You’ve found your manufacturer.
You’ve approved your samples.
Your bulk order is ready to ship.
Now what?
Importing pet supplements from China
to the US involves several steps that
catch many small brands off guard.
This guide walks you through the
entire process so you know exactly
what to expect.
Step 1: Understand Your Product Classification
Before anything else, you need to know
how your product is classified under
US customs regulations.
Pet supplements generally fall into
one of these categories:
Animal feed or feed supplements
Regulated by the FDA and AAFCO
(Association of American Feed Control Officials).
Most pet vitamins, minerals, and
nutritional supplements fall here.
Veterinary drugs
If your product makes specific health
claims, it may be classified as a
veterinary drug and require FDA approval.
This is a much more complex process.
Understanding your classification
early prevents costly surprises at customs.
Step 2: FDA Registration and Compliance
The FDA regulates pet food and supplements
imported into the US.
Key requirements:
FDA Facility Registration
Any foreign facility that manufactures,
processes, packs, or holds food for
US consumption must be registered
with the FDA.
Your Chinese manufacturer must have
active FDA facility registration
before your products can legally
enter the US.
Prior Notice
For most food and supplement shipments,
you must submit prior notice to the FDA
before the product arrives at a US port.
This is typically handled by your
customs broker.
Labeling Compliance
US pet supplement labels must include:
– Product name and intended species
– Net quantity
– Guaranteed analysis
– Ingredient list in descending order
– Manufacturer or distributor name and address
– Feeding directions
– Any required warnings
Non-compliant labels can result in
shipments being held or refused at customs.
Step 3: Work with a Licensed Customs Broker
A licensed US customs broker handles
the paperwork and compliance requirements
for importing your products.
They will:
– File your customs entry
– Calculate and pay import duties
– Handle FDA prior notice submission
– Manage any customs holds or inspections
– Ensure your shipment clears smoothly
For first-time importers especially,
a customs broker is not optional —
they are essential.
Step 4: Understand Import Duties and Tariffs
Pet supplements from China are subject
to US import duties.
Current rates vary depending on
the specific product classification,
but typically range from 0% to 10%
of the declared value.
Additional Section 301 tariffs may
also apply to certain Chinese goods.
Your customs broker can confirm
the exact duty rate for your specific
product before you import.
Always factor import duties into
your landed cost calculations
before finalizing your pricing.
Step 5: Choose Your Shipping Method
Two main options for importing from China:
Ocean freight (sea shipping)
– Transit time: 20-35 days to US West Coast
– Cost: significantly lower than air
– Best for: large orders (500+ units)
– Minimum: typically one pallet or more
Air freight
– Transit time: 5-10 days
– Cost: 4-6x more expensive than sea
– Best for: small first orders or urgent replenishment
– Suitable for: sample shipments or test orders
For most brands importing 500-5,000 units,
ocean freight is the most cost-effective option.
Step 6: Arrange Marine Insurance
Cargo insurance protects your shipment
against loss or damage during transit.
For a $10,000 shipment, insurance
typically costs $100-200.
For most brands, this is worth paying.
Cargo can be lost, damaged, or delayed —
insurance gives you recourse if something goes wrong.
Step 7: Plan for Lead Times
Many brands underestimate the total
time from order to sale-ready product.
Here’s a realistic timeline:
Production: 30-45 days
Ocean freight (China to US): 20-35 days
US customs clearance: 3-7 days
Delivery to your warehouse: 2-5 days
Total: approximately 8-12 weeks
from order confirmation to product
in your hands.
Plan your inventory levels and
reorder points accordingly.
Common Import Mistakes to Avoid
Using a manufacturer without FDA registration
Your shipment will be refused entry.
Always verify FDA registration before ordering.
Not accounting for duties in your pricing
Import duties are a real cost.
Build them into your margins from the start.
Skipping cargo insurance
One damaged or lost shipment can
wipe out your profit for the entire order.
Leaving customs to the last minute
Start working with a customs broker
before your shipment leaves China,
not after it arrives at port.
How Petriva Nutrition Labs Supports the Process
Navigating US import requirements
alongside Chinese manufacturing
can feel overwhelming — especially
for brands importing for the first time.
At Petriva, we work with manufacturers
who hold active FDA facility registration
and understand US compliance requirements.
We also personally test every sample
before it leaves China — so quality
issues are caught before they become
import problems.
MOQ from 500 units. Full support
from production to your door.
Visit petrivanutritionlabs.com