Suitable for: Importers, procurement managers, compliance leads
Reading time: 6 min
Best for: Orders shipping to the US or EU
You’ll learn:
Duties and paperwork are the part of sourcing that bites late. A container of branded ornaments can sit at a port for days — or be refused — if the documentation or compliance marks are wrong. This guide covers the practical basics for the two largest B2B destinations: the United States and the European Union.
⚠ The Golden Rule of Customs
Confirm the HS/HTS code before you quote, not at the border. Duty is calculated on the code, and a misclassified product can trigger a re-assessment, storage fees and a missed seasonal window.
Every product crosses a border under a Harmonized System (HS) code — a 6-digit global base extended to 10 digits (HTS) in the US. Your broker uses it to calculate duty. Common gift categories roughly map to:
We provide a suggested HS code per product line, but the importer of record is ultimately responsible — confirm with your licensed broker. The final 10-digit classification and applicable duty are determined by your licensed broker or the relevant customs authority, not by this page. Confirm before quoting.
| Category | US MFN duty (indicative) | EU duty (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Festive plastic décor (9505.90) | 0% – 5.3% | 0% – 6.5% |
| Ceramic mugs (6911/6912) | 0% – 26%* | 12% – 17% |
| Textile stockings (6111) | 0% – 12% | 0% – 12% |
| Stainless tableware (8211/8215) | 0% – 4.5% | 2.7% – 4.3% |
Important: These ranges are illustrative planning references, not quoted duty rates. The final duty depends on the exact HS/HTS classification, country of origin and any applicable trade measures (including Section 301 where relevant). Always confirm the current rate with a licensed customs broker or the relevant customs authority before placing an order. Rates and regulations can change.
If a product is primarily intended for children 12 and under (e.g. stocking stuffers, plush ornaments marketed to kids), US CPSIA rules apply: lead-content limits, phthalate limits, and often a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) based on third-party testing. Even if your gift is general-promotional, retailers may demand the paperwork. Note that CPSIA obligations depend on whether the item is a children’s product under applicable US rules — many corporate gifts (mugs, décor, apparel, promotional items) fall outside that scope unless marketed to children.
We coordinate with certified factories that can supply test reports and, where applicable, CPC documentation — we are a sourcing supplier, not the certificate holder, so we route compliance through the producing facility.
For the EU, watch REACH (restricted substances) and AZO dye limits on textiles and coloured materials. Certain electronics or lit items may need CE marking. We can coordinate compliant, certified production for EU-bound orders and supply the relevant test documentation on request. CE marking applies only to product categories covered by specific EU harmonised legislation — it is not a blanket requirement for all EU Christmas gifts.
We provide Export Documentation Assistance — commercial invoice, packing list and destination-market compliance paperwork on request — so your broker clears without back-and-forth.
Under FOB or CIF, the importer of record normally pays duty and import VAT in the destination country; under DDP the seller arranges import clearance and pays applicable duties and taxes as agreed. Confirm the exact importer-of-record and tax responsibilities in the quotation before ordering. Either way, budget duty into your landed cost early.
We are a sourcing supplier and coordinate compliant, certified production through our factory network. We supply test reports and compliance statements (CPSIA/CPC, REACH-AZO, CE context) on request — issued by or for the producing facility, not held by us as the brand.
A clean document pack prevents most holds. If a hold happens, your broker resolves it; we provide any supplementary paperwork (revised invoice, origin proof, test reports) within 24 hours to keep the shipment moving before the seasonal window closes.
Send your product mix and destination — we’ll outline HS codes, duty expectations and the document pack you’ll need.
