How to ship samples from China to the US

Samples are dutiable imports

The $800 de-minimis exemption that once allowed low-value parcels to enter the US duty-free has ended for shipments from China. Every sample shipment now requires a formal customs entry, an accurate commercial invoice, and duty payment based on the HS code for the product.

This applies regardless of whether the samples are free, low-value, or marked 'no commercial value.' US Customs looks at what the goods are, not what you paid for them. A sample that would retail for $200 is treated as a $200 import for duty purposes if the declared value is assessed that way.

The practical consequence: budget for customs and broker fees on every sample order, even small ones.

Documentation your sample shipment needs

The paperwork requirements are the same as for a full commercial order, just for a smaller quantity.

• Commercial invoice: supplier name and address, your name and address, a description of the goods, the quantity, unit value, and total value. Mark it clearly as 'samples' but still include a realistic value.
• Packing list: what is in the box, weights, and dimensions.
• HS code: the classification for the product, which sets the duty rate.
• Airway bill or tracking number from the carrier.

The most common mistake with samples is undervaluing or mislabeling them ('gift,' 'no commercial value,' or '$0'). CBP regularly flags undervalued shipments and can assess duty on the fair market value instead. Accurate documentation is faster and cheaper than a customs query.

Which shipping method to use

For samples, air freight or express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) is almost always the right choice. Samples are typically light and time-sensitive, and the speed advantage of air over sea LCL is substantial at small weights.

• Express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS): fastest, 3 to 7 days, handles customs in-house. Best for samples under 30 to 50 kg.
• Standard air freight: 5 to 10 days door to door, requires a separate customs broker. Better for larger or heavier sample lots.
• Sea LCL: 30 to 45 days. Rarely appropriate for samples unless you have no urgency and very high weight.

Express courier services often handle customs clearance as part of their service, which simplifies the process. For anything larger, a freight forwarder that includes customs brokerage will clear customs and deliver to your door.

What samples cost to import in 2026

The landed cost of a sample shipment has three parts: freight, broker/entry fee, and duty.

• Freight: varies widely. Express courier for a 2 kg sample might run $30 to $80. Air freight for 20 kg might run $150 to $300.
• Customs broker or formal entry: $50 to $150 for express courier informal entry; $125 to $300 for formal entry on larger lots.
• Duty: a percentage of the declared value based on the HS code. Common categories run 5 to 30%. Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods may add another 7.5 to 25%.

For a $300 sample with 15% combined duty and a $100 broker fee, the total landed cost is roughly $445. Price this in before you order so the actual cost of evaluating the supplier is clear.