Importing Toys from China – What You Need To Understand

Undeniably, kids worldwide find pleasure in toys. Studies have shown that the most sought toys include Superman and Batman. As an importer, you can take advantage of the forthcoming festive season to order toys from the best China toy manufacturing company. Note that delivery for the Superman and Batman baby toys china wholesale is always faster and secure.

As for toy importation, there are various ways a trader can accomplish that. Firstly, you will need to find the right baby products manufacturers in China. Once you have done that, leave the rest to a certified customs broker, including wrapping up things through the Customs.

Before we look deeper into the whole importation process, it would be wise to look at some logistics, including their ranking based on the import market list in the U.S.

Toy Rankings Across The World Market

The toy business is big and continues to expand thanks to the numerous online stores that have been opened in many parts of the world. As a result, toy Association Inc.'s toy sales rose by 5% in 2016. Out of the $26 billion U.S. toy market, Superman and Batman contributed around $1.44 billion. Thus, each year, the average expenditure for a child on toys is about $371. Have you ever wondered where the U.S. lies among the seven countries that spend more money on toys? Well, the U.S is ranked second behind the U.K., which spends $438 on toys annually.

Importing Toys from China – The Big Business!

Throughout the world, the toy business is estimated at $80 billion. According to various assessments, around 85% of the gaming and toy industry in the U.S. come from China. Mostly, toy importers get their toy products from China based on their consumer demands. Therefore, China is a leading U.S. trading partner. It sells over $590.4 billion worth of toys to the U.S.

China and Other States' Import Laws

In essence, China has established its own import rules and guidelines that must be followed when importing goods into the U.S. market. The correct tax or import duty classification must be applied for all imports. Also, traders must buy and transport them in bulk to save on costs and protect the imports from possible damages during transportation.

The U.S. Import Rules and Regulations

When importing toys from the Chinese market, an importer checklist must be adhered to. Typically, the import documents you must obtain include:

·   A business invoice comprising of the buying price, the importers country and items and tariff classification

·   A detailed packing list about the imports

·   A bill of lading listing all the goods in receipt

·   Delivery note from the U.S. agency

Toy Imports Licencing Requirements

It won't be necessary to obtain an import license if you use the CBP on your account. However, if you are a broker handling customs business for importers, you should have a binding custom license for brokers. Also, you must ensure that your goods meet the standards and adhere to the laid down regulations.

Trademarked Products Importation

If you are looking for toys with trademarks, including Superman and Batman products, you must generate an import toys' trademarked checklist. Therefore, you must:

·   Assess and verify import toy contracts containing logos or other trademarks visible on the package.

·   You must ensure that your import dealer uses appropriate logos and trademarks. If your supplier ordered the imports through a 3rd-party, it might land you in trouble if you don't comply with the trademark regulations.

·   Obtain images of your imported goods, packaging and documents.

·   Ensure to check and evaluate the supplier's documents and raise questions if you suspect anything amiss.

How to Shun Counterfeit Import Toy Products

If you import toy products from abroad online, it is within your jurisdiction to ensure that the product adheres to the federal, state and import guidelines. Thus, it would help to remain vigilant, conduct your assessment and check out buyers' beware-listed items that could indicate counterfeit import toy products.

Also, ensure that your Chinese toy import suppliers offer detailed information on items on transit in the customs shipping paperwork. Giving incorrect details regarding product descriptions and their estimated prices is illegal. Therefore, you must remain vigilant concerning counterfeit imports since you could be liable for legal action and penalties for violating the regulations as an importer.

Engage a Certified Customs Broker

When shipping and importing your toy products from China, you may find it tricky to complete the import customs approval process. However, with a certified customs broker at your service, you can rest assured that your imported toy goods are handled in the customs while adhering to custom regulations.

Why Import Toys from China

If you contemplate joining the toy industry, it would be wise to opt for the Chinese toy market. As at present, China is the leading toy manufacturing country worldwide. It has the most appealing high-tech toys you can ever think of. It manufactures electronic export toys, toy cars, and dolls. Most importantly, the toys are priced lowly compared to other markets. In this case, if you wish to buy wholesale baby products, the best place to get them is from China toy manufacturers' factories.

The recent events that saw the closure of top dealers such as Toy "R" U.S. clearly show how the toy industry is changing. Instead of purchasing toys in mortar and brick stores, most consumers have shifted to buying them online. Suppliers enjoying who are already enjoying a massive online presence, such as Walmart and Amazon, have taken over the toy industry. Online retailers offer an opportunity for 3rd-party sellers to vend their products on online platforms. Thus, if you are a toy retailer, it is easier to order your children's toys wholesale from China to help grow your toy business.

How big do you think the toy import and export business is? According to reports compiled in 2016, the total toy export in the world was $97.7 billion. But recent statistics show that China is a leading toy exporter commanding about 46% of the total toy industry. Others include:

·   Belgium (1.8%)

·   U.S. (6.4%)

·   Italy (1.8%)

·   Netherlands (5.5%)

·   Hong Kong (5.9%)

·   Czech Rep. (3.4%)

·   Germany (4.7%)

·   Taiwan (2.2%)

·   U.K. (2.1%)

Considering a huge part of the world's wholesale Baby products are coming from China, there is no doubt that Factory Toys China offers the best opportunity to grow your toy business.

Toy Safety Requirements

The Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act (CPSIA) provides oversight for the U.S. produced and imported children's items and toys. The toys and kids' brands under the CPSIA's watch include:

·   Children's clothing, accessories and furniture

·   Baby items

·   Dolls

·   Plastic toys

·   Children's jewellery

·   Educational toys

·   Plush toys

·   Wooden toys

·   Toy trucks and cars

The U.S. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), which oversees the CPSIA, identifies the product's manufacturer as the party accountable on their website. But, it is only applicable to local manufacturers. Hence, during toy importation from overseas or China, the importer ensures that all children's products and toys adhere to federal regulations.

Based on CPSIA regulations, all children's products and toys must comply with the following rules:

·   All children-associated items and toys manufactured locally or imported should adhere to all safety measures.

·   All children-based products, including toys, must go through testing at a CPSC-certified lab.

·   All toys, children's products or item packaging must contain a tracking label.

Based on the CPSC information, certain materials have been proscribed from being used in the toy industry. Phthalates and lead have been earmarked as harmful materials and should be used with a limit when manufacturing children-based products and toys. Other phthalate chemicals that should also be used sparingly when manufacturing toys depending on their safety standards include:

·   BBP (0.1% limit)

·   DEHP (0.1% limit)

·   DBP (Limit: 0.1%)

·   DINP (: 0.1% limit)

·   DIDP (0.1% limit )

·   DnOP (0.1% limit)

Phthalates are mainly used to allow for plastic suppleness and firmness. The CDC (Centres of Disease Control) states that phthalates should be applied in polyvinyl chloride plastic materials. Products manufactured from these types of plastics include inflatable toys, plastic packaging and other related children's toys.

Also, various studies indicate that exposing yourself to phthalates might not be dangerous as long as the exposure level remains low. However, being exposed and ingesting phthalates is likely to result in reproductive issues in lab animals.

According to various researchers, exposing yourself to phthalate may cause ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), breast cancer, Low I.Q., neuro-developmental conditions, Obesity, autism spectrum complications, Type 2 Diabetes, and behavioural complications.

Also, the carcinogenic lead should be used in toys sparingly. In most cases, kids are more susceptible to lead risk when they contact lead-containing toys. Based on Mayo Clinic revelations, lead poisoning symptoms include learning difficulties, stunted growth, fatigue and sluggishness, seizures, and weight loss.

More so, mechanical laws are underway to ensure the safety of toys' physical aspects for kids. Seams and various plastic parts are among the safety-regulated parts. ASTM F963 is the regulatory safety procedure that must be adhered to. In any case, all children's products and toys should comply with the ASTM regulations.

Testing Rules

Based on the CPSC regulations, children's products and toys for those below 12 years of age must undergo 3rd-party testing. The testing is conducted at a CPSC-certified laboratory, and the authorized products are handed a Children's Product Licence.

The commonly applicable testing to many toys includes:

·   Accessible edges

·   Heavy elements, such as paint and other related surface painting materials

·   Paste cleanliness, gels, liquids, powders, and putties

·   Small objects

·   Accessible points

·   Heavy elements inform of substrate materials

CPSC-certified laboratories are located worldwide, but most are found in China. Also, certified labs can be found in countries like Vietnam, Hong Kong, Greece, Indonesia, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

Labelling Test

All imported China toys should bear a licensed tracking label. The label should include:

·   The name of the manufacturer

·   Date and the toy's manufacturing location

·   Particular details concerning the manufacturing procedure include a run or batch numbers and other identity features.

·   Any related information regarding the product's specific origin.

Safety Standards

While you may consider importing toys from China, knowing something about their safety standards is critical. The ASTM controls the toy safety rules. The rules require that all children-based products be tested and approved. The regulation applies to all children's products and toys manufactured after the 30th of April 2017.

The ASTM F963 safety standard for toys caters to various health conditions and toy-related hazards. ASTM F963 compliance was solely the manufacturer's discretion; however, the present CPSIA dictates that all available toys in the U.S. should adhere to these regulations. Most ASTM F963 sections apply only to specific types of toys. Based on the ASTM, toys incorporated with the features below should go through testing at CPSC-certified laboratories before entering the U.S. marketplace:

·   Toys with limited space

·   Battery-powered toys

·   Expanding materials

·   Magnets

·   Fasteners and nails

·   Toys comprising folding systems and hinges

·   Pacifiers

·   Pom poms

·   Plastic film

·   Rattles

·   Projectile toys

·   Toy seats and ride-on toys

·   Projections

·   Squeeze toys

·   Replicated protective devices

·   Sound making toys

·   Tires, axles and wheels

·   Cords, straps and elastics

·   Teething rings and teethers

·   Toy guns

·   Toy chests

·   Toys for use as playpen or crib

ASTM F963 requires that all children's products and toys for children below 12 years should adhere to the toy safety criteria. For children age 14 and above, their toys do not necessarily have to meet the toy safety criteria. But for children aged13, these safety principles must apply, although there is no need for them to undergo testing. Only a few toys are found in this group.

Companies that follow the necessary testing toys and kid's items procedures are awarded the children's Product Certification. Upon understanding the rules and the safety criteria, you are free to start looking for wholesale toy manufacturers in China to place your order.

Finding a Reliable Chinese Toy Supplier

Afore thinking of important children's items from China, you need to find a supplier first. Various types of toys are typically made in different parts of China. Chenghai District, situated around Shantou city, Guangdong Province, China, is listed among the top toy manufacturers and exporters globally. The toys from Chenghai District include:

·   Baby toys

·   Classic toys, including balls and yo-yos

·   Stuffed toys and dolls

·   Toy vehicles and diecasts

·   DIY and puzzle toys

·   Toy figures, such as animation and action figures

·   R.C. toys, such as remote control helicopters, cars, and boats.

Other popular toy manufacturing and exporting areas include Qingdao, Yangzhou, Yiwu, and Yongjia.

·   Stuffed toys and dolls are mainly manufactured in Qingdao and Yangzhou

·   Yongjia is best known for its alfresco playground toys and play equipment.

·   Classic toys such as balloons, yo-yos, and kaleidoscopes are mainly found around Yiwu.

These towns are situated along the main river and seaports to allow for easy transportation and exportation.

You can buy kid products wholesale in China during the annual toy event. The Chenghai Toy event is conducted during late spring. On the other hand, the Canton Fair, which features action toys, dolls, baby toys, baby cloth toys, and plush, has been there since 1957. It is conducted every year in the fall and spring. Also, the Hong Kong Mega Show conducted each fall exhibits premium games and toys.

If you cannot travel and meet your toy suppliers in China, you can always use sourcing agents. The agents will contact various manufacturers or suppliers on your behalf. They will then find your preferred toys, make purchases, and earn a commission after selling them to you. You may also utilize online trading firms such as Alibaba.com to buy children's toys wholesale from China. Alibaba.com offers a range of products to both final consumers and wholesalers.

The online market is growing fast, and so entrepreneurs are opting to buy their toy supplies online. Various toy wholesalers and manufacturers offer a low MOQ, while others offer a high MOQ. Whichever type of toys you choose to buy and the purchase method you use, it would be wise to deliberate on the supplier MOQ (minimum order quantity).

Importation Procedures

Buying and importing toys from China and other overseas countries cannot be compared to buying and selling goods locally. Upon finding the right toy supplier, you must find a way to finance the deal. There are many things and procedures you will need to follow. They include:

Open account transaction refers to when the retailer agrees to a series of credits and only makes payment upon receipt of goods.

Letter of credit – This is when the importer's bank issues a statement indicating it will make payment as soon as the exporter avails all the exporting documents. The letter of credit works like a conditional bank surety. Your bank then pays the dealer once all the documents are availed.

International wire transfer is a popular payment method for small to moderate transactions. In most cases, the payments are conducted beforehand pending delivery of the products.

The documentary collection works more or less like a COD (cash on delivery) option, whereby the retailer's bank collaborates with the buyer's bank to receive payment. The merchandise is delivered after or before payment based on the documentary collection method applied.

Online escrow – The payment method is more or less the same as the letter of credit. It is mostly used for dealings below $5000. Online buyers prefer using this payment technique where funds are deposited in an escrow account pending delivery of goods.

Every payment technique comes with its benefits and drawbacks. The letter of credit is the most commonly used payment method for toys and other products bought from China. However, you'll need to be aware of the changing currency exchange rates when remitting payment to your supplier. Whether you have been given a U.S. dollar price quote or not, the cost depends entirely on the seller's currency.

Once you have paid for the toys, the trader must organize shipment. The type of shipment chosen depends on the number of toys bought from China. However, Air and sea freight are the most popular shipment for toys.

Toy Shipping

Toys require bulk shipment to cut costs. Children's products and toys imported from China are normally transported through sea freight. Any cargo transported abroad is normally packed in 40 by 20 ft. cargo containers. The capacity of a complete cargo container is 2400 cubic ft. or 800 sq. ft. a 40-ft cargo container holds around 61000 lbs. quite a big space for toys! If you have more than 5 pallets of cargo, the best shipping option would be via FCL (full cargo load) shipping. But if the cargo is small, the ideal shipping method will be via LCL (loose cargo load) shipping. Therefore, it implies that your consignment will be packed alongside other types of payloads. You may share the cargo room with similar items or other types of dry products.

Most international sea freights come with a limited liability cover for damaged cargoes. The insurance cover is usually $500/container of products. Since your imported merchandises are probably overrated, you will probably need a cargo insurance cover. The insurance firm or your Certified Customs Broker may walk you through the process.

Following the delivery of your imported toys from China, they can be transported via rail to your designated place. After that, the toys are transported via road to your store or warehouse.

What Is Your Toys Delivery Date Or Time?

Upon importing your toys from China, it is a good idea to ponder on how long it will take the supplier or manufacturer to formulate your imports and delivery time. In most cases, transporting goods between China and the U.S. lasts 2 weeks to 2 months, excluding customs clearing. Also, we exclude delays attributed to bad weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances. Thus, considering this, you must allow two to three months for your imported toys to reach the designated location.

If you have a small number of toys, you want to ship from China, opting for air freight can be wise. Typically, air freight is faster but a very expensive option. Liaising with a Certified Customs Broker will enable you to choose the best option.

What Documents Does One Require To Import Toys From China?

Your Certified Customs Broker will work with you in preparing all the required documents for your toy importation from China. The toy documentation may include:

·   A receipt or lading bill citing the number and type of toys

·   A valid invoice that shows the purchase price of the origin country and cost categorization of your toys.

·   A packaging detailing the imported toys

·   A delivery notice from an identified U.S. Customs Broker

It is critical to understand that China bears the laws and guidelines you must adhere to when importing your baby accessories wholesale and other goods in the U.S. territory. You must also ensure that you have the correct tax schedule of the import duty you need to remit for the imports.

Is It Possible For One To Import And Transport Electronic Toys?

Lately, electronic and hi-tech toys are more popular. Toys such as R.C. helicopters and cars, basic coding toy products, cameras, kid's drones and tablets have become very popular compared to the yesteryears. They are affixes in nearly every home with kids. Most of these toy products are manufactured and imported from China.

To import these toy products from China, you must comply with certain rules and guidelines. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) controls all WiFi-enabled toys, transmit radio, and Bluetooth. Toys featuring WiFi-enabled tablets, Bluetooth speakers, walkie-talkies and radios are among the toys that require the FCC certification. Others, including headphones, earphones, toys containing written circuit boards and power packs, should also be approved through the FCC before being imported from China destined to the U.S.

Also, the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) controls the health and safety of all consumers in the U.S., including children. It is not limited to overseeing drugs and food products. In essence, the FDA oversees and examines imported electronic products and toys. It ensures the safety and efficiency of imported electronic products. Below are the regulations that should be adhered to before being cleared by the FDA.

·   The electronic device or toy imports should be safe

·   The toy products should be functional, effective and durable for consistent use

·   All toys and gadgets that emit radiation must adhere to the set standards through a declaration form.

Additionally, it is good to understand that electronic goods have their space within the HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Thus the HTS defines the type of tax (tariff) the importer should pay for electronic products. A statistical grouping is offered on the toy's name, the intended use, modules, and the material used to manufacture the products.

How to Find Certified Supplier Information from China

The internet remains the best option for China toy importers to gather important information about certified manufacturers and suppliers. Platforms such as Google, Yahoo or Bing can be handy.  Global sources, Made in China and Alibaba.com are among the online sourcing channels linking customers to manufacturers and suppliers in China. 

Thus, finding a certified supplier on any of these sites is easy. It only requires you to enter your search query into the search tub, and you are set to go. You should specify your search to obtain the best results. For example, instead of searching for “brass locks”, it would be best if you searched for “cabinet locks and brass diecast drawer”.  

Considering the huge number of Chinese suppliers, it can be ideal filtering them based on testimonials and the website’s evaluation process before making a decision. A good example is Alibaba, which offers its manufacturers and suppliers the “gold rating” as trustworthiness sign for the buyers to consider. On the other hand, Global Sources incorporates a “Verified Supplier” section. 

How to Find Huge Toy Information from China

The China Toy market features a wide range of children’s products, including toys and various consumer trends. Thus, it is vital to work out what you wish to import – whether classic toys, figurines, or baby toys, to list a few. Similar to other businesses, you must do thorough evaluation to find more info about the trendy toys in the industry.  

Finding details about toys in China isn’t a big issue. You can take advantage of the eCommerce platforms such as DHGate and Alibaba to learn more about toy suppliers and other important information. You should check their location, as manufacturers with limited suppliers might be brokers; hence, they may not offer you the best quotes. 

Conclusion

Hope this article has made importing toys from China easier. Considering that you now understand what it takes to import toys from China, you can now decide whether to join the toy business or not. But still, you need to find a reliable U.S. Certified Customs Broker to see you through the entire process of importing toys from China.