Bottom line: Importing stone slabs from China is straightforward if you control three things - verify the actual slabs, use the right HS code, and know the tariff line. Done right, landed cost beats local distributors by a wide margin.
Step 1: Find a Verifiable Supplier
China's stone hubs are Nanzhuang (Guangdong), Yunfu (Guangdong), and Shuitou (Fujian). Require: real warehouse photos, video walkarounds of the actual slabs, clear pricing/MOQ, and export experience. Many suppliers accept orders from a single slab, but shipping is economical at 5+ slabs or a full container (r/AlibabaImport).
Step 2: Select & Verify the Slabs
Never buy blind. Request photos with water applied (true color), video walkarounds, dimensions/thickness, slab numbering, and any fillings. Two field checks before paying: glass-scratch test (real quartzite scratches glass) and the three questions every buyer should ask (source): (1) 100% natural? (2) quarry-mined or man-made? (3) how do you verify quality?
Step 3: Negotiate & Confirm (PI)
Price depends on grade, color, size, quantity. Get a proforma invoice (PI): stone type, slab numbers, dimensions, $/m2, packaging, and shipping terms (FOB / CIF / DDP).
Step 4: Production & Quality Control
Cut-to-size: 7-20 days. Request QC photos of edge profiles, dimensions, finish. For slabs, confirm final selection before crating.
Step 5: Packaging & Shipping
Slabs ship vertically in A-frame wooden crates inside containers. FCL (20ft/40ft) for large orders; LCL for smaller. Ocean freight runs about $600-800 per container (industry blog); a full container holds roughly 60 slabs vs ~10-12 in a bundle.
Step 6: Customs, HS Code & Tariffs
| Item | Typical HS Code | US Duty Note |
|---|---|---|
| Natural marble/granite/quartzite slab | 6802 | Normal stone rate |
| Artificial / cement-bonded stone | 6810 | Normal stone rate |
| Engineered quartz surfacing (China) | 6810 / 2506 | 311%-538% anti-dumping + countervailing |
Key differentiator: since 2018 (sunset-review maintained Jan 2025), the US imposes 311%-538% anti-dumping + countervailing duties on Chinese quartz surfacing. Natural stone slabs (marble, granite, quartzite) are NOT covered - buying natural stone avoids that duty entirely (r/importexport). You'll need a customs broker for clearance; some countries require HS registration, but most need no special import license.
Ready to import? Send your requirements and we'll guide you through the entire process.