import toys from china
Where Should I Import Toys?
Some countries and regions spend more on toys than others. Because of this, it makes sense to import more toys to the areas with booming toy markets. These countries have the highest annual per-child spending on toys:
- United Kingdom; $438 per child
- United States; $371 per child
- France; $358 per child
- Germany; $336 per child
- Russia; $300 per child
- Italy; $187 per child
- Spain; $176 per child
These figures are a few years old (per-child spending isn’t available for 2020 yet), so you can imagine how much higher these numbers will be this year and as long as the Coronavirus impacts people’s lives. Based on these figures, the best places to import toys are the United States and Europe.
Why Import Toys from China Instead of Other Countries?
import toys from china
China is the world’s leading manufacturer and exporter of toys. Over 50% of the world’s supply of toys comes from China. This means China has the widest variety of any other country in the world, so you’ll be able to find whatever toy you need from there. This eliminates the need to coordinate multiple exports from several different countries. With a Chinese supplier and freight forwarder, you can handle all your toy shipments simply. In short, you can import toys from China according your demand very simply.
Yes. China exports a vast number of toys every year to all different countries. Whether you’re shipping toys to the United States, Europe, elsewhere in Asia, or any other part of the world, you can import toys there from China.
Is It Safe to Buy Wholesale Toys from China?
Yes. When finding a Chinese toy supplier, double-check their safety certifications, and always make sure you’re purchasing a quality product. Choosing the right manufacturer and suppliers up-front will save you a lot of time and effort long-term.
Before you buy toys from your supplier, familiarize yourself with toy restrictions in the country you plan to import the toys into. For instance, all toys imported into the European Union (EU) must be compliant with the EU’s toy safety directive and must bear a CE mark on the product certifying its safety.
When choosing a supplier, let them know what country you plan to import your merchandise to. A knowledgeable supplier will be familiar with these safety restrictions and can work with you to ensure you purchase a sellable product.
What Kind of Toys Can I Import from China?
You can find just about any type of toy to import from China. No matter what your business is, it’s likely you can find the type of toy you need from a Chinese manufacturer. To give you an idea of your options, let’s get started:
Remote-control toys
Toys like these are a classic for a reason. Customers like them because they’re exciting, interactive, easy to share, and nostalgic. This category includes remote-control cars and trucks, but also includes more up-to-date toys like flying drones, which are a safe socially-distanced outside activity.
Toy cars
Young children continue to be fascinated by toy cars. They’re inexpensive and small, which makes them easy to ship and supply. But they’re also reliably top sellers. Keep a wide variety in stock so customers can buy several; customers rarely want to buy just one toy car.
Educational toys
COVID-19 has impacted not just the way children play, but the way parents educate their children. With at-home schooling prevalent, parents are turning to alternative ways to make sure their kids keep up in school. Stock a wide variety of educational toys for all ages to position your business as a one-stop shop for educational toys. This will keep customers coming back again and again.
Manga-inspired toys
Children love toys inspired by their favorite anime shows and manga books – especially now, when kids are spending more time consuming media than ever before. These can be action figures, figurines, plush toys, etc. Make sure to carry toys inspired by the most popular anime and manga today.
Baby toys
Every new parent needs numerous toys for their infant. This is especially true now that so many parents work from home and have to juggle childcare with their jobs. When finding a supplier for baby toys, double-check that the supplier’s toys comply with all relevant guidelines. Baby products tend to have many regulations, and parents check them carefully when shopping.
Science and STEM toys
Science and STEM products for kids are more popular than ever. They were trendy before COVID-19, but now they play a more important part in children’s education as parents seek to supplement their children’s remote schooling with educational material.
Again, carry a wide variety of science and STEM toys appropriate for a wide variety of ages. Remember that most households with children have more than one child, so parents will likely be shopping for multiple children of different ages.
Wooden toys
Sturdy wooden toys, like blocks and dolls, are a classic for a reason. They’re durable, tactile, easy to clean, and are fun for children to get creative with. When shopping for a supplier, check for quality craftsmanship. Make sure all toys are thoroughly sanded down to prevent customer complaints about splinters. If the toys are painted, make sure the paint is durable and follows any applicable regulations.
Electronic toys
High-tech electronic toys are modern and exciting for children. Toys with pieces that move, light up, or make noise are very popular with kids because they’re interactive. Parents often shop for different toys for boys and girls, so carry a variety of colors and styles to suit each child’s preferences.
Plush toys, like stuffed animals
Plush toys remain to be wildly popular with children; just about every child has a favorite stuffed animal. Children aren’t immune to the stress of COVID-19 and are struggling to handle a time of transition. The comfort of a soft stuffed animal is more welcome than ever. Carry a wide variety of characters, animals, sizes, and colors. Look for suppliers with superior quality; poor-quality plush toys don’t sell well.
What Are the Import Taxes for Toys?
Import taxes vary depending on the country and the specific type of toy. For instance, the United States charges an average duty rate of 5.63% for plastic toy figures importing into the country. Before shipping your merchandise, be sure you’re familiar with the import tax for the specific type of product and the policies of the country you’re importing to.
How To Find a Suitable Toy Supplier in China
If you’re unsure where to start, Alibaba.com is a popular Chinese site for wholesalers. There, you can find all kinds of toys. You can also search on Google to find the right toys supplier. If without the convid-19, Then the Toys Fair is also a good method for you to meet with many different kinds of suppliers. While now we have to ignore this method.
If you’re still struggling, contact us. As a China-based freight forwarder, we have connections to many local suppliers and can help you find one that suits your needs.
How to Ship Toys From China
After you’ve decided what kind of toys to ship and found your supplier, you need a reliable freight forwarder. Most toys can be shipped via express, train railway, air, or sea freight. Which option is right for you depends on your merchandise and your company’s needs. Your freight forwarder can help you determine what’s right for you. After finishing your purchase order with toys supplier, you will have the approximate packing list, with that packing list and your other shipping requirements eg, shipping time, shipping cost budget, your professional freight forwarder can make a most suitable shipping offer for each of your toys shipment.
What Shipping Method is The Cheapest for Shipping Toys from China?
Sea freight is usually the cheapest shipping method for exporting toys overseas. Work with your freight forwarder to make sure this is the cheapest option in your case, and to make sure it meets your needs. Because of this shipping time is longer than EXRESS shipping, train rail way shipping and Air Cargo shipping. So if the shipping time for Sea Freight can meet your needs, then this will be a good shipping methods for your toys.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship Toys From China?
Customs documents vary depending on what toys you’re shipping and what country you’re exporting them to. However, most shipments from China require these documents:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Air Waybill (if shipping by air freight)
- Packing List
- Pro forma invoice
- Certificate of Origin
- CITES Permit
- Import/Export Declaration
- CE Certificate
- Single Administrative Document (SAD)
- Fumigation Certificate
If you’re still unsure what documents you need or need help preparing your required documents, contact us. We have years of experience handling shipping documents for all kinds of shipments all around the world, so we can help make sure your documents are completed correctly and prevent a headache at customs.
Summary
China is an excellent place to source toys, no matter where you want to ship them. With a reliable manufacturer and freight forwarder at your side, you’ll have the support and know-how you need to make your shipments with confidence.
Now you know everything necessary to get started shipping toys from China all over the world. When it’s time to make arrangements with a freight forwarder, contact us for a free quote. We can’t wait to get started on your shipment.