Short answer
TL;DR: To import clothing from China safely, confirm the Incoterms, HS code, commercial invoice, carton details, duty exposure, freight method, and customs broker requirements before the shipment leaves the factory.
Search intent: This article serves buyers who want to calculate cost, margin, or quote differences before committing cash before contacting a clothing factory or committing to inventory.
Quote comparison checklist
| Cost field | What to confirm | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Unit price | What is included and excluded | Comparing unlike quotes |
| Freight and duty | Landed cost by destination | Ignoring import cost |
| Defect allowance | Remake, refund, and QC risk | Assuming 100% sellable goods |
| Payment terms | Deposit, balance, and cash timing | Underestimating cash pressure |
How to use this before ordering
Turn the article into a written supplier check. The useful version is not a broad opinion; it is a short approval rule that says what must be confirmed, what evidence is needed, and what would make the order fail inspection.
For B2B apparel buyers, the practical next step is to connect this topic to a sample request, a size or fabric spec, a quality-control checklist, and a purchase order note. That makes the content easier for both search engines and AI answer engines to summarize because the decision criteria are explicit.
For reference, compare supplier claims against U.S. Customs import guidance. External references do not replace supplier confirmation, but they help keep the article grounded in verifiable industry language.
Commercial next step: 230GSM vintage snow washed tee, shop new arrivals.
Related Storiginator guides: find a reliable T-shirt manufacturer, T-shirt fabric and GSM guide, quality requirements checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to check when evaluating How to Import Clothing from China: Duties, Shipping &?
Start with the decision that can create the biggest production or customer-service problem: fit, fabric, print method, cost, compliance, or supplier repeatability.
How should a small brand use this cost information?
Use it to write a sample request and approval checklist before paying for bulk production. The goal is to remove guesswork before the factory starts cutting, washing, printing, or packing.
What details should be confirmed with the supplier?
Confirm fabric/GSM, size spec, tolerance, sample standard, print or wash method, MOQ, timeline, packaging, and what evidence will be provided before shipment.
What details still need confirmation?
Any exact price, MOQ, lead time, certification status, duty rate, or product eligibility should be confirmed with the supplier or the relevant official source before being treated as final.
Importing clothing from China typically costs 26–57% of your CIF value in combined duties (standard apparel tariff + Section 301 surcharge), and takes 7–40 days depending on shipping method. The biggest mistakes first-time importers make are using the wrong HTS code, undervaluing the commercial invoice, and not budgeting for customs clearance fees before goods ship. This guide covers every step.
Step 1: Choose Your Shipping Method
Your shipping method determines cost, speed, and customs complexity. For most startup clothing brands (first run of 50–300 units), air express is the most practical choice — door-to-door with no separate customs filing needed.
| Method | Transit Time | Cost (100 kg) | Customs Filing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Express (DHL / FedEx / UPS) | 3–7 days | $400–$900 | Courier handles it | First runs, samples, urgent orders |
| Air Freight | 7–14 days | $250–$500 | Forwarder or broker | Mid-size shipments needing speed |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 25–40 days | $150–$350 | Forwarder + broker | Budget-conscious, 300+ units |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 25–40 days | $1,500–$3,500/container | Forwarder + broker | Very large orders (1,000+ units) |
| Rail (China–Europe) | 18–25 days | $300–$600 | Forwarder + broker | Europe-bound brands, mid-budget |
Step 2: Identify Your HTS Code
The HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code is a 10-digit number that determines exactly how much duty you pay. Using the wrong code is one of the most expensive mistakes in importing — it can trigger fines, reclassification penalties, or CBP holds. Always verify with a licensed customs broker before filing.
| Product | HTS Code (US) | Base Duty Rate | Section 301 Add-On | Combined (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's cotton t-shirts | 6109.10.0012 | 16.5% | +25–34% | ~41–50% |
| Women's cotton t-shirts | 6109.10.0045 | 16.5% | +25–34% | ~41–50% |
| Cotton hoodies / sweatshirts | 6110.20.2079 | 18.8% | +25–34% | ~43–52% |
| Cotton joggers / sweatpants | 6103.42.1020 | 14.9% | +25–34% | ~39–49% |
| Polyester/cotton blend tees | 6109.90.1007 | 32% | +25–34% | ~57–66% |
| Woven cotton shirts (button-up) | 6205.20.2015 | 19.7% | +25–34% | ~44–53% |
| Cotton shorts | 6103.42.2025 | 11.4% | +25–34% | ~36–45% |
Note: Section 301 tariff rates on Chinese apparel have shifted significantly since 2018. For current rates, verify at hts.usitc.gov or through a licensed customs broker. See also our 2026 China Tariffs Guide for the latest rate changes and sourcing alternatives.
Step 3: Calculate Your Total Landed Cost
Duty is calculated on your CIF value (Cost of goods + Insurance + Freight to US port). Here's a real example for a 300-unit order of cotton t-shirts:
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Production cost (300 units × $7) | $2,100 | Factory invoice value |
| Shipping (air freight, ~15 kg) | $180 | Approx. $12/kg air freight |
| Insurance | $25 | ~1% of goods value |
| CIF Value | $2,305 | Duty calculation base |
| Import duty (combined ~45%) | $1,037 | Based on 6109.10.0012 + Section 301 |
| Customs broker fee | $150–$300 | One-time per shipment |
| Total Landed Cost | ~$3,492–$3,642 | ~$11.64–$12.14 per unit |
Understanding your true landed cost before placing an order is critical. For a full breakdown including branding and sampling costs, see our guide on the true cost of starting a t-shirt brand.
Step 4: Understand the Customs Clearance Process
Customs clearance is the formal process of getting your goods through the border. For sea freight, this is a separate step that requires a licensed customs broker. For DHL/FedEx/UPS shipments, the courier handles this automatically (and charges a small brokerage fee).
| Stage | What Happens | Timing | Your Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ISF Filing (sea only) | Importer Security Filing submitted to CBP before goods load in China | 24 hrs before vessel departure | Provide freight forwarder with factory address, goods description, HTS code |
| 2. Entry Filing | Customs broker files entry with CBP, declares goods and HTS code | When goods arrive at US port | Provide commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading |
| 3. Duty Payment | CBP calculates and collects duties based on CIF value × tariff rate | Within 10 working days of entry | Fund your customs broker's account in advance |
| 4. Examination (if selected) | CBP physically inspects a percentage of shipments | Adds 3–7 days | Ensure documents match physical goods exactly |
| 5. Release & Delivery | Goods released to your carrier or 3PL | 1–2 days after clearance | Arrange final-mile delivery or warehouse receipt |
Step 5: Required Shipping Documents
Your factory must provide these with every shipment. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of customs delays.
| Document | Who Provides It | What It Must Include | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Factory | Item description, quantity, unit price, total value, HTS code, country of origin | Undervaluing goods (illegal); missing HTS code |
| Packing List | Factory | Number of cartons, weight per carton, items per carton, total gross weight | Weight discrepancy with actual shipment |
| Bill of Lading (sea) | Freight forwarder / carrier | Shipper, consignee, goods description, port of loading/discharge | Wrong consignee address; missing notify party |
| Air Waybill (air) | Courier / freight forwarder | Same as above, but for air shipments | Mismatch between AWB and commercial invoice |
| Certificate of Origin | Factory / Chamber of Commerce | Country of manufacture (China), factory name, product description | Not requested until CBP asks — get it upfront |
Step 6: Work with a Freight Forwarder
For any sea freight shipment, a freight forwarder is essential. They book cargo space, file the ISF, coordinate with your customs broker, and handle final delivery. Recommended platforms to find vetted forwarders include Flexport and Freightos.
For air express (DHL/FedEx), no forwarder is needed — the courier handles everything door-to-door. This is why most startup brands use DHL for their first 2–3 orders while learning the import process. When evaluating suppliers, make sure they're experienced with international shipping — see our guide on how to find a reliable t-shirt manufacturer for supplier vetting criteria.
Step 7: Build in Buffer Time
Common delay causes to plan for: Chinese national holidays (CNY in January/February can delay production 2–4 weeks), port congestion during peak season (October–December), random CBP inspections (+3–7 days), and document errors requiring re-filing. Always add 2 weeks buffer on top of the carrier's estimated delivery date for your first few shipments.
How Storiginator Handles Your Shipping Documents
At Storiginator, we prepare all shipping documents with accurate HTS codes and CIF values, coordinate with DHL/FedEx for door-to-door delivery, and can work with your freight forwarder for sea shipments. Every order includes a correctly formatted commercial invoice to simplify your customs clearance. Get a shipping quote with your production order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much import duty do I pay on t-shirts from China in 2026?
For cotton t-shirts (HTS 6109.10), the combined rate is approximately 41–50% of CIF value — 16.5% base duty plus 25–34% Section 301 tariff. Polyester blends are higher (~57–66%). Always verify current rates at hts.usitc.gov before placing an order, as Section 301 rates have been adjusted multiple times since 2018.
Do I need a customs broker to import clothing from China?
For air express shipments (DHL, FedEx, UPS), the courier handles customs clearance automatically — no broker needed. For sea freight (LCL or FCL), you need a licensed customs broker to file the entry with CBP. Broker fees typically run $150–$300 per shipment.
What is the minimum order quantity to justify sea freight from China?
Sea freight (LCL) becomes cost-effective at roughly 300–500+ units, or when your shipment exceeds ~50 kg. Below that, air express is faster and often cheaper on a per-unit basis when you factor in the customs broker fee and longer capital tie-up during transit.
What happens if my goods are held at US customs?
CBP may hold goods for physical examination (adds 3–7 days) or for document review. The most common causes are: HTS code discrepancy, undervalued commercial invoice, or missing country-of-origin labeling on garments. Working with a licensed broker and ensuring your factory provides complete, accurate documents eliminates most holds.
Can I reduce import duties by sourcing from a different country?
Yes. Pakistan and Portugal don't carry Section 301 tariffs, making their effective duty rates significantly lower (12–17% for EU/UK; 14–20% for US, Pakistan-origin). The trade-off is usually higher unit cost and different MOQ structures. See our 2026 China Tariffs Guide for a full country-by-country tariff comparison.
What is an ISF filing and when do I need it?
An Importer Security Filing (ISF, also called "10+2") is required for all sea freight entering the US. It must be filed with CBP at least 24 hours before the vessel departs China. Your freight forwarder handles this — you provide the factory address, goods description, and HTS codes. Failure to file on time results in fines up to $5,000 per shipment.
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