US Import Tariffs on Custom Packaging From China: What Changes Landed Cost

PackClarity

Packaging procurement guide

A packaging quote's unit price is only part of the real cost once it lands in the US. Section 301 tariffs, the Merchandise Processing Fee, and the recent removal of the $800 de minimis exemption mean every shipment now needs a formal customs entry and a duty calculation that most first-time buyers do not budget for upfront.

Short answer

Section 301 tariffs, the end of the $800 de minimis exemption and HS code classification all move the real landed cost of custom packaging from China, often by more than the quoted unit price itself.

Confirm HS code classification, applicable Section 301 exclusions and total landed cost before comparing a China quote against a domestic or alternative-country alternative on unit price alone.

Reviewed byPackClarity packaging sourcing team

Best forBrands sourcing custom packaging from China who have not yet built duties, customs fees and HS code classification into their landed-cost math.

Quote useLanded cost and tariff review

This guide helps you decide:

Which details matter before contacting suppliers
What tradeoffs affect MOQ, cost, sample timing and quality
Which questions to ask before paying for samples or tooling

Start with the buying decision

Confirm HS code classification, applicable Section 301 exclusions and total landed cost before comparing a China quote against a domestic or alternative-country alternative on unit price alone.

Decision point	Practical guidance	Why it matters
HS code classification	The Harmonized System code assigned to the packaging product determines which base duty rate and any additional tariffs apply, and paper, rigid board, molded pulp and plastic packaging can fall under different codes with different rates.	Misclassifying a product, even accidentally, can mean paying the wrong duty rate or facing a customs delay and correction later.
Section 301 exposure	Most China-origin goods carry an additional Section 301 tariff on top of the base duty rate, though some product categories hold temporary exclusions that are periodically extended or allowed to lapse.	A packaging category that qualified for an exclusion last year may not still qualify, so the applicable rate needs rechecking per order, not assumed from a prior shipment.
De minimis removal	The $800 duty-free de minimis exemption no longer applies, so every shipment, including smaller sample or reorder quantities that once cleared duty-free, now requires a formal entry and duty payment.	Brands used to shipping small test batches duty-free need to rebuild that cost into even their smallest China packaging orders.

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Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid

Comparing a China packaging quote to a domestic quote using unit price alone

Duties, MPF and HMF can add a meaningful percentage on top of the quoted price, and skipping that math makes the comparison misleading.

Avoid

Assuming last year's tariff rate or exclusion still applies

Section 301 exclusions are granted and extended on a rolling basis, so a rate that applied on the last order is not guaranteed to still apply.

Avoid

Not confirming HS code classification with the freight forwarder or customs broker before shipping

An incorrect code can trigger the wrong duty rate, a customs hold or a correction process that delays delivery.

Supplier questions to ask

What HS code applies to this specific packaging structure and material, and has that classification been confirmed with a customs broker?
Does this product category currently hold a Section 301 exclusion, and when is that exclusion next due for review or expiration?
With the de minimis exemption removed, what is the total landed cost, including base duty, Section 301 tariff, MPF and HMF, on this order size?
Does the supplier or freight forwarder provide a landed-cost estimate before shipment, or only the factory-gate unit price?

Quote readiness checklist

You do not need every detail on day one. The goal is to provide enough context for a realistic supplier route.

HS code confirmed for the specific packaging material and structure, not assumed from a similar product.
Current Section 301 tariff rate or exclusion status checked for this order, not carried over from a prior shipment.
Total landed cost calculated including base duty, Section 301 tariff, MPF and HMF, not just the factory unit price.
Customs broker or freight forwarder confirmed for formal entry, since the de minimis exemption no longer applies to any shipment size.
Landed cost compared against domestic or alternative-country sourcing before committing to a China packaging order on unit price alone.

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