This is a planning frame, not a quotation. It shows how the audio equipment band, the US border charges and China loading assumptions combine into one total. The expected case is $28,736 landed, or $287 per unit.
What the sample includes
The engine starts from $20,000 FOB, adds LCL ocean freight, insurance, duty on CIF, no federal import VAT, statutory fees and destination charges. Each line is labelled by evidence type so you can see which numbers are yours and which are modelled.
China → the US · Audio equipment
| Cost line | Amount | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| FOB goods value | $20,000 | User provided |
| International freight (LCL) | $1,080 | Estimated |
| Cargo insurance | $95 | Estimated |
| Customs duty (4.9% × CIF) | $1,038 | Rule-based |
| Additional measures | $5,294 | Rule-based |
| Import VAT / GST (0%) | $0 | Rule-based |
| Statutory fees | $100 | Rule-based |
| Clearance, port, inland, docs | $1,130 | Estimated |
| Estimated landed total | $28,736 | $287 / unit |
Sample generated with engine 2026.11.1 and data reviewed 2026-11-01. It is not a quote, a classification or a customs ruling.
What drives this lane
| Factor | What this page assumes | Why it moves the total |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | China · Shanghai / Ningbo | Freight index 1.00× the base ocean assumption for the US. |
| Entry point & transit | Los Angeles | 25–35 days port-to-port by sea; 4–7 days by air. |
| Duty | 0%–4.9% of CIF (base 4.9%) | Assessment basis: CIF (customs value includes the price paid plus international freight and insurance to the US port) |
| VAT / GST | No federal VAT | State and local sales tax on resale is outside this model. |
| Additional measures | Section 301 tariff (China-origin) at 25% (CIF) | Confirm the 8-digit HTS line before contracting. |
| Local charges | $1,130 at base settings | Clearance, port handling, inland delivery and documentation. Distance and terminal choice move this line. |
This lane, specifically
China-origin cargo is assumed to load at Shanghai or Ningbo, the two ports most exporters quote from. Because the origin is China and the destination is the US, the model also applies the Section 301 planning measure on CIF.
US duty is assessed on CIF and the model adds Merchandise Processing Fee and Harbor Maintenance Fee. There is no federal import VAT; state and local sales tax on resale sits outside this page.
Speakers, amplifiers and complete PA systems can fall in different subheadings. Accessories and parts may be separate lines. Used audio equipment may face safety inspection, electrical conformity and condition requirements. Branded goods may raise IP questions.
What could move the number
- Volume and weight. Freight is modelled on 8 CBM and 1200 kg. A denser or bulkier load can change the mode and the rate.
- The HS line. The 0%–4.9% band belongs to the category. Your 8–10 digit line may carry a different rate or an anti-dumping measure.
- Commercial term. FOB leaves main carriage, insurance, duty, VAT and destination charges with you. A CIF or DDP quote shifts some of those lines to the supplier.
- Used condition. Used goods may need cleaning, inspection or conformity documents before release.
- Inland distance. Local charges assume delivery to a nearby warehouse, not a remote site or a bonded warehouse transfer.
Documents to line up
- Commercial invoice, packing list and the bill of lading or air waybill.
- A classification rationale for the proposed HS line, plus product photos and a catalogue.
- Freight and insurance evidence, because duty is assessed on the CIF value.
- Condition report, cleaning certificate and any required pre-shipment inspection for used equipment.
- Importer registration, tax number and the broker authorisation for the entry.
Common questions
How much duty applies to audio equipment from China to the US?
The planning band for this category is 0%–4.9% of the CIF customs value, with 4.9% as the expected case. Duty is assessed on CIF (customs value includes the price paid plus international freight and insurance to the US port). This is a category band, not a ruling for your exact HS line.
What is the all-in landed cost for this sample shipment?
The sample moves 100 units with $20,000 FOB value, 8 CBM and 1200 kg. Expected landed cost is $28,736, or $287 per unit, with a range of $27,007–$29,642.
How long is sea freight on this lane?
The destination file models 25–35 days port-to-port for sea freight, arriving at Los Angeles. Loading is assumed at Shanghai / Ningbo. Actual transit depends on carrier, sailing schedule, congestion and inland routing.
Is VAT or GST charged on top of duty?
The US has no federal import VAT or GST. State and local sales tax may apply when goods are resold domestically; it is not modelled on this page.
Does an additional tariff apply?
Section 301 tariff (China-origin) is modelled at 25% on CIF for this origin. Confirm the 8-digit HTS line before contracting.
What should I confirm before signing?
Confirm the 8–10 digit national tariff line, the Incoterm and named place, the forwarder quote against the assumed 8 CBM / 1200 kg, and the documents required for used goods. Replace each assumption with a confirmed figure before you commit.
Related route files
What this page does not decide
It does not classify your goods, confirm origin, determine the customs value, promise a freight rate or replace a licensed broker. Use the sample as a planning frame, then replace each assumption with a confirmed figure.
Read the US destination file, the duty and VAT guide and the HS candidate list before you contract.