A First-Time Importer's Checklist for Air Freight from China

Booking your first air shipment from China involves more moving pieces than most first-time importers expect. This checklist covers what to have ready before you book.

Product & Commodity Details

Have an accurate product description, HTS code (or enough detail for your forwarder to classify it), declared value, and total weight and dimensions ready before requesting a quote — vague descriptions are the most common cause of delayed quotes.

Import Documentation

At minimum, you’ll need a commercial invoice, packing list, and — for shipments into the US — an Importer Security Filing (ISF) if applicable. Your forwarder’s brokerage team should tell you exactly what applies to your shipment.

Choosing Standard vs. Express

Confirm your real deadline before defaulting to express service. Standard consolidated air freight is meaningfully cheaper and often still lands within a week — express is worth paying for only when the calendar actually demands it.

Cargo Insurance

Ocean and air carriers’ default liability limits are lower than most importers assume. For higher-value shipments, ask about cargo insurance options rather than assuming you’re covered.

Confirming DDP Coverage

If you want a true door-to-door experience, confirm your quote includes import customs clearance and duties, not just the flight itself — otherwise you’ll be handling customs entry yourself on arrival.

The Bottom Line

Most first-shipment delays come from missing documentation, not the flight itself. Get your paperwork and product details in order early, and lean on your forwarder’s brokerage team to catch anything you might miss.