You've found the perfect jewelry display case from a Chinese manufacturer. The price is right, the design is stunning, and the factory has great reviews. But then comes the question that makes many first-time importers nervous: "How do I actually get it here without it arriving as a pile of broken glass?"
This guide walks you through every step of shipping jewelry showcases from China to the USA—from choosing the right freight method to clearing customs without headaches.
📦 Quick Summary: Your Shipping Checklist
- Sea Freight (LCL/FCL): Best for orders over $5,000. Takes 25-35 days.
- Air Freight: For urgent orders under 500kg. Takes 5-7 days but costs 3-5x more.
- Packaging: Insist on wooden crates with foam padding. Never accept cardboard-only.
- Customs: HS Code 9403.20 (Metal Furniture) or 7020.00 (Glass Articles). Duty is typically 0-6%.
1. Sea Freight vs. Air Freight: Which One Should You Choose?
The first decision you'll face is how your showcases will travel across the Pacific. Here's a no-nonsense comparison:
| Factor | Sea Freight (Ocean) | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (per CBM) | $50 - $150 | $500 - $1,200 |
| Transit Time | 25 - 40 days | 5 - 10 days |
| Best For | Large orders, full containers | Urgent restocks, samples |
| Risk Level | Higher (longer in transit) | Lower (faster, less handling) |
Our Recommendation: For a typical jewelry store opening with 10-20 showcases, sea freight (LCL or FCL) is almost always the smarter choice. The savings can be $2,000 - $5,000 compared to air.
2. The #1 Killer: PACKAGING
Glass showcases are fragile. Period. And the journey from Shenzhen to Los Angeles is brutal: forklifts, crane drops, ocean swells, and rough truck roads. 90% of shipping damage is caused by inadequate packaging.
⚠️ Never Accept Cardboard-Only Packaging!
If your supplier says "carton box is enough," run. Jewelry showcases with glass panels must be shipped in wooden crates with internal foam padding. It adds $50-$100 per unit to the cost, but it's non-negotiable.
What Proper Packaging Looks Like:
- Outer Layer: Fumigated plywood crate (required for US customs).
- Inner Layer: High-density EPE foam on all six sides.
- Glass Protection: Each glass panel wrapped individually with edge protectors.
- Labeling: "FRAGILE," "THIS SIDE UP," and "GLASS" stickers on all faces.
3. Understanding Incoterms: FOB, CIF, and DDP
These three-letter codes determine who pays for what. Here's what you need to know:
- FOB (Free On Board): You pay for shipping once the goods are loaded onto the ship in China. The factory handles everything up to that point. Most common for experienced importers.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): The factory pays for shipping to your US port, but you handle customs clearance and inland delivery. Good for first-timers who want simplicity.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The factory handles everything, including US customs and doorstep delivery. Most expensive, but zero hassle.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with CIF
If this is your first import, ask the supplier for a CIF Los Angeles (or your nearest port) quote. This gives you a single, all-inclusive price from factory to US port, and you only need to arrange a local trucking company for the last mile.
4. Customs Clearance: What to Expect
When your container arrives at the US port (e.g., Long Beach, CA), you'll need a Customs Broker to clear it. Here's the typical process:
- ISF Filing (10+2): Your broker files Importer Security Filing 24 hours before the ship departs China.
- Customs Entry: When the ship arrives, the broker submits entry documents and pays duties on your behalf.
- Inspection (Maybe): CBP may randomly inspect your container. This adds 1-3 days.
- Release: Once cleared, you arrange for the container to be trucked to your warehouse or store.
Duty Rates for Jewelry Display Cases
Jewelry showcases are typically classified under:
- HS Code 9403.20: Metal furniture (0% duty under most circumstances).
- HS Code 7020.00: Glass articles (up to 6% duty).
Note: Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods may add an additional 7.5% - 25% depending on the product classification. Always confirm with your broker.
5. Insurance: Don't Skip It
Shipping insurance typically costs 0.5% - 1% of the cargo value. For a $10,000 shipment, that's $50 - $100. If a forklift drops your crate and destroys $3,000 worth of glass panels, you'll be very glad you had it.
Types of Coverage:
- All-Risk: Covers everything except war, strikes, and gross negligence. (Recommended)
- Named-Perils: Only covers specific events like fire or sinking. (Cheaper but risky)
6. Timeline: From Order to Delivery
Here's a realistic timeline for a typical jewelry showcase order:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 20 - 35 days |
| Factory to Port (China) | 3 - 5 days |
| Ocean Transit (to LA) | 18 - 25 days |
| Customs Clearance | 2 - 5 days |
| Inland Trucking | 1 - 7 days |
| Total | 45 - 75 days |
Tip: If you're opening a new store, work backward from your grand opening date and add a 2-week buffer for unexpected delays.
Need a Supplier Who Handles Shipping for You?
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