China is the largest video game market in the world. Chinese gaming gear and furniture producers supply gamers in the country and abroad. When importing furniture and gaming gear from China to the US, you need to find out what are the customs duties and requirements for your products. Read further to learn about them.
Importing furniture and gaming gear from China to the US
Where are gaming gear and furniture made in China?
Gaming products fall into two main categories: furniture and gear such as mice, keyboards, headphones, etc.
- Foshan in Guangdong province is the largest furniture manufacturer in China, including gaming furniture. The second largest production hub is Huzhou in Zhejiang province.
- China’s biggest electronics production base is the Guangdong province, especially in cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan. Manufacturers from Huizhou also offer a wide range of gaming gear.
US tariffs on furniture and gaming gear from China
If you import into the US, you are obliged to pay due duties. The custom duties (tariffs) vary depending on the product. To check US tariffs, visit Harmonized Tariff Schedule website. Make sure to check if there is an additional China tariff.
US tariffs and HTS codes of furniture and gaming gear from China:
- 8518.30.20.00 – Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers (other) – 0%
- 8518.10.80.30 – Microphones – 0%+7.5%
- 8471.60.20.00 – Keyboards – 0%
- 8517.13.00.00 – Smartphones – 0%
- 8471.30.01.00 – Tablets, laptops – 0%
- 8528.52.00.00 – Monitors – 0%
- 8507.60.00.20 – Power banks – 3.4%+ 7.5%
- 9004.90.00.00 – VR headset – 2.5%+7.5%
- 9504.50.00.00 – Video game consoles and machines, other than operated by coins and alike, and parts and accessories thereof – 0%
- 9401.39.00.30 – Swivel seats with variable height adjustment – 0%+25%
- 9403.70.40.15 – Household furniture of plastics – 0%+25%
- 9403.30.80.90 – Wood furniture – 0%+25%.
Top tips on sourcing furniture and gaming gear from China to the US
There are a lot of challenges of importing. One of the first steps in sourcing goods from China is choosing a supplier. How can you be sure that you choose to source from a credible partner who will deliver the goods according to your expectations?
- The best protective measure is verifying the Chinese partner. A credit report will tell you whether the supplier is a manufacturer or a trading company, whether the firm is trustworthy, and more.
- After a positive assessment of the supplier, you should sign a cooperation agreement valid under Chinese law. Only this document allows you to assert your rights if the supplier fails to fulfill the contract.
- It is good practice to carry out independent quality control in the factory during production. If it turns out during the inspection that there were errors in production (wrong materials, color, poor quality, etc.), they can be corrected at this stage without major costs.
Equally important is product compliance with the requirements of the target market. Only products that meet formal requirements can be put into circulation. The importer is therefore obliged to find out the requirements for imported products. If an authority finds out the product is not compliant with the obligatory standards, the importer will bear consequences, and the product will be removed from the market.
Electronics compliance in the US (federal)
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) establishes technical requirements for electronics. The FCC requires regulated products to bear a user manual and a label. Moreover, you have to provide a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity regarding electromagnetic emissions.
- Electronic children’s products are regulated by the CPSIA.
- ENERGY STAR is a non-mandatory program that protects the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.
- UL safety standards, which also apply to electronics, are optional in the US.
- ETL assesses electronic products against US standards such as ASME, ASTM, and ANSI. Those tests are not obligatory.
Furniture compliance in the US (federal)
- Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates many consumer products in the US market, such as furniture.
- ANSI (American National Standards Institute) lays down voluntary standards for household products, including furniture.
- To make sure that the ordered furniture is sturdy and durable, perform quality checks in the factory. Imported furniture is often sold under the importer’s brand, and higher-quality products allow the company to gain a competitive edge on the market.
Keep in mind that product compliance may differ from state to state. For example, Florida and Illinois set limits on the heavy metal content in electronic products.
Fairs in China
One of the best ways to get into an industry or keep up to date is to attend trade fairs. Chinese trade fairs offer a wide range of services, such as meetings with exhibitors and seminars.
Below is a list of some trade shows in China and Hong Kong showcasing products in the gaming industry.
China International Furniture Fair (CIFF Guangzhou)
- Venue: Guangzhou, Canton Fair Complex
- Website: ciff-gz.com/en
Shenzhen International Furniture Fair
- Venue: Shenzhen, Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center
- Website: szcreativeweek.com/home_en
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo
- Venue: Hong Kong, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Website: event.hktdc.com/fair/hksportsleisureexpo-en/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-Sports-and-Leisure-Expo
Hong Kong Electronics Fair
- Venue: Hong Kong, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Website – spring: hktdc.com/event/hkelectronicsfairse/en
- Website – fall: hktdc.com/event/hkelectronicsfairae/en
ChinaJoy – China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference
- Venue: Shanghai, Shanghai New International Center
- Website: chinajoy.net/cjdhen
Consumer Electronics China (CE China)
- Venue: Guangzhou, Poly World Trade Center
- Website: b2b.ifa-berlin.com/en
Asia VR & AR Fair
- Venue: Guangzhou, Canton Fair Complex, China
- Website: vrarfair.com
Importing furniture and gaming gear from China to the US – to sum up
- The largest number of manufacturers of furniture and accessories for gamers in China is in the Guangdong province.
- General US tariffs on electronics and gaming furniture are usually 0%.
- Gaming gear is subject to obligatory requirements laid down by CPSIA and FCC.
- Be careful when choosing a supplier from China. Before starting business talks, verify your Chinese partner to see if it is a credible supplier in your industry.
- To make sure the goods comply with your order, carry out inspections at the factory and during container loading.