Import duty for action cameras from China

Action cameras typically classify under HTS heading 8525.89 with a 0% MFN rate; China-origin goods usually add section 301 list 3 at 25%, plus roughly 30% from the 2025–26 additional actions — call it about 55% of customs value in duty for a typical China → US shipment as of September 2026. A 500-unit, $2,000 order lands near $7.02 per unit all-in. The live calculator below computes your exact shipment.

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The duty stack for action cameras A worked example: 500 units, $2,000 goods, ocean freight Fees and the details that change the math

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The duty stack for action cameras

HTS heading 8525.89 — typical MFN (general) rate: 0%.
Section 301 (China): Action cameras typically sits on Section 301 List 3 — 25%.
2025–26 additional actions on China: about 30% as of September 2026, on top of both — this layer has moved repeatedly through executive orders and court rulings.
Typical all-in for a China → US shipment: about 55% (55% beyond MFN alone).

A worked example: 500 units, $2,000 goods, ocean freight

On a $2,000 FOB order with $350 ocean freight and $25 insurance, US duty is computed on the FOB goods value only. That works out to roughly $1,100.00 in total duty (55% of the goods value), $32.71 merchandise processing fee, and $2.50 harbor maintenance fee — a landed total near $3,510.21, or about $7.02 per unit before any domestic freight, FBA fees, or ads.

Rates move; the calculator below always computes from the current bundled dataset and lets you override any layer from your broker’s numbers.

Fees and the details that change the math

MPF: 0.3464% of entered value, $32.71 minimum / $634.62 maximum per formal entry (FY2026).
HMF: 0.125% — ocean cargo only.
The US $800 de-minimis exemption ended Aug 29, 2025 (China/HK parcels lost it May 2, 2025): parcels now clear with duties and fees.
Freight is dutiable in CIF countries (UK/EU/UAE) but not in the US — switch destination in the calculator to see the difference.

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Live in your browser: every rate is editable, so plug in your HTS line or your broker’s latest numbers.

Questions people ask

What is the import duty on action cameras from China?

Typically about 55% all-in as of September 2026: 0% MFN under HTS 8525.89, 25% Section 301 (Section 301 List 3), plus roughly 30% from the 2025–26 additional actions. The exact 10-digit line decides — treat these as planning figures.

Is there a cheaper origin than China for action cameras?

Section 301 is China-only, so non-Chinese origins skip that layer — but the 2025–26 reciprocal layer applies by country (for example around 20% for Vietnam, 50% for India during recent announcements). Compare full landed cost per origin in the calculator before moving a PO; factory price differences often eat the duty savings.

Do I pay duty on action cameras samples?

Yes — since de minimis ended, sample parcels clear with duties and fees like anything else. The exemption was $800 and it is gone (China parcels lost it in May 2025, everyone in August 2025).

How is the duty actually calculated for my shipment?

Customs value × the sum of applicable rates. In the US the customs value is the FOB goods value (freight excluded); in CIF countries freight and insurance are included. Fees stack per entry: MPF on every formal US entry, HMF for ocean cargo.

Import duty for action cameras from China

The duty stack for action cameras

A worked example: 500 units, $2,000 goods, ocean freight

Fees and the details that change the math

Run your shipment through the calculator

Questions people ask

Related guides

The landed cost formula (and which value customs actually taxes)

Section 301 China tariffs: the lists, the rates, and what stacks on top

De minimis explained: the end of the $800 exemption

Import duty for phone cases from China

Import duty for wireless earbuds from China

Import duty for headphones from China