How to Import Toys from China?

Importing toys from China is a smart move for many global retailers, Amazon sellers, and wholesale distributors. With competitive prices, massive production capacity, and endless product variety, China remains the world's largest toy exporter.

But importing toys successfully involves more than just choosing a supplier and placing an order. From product safety standards to logistics and supplier reliability, this guide will walk you through the key steps and best practices for importing toys from China efficiently and safely.

Why Import Toys from China?

China accounts for over 70% of global toy exports, thanks to:

• Cost-effective manufacturing

• Wide product range (plastic toys, plush toys, educational toys, electronic toys, etc.)

• Strong OEM/ODM capabilities

• Well-established supply chains

Whether you're looking for custom toy manufacturing or buying ready-to-ship wholesale toys, China offers solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Toys from China

1. Define Your Product Requirements

Start by clearly identifying:

• The type of toy (e.g., plastic action figure, plush doll, wooden puzzle)

• Age group and intended use

• Material and safety requirements

• Any certifications needed (especially for EU or US markets)

• Whether you need OEM/customization or ready-made toys

The more specific your requirements, the easier it is to communicate with suppliers and avoid costly misunderstandings.

2. Research and Find Reliable Toy Suppliers

You can find toy suppliers through:

• Trade platforms (Alibaba, Made-in-China)

• Online sourcing websites (like Market Union's product catalog)

• Toy fairs (e.g., Canton Fair, Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair)

• China sourcing agents (helpful for vetting and negotiating)

Tip: If you're new to sourcing, working with a toy sourcing agent in China can save you time and reduce the risk of quality issues.

3. Verify Product Safety and Compliance

Toys are highly regulated in many countries. Before you import, make sure your products comply with:

• CPSC/CPSIA for the United States

• EN71 for Europe

• ISO 8124 for international markets

• CE marking, if required

Request certificates and test reports from the supplier before confirming your order. You may also need to conduct third-party lab testing.

4. Request Samples and Negotiate Terms

Never place a large order without testing a sample first. Check:

• Product quality

• Functionality and safety

• Packaging and labeling

• Manufacturer's ability to customize if needed

Once satisfied, negotiate the price, MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), payment terms, and delivery timeline.

5. Choose the Right Incoterms and Shipping Method

Your shipping terms determine who handles freight, customs clearance, and insurance. Common incoterms for toy imports include:

• FOB (Free on Board) – You handle shipping from the port.

• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) – The supplier arranges shipping to your port.

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – The supplier handles everything, including customs and delivery.

Shipping methods:

• Sea freight (best for large orders)

• Air freight (faster but more expensive)

• Express courier (for small batches or samples)

6. Handle Customs and Import Duties

You must be prepared to:

• Classify the toys under the correct HS code

• Pay import duties and VAT/GST

• Submit required documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc.)

• Comply with labeling requirements (e.g., "Made in China")

Working with a customs broker or sourcing agent makes this step smoother, especially if it's your first time importing.

7. Conduct Quality Inspections

To avoid surprises, arrange a pre-shipment inspection or during-production audit. This helps:

• Ensure consistent product quality

• Detect issues before shipping

• Avoid costly returns or bad reviews

A reliable sourcing partner can help arrange inspections through third-party QC firms.

8. Plan for Inventory and After-Sales Support

Once the toys arrive, make sure you have:

• Proper storage or warehousing

• An organized distribution plan

• Systems for handling returns or defects

If you sell online (e.g., Amazon, Shopify), consider working with fulfillment centers that can handle last-mile logistics.

Tips for First-Time Toy Importers

• Avoid IP-infringing products (no unlicensed character toys!)

• Always confirm packaging and labeling details

• Use a sourcing partner to handle supplier communication, compliance, and logistics

• Start with a smaller order to test the supplier's reliability

Final Thoughts

Importing toys from China offers excellent business opportunities—but only when done right. By understanding compliance, choosing the right partners, and staying organized, you can build a stable and profitable toy supply chain.

At Market Union, we offer more than just sourcing services. You can explore a wide range of toy products directly on our website, or let our experienced team help you navigate suppliers, compliance, and logistics with confidence.