Electronics · FCC · DOE · FDA
Importing electronics into the United States
Most electronics are free of base duty, but the 2026 Chapter 99 duties differ line by line. Radio devices must meet an FCC import condition. Allied CHB, a licensed customs broker, classifies each model and files the entry.
Agencies
Which agencies regulate electronics?
- FCC
Equipment authorization
A device that emits radio frequency energy needs FCC authorization (47 CFR Part 2, Subpart J). The routes are Certification with an FCC ID, or a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity where allowed. A September 2026 FCC rule also requires online marketplaces, with some exceptions, to show the FCC ID at the point of sale. - FCC
Import conditions
The importer, the ultimate consignee or their customs broker must confirm that each radio device meets an import condition in 47 CFR 2.1204. On request, they must show how, for one year after entry (47 CFR 2.1203). The FCC Form 740 filing was removed in 2017 (82 FR 50820). - FCC
Covered List
Equipment on the FCC Covered List cannot get new FCC authorization. Since July 16, 2026, covered equipment added to the list in 2024 or earlier cannot be imported or marketed (91 FR 41023). This applies even with an old authorization. The list includes equipment of Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision and Dahua. A temporary exception covers some surveillance equipment used to protect critical infrastructure. - DOE
Energy conservation standards
Covered products, such as external power supplies, battery chargers and many appliances, must meet DOE standards. The manufacturer certifies each basic model to DOE before sale (10 CFR 429.12), and an importer counts as a manufacturer (10 CFR 430.2). Televisions also need an FTC EnergyGuide label (16 CFR Part 305). - FDA CDRH
Radiation-emitting products
Microwave ovens, laser products and some other electronics must meet FDA performance standards (21 CFR Parts 1030 and 1040). The entry must carry the Form FDA 2877 declarations (21 CFR 1.77), with the accession number of the product report. - DOT PHMSA
Lithium batteries
Lithium cells and batteries must pass the UN 38.3 tests before transport. The maker and each later distributor must make a test summary available (49 CFR 173.185). Airlines and ocean carriers add their own dangerous goods rules.
HTS and duties
Which HTS chapters and duties apply in 2026?
| HTS | Goods | Base duty | Chapter 99 duties in effect (September 26, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8471.30 | Laptops and tablets | Free | Exempt from the forced labor duty. No Section 301 China list duty. |
| 8471.41 to 8471.80 | Desktops, servers, storage and other computer units | Free | Exempt from the forced labor duty. China: 7.5 or 25 percent by subheading. Section 232: 25 percent on certain advanced logic chips and systems in 8471.50 and 8471.80 (9903.79.01). |
| 8517.13 | Smartphones | Free | Exempt from the forced labor duty. No Section 301 China list duty. |
| 8517.62 | Modems, routers, switches, smartwatches and other data devices | Free | Exempt from the forced labor duty. China: modems and switching or routing gear 25 percent (9903.88.04). Other lines 7.5 percent (List 4A). |
| 8518 | Headphones, earbuds and speakers | Free | Forced labor duty applies. China: speakers 7.5 percent (List 4A). Headphones (8518.30.20): no China list duty. |
| 8528.72 | Televisions | Free to 5% | Forced labor duty applies. China: 0, 7.5 or 25 percent by subheading. |
| 8504.40 | Chargers, power supplies and inverters | Free | Forced labor duty applies. China: most lines 25 percent (List 3). |
| 8507.60 | Lithium-ion batteries | 3.4% | Forced labor duty applies. China: 25 percent since January 1, 2026 (9903.91.06). |
Base duty is the column 1 general rate in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. A trade agreement can lower it. The rate for your goods depends on the full 10-digit number and the country of origin.
- Section 232 on semiconductors applies since January 15, 2026. The 25 percent rate covers only logic chips, and articles that contain them, within narrow performance ranges. Chips for U.S. data centers, repairs, research, startups, consumer electronics and some other uses are 0 percent (9903.79.02 to 9903.79.09). Drawback is not available for this duty.
- Semiconductors of China (8541 and 8542) pay 50 percent under Section 301 (9903.91.05). USTR will raise that rate on June 23, 2027.
- These are exempt from the forced labor duty (9903.05.86): computers and their units (8471), smartphones (8517.13) and data devices (8517.62). Computer monitors (8528.52), flat panel display modules (8524) and semiconductors (8541, 8542) are also exempt.
- Some Section 301 exclusions for goods of China (9903.88.69 and 9903.88.70) run through November 9, 2026.
Section 301 forced labor duty: 10 or 12.5 percent since July 24, 2026
USTR set an extra duty on goods of 60 economies (HTS 9903.05.20 to 9903.05.84). For example, goods of China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand pay 12.5 percent. Goods of India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the United Kingdom pay 10 percent. Canada and Mexico pay 10 percent, except on goods that enter free under USMCA.
For the EU and Taiwan, the duty tops up the base rate to 10 percent. For Japan, South Korea and Switzerland, it tops up to 12.5 percent. Products listed in U.S. note 52 and goods properly entered under Chapter 98 do not pay it. CBP guidance, CSMS 69326983.
What else changed in 2026
IEEPA duties ended in February 2026. CBP refunds them with interest through CAPE declarations in the ACE Portal. IEEPA refunds.
The 10 percent Section 122 surcharge applied from February 24 to July 24, 2026. Section 301 duties on goods of China and Section 232 duties still apply where the actions say so. Section 301 China duties add to the forced labor duty. Goods under the Section 232 duties on metals, vehicles and parts, wood products and semiconductors do not pay the forced labor duty (9903.05.90).
Checklist
What documents do I need?
Commercial invoice and model list
Brand, model number, function, key specifications (screen size, wattage, radio bands) and unit value.
FCC ID or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity
The FCC ID from the grant, or the SDoC for devices that use that route. Keep proof of how each model meets 47 CFR 2.1204.
DOE certification
For covered products such as external power supplies and battery chargers: proof that the basic model is certified to DOE.
UN 38.3 test summary
For lithium cells and batteries, alone, packed with equipment or inside equipment (49 CFR 173.185).
FDA radiation data
For microwave ovens, laser products and similar goods: the Form FDA 2877 declaration and the accession number of the product report.
Chip data for Section 232
For servers and accelerator cards: the chip performance and memory bandwidth figures, and the end use. We use them to pick the right number from 9903.79.01 to 9903.79.09.
Holds
What causes holds?
Device without FCC authorization
A radio device with no valid authorization, and no other import condition, can be refused entry or recalled to CBP custody (47 CFR 2.1203).Covered List equipment
Since July 16, 2026, covered equipment added to the FCC Covered List in 2024 or earlier cannot be imported or marketed. A new FCC rule, effective October 13, 2026, also bars authorization of devices with logic-bearing parts made by covered entities.DOE noncompliance
CBP refuses admission to a covered product that is not certified or does not meet the DOE standard (10 CFR 429.5).FDA radiation holds
Laser products and microwave ovens without the Form FDA 2877 data, or without the compliance label, are held for FDA. FDA can refuse them (21 CFR 1005.3).Counterfeit brands
CBP detains, and can seize, goods that bear a recorded trademark without authorization, such as fake-brand chargers and earbuds (19 CFR Part 133).Wrong Chapter 99 number
Computers and phones are exempt from the forced labor duty, but accessories are not. A wrong heading leads to a duty bill or a refund claim later.
Process
How do we clear it?
- YouBefore shipping
Send the model list
Send the invoice, the model list with specifications, and the FCC, DOE and battery documents.
- Allied
Classify and check agency rules
We assign the HTS number and check the FCC, DOE, FDA and battery rules for each model.
- Allied
Pick the Chapter 99 numbers
We apply Section 301, Section 232 and the forced labor duty for each line and origin.
- AlliedBefore arrival
File the entry
We file the entry in ACE with any FDA data that applies.
- You
Answer questions
If CBP, the FCC or FDA asks for proof of compliance, send it to us. We submit it and follow up.
- AlliedAfter release
Entry summary and duty
We file the entry summary, pay the duty by ACH and track liquidation.
Request: Electronics import clearance
Quote on request
Questions
Importing electronics: common questions
Do I still file FCC Form 740?
No. The FCC removed the Form 740 filing rule in 2017 (82 FR 50820). You or your customs broker must still confirm that each radio device meets an import condition in 47 CFR 2.1204. Keep the proof for one year after entry.
Which electronics are exempt from the forced labor duty?
These are exempt from the forced labor duty (9903.05.86): computers and their units (8471), smartphones (8517.13) and data devices (8517.62). Computer monitors (8528.52), flat panel display modules (8524) and semiconductors (8541, 8542) are also exempt. Televisions, headphones, speakers, chargers and batteries are not.
Does the Section 232 semiconductor duty apply to laptops?
No. Laptops are in 8471.30, which the duty does not cover. The 25 percent rate covers certain advanced logic chips, and articles that contain them, in 8471.50, 8471.80 and 8473.30. We check the chip data for servers and accelerator cards.
Can I import devices before FCC certification?
In limited cases. You may import up to 4,000 units for testing and evaluation. After lab testing and a certification application, you may import up to 12,000 units with the same expected FCC ID for pre-sale activity. Pre-sale units need a temporary label and must not reach end users before certification (47 CFR 2.1204).
How must lithium batteries ship?
Cells and batteries must pass the UN 38.3 tests and have a test summary (49 CFR 173.185). Packing, marking and quantity limits depend on the mode of transport and on whether the batteries are alone, packed with equipment or inside it. Your forwarder or carrier confirms the dangerous goods booking.
Are drones covered by new 2026 rules?
Yes. Section 232 duties of 10 to 100 percent apply to drones and drone parts from September 3, 2026 (9903.08.20 to 9903.08.26). The FCC has also proposed to prohibit the import and marketing of certain covered foreign drones. Ask us before you order.
Importing electronics? Send us the model list.
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.