Bill of Lading (BOL) or Airway Bill (AWB). Your carrier provides it upon confirmation of the shipment.
• Applicable certificates. Certificate of origin, quality certificates, and license for regulated items.

Be well aware of HS Codes before importing. The right HS Code should be used to classify the goods and assess the correct duty. 

Pro Tip: Confirm if your products require special permits to import from China before sourcing. 

Keep all paperwork accessible to you for upcoming steps. 

Step 2: Goods arriving at Port of Entry

After essential paperwork is done, the shipping starts. Your carrier will inform you of when the goods will arrive at the port. 

Here comes the main role of your Customs declaration form during entry into the Country. You can also consult with a customs broker to ensure no error in details. 

Customs Authority would start scrutiny of all your paperwork. They check for the validity of your submitted details or may inspect discrepancies. 

If they don’t find everything all right, they will go to the next step. However, they may ask for further documents in case of any issue. 

There is another unexpected scenario of random special physical inspection. Customs may search for the labelling, safety condition of products, or authenticity of goods. 

Special verifications typically take 1 to 5 days, depending on the volumes. 

Step 3: Duties and Taxes & Customs Release Calculations

During Clearance, The authority will calculate duties on the declared value and HS codes applicable tariffs.  In addition, expect taxes such as VAT, excise duty, or anti-dumping duties; however, these will only be applied in some instances. 

Now you must Clear Payment Immediately.  Customs releases cargo after the settlement of duties and taxes.

Once the customs is satisfied, the goods will be officially cleared. A Customs Release Form, which is CBP Form 7501, will be issued. You can hire a logistics partner for final delivery.

Expert Advice: Retain all customs documentation for future audit or inquiry purposes.

What are Common Challenges in Customs Clearance & How to Overcome Them?

Customs clearance is a very tricky subject, especially for beginners. Delays in shipment and penalties are common, but here is more detail as to what causes them. 

Documentation errors 

Well, it all starts with filling out your paperwork for customs clearance. 

You need to remember a few things that could raise flags. First is the HS code error that causes incorrect duty calculations or penalties. 

The second thing is declaring your good’s value. Both undervaluing and overvaluing raise red flags. Also, declaring the content of the shipment is the most important. So How do we avoid them? 

You need to start with the right HS code and the actual content of the shipment. Keep the invoices, contract, and proof of payments. In some cases, you need permits and certifications to prove the product’s safety. Providing accurate documentation saves you time.

Physical Inspections Result in Delays

As explained earlier, the Customs authorities can randomly flag shipments. It is usually done on the basis of declared goods. Now they may open the shipment and physically inspect all the items. If they are different from the packing list then it may cause penalties or seizure too.  

However, you can provide accurate shipment information. Also, ask your purchasing agent for organized packaging for easy inspection. This is very time saving at the Customs’ end. 

Customs Duty Payment Issues

Customs can hold up shipments if you have not paid the duties or taxes. The sooner you pay, the better it is. 

Pay promptly when Customs Authorities notify you. You can also seek DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms that collect duties in shipping costs.

Conclusion

There are various factors that affect customs clearance. So, if everything goes smoothly, then nothing to worry about. But to make things smooth, you need an experienced export agent or Customs broker. 

Sourcingwise takes care of all paperwork, safety regulations, and transport after clearance in your warehouse. In a nutshell, you get a smooth import experience without any hassle.

Drop us a message to understand how we will make things right for you!

FAQS

What Is the Custom Clearance Fee?

There is a tax-free personal exemption on goods up to $1,600. However, on a commercial level, the Customs fee depends on the cost & nature of goods, taxes, and country of entry. The US customs site provides all customs duty information if you are importing to the USA. 

How Long After Clearing Customs to Delivery

The final delivery time will depend on the shipping method and final destination. The Air Freight and courier services are faster than ocean freight. In the end, local transport and volume of shipment also deciding factors.

What Happens If My Package Gets Taken by Customs?

Customs will inform you or the shipping company when they hold or confiscate any parcel. You would have to provide more documentation for them to release. If there’s a seizure, you’ll get a notice with a reason why it was seized.

How Long Can Customs Hold My Package? 

It depends on the country, the reason for the hold, and how fast you respond. In any case, Packages go through routine checks, meaning they will be held between 1 to 3 business days. In some situations, customs may take away the package if you do not comply with Customs regulations. 

What Happens If Your Package Doesn’t Get Through Customs?

If your package is not cleared through customs, then it may either be returned, held, or seized. It could be rejected on several grounds or even flagged for further examination. Customs can hold the package until you resolve the issue, or they will send it back to the sender.

What Is Not Allowed in A Parcel to The USA?

Many are prohibited or restricted for safety, security, or regulation. Hazardous materials, Drugs, and Pirated content are banned.  Food and Agricultural Products, Medication, and Healthcare Products are not permitted without prior approval. Check their site for a detailed list of prohibited food items to USA. You need to adhere to specific guidelines with proper documentation.