How US customs clearance works for a small China shipment
Customs & rules · Updated
Now that small parcels from China are dutiable, every shipment passes through formal US customs clearance. The process is routine once you know the pieces.
Here is what customs actually needs and where small shipments tend to get stuck.
The documents customs needs
Clearance runs on paperwork. For a typical small import you need a commercial invoice, a packing list, and the bill of lading or air waybill from the carrier.
- Commercial invoice: who sold what to whom, the value, and the terms.
- Packing list: what is physically in the shipment, with weights and counts.
- HS code: the classification that sets your duty rate.
The HS code sets your duty
The Harmonized System code classifies your product for customs. It determines the duty rate, so an incorrect code means you either overpay or get flagged for misclassification. Confirm the code before you ship, not after the goods land.
The broker and the entry
A licensed customs broker files the entry with US Customs and Border Protection on your behalf and arranges duty payment. For repeat importers a customs bond is also required. A forwarder that includes brokerage means you do not have to source and manage this separately.
Why shipments get held
- Vague or undervalued commercial invoices that do not match the goods.
- Wrong or missing HS code.
- Restricted or regulated goods that need extra agency approval.
- Mismatched weights and counts between the invoice and the packing list.
Most holds are paperwork problems, not the goods themselves. Clean, consistent documents are the single best way to avoid delay.
FAQ
Do I need a customs broker for a small shipment?
For a formal entry, yes. A licensed customs broker files your entry with CBP and handles duty payment. Plain Freight includes brokerage in its all-in quote, so you do not have to find and manage one separately.
What is an HS code and why does it matter?
The HS (Harmonized System) code classifies your product for customs and sets the duty rate. An incorrect code can mean overpaying duty or getting flagged for misclassification, which delays the shipment.
Why would my shipment get held at customs?
The most common causes are documentation problems: a vague or undervalued commercial invoice, a wrong or missing HS code, or weights and counts that do not match the packing list. Restricted goods can also need extra approval.
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