China is the “world’s toy factory.” It makes over 70% of all toys sold globally, sending out more than $54 billion worth of products every year. Whether you want STEM kits, action figures, or eco-friendly toys, China offers the best variety and prices.
However, importing in 2025 is not just about picking a product. You need to understand new safety rules like ASTM F963-23, manage shipping costs, and handle new taxes. This guide will show you how to do it right.
Why Import Toys from China in 2026?
Most toy making happens in places like Guangdong (especially Shantou), Yiwu, and Fujian. These areas have everything a business needs to build a toy from scratch.
Main Benefits:
1.Low Cost: It is still 40-60% cheaper to make toys in China than in Western countries.
2.Speed: Factories can go from a drawing to millions of units very quickly.
3.Innovation: China leads the way in smart toys and new, “緑” 材料.
4.Supply Chain Integration: Complete ecosystem from raw materials to finished packaging, reducing lead times and costs.
Top Trends for 2026:
Kidults: Adults now buy 25% of all toys! They love collectibles and nostalgic items.
Eco-Friendly: 40% of parents say they will pay more for toys made from sustainable materials.
STEM: Educational toys are a huge market, expected to hit $17.2 billion by 2025.(What are STEM toys?)
Safety Rules and Compliance for 2026
If your toys don’t follow the rules, customs will take them away. This can cost you a lot of money.
USA Requirements:
ASTM F963-23 Standard: This updated rule started on April 20, 2024. It has stricter rules for small parts and heavy metals.
CPSIA: You must have a “Certificate of Compliance” for every shipment.
FDA: Needed for toys that touch a child’s mouth (like teething toys).
Europe Requirements:
CE Marking: This is mandatory. You must follow EN71 rules for safety, fire-proofing, and chemicals.
REACH Updates: There are now 235 substances that are banned or limited in toys.
Expert Tip: Always ask for test certificates dated after April 2024 to make sure they are up to date!
Other Major Markets：
Canada (updated January 2025):
Toys Regulations under Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
New requirements for third-party testing documentation
Australia/New Zealand:
AS/NZS ISO 8124 standards alignment with international updates
Middle East & GCC Countries:
Gulf Conformity Mark (G-mark) requirements
Country-specific labeling in Arabic for certain markets
Compliance Pro Tips:
Always request updated third-party testing certificates dated after April 2024
Verify lab accreditation status (many Chinese labs lost accreditation in 2024)
Implement pre-shipment compliance audits to avoid customs delays
Consider working with compliance specialists like ルルファミリー for documentation review
2026 Shipping Costs (Updated January 2026)
Shipping prices are more stable now, which helps you plan your budget.
Sea Freight (Best for Large Orders)
| Route | FCL 20ft | FCL 40ft | FCL 40ft HQ | Transit Time |
| China → US West Coast | $1,850-$2,400 | $2,327-$3,100 | $2,580-$3,400 | 12-16 days |
| China → US East Coast | $2,100-$2,800 | $2,650-$3,500 | $2,900-$3,800 | 20-25 days |
| China → Europe | $1,900-$2,500 | $2,400-$3,200 | $2,650-$3,500 | 18-23 days |
| China → Middle East | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,500-$2,300 | $1,650-$2,500 | 15-20 days |
LCL (Less than Container Load) Rates:
$120-$180 per CBM depending on destination
Minimum charges typically $300-$500
Consolidation time adds 3-5 days to transit
Air Freight Rates (Best for Urgent/High-Value Shipments)
| Destination | Rate per KG | Min. Charge | Transit Time |
| China → North America | $5.30-$7.20 | $150 | 3-5 days |
| China → Europe | $4.80-$6.50 | $130 | 3-5 days |
| China → Middle East | $3.90-$5.20 | $120 | 2-4 days |
| China → Australia | $6.20-$8.50 | $180 | 4-6 days |
Express/Courier Services (E-commerce/FBA)
| Service Level | Rate Range | Delivery Time | Best For |
| DHL Express | $8-$15/kg | 2-4 days | Amazon FBA urgent |
| FedEx Priority | $7-$13/kg | 3-5 days | High-value items |
| UPS Expedited | $6-$11/kg | 4-6 days | Regular restocking |
Rail Freight (China to Europe via Belt & Road)
Cost: $3,500-$4,500 per 40ft container
Transit time: 16-20 days
Growing option for mid-volume shipments seeking cost/speed balance
Taxes and Hidden Costs
新しい 10% Tariff: Starting February 2025, some toys from China have a new 10% tax in the US.
Port Fees: Expect to pay $200-$400 for handling at the port.
Battery Surcharge: Sending toys with batteries by air can cost $200-$500 extra.
Saving Money with Better Packaging
Vacuum Packing: For plush toys, this can reduce the size by 60%, saving you a lot of space and money.
Amazon FBA: Make sure your labels are in the right place so you don’t get fined by Amazon.
Fragile Items: Use double-boxing for electronic toys to prevent damage during the long trip.
Your 2026 Success Timeline
Jan – 行進: Order early after Chinese New Year to get the best price.
April – June: Finish your designs and do safety testing.
July – August: This is the best time to ship your Christmas stock by sea.
Sept – Oct: の “Peak Season” begins. Space on ships is hard to find.
Nov – Dec: Only use air freight for emergencies because it is very expensive.
How LuluFamily Makes Your Toy Business Easier
At ルルファミリー, we are more than just a toy company—we are your supply chain partner. We know that shipping and customs can be a headache for toy buyers. That is why we use our deep industry experience to handle the logistics for you, so you can focus on selling.
Here is how LuluFamily solves your shipping challenges:
Total Compliance Management: We don’t just sell toys; we ensure they are legal. We manage all ASTM F963-23 そして CE paperwork with the factories, so your shipments pass through customs without delays.
Consolidated Shipping: If you buy different types of toys, we can combine them into one shipment. This helps you get FCL (Full Container) rates, which are much cheaper than shipping small boxes separately.
Smart Packaging for Savings: Our team optimizes the way toys are packed. By reducing “empty air” in the boxes and using vacuum packing for plush items, we help you fit more products into every container.
Door-to-Door Service: You don’t need to be a logistics expert. We work with our network of trusted carriers to manage everything from the factory floor to your warehouse door, including the new 2025 tariff filings.
Amazon FBA Expertise: For our e-commerce partners, we provide “Retail-Ready” services. We handle the labeling and packaging requirements so your toys go straight to the Amazon warehouse.
Stop worrying about shipping delays and hidden fees. Partner with LuluFamily today and let us deliver the world of play to your doorstep, safely and affordably!
