Toys & Games Capabilities
Importing toys might sound like fun and games (and hey, it kind of is), but the HTS codes and regulatory red tape tell a different story.
- Ocean Freight that Plays by the Rules - Whether it’s cartons of dolls or pallets of puzzles, we’ll consolidate and optimize your containers to keep landed costs low—and ensure each shipment meets CBM (cubic meter) efficiency standards. Need HTS code alignment before sailing? We’ll get you classified and compliant before your toys ever leave port.
- Air Freight When You Need it - New product drop? Peak season panic? We coordinate fast-moving air shipments for when “just in time” really means “yesterday.”
- Warehousing and Final Mile Fulfillment - We coordinate with fulfillment centers, 3PLs, and retail partners to deliver your toys where they need to go—whether that’s a major retailer, a Kickstarter campaign warehouse, or straight to the hands of happy kids.
- Seasonal Planning + Inventory Forecasting- Don’t let delays turn your shipment of Halloween toys into a warehouse full of pumpkins in December. We work with your sales and sourcing teams to schedule production, sailing, and delivery windows in sync with the market.
HTS Codes, Toy Safety, and Tariff Hacks—Let's Play Smart
When it comes to toy imports, accuracy is everything, U.S. Customs has very specific rules under Chapter 95 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS)—but depending on how a toy functions, its classification could fall under Chapter 39 (plastics), Chapter 85 (electronics), or even Chapter 94 (furniture, if it’s a ride-on toy with seating!).
Here’s where most importers get tripped up:
- Does that plush toy sing and light up? It might fall under 9503.00.0073 or 8543.70.99 depending on the mechanism.
- Is it educational or meant for therapy? That might change the duty rate and the required documentation.
- Did the toy come with batteries? Now we’re talking lithium regulations, DG shipping requirements, and maybe even PHMSA oversight.
Beyond HTS codes, toy imports face a jungle gym of regulations:
- CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) requires detailed testing and documentation for most toys sold in the U.S.
- CPSIA compliance means you’ll need tracking labels, certificates of conformity, and age-grade assessments.
- ASTM F963 is a federal safety standard—and it’s not optional. Everything from small parts to sound levels is covered.
And just like toys vary in size, so do their duty rates. With proper planning, some toy categories may qualify for:
- GSP duty exemptions if they originate in eligible developing countries
- USMCA preferential treatment (hello, Mexico and Canada)
- First-sale rule advantages to legally reduce the dutiable value
It’s all a little… much, we know. But we’re here to take the regulatory complexity out of your sandbox.
Freight Forwarding for Toys:
It's All About Timing, Packaging, and Play Value
In the toy industry, missing peak season isn’t an option—and neither is sloppy packaging that damages your product before it even hits the shelves.
Toys require a freight forwarding strategy tailored to their quirks: lightweight-but-bulky packaging, rigid release dates, lithium battery compliance, and value-driven cost control. At Shapiro, we help you build a logistics game plan that delivers your product on time, in perfect condition, and without budget surprises.
Whether you’re importing mass-market classics or indie board games, we know how to balance creativity with compliance—and turn shipping headaches into smooth-sailing solutions.
Looking for help with imports into the U.S.?
Check out our Services page to see which of our services can help you get your products into the U.S.