It would seem like it is harder and harder to stay healthy in this day and age. It is no surprise that the number of people interested in sports is increasing. One of the best things you can do for your body is to exercise with gym equipment. There is a higher demand for specific products; thus, among importers, importing fitness equipment from China to the US becomes more popular.
Importing fitness equipment from China – production areas
One of the most important production hubs in China is in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The Tong’an District itself, located in the city, is responsible for 10% of fitness equipment exported from China. Also, the provinces responsible for the production of fitness equipment are mainly Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shandong.
You can find various fitness equipment in cities such as:
- Dezhou
- Dongguan
- Guangzhou
- Wenzhou
- Shenzhen
- Jinhua
- Shanghai
- Qingdao.
Importing fitness equipment from China – trade fairs
Trade fairs are events where importers can get to know the suppliers and their products. The following list contains selected events, where exhibitors will display fitness equipment, sportswear, and similar goods.
Alpitec China
Location: Beijing – New China International Exhibition Center, Beijing, China
Official website: fairbz.it/alpitecchina/en
Int’l Health, Wellness and Fitness Expo (IWF Shanghai)
Location: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Shanghai, China
Official website: ciwf.com.cn/en/
Canton Fair – China Export And Import Fair Spring Phase 3
Location: Guangzhou – China Import and Export Complex, Guangzhou, China
Official website: cantonfair.org.cn/en/index.aspx
China International Sporting Goods Show
Location: Shanghai – National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai, China
Official website: en.sportshow.com.cn/
Asia-Pacific Outdoor Show
Location: Nanjing International Expo Center, Nanjing, China
Official website: outdoor-show.com.cn
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo
Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Hong Kong
Official website: hktdc.com/fair/hksportsleisureexpo-en/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-Sports-and-Leisure-Expo.html
FIBO China
Location: Shanghai – National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai, China
Official website: fibo-china.cn
Asian Sporting Goods Show
Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Hong Kong
Official website: asiansporting.com/en-index.php
Importing fitness equipment from China – US duty
Importing comes with payment of due duties. The current rates of duty are in the HTS system, and it is recommended to check it before ordering goods. The list below presents selected products together with their codes and the corresponding amount of duty. The rates of duty are currently applicable in the USA. You will find there the equipment necessary for some exercises.
- Floor coverings and mats (4016.91.00) – 8%
- Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics or athletics; parts and accessories thereof (9506.91.00) – 6%
- Tennis shoes, basketball shoes, gym shoes, training shoes and the like (6403.99.60.40) – 8.5%
- Tennis shoes, basketball shoes, and the like, for women (6403.99.90.31) – 10%
- Jumping rope (6310.90.20) – 28.2%
- Shin-guards and elbow or shoulders pads excluding those for football; waist, thigh and hip protective equipment (9506.99.60.80) – 4%
- Clothing of synthetic fiber (sportswear) (6112.12.00) – 8.5%
The list could go on and on. The ongoing US-China trade war results in additional tariffs on some goods imported from China to the US. The 15% tariff applies to all the products in the table, with the exemption of subheading 4016.91.00 (mats). If the product has an existing 4% duty, the new rate would be 19%. In the end, the tariff will lead to higher prices.
Importing fitness equipment from China – importer’s responsibilities (US)
A trustworthy supplier is essential for the business to be successful. Make sure to prepare and gather the necessary documents for clearance formalities.
You should be mindful of the existing regulations regarding the specific type of product and make sure the products comply with all US safety standards. Any gym equipment that plugs in has to comply with FCC Part 15. In terms of fitness apparel, the products have to follow US regulations for sports apparel, including CA Prop 65. Besides, it should have proper labeling. Sports nutrition supplements are subject to regulations by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized as food.
If you are interested in importing other products from China, check out our other posts on that topic.