China represents one of the world’s largest economies and a massive opportunity for exporters. However, navigating the complex world of Chinese exports can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re dealing with mountains of paperwork, ever-changing regulations, and intense competition.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s put things into perspective. In 2024, US goods exports to China were valued at an impressive $143.5 billion, making China the United States’ third-largest goods export market. When it comes to services, China ranked as the sixth-largest market with $46.3 billion in exports during 2023. First of all, you need to find the most accurate HS code for your product. AI HS Code lookup tool will help you to find the best and most accurate HS code based on your product description.

What Is China Export Requirement?

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all the essential documents you’ll need for exporting to China. Think of this as your export documentation checklist:

Document	Purpose	Why It Matters
Bill of Lading	Proof of cargo ownership and carrier contract	Acts as your shipment’s “birth certificate” – without it, you can’t prove ownership
Commercial Invoice	Transaction details for customs valuation	Chinese customs use this to determine duties and taxes – accuracy is critical
Packing List	Detailed contents, weights, and dimensions	Like an inventory sheet that prevents customs delays and inspections
Sales Contract	Legal agreement between buyer and seller	Establishes transaction legitimacy and terms
Proforma Invoice	Preliminary bill of sale	Required for customs pre-clearance and buyer financing
Certificate of Origin	Proof of manufacturing country	Can save thousands in tariff reductions under trade agreements
AES Filing	Automated Export System declaration	US legal requirement for tracking exports
Customs Declaration	Official import declaration for China	Required by Chinese customs for all incoming goods
Insurance Policy	Coverage for goods in transit	Protects your investment and may be required by buyers

What Are Some Additional Documents Based on Your Products?

Depending on what you’re exporting, you might need specialized documentation:

• Import License: Required for specific product categories like medical devices
• Inspection Certificate: Necessary for certain machinery and equipment
• Health Certificate: Mandatory for food and agricultural products
• China Compulsory Certificate (CCC): Required for electronics to meet Chinese safety standards

Discover more: Documents Required for Import Customs Clearance in USA

What Are China’s Import Regulations?

China doesn’t just accept any product that arrives at its borders. The country has established strict standards through the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), and navigating these regulations is crucial for your export success.

1- Product Compliance Standards (GACC and CCC)

All products must meet the standards set by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). This isn’t optional – it’s mandatory. Different product categories have specific requirements that range from safety standards to detailed labeling requirements.
For electronics, you’ll need the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) mark, which ensures your products meet Chinese safety and quality standards. Think of it as China’s version of safety certification – without it, your electronic products won’t clear customs.

2- Quality Standards and Inspections

Goods, particularly food and pharmaceuticals, face stringent quality checks. Compliance with these standards is absolutely essential because non-compliance leads to one outcome: your goods being rejected at customs. This means lost time, money, and potentially damaged business relationships.

Discover More: FDA Seafood Import Regulations

3- Tariff Structure and Impact

China’s tariff system operates on the Harmonized System (HS) code. Here’s what you need to know: rates vary significantly based on your product’s classification. Agricultural products typically face higher tariffs compared to industrial goods, and these tariffs can dramatically affect your competitiveness in the Chinese market.
High tariffs don’t just increase costs – they can make your products uncompetitive compared to domestic alternatives or imports from countries with more favorable trade agreements with China.

Necessary Certificates for Exporting to China from U.S.

Beyond tariffs, China employs various non-tariff barriers that can be just as challenging:

• Import Licensing Requirements: An Import License is required for specific categories of goods, particularly medical devices. Don’t assume your product is exempt – check the requirements for your specific industry.
• Inspection Certificates: Certain machinery and equipment require an Inspection Certificate issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ) or its local bureau. This applies where applicable, so research your specific product requirements.
• Health Certificates: If you’re exporting food and agricultural products, a Health Certificate isn’t just recommended – it’s necessary. This certificate verifies that your products meet China’s health and safety standards.
• Quality Standards and Additional Certifications: Products must meet various quality standards that may restrict market access. These standards act as gatekeepers, ensuring only compliant products enter the Chinese market.

What About U.S. Export Control Regulations?

If you’re exporting from the United States, you’re dealing with a dual regulatory environment. Understanding US export control regulations is just as important as knowing Chinese import requirements, especially since more items are controlled for export to China than to countries like Canada, making you more likely to need an export license.

• Step 1: Identify Your Regulatory Authority You must first determine whether your goods fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Commerce (Export Administration Regulations – EAR) or the State Department (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls – DDTC).
• Step 2: Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) If your goods fall under Commerce jurisdiction, you need to determine the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) of your item. This is different from the HTS or Schedule B classification – don’t confuse them!
• Step 3: License Determination Using your ECCN and considering where your goods are going, who the end user is, and what the end use will be, you’ll refer to the Commerce Country Chart to determine if a license is required.
• Step 4: Restricted Party Screening is important. This is imperative – not optional. You must check your potential customer or business partner against restricted party lists published by various U.S. agencies and other foreign governments. This ensures you’re not doing business with a prohibited party.

Discover more: U.S. Export License; How to Obtain + Requirements

When Do You Need an Export License?

While a relatively small percentage of all U.S. exports require a BIS license, the situation changes dramatically for certain destinations and circumstances:

• Virtually all exports to embargoed destinations require a license
• Exports to countries supporting terrorism require licenses
• There are nuanced restrictions against certain Russian industries and the Crimean region of Ukraine
• Recent sweeping restrictions on advanced computing and semiconductor manufacturing items were implemented in 2022
• The BIS announced new export controls in 2024 addressing semiconductor production, weapons systems, and AI

If you need a BIS export license, you’ll apply through the online SNAP-R system. However, export license exceptions may apply under stated conditions, potentially simplifying your process.

What About The “Deemed Export” Compliance Issue?

Here’s a compliance issue many exporters overlook: Deemed Exports occur when technology or source code is released to a foreign national within the United States, even without physically shipping a product. This means sharing technology, reviewing blueprints, or even giving facility tours can be considered potential exports requiring compliance measures.

What Are Top US Exports to China?

Curious about what’s already succeeding in the Chinese market? Let’s break down the top performers:

Top Goods Exports to China (2024)

Product Category	Export Value	Key Insights
Oilseeds & Grains	$15.0 billion	Largest export despite 18% decline
Oil & Gas	$12.3 billion	Dropped 30% from 2023
Aerospace Products & Parts	$11.5 billion	Hit five-year high, supports 40,000+ US jobs
Pharmaceuticals & Medicines	$10.9 billion	Consistent strong performer
Semiconductors & Components	$10.5 billion	Bounced back from 2023 lows
Navigational & Measuring Instruments	$6.1 billion	Steady demand
Basic Chemicals	$5.9 billion	Industrial backbone
Motor Vehicles	$4.8 billion	Growing market presence

Top Services Exports to China (2023)

Service Category	Export Value	Growth Trend
Education	$14.4 billion	Near pre-COVID levels
Travel	$5.9 billion	Doubled from previous year
Industrial Process Royalties	$3.9 billion	Stable intellectual property income
Credit-Related Services	$1.8 billion	Financial sector strength
Software Distribution Royalties	$1.7 billion	Tech sector opportunity

Does your product or service align with these successful categories? If so, you might have a competitive advantage right from the start.

What Are China’s Major Logistics Hubs?

When planning your export strategy, location matters. China’s major logistics hubs offer different advantages:

• Shanghai: Financial and commercial center
• Shenzhen: Technology and manufacturing hub
• Guangzhou: Traditional trading center
• Qingdao: Major port city
• Tianjin: Northern China gateway
• Qianhai: Emerging logistics and trade hub

Each hub has its specialties and advantages. Where does your product fit best?

FAQ

1. Do I need an export license to ship to China?

It depends on your product. Most U.S. exports don’t require a license, but you’re more likely to need one when shipping to China than to countries like Canada due to enhanced export controls. Items like semiconductors, dual-use technologies, and certain chemicals require Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) licenses. Check the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) for your product.

2. What are the current tariffs affecting U.S. exports to China?

China has imposed retaliatory tariffs including a 125% baseline duty on all U.S. goods and additional product-specific tariffs ranging from 10% to 15%. These tariffs change frequently based on trade negotiations, so verify current rates before shipping.

3. How much did U.S. exports to China drop in 2024?

U.S. exports to China totaled $143.5 billion in 2024, down 2.9% from 2023. Despite this decline, China remained the United States’ third-largest goods export market in 2024.

4. Which products are most affected by current trade restrictions?

Semiconductors and their components have dropped by 52% since peaking in 2021. Oilseeds and grains, while still the top U.S. export to China, fell by $7 billion. High-tech items face the most scrutiny and restrictions.

5. What documentation do I need to export to China?

Standard documents include bill of lading, invoice, shipping list, customs declaration, insurance policy, and sales contract. You may also need specialized documents like import quota certificates, import licenses, and inspection certificates depending on your product.

6. How long does it take to get a BIS export license?

MOFCOM conducts reviews within 45 working days for dual-use items applications. For U.S. BIS licenses, processing typically takes 30-60 days but can be longer for complex cases. Plan ahead and apply early.

7. What’s the Entity List and how does it affect my exports?

Entities may be added to the Entity List if there’s reasonable cause to believe they’re involved in activities contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. You cannot export to listed entities without special licenses, which are often denied.

8. Can small businesses afford to export to China with current tariffs?

Many small businesses are struggling. Reddit users report costs jumping from “$20 product from China could cost you $50 before it even hits your warehouse” when importing, and similar impacts affect U.S. exporters. Consider whether your margins can absorb potential tariff costs.

9. What is an End-User Certificate and do I need one?

U.S. exporters are required to obtain an End-User Statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) for license applications involving items on the Commerce Control List (CCL) valued over $50,000. This verifies the legitimacy of your buyer and end-use.

10. Are there any export incentives for small businesses?

The SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program offers grants to U.S. small businesses, and SBA Export Express Loans can support translation of websites and materials for reaching Chinese consumers. Contact the SBA International Trade Ombudsman at (855) 722-4877.

11. What about “deemed exports” – can sharing technology get me in trouble?

A deemed export occurs when technology or source code is released to a foreign national within the United States. Sharing technology, reviewing blueprints, and facility tours are considered potential exports under the deemed export rule. This applies even if no physical product crosses borders.

12. How do I classify my product for export control purposes?

A commodity classification request may be submitted to determine how an item is controlled (the Export Control Classification Number or ECCN). This determines what licenses you need and to which countries you can export.

13. What’s the Validated End-User (VEU) program?

End users in China can apply for the VEU program, allowing established companies with good track records to receive exports of specified items for civil end uses without suppliers obtaining individual export licenses. This can streamline repeat business with trusted customers.

14. Which U.S. states export the most to China?

Texas, California and Louisiana were the top U.S. exporters to China in 2023, with Texas seeing 146% growth over the previous 10 years. Consider leveraging state-specific trade promotion programs.

15. How are current tensions affecting business relationships?

U.S. exporters cite inconsistent regulatory interpretation and unclear laws as one of the biggest challenges to doing business in China, along with increasing protectionism and lax intellectual property protection. Build strong legal protections into contracts.

16. What products are China specifically trying to import more of?

Under the U.S.-China Phase One Agreement, China committed to importing no less than $200 billion of U.S. goods and services, with focus on agricultural products, energy, and manufactured goods. Check if your product qualifies for tariff exclusions.

17. Should I worry about intellectual property theft?

China continues to be a challenging environment for IP rights protection and enforcement. IP holders must understand how to protect their IP under Chinese law before entering the market and conduct thorough due diligence on potential partners. Register IP in China before exporting.

18. What’s happening with semiconductor exports specifically?

The U.S. has issued new export licensing requirements for AI chips like Nvidia’s H20 and AMD’s MI308 to China, with companies taking billions in charges due to restricted sales. Tech exports face the highest scrutiny.

19. Are there any temporary relief measures in place?

China temporarily paused export restrictions on 28 American companies for 90 days as part of recent trade negotiations, though restrictions on rare earth elements remain. Trade policies change frequently, so stay informed.

20. What should I do if I’m unsure about export requirements?

Contact BIS for assistance at (202) 482-4811 for the Washington DC office or (949) 660-0144 for the Western Regional Office. You can also request written advisory opinions about specific export situations. When in doubt, consult with export compliance attorneys or specialists.