Moving to China from the USA

Are you considering relocating to China from the USA? Whether it’s Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Hangzhou, or any other city in China, your move deserves the care and attention of a mover who treats you like family.

Why Choose SDC International Shipping

As an overseas moving company, SDC International Shipping understands that moving is more than transporting belongings. It is a new chapter in life. With almost 20 years of experience relocating individuals worldwide, we plan your move to China around the rules that actually decide whether a shipment clears.

How We Can Help

Contact us with any questions about your upcoming move. We’ll help you arrange your relocation to China. By filling out a free quote form, you can see the cost of shipping your belongings with us.

Our Service Offerings

SDC International Shipping takes you to any destination in China with precision and care. Our dedicated team has compiled comprehensive information on what our service entails, ensuring that your move is handled with expertise and professionalism. Request a quote to kickstart your journey, or give us a call for personalized assistance.

Moving to China from the USA Service

We provide worldwide household removals, overseas artwork shipping, and international piano moving. One exception matters for China: private vehicles cannot be imported, so we do not ship cars there (details below).

We can also handle moving insurance, storage, and packing. Wherever you are in the USA, and whatever your destination in China, we can move the contents of a house or apartment. We also operate moves to Europe.

What to Know About Shipping to China from the USA

When considering shipping household goods to China, keep these essentials in mind:

• Application Process
  • Foreign passport holders need a work permit and a residence permit, each valid for at least one year, before the Import Permit can be requested. A shorter permit is treated as short-term, and the shipment pays full duty.
  • Once the Import Permit is approved, only the items listed in it can enter, and they must arrive within six months. Customs practice varies by city, so your coordinator confirms local requirements before booking.
• Duty-Free Eligibility
  • First-time importers who hold a foreign passport can bring a reasonable quantity of used personal items duty-free in a handful of cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Nanjing. Elsewhere, duty applies.
  • China does not allow non-diplomats to import vehicles. Only diplomats can bring in a used car, and customs treats a car as used once the title is in your name. SDC ships vehicles only when they are containerized with household goods, so a private car stays in the US.
  • Duty-free status is approved in advance, through an Import Permit that your destination agent applies for after your residence permit is issued.
• First-Time Importers
  • Duty exemption is generally exclusive to long-term residents importing personal effects for the first time.
  • Put your high-value possessions in the first shipment. A second shipment to China, even years later, is fully dutiable.
• Documentation Requirements
  • Prepare a detailed inventory list covering all items you intend to ship.

Our Assistance

As your moving provider, SDC streamlines the process by handling paperwork and bureaucracy. We offer guidance on importing goods into China and help ensure a smooth transition.

Containerized Shipping to China from the USA

We cater to shipments of any size, from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses, via the options below:

• Shared Container (LCL): Pay based on the volume you ship and share space, which suits smaller loads. LCL cargo must travel direct to its final Chinese port. If it transits another Chinese port first, it is likely to be sent back to origin. Some cities, Shanghai in particular, restrict groupage, so your coordinator confirms availability before you book.
• Solo Container (FCL): Exclusive use of a 20ft or 40ft container, best for larger moves.

Sea and Air Freight Services to China

We offer both sea and air freight. Not sure whether sea or air is best? Our relocation consultant will compare methods, transit times, and costs with you.

Air Freight Considerations

For airfreight to China, avoid sending restricted items such as food, cosmetics, toiletries, and medications. Alcohol is prohibited in air shipments outright.

Why Choose SDC International Shipping for Your Move to China

Wide Logistics Network

Benefit from our global logistics network. Whether door-to-door or port-to-port, our professionals ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.

Transparent Pricing

Request a price estimate via our online quote form. We’ll provide an initial shipping cost without hidden surprises. Quotes break out the base price and add-ons (packing, pickup, customs clearance, paperwork) so you can budget accurately.

Packing and Inventory Management

Accurate documentation speeds customs clearance. We can pack your goods and create a detailed, compliant inventory list for Chinese Customs. That list should be in English and numbered sequentially, with every electrical item shown by model, serial number, and size.

Most Popular Cities for Expats to Live in China

We ship to many destinations in China. Popular choices for American expats include:

1. Shanghai: Vibrant international community and modern amenities.
2. Hangzhou: West Lake scenery and a thriving tech scene.
3. Beijing: Historic charm with modern infrastructure.
4. Shenzhen: Rapid growth and proximity to Hong Kong.
5. Chengdu: Laid-back vibe, cuisine, and panda centers.

Other destinations we serve include Guangdong, Hong Kong, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Taipei.

Pre-Move Timeline: What to Do and When

A clear timeline helps reduce stress and keeps your China move on track. Use this simple guide and adapt it to your departure date.

• 8–12 weeks out: Request quotes, choose your mover, and confirm your shipping method (LCL, FCL, or air). Start sorting what to ship, sell, donate, or store.
• 6–8 weeks out: Gather documents (passport, visa, residence permit path, itemized inventory, valuations for high-value items). Schedule packing dates and confirm building elevator or access requirements.
• 3–4 weeks out: Finalize the inventory list, flag restricted items for guidance, and line up temporary accommodation on arrival. Notify banks and insurers of your move.
• 1–2 weeks out: Set aside essentials for travel (medications, chargers, a few days of clothes, key documents). Photograph high-value items for condition records.
• Arrival week: Coordinate customs clearance, delivery, and unpacking with your SDC coordinator. Review the delivery checklist as items enter the home.

Customs & Compliance: Do’s and Don’ts

• Do keep your inventory specific (e.g., “Kitchen: 6 plates, 4 mugs, cutlery set” rather than “kitchen stuff”). Specificity speeds clearance.
• Do separate high-value goods and provide supporting invoices or appraisals where available.
• Don’t ship food. Shanghai customs pulls food from both sea and air shipments, and a single food carton can add two to three weeks to clearance. Aerosols and dangerous goods need written approval and the correct declarations.
• Don’t count on bringing a wine collection. Shanghai allows four bottles for foreign passport holders on a first sea shipment, and Beijing and Shenzhen prohibit alcohol outright.
• Don’t pack items marked “packed by owner” if you want to minimize inspection risk. Use professional packing when possible.

Special Items

For fine art, musical instruments, or sensitive electronics, we recommend custom crating, stabilized inner packing, and climate-aware routing where feasible. Grand pianos are barred from Shanghai unless you are a professional musician or conservatory teacher, and Beijing requires prior customs approval, so check with us before you plan to bring one. Our piano moving page covers the handling side.

Settling In: First-Week Essentials

• Connectivity: Arrange mobile service and home internet early; bring your passport for account setup.
• Banking: Check your bank’s requirements for local accounts and prepare supporting documents.
• Deliveries: Confirm elevator reservations or building permits for move-in day to avoid delays.
• Safety: Test power adapters and voltage for appliances; use transformers when required.

Cost Drivers and How to Optimize

• Volume and mode: Consolidating into FCL can be more economical for larger shipments; LCL works well for smaller loads.
• Packing level: Professional packing reduces loss and re-work, which helps keep total costs in check.
• Access and distance: Stairs, long carries, and remote locations can add handling fees, so share access details early.
• Timing: Flexibility on sailing dates can unlock better rates during peak seasons.

FAQ: Moving to China from the USA

How far in advance should I book? Most clients book 6–10 weeks ahead to secure preferred dates and documentation windows.

Can I ship electronics? Yes, pack with original boxes when possible or use custom foam-in-place. Confirm voltage compatibility and plug types, and declare high-value items on your inventory.

Do I need insurance? We strongly recommend transit insurance. It protects against rare but possible damage or loss events outside any mover’s direct control.

Can I ship my car to China with my household goods? No. China does not allow non-diplomats to import vehicles, so there is nothing for us to containerize. SDC ships cars only when they travel in the container with household goods, and for China that rules the car out. Plan to sell it or leave it in the US.

What has to be in place before my shipment can clear? If you hold a foreign passport: a work permit and a residence permit, each valid for at least one year, plus an approved Import Permit. You also need to be in China before the shipment arrives. Your destination agent applies for the permit after your residence permit is issued, so your sailing date and your immigration timeline have to be planned together.

How long does customs clearance take? Once the permit is approved, clearance typically runs about 7 to 15 working days, with Shanghai toward the long end. Permit approval itself usually takes a few working days, and food or media can add two to three weeks of inspection. Door-to-door timing also depends on where in the US you ship from, so your coordinator gives you a range for your own address. These are typical ranges, not guarantees.

Ready to Plan Your Move?

Speak with an SDC relocation coordinator to review timelines, inventory strategy, packing options, and the best route for your shipment. We’ll tailor a plan that fits your schedule and budget, and keep you updated from collection to delivery.