The import of seasonal products has to be planned well in advance to make the goods available in stores on time. Beach and pool accessories are no exception. China is the world’s leading exporter of goods; in 2021, the US was the biggest recipient of Chinese swimwear. China exported 17% of its men’s swimwear and 29% of its women’s swimwear to the US (about 8.23M items). Read further to find out about importing beach accessories from China to the US.
Where are beach and swimming pool accessories produced in China?
Many things can be handy on the beach and in the pool. There are many product categories, including umbrellas, pool towels, bathrobes, inflatable toys and mattresses, swimming aid armbands, goggles, beachwear, footwear, and much more. The most developed provinces of China are located on the east coast of the country. The largest producers of beach and pool accessories are located in Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces.
Beach bags, waterproof pouches, insulated food carriers:
- Quanzhou, Xiamen (Fujian)
- Qingdao (Shandong)
- Jinhua (Zhejiang)
- Dongguan (Guangdong).
Beachwear, swimwear, swimming trunks, beach shoes, water shoes:
- Quanzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou (Fujian)
- Dongguan, Kanton (Guangdong).
Beach toys, kites, inflatable balls, inflatable swimming wheel, pool mattress, inflatable water slides:
- Guangzhou (Guangdong)
- Ningbo, Jinhua (Zhejiang)
- Qingdao (Shandong).
Tariffs on beach accessories imported from China to the US
Customs duties are taxes charged on imported goods. You can check the current tariffs in the HTS System (Harmonized Tariff Schedule System). If you are unfamiliar with it, check the official guide to HTS System. Make sure to check if there is a special China tariff applicable.
Beach accessories and tariff rates
- Women’s or girls’ swimwear of man-made fibers (6211.12.10) – 11.8% + 7.5%
- Men’s or boys’ swimwear of man-made fibers (6211.11.10) – 27.8% + 7.5%
- Umbrellas (6601.10.00) – 6.5%
- Inflatable toy balls for children aged 3-12 (9503.00.00.12) – free
- Pneumatic mattresses of other textile materials (6306.40.49) – 3.7% + 7.5%
- Other toys used by children under 3 years of age (9503.00.00.71) – 4.7%
- Sunglasses (9004.10.00) – 2% + 7.5%
- Waterproof footwear (6401.92.90) – 37.5% + 7.5%
- Bags, backpacks, sacks, cases of plastics (4202.29.10) – 5.3% + 25%
- Women’s bathrobes (6208.92.00.10) – 16% + 7.5%
- Wickerwork baskets (4602.11.07.00) – free + 25%
- Some of rattan household furniture (9403.82.00.15) – free + 25%
- Not sewed hats (6504.00.60) – 94¢/doz. + 4.6% + 25%
Importing beach accessories from China to the US
At the US port of entry, the importer must file the necessary import documents within five days. The mandatory documentation includes:
- Customs bond (for all commercial imports valued at $2500 or more)
- Commercial Invoice issued by the seller
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Evidence of the contract of carriage (Air Waybill, AWB for air freight; Bill of Lading, B/L for sea freight)
- Entry Manifest (CBP Form 7533).
In the case of maritime transport, you also need to file the Import Security Filing, known as “10+2”.
Beach accessories compliance in the US
If you import to the US, you must ensure that imported goods comply with the regulations.
- All imported products must comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
- The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulates children’s products and more.
Beach and swimming accessories – trade shows in China
In order to establish good relations with multiple suppliers, you should attend trade shows in China. In the case of beach and pool accessories, you might be interested in the trade fairs below:
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong
Official website: m.hktdc.com/fair/hksportsleisureexpo-en/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-Sports-and-Leisure-Expo.html
The trade fair scope is but not limited to sportswear and water sports equipment.
Asia Recreational Water Sports Expo (ARWSE)
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou
Official website: arwse.com/index.php?lang=en
The main theme of ARWSE is water sports. The swimming equipment includes pool equipment, swimwear, swimming caps, goggles, sunscreen, skin care products, diving platforms, fins, antibacterial towels, pool slippers, and alike.
Jinjiang Footwear & Sports Industry International Exposition
Venue: Jinjiang International Conference Center, Jinjiang
Official website: cn-jif.com
One of the largest fairs in their industry. The scope of the Jinjiang Footwear & Sports Industry International Exposition is footwear and swimming equipment.
Canton Fair – China Export and Import Fair Spring Phase 2
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou
Official website: cantonfair.org.cn
The second phase of China’s largest and oldest trade fair, with plenty of beach and pool products. The Canton Fair is held every year in the spring and fall.
Sourcing beach accessories from China to the US – to sum up
- Shandong, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Guangdong Provinces are the main production areas of beach and pool accessories.
- Tariffs on beach accessories in the US differ vastly (0-40%).
- Make sure to check if the imported product is compliant with US standards.
- To avoid scams and fraud, verify your supplier from China.