Route file · China → the US · Parts & components

Import parts & components from China to the United States.

A worked landed-cost frame for 500 new industrial parts moving from Shanghai / Ningbo to Los Angeles. The sample uses $20,000 FOB, 25 CBM and 10000 kg — replace those and the total moves.

Sources reviewed 2026-11-01 Engine 2026.11.1 Run this lane in the calculator →
Expected landed$31,146Range $29,351–$32,914
Per unit$62500 units in the sample
Duty planning band0%–3.9%Base case 2.5% of CIF
VAT / GSTNoneNo federal import VAT modelled

This is a planning frame, not a quotation. It shows how the parts & components band, the US border charges and China loading assumptions combine into one total. The expected case is $31,146 landed, or $62 per unit.

What the sample includes

The engine starts from $20,000 FOB, adds FCL 40ft 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.

Illustrative planning run

China → the US · Parts & components

$31,146expected
Low $29,351Expected $31,146High $32,914
Cost lineAmountEvidence
FOB goods value$20,000User provided
International freight (FCL 40ft)$3,350Estimated
Cargo insurance$105Estimated
Customs duty (2.5% × CIF)$586Rule-based
Additional measures$5,864Rule-based
Import VAT / GST (0%)$0Rule-based
Statutory fees$111Rule-based
Clearance, port, inland, docs$1,130Estimated
Estimated landed total$31,146$62 / 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

FactorWhat this page assumesWhy it moves the total
OriginChina · Shanghai / NingboFreight index 1.00× the base ocean assumption for the US.
Entry point & transitLos Angeles25–35 days port-to-port by sea; 4–7 days by air.
Duty0%–3.9% of CIF (base 2.5%)Assessment basis: CIF (customs value includes the price paid plus international freight and insurance to the US port)
VAT / GSTNo federal VATState and local sales tax on resale is outside this model.
Additional measuresSection 301 tariff (China-origin) at 25% (CIF)Rate and list coverage vary by line.
Local charges$1,130 at base settingsClearance, 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.

A part is classified by what it is and where it fits. The same machined item can be a part of a machine, a vehicle or an electrical assembly. Mixed consignments need separate lines. Sample sets and low-value kits may be valued differently.

What could move the number

  • Volume and weight. Freight is modelled on 25 CBM and 10000 kg. A denser or bulkier load can change the mode and the rate.
  • The HS line. The 0%–3.9% 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. New goods still need conformity, labelling and registration checks for the destination market.
  • 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.
  • Conformity, labelling and registration documents required by the destination authority.
  • Importer registration, tax number and the broker authorisation for the entry.

Common questions

How much duty applies to parts & components from China to the US?

The planning band for this category is 0%–3.9% of the CIF customs value, with 2.5% 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 500 units with $20,000 FOB value, 25 CBM and 10000 kg. Expected landed cost is $31,146, or $62 per unit, with a range of $29,351–$32,914.

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. Rate and list coverage vary by line.

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 25 CBM / 10000 kg, and the documents required for your product type. 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.