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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Copy link
Import duty for wireless earbuds from China
The duty stack for wireless earbuds
- HTS heading 8518.30 — typical MFN (general) rate: 0%.
- Section 301 (China): Wireless earbuds typically sits on Section 301 List 4A — 7.5%.
- 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 37.5% (37.5% 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 $750.00 in total duty (37.5% of the goods value), $32.71 merchandise processing fee, and $2.50 harbor maintenance fee — a landed total near $3,160.21, or about $6.32 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.
Run your shipment through the calculator
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 wireless earbuds from China?
Typically about 37.5% all-in as of September 2026: 0% MFN under HTS 8518.30, 7.5% Section 301 (Section 301 List 4A), 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 wireless earbuds?
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 wireless earbuds 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.
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