Shipping Display Units from China to France or USA: What to Prepare
A Complete Guide to Importing Retail Displays for Global Markets
By Yan Luo | Samtop Display
Table of Contents
Shipping display units from China to France or the USA involves much more than just paying for transport. You need to be mindful of customs regulations, import duties, shipping documentation, and logistical details. Proper planning ensures your display units arrive on time, within budget, and ready for use in your stores, exhibitions, or pop-up events.
At Samtop, we help brands navigate global shipping with expert advice on how to prepare your display units for smooth importation to key markets like France and the USA.
Navigating the complexities of international shipping when importing display units from China to markets like France and the USA can be overwhelming. Without the right preparation, you risk delays, added costs, and even damaged goods.
What could happen if your display units are shipped incorrectly? You might face expensive fines due to wrong classification codes, delayed customs clearance, or worse — damaged or lost goods in transit. These problems can significantly disrupt your business operations, pushing back your product launch or exhibition and costing you more than expected.
The key to avoiding these issues is detailed planning and understanding the shipping process. By knowing exactly what to prepare, including packaging materials, shipping methods, proper documentation, and the correct tariff classifications, you can ensure smooth, cost-effective shipping. With the right guidance, your display units will arrive on time, compliant with regulations, and ready for use.
🌍 What You Need to Prepare for Shipping
- Understand the Shipping Terms (EXW, FOB, CIF)
Before you arrange shipping, it’s essential to agree on shipping terms with your supplier. These terms affect who pays for shipping, insurance, and import duties.- EXW (Ex Works): You are responsible for all costs and logistics from the supplier’s premises.
- FOB (Free on Board): The supplier takes care of the shipping to the port, but you manage the cost from the port to your final destination.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The supplier covers all shipping and insurance up to the destination port.
- Choose the Right Shipping Method
The method of shipping depends on the size, weight, and urgency of your display units.- Sea Freight: Cost-effective for large shipments but slower (typically 20-40 days).
- Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Ideal for high-value or urgent shipments.
- Rail Freight: A middle-ground option for certain regions (especially to Europe).
- Prepare the Necessary Documentation
Shipping display units internationally requires several documents to ensure customs clearance:- Commercial Invoice: Contains the total value of the shipment and item descriptions.
- Packing List: Details of the shipment, including dimensions, weight, and packaging information.
- Bill of Lading: Issued by the carrier as proof of shipment.
- Certificate of Origin: Confirms the country where the goods were manufactured.
- Customs Declaration: Required for customs clearance to state the nature and value of the goods being imported.
- Know the Import Duties and Taxes for France/USA
- Import Duties for France (EU):
France imposes import duties and VAT on goods coming from non-EU countries like China. Duty rates typically range from 0% to 12%, depending on the HS code classification for your display props. The VAT for most goods is 20%. - Import Duties for the USA:
The USA uses a complex tariff system, with duties depending on product categories and countries of origin. For display units from China, expect duties to range from 0% to 20%. Additional tariffs may apply due to U.S.-China trade policies.
- Import Duties for France (EU):
- Packaging Considerations for International Shipping
Proper packaging is critical to avoid damage and ensure safe transport of your display units.- Protection: Use bubble wrap, foam, and other materials to secure fragile elements.
- Stackability: For sea freight, ensure packaging is stackable and optimized for container space.
- Labeling: Proper labeling helps speed up customs clearance, including clear information on HS codes, weight, and dimensions.
🚛 Shipping Process: Step by Step
- Vendor Confirmation
Ensure the supplier in China has the correct packaging and all documentation ready. - Booking Shipping
Choose your freight forwarder or logistics provider to handle booking, insurance, and coordination for delivery. - Customs Clearance in China
Your freight forwarder will typically handle the export customs clearance in China. - Transport to the Port
The shipment is moved to the port of departure (typically in Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Hong Kong). - Sea or Air Freight Transit
The shipment will be transported via the selected method (sea, air, or rail). - Customs Clearance in France/USA
Upon arrival, your customs broker handles clearance and payment of any duties or VAT. - Final Delivery
Once cleared, the display units are delivered to your destination.
💬 FAQ
Q: How long does it take to ship display units from China to France/USA?
✅ Sea freight typically takes 20-40 days depending on the port of departure and destination. Air freight can take 5-7 days.
Q: Can I track my shipment?
✅ Yes, you can track sea or air freight shipments using the tracking number provided by your logistics provider.
Q: How do I avoid additional import duties?
✅ Ensure your supplier provides accurate HS codes and correctly classifies the display props. Research any free trade agreements that could reduce duties for goods originating in China.
Q: What if my display units arrive damaged?
✅ Ensure your logistics provider offers cargo insurance. Check for any damage immediately upon receipt and document it for claims.
✅ Conclusion: Smooth Shipping for Your Display Units
✔️ Proper planning and documentation are key to avoiding delays and unexpected costs.
✔️ Understanding the HS codes, customs duties, and tariff codes is essential for cost-effective shipping from China to France or the USA.
✔️ Work with reliable logistics providers and customs brokers to ensure your display units arrive on time, on budget, and in perfect condition.
At Samtop, we offer end-to-end support for display procurement and shipping, ensuring your props arrive ready for use — whether for pop-up stores, fashion shows, or retail installations.
📩 Need Help Shipping Your Display Units from China?
At Samtop, we:
- Manage global logistics, including shipping from China to France and the USA
- Handle customs clearance, import duties, and tariff classification
- Provide custom packaging solutions to ensure your display units arrive safely
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌍 Website: www.samtop.com
