By Nick Lung    Photo：CANVA

As the trend of outdoor leisure spreads around the world, the United States, as one of the most mature camping and outdoor sports markets in the world, continues to grow in demand for various camping products, attracting many exporters to compete. However, the US market has extremely strict requirements on product safety, compliance, packaging and intellectual property rights, and the slightest carelessness may lead to return of shipments, fines or legal liability. For companies planning to export camping products such as tents, stoves, tableware, outdoor chairs, etc. to the United States, making all-round preparations in advance and fully understanding local import regulations and market characteristics are the key to ensuring smooth trade and long-term brand development. This article will sort out the core precautions required for exporting to the United States from the aspects of compliance inspection, customs declaration practices and market risks, to help businesses grasp the right direction and steadily expand their business territory.

1. Product compliance and safety standards: Compliance with US regulations is the key

Before exporting outdoor camping products to the US market, the first task is to confirm that the product complies with relevant US regulations and safety standards. Different products correspond to different regulatory agencies and regulatory requirements. For example, tents must comply with the CPAI-84 flammability standard, which is the fire protection standard set by the United States for camping tents; sleeping bags, folding chairs, etc. are generally regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and must prove that the products are not potentially dangerous to consumers. In addition, tableware, stoves, kettles, etc. that come into contact with food must comply with the FDA's food-grade material specifications; if they contain batteries and electronic components (such as camping lights, mosquito repellents, etc.), they may also need to comply with FCC (radio frequency device compliance) or UL (electrical safety) standards. Product packaging and instructions must be in English, clearly stating the product name, materials, usage, safety warnings and "origin mark", such as "Made in Taiwan".

2. Customs clearance process and tariff schedule: prepare the correct documents and HTS code

The second focus of entering the US market is customs declaration and tax arrangements. Each product must correspond to an HTS Code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule), which will directly affect the tariff rate and whether it is affected by trade barriers. For example, the HTS of a tent may be 6306.22, a folding chair may be 9401.79, and a stove may fall into the category starting with 7321. Accurate classification helps avoid customs declaration disputes and additional fees. The exporter also needs to prepare complete customs declaration documents, including commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin when necessary. If wooden packaging is used, it must also comply with ISPM 15 standards, be heat treated and stamped to prevent quarantine delays. If the goods enter the Amazon FBA warehouse, they must also comply with its labeling, barcode and box packaging specifications.

3. Market preparation and risk control: brand, certification and intellectual property

Successful export is not only about customs declaration and clearance, but also about preparing market entry strategies and risk control measures in advance. First of all, large American buyers or platforms usually require products to have third-party test reports (such as Intertek, SGS, TÜV, etc.) to confirm product performance and safety. If it cannot be provided, it may affect the willingness to purchase or be removed from the platform. Secondly, brands and designs should pay attention to intellectual property issues. Avoid imitating the design, logo, and packaging style of local brands, otherwise it may involve infringement, leading to legal risks and financial losses. It is recommended to conduct trademark searches (such as using the USPTO website) during the product design and naming stage, and register a US trademark if necessary. In addition, if the product has innovative functions, you can also consider applying for patent protection to further enhance your market competitiveness. Through rigorous regulatory preparation and brand strategy, exporters can more steadily layout the US market.

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