Before you start: know your product and market rules
Importing toys from China is a proven way for retailers, distributors and e-commerce sellers to build a private-label or wholesale toy range, but it is not a simple “buy low, sell high” transaction. The steps below — from verifying a factory to clearing customs — are the ones that separate smooth shipments from costly mistakes.
Before contacting suppliers, define your product category (plush toys, squishies, building blocks, etc.), your target markets, and the safety standards those markets require (ASTM F963 and CPSIA for the US; EN71 and CE for the EU). This determines which factories can serve you.
Step 1 — Find and verify a reliable toy factory
Look for factories that are manufacturers, not trading companies — ask whether they run their own production lines, and verify it. Practical checks include:
- Request factory photos, videos or a live tour of the production line.
- Ask for certificates (ASTM F963, CPSIA, EN71, CE) and confirm they cover the specific product you want.
- Check the factory’s export history and ask for references from buyers in your market.
- Verify the business license and, if possible, an on-site inspection or third-party audit.
Runda Toy Factory, for example, is a factory-direct manufacturer in Yiwu, China, running its own plush, squishy and building block production lines with ASTM F963, CPSIA, EN71 and CE compliance.
Step 2 — Order samples and test quality
Always order samples before committing to bulk. Evaluate fabric and filling quality, stitching, safety details (small parts, eyes and noses), smell, and packaging. For plush and soft toys, check that the filling is clean, the seams are reinforced, and the product survives repeated squeezing and washing. Send samples to a third-party lab for safety testing if your market requires it.
Step 3 — Confirm MOQ, pricing and payment terms
Wholesale pricing scales with quantity. Clarify the MOQ for both stock designs and custom (OEM) designs — custom development usually requires a higher MOQ. Agree on payment terms (typically T/T with a deposit and balance before shipment), and confirm what the price includes: materials, production, packaging, and which port or delivery term.
Step 4 — Production, inspection and quality control
During production, agree on an inspection plan — pre-production samples, inline inspection, and final random inspection before shipment. For new suppliers, third-party inspection (such as SGS, BV or TUV) is a sensible investment. Confirm that the factory’s batch testing and certificates cover your order’s destination market.
Step 5 — Shipping: FOB, CIF and DDP explained
- FOB (Free On Board): the factory covers costs until goods are loaded onto the vessel; you arrange the ocean freight and insurance.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): the supplier covers freight and insurance to the destination port.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): the supplier handles freight, insurance, customs and duties, delivering to your door. Most convenient for first-time importers; confirm the duties and taxes are included in the quoted price.
For smaller orders, sea freight via LCL (less than container load) or air freight are common options. Delivery timelines depend on the term and destination — always confirm expected transit time in writing.
Step 6 — Customs clearance and documentation
Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and the compliance documents for your market (CPC and test reports for the US; CE Declaration of Conformity for the EU). Work with a customs broker if you are not familiar with the process — duty rates and documentation requirements vary by country and product.
Working with a factory-direct partner
Working directly with a manufacturer shortens the chain, lowers cost and gives you control over quality and customization. Runda Toy Factory offers wholesale and OEM programs for plush toys, squishy and squeeze toys, and building block sets, with low trial-order MOQs and FOB, CIF and DDP shipping to North America and Europe. Visit our Import Guide or contact us through the inquiry form to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to import toys from China?
Production typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on the product and order size, plus 2-6 weeks for sea freight to the US or EU, or about 5-10 days by air. Always confirm the production and transit schedule in writing.
What is the best shipping term for a first-time importer?
DDP is the most convenient for first-time importers because the supplier handles freight, insurance and customs clearance to your door. FOB gives more control but requires you to arrange freight and customs yourself.
Do I need a license to import toys?
Most countries do not require an importer license for toys, but the products must meet local safety standards (e.g. ASTM F963/CPSIA in the US, EN71/CE in the EU) and you must provide the required compliance documentation at customs.
Can I mix different toy products in one order to reach the MOQ?
Many factories, including Runda Toy Factory, allow mixed stock designs within a product line to reach a combined MOQ. Custom designs usually require their own MOQ.
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