Sourcing Travel Accessories from China: Manufacturing Hubs, Tariffs, and Trade Shows
Updated 2026-06-20
As a seasoned sourcing agent, I've seen countless entrepreneurs try to import travel accessories from China. It's a smart move—China dominates production of everything from luggage tags to neck pillows. But the difference between profit and loss often comes down to knowing the right manufacturing hubs, US regulations, and hidden costs like tariffs. Let me walk you through what I've learned over two decades of navigating these waters.
Sourcing travel accessories from China to the US
Importers need to consider a few points before placing an order.
- What products are worth sourcing from China?
- Where can you find Chinese travel accessories manufacturers?
- What are the US requirements for travel accessories?
- How much are customs duties on travel gear?
- What are the top travel accessories trade shows in China?
Where are travel accessories manufacturers in China?
Where is travel gear produced in China? The main manufacturing areas are:
Guangdong (Dongguan, Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Shenzhen)
- travel bag/weekender bag
- jewelry case
- secret waist bag/money belt
- cosmetic bag/pouch
- luggage tag
Shanghai
- toiletry bag
- eye mask, portable charger
- headphones
- portable steamer
- bottle travel case
- power adapter
Zhejiang (Jiaxing, Shaoxing, Jinhua, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Taizhou)
- travel pillow
- travel bottles
- sunglasses
- compression socks
Anhui (Qingdao, Hefei)
- passport cover
- packing cubes
Jiangsu (Yancheng)
- luggage scale
Requirements for travel gear in the United States
Your products must comply with federal and local requirements; otherwise, they will not be put into circulation.
- All products imported into the US have to comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
- When importing electronics, check the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards.
- Backpacks and other bags made of textiles must have a permanent textile label affixed with the necessary information. Children’s products (designed for 12-year-olds and younger children) are subject to the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) regulations.
What are the duty rates on travel accessories from China?
Duty rates, also known as tariffs, determine the taxes levied on imports and are obligatory by law.
How to determine duty rates? The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) provides duty rates for every product category, as every category has its HTS code. The HTS system is free to use.
US duty rates on travel accessories from China
| Item Description | HTS Code | Base Duty (MFN) | China Sec 301 | 2026 Surcharges |
| Travel pillow (foam fill) | 9404.90.90.30 | 6% | + 7.5% | + 20% |
| Carboys, bottles, flasks (>50ml) | 3923.30.00.90 | 3% | + 25% | + 20% |
| Compression socks (synthetic) | 6115.10.10.00 | 14.9% | + 7.5% | + 20% |
| Portable steamer | 8516.79.00.00 | 2.7% | + 7.5% | + 20% |
| Travel type electric flatirons | 8516.40.20.00 | 0% | + 7.5% | + 20% |
| Power bank (Li-ion batteries) | 8507.60.00.20 | 3.4% | + 25% | + 20% |
| Headphones and earphones | 8518.30.20.00 | 0% | + 7.5% | + 20% |
| Flashlights | 8513.10.20.00 | 12.5% | + 25% | + 20% |
| Luggage scale (electrical) | 9016.00.20.00 | 3.9% | + 25% | + 20% |
| Sunglasses | 9004.10.00.00 | 2% | + 7.5% | + 20% |
| Leather passport cover | 4202.31.60.00 | 8% | + 25% | + 20% |
| Travel/Sports bags (leather) | 4202.91.90.30 | 4.5% | + 25% | + 20% |
| Handbags (plastic sheeting) | 4202.22.15.00 | 16% | + 25% | + 20% |
| Trunks/Suitcases (leather) | 4202.11.00.90 | 8% | + 25% | + 20% |
| Trunks/Suitcases (plastic/rigid) | 4202.12.21.20 | 20% | + 25% | + 20% |
| Backpacking tents | 6306.22.10.00 | 0% | + 7.5% | + 20% |
Travel accessories trade fairs in China
One of the best ways of selecting suppliers is by attending trade shows in China. There are trade fairs in virtually every industry. Those companies tend to be more reliable than those available only on B2B sites, but you should still verify your potential supplier before placing your order.
Here is a list of trade shows exhibiting travel accessories in China.
Shanghai International Bags Leather Handbags Exhibition
- Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)
- Official website: cshbox.com
China (Chengdu) Gifts & Houseware Fair
- Venue: Chengdu – Century City New International Convention and Exhibition Center
- Official website: jun.rxhuabo.com.cn
Shanghai International Gifts & Home Products Expo
- Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)
- Official website: cghe-expo.com
Canton Fair Phase 3
- Venue: Guangzhou, China Import and Export Fair Complex
- Official website: cantonfair.org.cn/en-US
Guangzhou International Travel Fair
- Venue: Guangzhou, China Import and Export Fair Complex
- Official website: gitf.com.cn
Sourcing travel accessories from China to the US – to sum up
Sourcing travel accessories from China can be lucrative, but only if you vet your suppliers thoroughly. Over the years, I've seen too many deals fall apart due to fake factories or substandard goods. That's why I always recommend using a third-party service like China-Check for supplier verification, production monitoring, and pre-shipment quality control—it's a small investment that protects your entire business.
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