Importing from China to the US: Importer of record
Start by confirming the importer of record and importer number with your US customs broker before ordering. Paying duties to a broker does not remove your liability if the broker fails to pay customs. For sourcing, inspection and a quote to your own US port, work with Cambridge China Bridge.
Buying from China for a business? How our UK China sourcing agent service works · China sourcing agent for businesses outside the UK
Settle the importer before placing the order
The first gate is importer responsibility. Ask your own US customs broker to confirm who will be the importer of record and which importer number to use. The official customs text states that paying duties to a broker does not relieve the importer of liability if the broker does not pay them.
Put the importing entity, consignee and broker contact in your buying brief. When arranging to buy through a UK company, agree these roles alongside the sales contract and shipping terms. Ask the broker to review the proposed transaction before you pay the factory.
Agree the port price and the broker's arrival work
We can quote goods from Chinese factories to your own US destination port. Ask the quotation to identify the shipping term, named port, freight, insurance and destination charges included. Ask your broker for a separate estimate covering clearance, duties, other applicable charges and onward delivery.
Arrange for your broker to review classification, valuation and product questions before shipment, prepare the entry, coordinate customs queries on arrival and confirm the final entry. Agree who coordinates cargo release and collection. Our overseas buying guide explains the wider sourcing and delivery arrangements.
Prepare the invoice and supporting documents in China
The official customs text requires each invoice to state in adequate detail what merchandise is in each individual package. Ask us to coordinate the commercial invoice and the factory's packing list so product descriptions, quantities and carton references match. Send drafts to your broker before shipment.
We obtain factory product and packing details and assemble the agreed document pack. Where requested, we arrange a certificate of origin and obtain available test reports for the actual model and materials. Give your broker the factory and UK sales documents to review together and confirm which documents to present for your transaction.
Resolve product questions before approving production
For products covered by the textile or wool rules, the FTC states that labels must show fibre content. Have your adviser review the complete label artwork before printing. Match the declared materials to the approved specification and supporting reports, then include the approved artwork in the factory order.
For food, FDA states that it is not authorised to approve, certify or license individual food importers, products, labels or shipments. Ask your broker and food compliance adviser to map facility registration, shipment notification and product requirements before we shortlist factories. For other categories, request a product-specific checklist rather than accepting a supplier's general assurance.
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Check the supplier and inspect before shipment
Our own staff in China check the proposed supplier's identity, production site and ability to make the agreed product. We compare samples with the written specification, check whether proposed subcontracting affects the order, and review whether test reports identify the goods you intend to buy.
Before shipment, we inspect against the agreed sample and acceptance criteria, including workmanship, quantities, labels and packing. We report findings and coordinate corrections before release. For orders serving neighbouring markets, use the Mexico guide and Canada guide to prepare separate destination briefs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import from China through a UK sourcing company?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge can source from Chinese factories and quote to your US port. Confirm the importer of record and clearance arrangements with your own US customs broker before ordering.
Does paying my customs broker settle my duty liability?
Payment to a broker does not relieve the importer of liability if the broker fails to pay the duties. Agree payment arrangements and ask for confirmation that customs has been paid.
What documents should I request from the Chinese factory?
Request commercial invoice and packing details, plus a certificate of origin and relevant test reports where requested. We coordinate the pack; your broker confirms the documents for your transaction.
Does a quote to my US port include customs clearance?
Ask for the inclusions in writing. A price to your port should identify the shipping term and included charges. Agree clearance, duties, destination handling and onward delivery separately.
Sources
Buying from China for a business outside the UK? China sourcing agent for businesses outside the UK →