How to Steer Clear U.S. Trade Barriers for Importing Chinese Products

Sourcing products to the USA from China can be complicated. As there are so many cases of high import duties being charged, products are confiscated and numerous bureaucratic nightmare. But getting yourself covered is not that difficult you just need to cover your bases and make sure you’re doing everything by the book.

Review Import Rejection Laws and Trade Barriers-

The United States of America is perhaps the most import-friendly countries in the world. But still, it does have safety and quality controls that are more rigorous than other nations. While you are sourcing products from China, be sure to check U.S. trade barriers and local in-country laws to be certain you can actually export your chosen goods out of the country of origin into the U.S.

Ensure the goods you wish to import are permitted in the USA-

Certain goods are not allowed to be imported. Different countries have different prohibited products. Also make sure whether the goods you intend to import are subject to any permits, restrictions or regulations by your government. Prior to importing your products from China, identify any regulations on the goods you plan to import. You must have an accurate description of the goods you plan to import before proceeding. Confirm your products don’t come under the Customs and Border Patrol’s list of prohibited and restricted items. Here is a list of items you can’t import to the USA-

• Products that are unsafe
• Illegal weapons
• Food items that fail to meet health code requirements
• Certain kind of drugs

Importing goods that are hazardous, that fail to meet health code requirements, or that violate restrictions could end up costing you quite a bit of money in fines and penalties. At the very least, such goods would be detained and possibly destroyed.

Labelling Requirements-

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA or Act), enacted in 1967, directs the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration to issue regulations requiring that all “consumer commodities” be labeled to disclose net contents, identity of commodity, and name and place of business of the product’s manufacturer, packer, or distributor. In addition to product safety regulations, you must also ensure compliance with all mandatory labeling requirements.

Children’s Products:

• Warning Label
• CPSIA Tracking Label
• Country of Origin

Electronics:

• FCC Mark
• Country of Origin

Apparel:

• Fiber Composition
• Care Instructions
• Flammability Warning
• Country of Origin

Packaging:

• Warning Label
• Country of Origin

It is a general truth that, sourcing costs from China to the US are very reasonable and cheap. As long as you steer clear of restricted goods, and designer replicas you should have nothing to worry about your China sourcing.