Claw Machine Import Guide for USA — Compliance, Shipping & Customs

Importing Claw Machines from China to the USA — What You Need to Know

This guide is written for US-based arcade operators, family entertainment center (FEC) owners, and distributors sourcing claw machines and DIY kits directly from China. It covers the key compliance, shipping, and customs considerations for importing Hiclawcrane products to the United States.

Voltage & Electrical Compatibility

All Hiclawcrane claw machines and DIY kits are designed for dual-voltage operation:

Specification Value
Input voltage 100–240V AC (auto-switching)
Frequency 50Hz / 60Hz (compatible with US 60Hz)
US plug adapter Required (Type A/B, 2 or 3-pin flat)
Voltage converter Not required

US operators do not need a step-down voltage converter. A standard US plug adapter is all that is required for electrical connection.

US Import Duties & HTS Classification

Claw machines and arcade equipment imported from China into the United States are classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). The applicable codes depend on the product type:

Product Type HTS Code General Duty Rate
Complete coin-operated claw machines 9504.30 Free (subject to Section 301 tariffs)
DIY claw machine kits (mechanical components) 9504.90 / 8479.89 Free to 3.5% (varies by component)
Spare parts (motors, boards, coin acceptors) 8479.90 / 8537.10 Free to 2.6% (varies by component)

Important: Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods may apply and are subject to change. Current rates and exemptions should be verified with a licensed US customs broker before importing. Hiclawcrane provides HS code guidance and commercial invoices for all orders, but final duty determination is made by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Required Import Documentation

Hiclawcrane provides the following export documentation with every order:

  • Commercial invoice — itemized description, quantity, unit value, and declared value in USD
  • Packing list — carton dimensions, gross weight, and net weight per item
  • Bill of Lading (sea freight) or Air Waybill (air freight)
  • Certificate of Origin — confirms goods manufactured in China (required for HTS classification)
  • HS code declaration — provided on all invoices to support CBP entry

For orders requiring additional documentation (such as a CPSC compliance declaration or product safety data), contact us before placing your order.

Shipping Options to the USA

Method Transit Time Best For Delivery
Sea freight (FCL/LCL) 18–28 days Bulk orders, complete machines Port or door-to-door
Air freight 5–8 days Spare parts, urgent orders Door-to-door
Express courier (DHL/FedEx) 4–7 days Small parts, samples Door-to-door

US Port Destinations (Sea Freight)

  • 📦 Los Angeles / Long Beach — 18–22 days from Guangzhou (most common for West Coast)
  • 📦 New York / Newark — 25–30 days from Guangzhou
  • 📦 Houston — 24–28 days from Guangzhou
  • 📦 Seattle / Tacoma — 18–22 days from Guangzhou

Door-to-door delivery (port to your warehouse or venue) can be arranged. Contact us to include US inland freight in your shipping quote.

US Safety & Compliance Considerations

Hiclawcrane products are manufactured for international commercial use. US operators and distributors should be aware of the following compliance considerations:

  • CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission): Coin-operated amusement machines intended for commercial use (not for sale to consumers) are generally exempt from CPSC toy safety standards. Operators should verify requirements with a US compliance advisor for their specific venue and use case.
  • UL certification (Underwriters Laboratories): Hiclawcrane machines are not UL-listed by default. Some US venues, insurers, or local authorities may require UL-listed equipment. Contact us if UL documentation is a requirement for your application.
  • State & local amusement licensing: Many US states require amusement machine operators to hold a local business license or amusement permit. Requirements vary by state and municipality. Check with your local authority before deploying machines commercially.
  • FCC compliance (Part 15): Electronic components in claw machines may be subject to FCC Part 15 regulations for unintentional radiators. Commercial amusement use is generally lower-risk, but operators in regulated environments should verify.

Frequently Asked Questions — USA Import & Compliance

Do I need a customs broker to import claw machines from China?

For shipments valued over $2,500, a formal entry through a licensed US customs broker is required by CBP. Hiclawcrane can recommend freight forwarders with US customs brokerage services. For smaller orders (under $2,500), informal entry is typically sufficient and handled by the courier.

What import duties will I pay on claw machines from China?

Base HTS duty rates for arcade machines are generally low (0–3.5%), but Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods may add additional duties. Current Section 301 rates and any applicable exclusions should be verified with a licensed customs broker before importing, as rates are subject to legislative change.

Are Hiclawcrane machines compatible with US 110V power?

Yes. All machines and DIY kits use auto-switching power supplies compatible with 110–240V, 50/60Hz. No voltage converter is needed. You will need a standard US Type A or Type B plug adapter.

Can I order a single unit as a sample before bulk importing?

Yes. Sample orders of 1–2 units are common for US distributors evaluating the product before committing to a larger import. Sample units ship by air freight and typically arrive in 5–8 days. Contact us to arrange a sample order at wholesale pricing.

Do you offer door-to-door shipping to the USA?

Yes. We can arrange door-to-door sea freight or air freight delivery to your US warehouse or venue address. Door-to-door pricing includes US customs clearance, inland freight, and delivery. Contact us for a door-to-door quote based on your destination zip code and order size.

What documentation do I need for US customs clearance?

Hiclawcrane provides a commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Certificate of Origin, and HS code declaration with every order. For formal entry (orders over $2,500), your customs broker will use these documents to file the CBP entry. No additional product certification is typically required for commercial amusement equipment.

Get a Shipping Quote for the USA

Contact us directly for a door-to-door shipping quote to your US location:

Please include your destination zip code, product of interest, and estimated quantity for the most accurate quote.

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