The Ultimate Guide to Importing Toys from China

The global pandemic has confined adults and children alike to their homes. With the shift of schools to digital platforms and the limitation on outdoor activities, the need for indoor entertainment has skyrocketed. Consequently, the toy industry has seen a substantial increase in demand. This current trend provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to import toys from China to satisfy this escalating demand.

For a comprehensive understanding of the global toy market, we can turn to Statista’s study on per-child spending on toys across different regions globally. The study offers invaluable data on the average expenditure on toys per child in 2019, categorized by region, along with other pertinent statistics. Crucially, North America led the pack in terms of average spending per child on toys in 2019, reaching a figure of 300 U.S. dollars. The global toy market was valued at a staggering 90 billion U.S. dollars in 2019, with a majority of the goods sold in the U.S. toys and games market being imported.

These numbers underscore the lucrative potential of the toy industry and the opportunities it presents for businesses aiming to cater to the surging demand for toys, particularly in the prevailing global scenario.

Reasons to Opt for Toy Imports from China

Types of Toys You Can Import from China

The range of toys available for import from China is vast and varied. Regardless of your business’s specific needs, there’s a high probability that a Chinese manufacturer can supply the type of toy you’re looking for. Let’s delve into some of the options to give you a clearer picture:

From remote-control cars and trucks to drones, classic toys never lose their charm. People love them not just for the interaction they offer and the memories they bring back, but also for how easy they are to share with others. Plus, drones give folks a safe way to have some outdoor fun while keeping their distance.

Toy cars remain a perennial favorite among young kids. These pocket-friendly items are small and inexpensive, making them convenient to ship and stock. What’s more, they’re consistent best-sellers. By keeping a diverse selection on hand, you encourage customers to purchase more than one, as few customers are satisfied with a single toy car.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only altered playtime for children, but also their education, with home-schooling becoming widespread. Parents are seeking innovative methods to ensure their children’s academic progress. By offering a diverse range of educational toys for all age groups, your business can become a go-to destination for educational playthings. This strategy can help drive repeat business as customers will come back for more.

Toys that draw inspiration from popular anime shows and manga books hold a special appeal for children, particularly now, as media consumption is at an all-time high among kids. These toys can range from action figures and figurines to plush toys. It’s essential to stock up on toys reflecting trending anime and manga to cater to this demand.

The demand for infant toys is high, especially in the current climate where many new parents are working from home while simultaneously caring for their newborns. When sourcing suppliers for baby toys, it’s critical to ensure they meet all relevant regulations and guidelines. Baby products are subject to rigorous standards, and discerning parents meticulously scrutinize them while shopping.

Science and STEM toys for children are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. These educational tools were in vogue even before COVID-19, but they’ve now become critical supplements to remote learning.

It’s wise to maintain a broad selection of science and STEM toys suitable for various age groups. Keep in mind, most families with kids have children of differing ages, so parents will likely be shopping for multiple age-appropriate toys.

Reliable wooden toys like blocks or dolls never go out of style. They’re known for their durability, touch-friendly texture, easy cleaning, and their ability to spark creativity in children. When it comes to picking a supplier, quality workmanship is crucial. Toys should be devoid of rough edges to prevent splinter-related concerns. If the toys are colored, ensure the paint is long-lasting and adheres to safety regulations.

Electronic toys with high-tech features offer a modern and thrilling experience for kids. Interactive elements like movement, light, or sound are a big hit among children. Parents tend to look for toys that cater to the unique preferences of boys and girls, so maintaining a diverse stock in terms of colors and designs can cater to each child’s taste.

Plush toys continue to hold a special place in children’s hearts, with most kids having a beloved stuffed animal. In these trying times, marked by the stress and changes brought about by COVID-19, the soothing presence of a cuddly toy is more crucial than ever. It’s important to offer a diverse range of plush toys, featuring various characters, animals, sizes, and colors. Prioritize suppliers known for their high-quality products, as low-grade plush toys generally have a poor market performance.

Websites such as Alibaba.com are widely recognized for connecting businesses with Chinese wholesalers. Yet, if your needs demand a more tailored strategy, reaching out to a Sourcing Agent stationed in China could be your next move. These professionals typically maintain strong ties with local vendors, assisting you in locating the appropriate partner.

Find out more here: Find the Best Sourcing Agents in China

After you’ve picked the toys you want and found a supplier, you’ll need a trusty freight forwarder. Toys can be sent through express post, by train, air, or sea. The best way to send them depends on what you’re shipping and what your business needs. Your freight forwarder can help you figure this out. Once you’ve made your order with the toy supplier, you’ll get a rough packing list. Using this list and your shipping needs like delivery time and cost, your freight forwarder can find the best shipping deal for each toy shipment.

Sea freight often provides the most economical solution for shipping toys internationally. Collaborate with your freight forwarder to confirm that this is indeed the most cost-effective option and that it satisfies your requirements. Keep in mind, however, that sea freight takes longer than express, rail, or air cargo shipping. If the longer delivery time isn’t an issue, then sea freight could be an excellent shipping method for your toys.

No need to swim in a sea of China-based freight forwarders. Save your time and simply get in touch with Super International Shipping. We’re here, ready to give you a free quote today. We’ve got our feet firmly planted in China, and with our hands-on experience with worldwide shipments, we’ve got you covered for all your toy shipping needs.

Wondering about the paperwork needed to ship toys from China? The specific documents can vary based on the type of toys you’re exporting and their destination country. Nonetheless, most shipments from China typically require the following documents:

Commercial invoice
Bill of Lading (BOL) 
Air Waybill (AWB) 
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
CITES Permit
Import/Export Declaration
CE Certificate
Single Administrative Document (SAD)
Fumigation Certificate

If you’re uncertain about the exact paperwork required or need assistance in preparing these documents, don’t hesitate to contact us. With our years of experience managing shipping documents for diverse global shipments, we can ensure your documents are filled out correctly, saving you from potential customs hassles.