If you’re thinking of selling Toys in the US market, there’s a great chance you will import your products from China. Currently, more than 70% of the toys manufactured in the whole world are manufactured in this country. When planning your first import, you need to take into consideration many factors. How can you find a reliable Chinese supplier? Which certificates are required? And what are the current US tariffs on toys from China? In our guide you will find all the information necessary to start importing toys from China.
In this article, we present US tariffs on toys from China. If you want to start importing from China, check our other articles on the topic.
Toys production areas in China
- Chenghai is the world’s capital of toys. In other words, in Chenghai District, located in Shantou City, Guangdong Province, you will find most of the Chinese toys manufacturers. Their main products include plastic toys, electronic toys and baby toys.
- Guangdong Province is a common location for toys manufacturers. Apart from Chenghai, they are located in the cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan.
- If you want to import dolls or stuffed toys, you should look for the manufacturers from Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province or Qingdao in Shandong Province.
- Yongjia in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province is a home for suppliers of outdoor and playground toys.
- If you’re interested in classic toys like yo-yos, balloons, balls and so on, you should consider visiting Yiwu.
HTS Codes for toys
If you want to start importing from China, you must take into consideration US duty rates on the chosen product. You can easily check US tariffs on toys from China on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule website. Toys can be found in Section XX, Chapter 95: Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof.
Generally, the HTS Code for the toys is 9503.00.00. This includes:
- Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys
- Dollsʼ carriages; dolls, other toys
- Reduced-scale (“scaleˮ) models and similar recreational models, working or not
- Puzzles of all kinds
- Parts and accessories thereof
Inflatable toy balls, balloons and punchballs, of rubber; labeled or determined by importer as intended for use by persons:
- 9503.00.00.11 Under 3 years of age
- 9503.00.00.13 3 to 12 years of age
Other “childrenʼs productsˮ as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 2052:
- 9503.00.00.71 Under 3 years of age
- 9503.00.00.73 3 to 12 years of age
9503.00.00.90 Other
9504.40.00.00 Playing cards
9504.50.00.00 Video game consoles and machines, and parts and accessories thereof
9504.90.40.00 Game machines, other than those operated by coins, banknotes (paper currency), discs or similar articles; parts and accessories thereof
9504.90.60.00 Chess, checkers, parchisi, backgammon, darts and other games played on boards of a special design, all the foregoing games and parts there of (including their boards); mah-jong and dominoes; any of the foregoing games in combination with each other, or with other games, packaged together as a unit in immediate containers of a type used in retail sales; poker chips and dice
9505.90.20.00 Magic tricks and practical joke articles; parts and accessories thereof
US tariffs on toys from China
For all of the products mentioned above, the current US duty rate is 0%.
Lately, the toy industry has been facing a threat of the increased US tariffs on toys from China announced as a part of the ongoing US-China trade war. 25% tariffs would affect $300 billion worth of products, which include apparel, electronics, consumer goods, and among others, toys, board games and video games. For now, the Trump administration postponed plans to impose additional tariffs, but it’s important to monitor the development of the situation.
Toys trade fairs in China and Hong Kong
When importing toys from China, it’s essential to find a reliable business partner. One way is to look for products and suppliers on Chinese B2B platforms (e.g. Alibaba). Another way is to visit a trade fair where you can talk to the company representatives in person. It’s an opportunity to check the quality of the offered goods, as well as learn about the latest trends and innovations in the industry.
Before starting cooperation with a new Chinese partner, always remember to verify his credibility.
There are many toy trade shows happening in China and Hong Kong throughout the year. Below you’ll find the list of the biggest events in the industry. For more information, check their official websites.
- Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
Date: the beginning of January every year
Place: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, Hong Kong
Official website: https://event.hktdc.com/fair/hktoyfair-en/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-Toys-and-Games-Fair/
- Toy & Edu China (Shenzhen International Toy & Education Fair)
(formerly Guangzhou International Toy & Education Fair)
Date: early Spring every year
Place: Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, Shenzhen
Official website: https://shenzhen-international-toy-and-education-fair.hk.messefrankfurt.com/shenzhen/en.html
- Beijing International Kindergarten Supplies Exhibition
Date: every May
Place: China International Exhibition Center (CIEC), Beijing
Official website: http://en.bjkse.com/
- Asia Toys & Games Show
Termin: Autumn every year
Miejsce: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, Hong Kong
Official website: https://www.asiantng.com/toys-en-index.php
- Asian Toys & Baby Products Show
Date: every October
Place: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, Hong Kong
Official website: https://www.asiantnb.com/en-index.php
- China International Toy Fair (China Toy Expo)
Date: Autumn every year
Place: Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai
Official website: http://www.china-toy-expo.com/en/
- Zhongshan International Game & Amusement Fair
Date: every October
Place: Zhongshan Expo Center, Zhongshan
Official website: http://www.zsgaf.com/
- Hong Kong Toys Expo
Date: end of December every year
Place: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, Hong Kong
Official website: http://toys-expo.com.hk/toys-expo.html
Importing toys from China – certificates
- Apart from checking US tariffs on toys from China, you also need to make sure that the products meet all the requirements. When it comes to toys, different countries have different safety regulations. In the United States, they are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Get acquainted with the directive ASTM F963 as it sets the standard for toy safety.
- The CPSC requires all toys and children’s products to undergo testing at the CPSC-approved laboratory, which determines whether the products meet safety standards. Approved toys get a Children’s Product Certificate and can enter the US market.
Remember to verify the authenticity and validity of the test reports and certificates that the Chinese company presents to you. It’s you – and not the Chinese supplier – who is responsible for the products’ safety when you import them into the United States!
- Moreover, a tracking label must be attached to all the toys and children’s products imported to the US from China. The label placed on the product or its packaging must include information such as: manufacturer’s name, the location and date of the toy’s production, and specific details on the manufacturing process, e.g. batch number.
- When importing toys, you must check all the additional requirements and standards that your product may apply to. For example, electronic toys must receive certification from the FCC, whereas importing wooden toys is regulated by the same rules as importing wood.
- Another thing is the licensed toys. Toys with Disney characters or superheroes are extremely popular among consumers, but not that easy to import. You cannot import or sell products copyrighted by another company without its permit! You can only do so if you obtain an applicable license and present the paperwork at Customs.
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