Between Section 301, stacked reciprocal tariffs and the end of the de minimis exemption, the US is no longer a market where ceramics land on a technicality. We quote it straight: duties prepaid, formal entry, and the compliance file built before production — not after.
The duty stack, stated. Section 301 List 3 adds 25% and current reciprocal tariffs stack on top; the de minimis exemption was removed on 29 August 2025 (EO 14324/14388), so every parcel clears formally. Our review found no AD/CVD order in place for ceramic tableware under HS 6911/6912. Full tables in the Tariffs & Trade Guide.
Four rules we do not bend.
- DDP by default. US-bound programs are quoted DDP — duties prepaid at entry, no invoice waiting for your customer at the door.
- Every parcel clears formally. Samples, dropship orders and containers all enter through regular customs channels; the de minimis shortcut no longer exists.
- Compliance designed in. Glaze paths are chosen for FDA 21 CFR 109.16 and CA Prop 65 screening before production — lead-free glaze and underglaze decoration are the structural head start.
- Packaging for the parcel era. Per-piece wrap, air-pillow cushioning and five-layer cartons; platform-inbound sets pass the 125 cm drop standard (face, edge, corner).
What the program is tested against.
Reports come from third-party laboratories. We describe the standards; we do not hang certificates we cannot hand you.
How US fulfillment moves.
| Lane | Typical transit | Best used for |
|---|---|---|
| Air DDP (China–US) | 5–10 days | Samples, launch stock, dropship pilots |
| US sea express | 15–25 days | Reorders, platform restocks |
Transit windows are typical ranges at time of writing, not delivery guarantees; the quote confirms lane and window per shipment.
What US buyers ask first.
What actually changed with de minimis?+
The exemption that let low-value parcels enter the US duty-free was removed on 29 August 2025 (EO 14324/14388). Every shipment — sample, dropship order or container — now clears formally and carries the duty stack. Unit economics have to be built on that reality, which is why we quote DDP.
Under DDP, who pays the duties?+
We do, at entry. The price you sign is the delivered price; the Section 301 List 3 duty, the reciprocal tariff stacking and clearance costs are shown as a stack in the quote rather than discovered on arrival.
Which food-contact rules should our program meet?+
FDA 21 CFR 109.16 sets the lead and cadmium action levels, with CA Prop 65 screening on top for California-facing retail. We build glaze paths for both before production, and third-party test reports are available on request.
Get a US quote with the duty stack shown.
Send your SKU list and destination state. You get DDP delivered pricing, a compliance path for FDA 109.16 and Prop 65, and packaging built for the parcel era.