How to Ship from the US to Hong Kong: Complete 2026 Guide

Hong Kong stands as one of the most accommodating international shipping destinations due to its status as a free port. This means that most goods can enter duty-free without the burden of import tariffs, simplifying the process considerably. With transit times ranging from 3 to 5 business days via express carriers and same-day customs clearance, shipping to Hong Kong can be a smooth and efficient process.

This guide covers everything a small business owner needs to know: carrier costs, transit times, product category restrictions, and navigating the China vs. Hong Kong address distinction.

Why Ship to Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is renowned for its trade-friendly environment. As a Special Administrative Region of China, it boasts its own customs territory, maintaining low tariffs on most goods. It's a bustling hub for commerce and trade, making it a strategic destination for businesses looking to expand their international reach.

Key Facts

Hong Kong is approximately 8,000 miles from the US West Coast. This distance might seem daunting, but efficient logistics networks ensure timely deliveries. Operating in the Hong Kong time zone (UTC+8), which is 13 to 16 hours ahead of the US, requires businesses to plan communications and operations accordingly. The region uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) as its currency, and both Cantonese and English are widely spoken, facilitating smooth transactions and communications.

Carrier Options & Transit Times

When shipping to Hong Kong, choosing the right carrier is crucial to managing costs and ensuring timely delivery.

Express Shipping (3-5 Business Days)

For urgent shipments, express services from carriers like FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS offer rapid delivery within 2 to 5 days. Prices for a 1 lb package range from $45 to $70. These services are ideal for time-sensitive deliveries where speed is a priority.

Standard Shipping (7-14 Business Days)

For less urgent shipments, standard services provide a more economical option. Transit times range from 4 to 10 days, with costs between $30 and $60 for a 1 lb package. This option balances cost and speed, making it suitable for regular business shipments.

Economy Shipping (14-30 Business Days)

For those looking to minimize shipping costs, economy services are the most affordable option. With transit times of 14 to 30 days, these services are best for non-urgent shipments. Prices can be as low as $10 for a 1 lb package, offering significant savings for businesses that can plan ahead.

Customs & Duties

Shipping to Hong Kong is simplified by its status as a free port, where most consumer goods are exempt from import duties. This makes customs clearance straightforward and fast.

Duty-Free Threshold

Most consumer goods enter Hong Kong with a 0% duty rate. However, certain products like tobacco, alcohol with over 30% alcohol by volume, hydrocarbon oils, and methyl alcohol are subject to duties. Understanding these exceptions is crucial to avoid unexpected costs.

Required Documentation

Proper documentation is key to smooth customs clearance. Every commercial shipment requires a commercial invoice, and including a packing list is recommended. USPS shipments need CN22 or CN23 forms, while a certificate of origin may be necessary for certain goods. Ensuring accuracy in these documents avoids delays and complications.

Customs Declaration Tips

Items should be described accurately in English, with their full value declared to prevent seizure. Including HS tariff codes for commercial goods is essential. It's important to separate personal and commercial shipments to avoid confusion. Fortunately, special permits are typically unnecessary for most consumer goods.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Shipping certain items to Hong Kong involves restrictions. Firearms, narcotics, and counterfeit goods are prohibited. Products made from endangered species, certain pharmaceuticals, radio equipment, and fresh meat or poultry require permits or licenses. Understanding these restrictions helps prevent legal issues and ensures compliance.

Packaging Best Practices

Proper packaging is crucial for protecting your goods during transit. Using high-quality, double-walled corrugated boxes ensures durability. Cushion your items with at least 2 inches of padding on all sides. Seal boxes using the H-tape method with strong packing tape. Distribute weight evenly across the box base, and consider adding a plastic liner for moisture protection.

Dimensional Weight

Dimensional weight pricing applies to shipments to Hong Kong. Carriers charge based on the greater of actual or dimensional weight. Calculating DIM weight involves multiplying the package dimensions and dividing by a carrier-specific divisor. For FedEx and UPS, use 139, while USPS uses 166. Right-sizing packages can help minimize these costs.

Cost-Saving Tips

Optimize shipping costs with these strategies:

• Use atoship for discounted rates, which can save up to 89% off retail prices.
• Choose USPS for lightweight packages under 4 lbs.
• Opt for FedEx or UPS for heavier items to benefit from better bulk rates.
• Right-size your packaging to reduce dimensional weight charges.
• Consolidate shipments to minimize the number of packages.
• Avoid express shipping unless necessary, as ground shipping can save 40-60%.

Hong Kong-Specific Tips

Navigating Hong Kong's unique logistics landscape requires attention to detail:

English is widely used, making address and customs documentation straightforward.

Include specific building names in addresses, as they are often essential for deliveries.

Specify the district—Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, or New Territories—in the address.

Provide a recipient's phone number, as carriers require it for delivery coordination.

Remember that Hong Kong does not use postal or zip codes.

For high-rise deliveries, include the floor and unit number.

Address Format

Ensure correct delivery by using the following address format:

Recipient Name
Flat/Unit, Floor
Building Name
Street Number, Street Name
District
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 XXXX XXXX

Tracking & Delivery

Tracking and delivery services are robust in Hong Kong:

• All carriers offer real-time tracking.
• Standard delivery confirmations are available.
• Signature on delivery is optional.
• Carriers make 2-3 delivery attempts.
• FedEx, UPS, and DHL provide options to hold packages at their locations for pickup.

Ship to Hong Kong with atoship

Atoship simplifies the process of shipping to Hong Kong:

• Compare carrier rates side by side to find the best deal.
• Benefit from discounted pricing, with savings of up to 89% off retail rates.
• Enjoy auto-generated customs documentation for hassle-free shipping.
• Utilize full tracking to monitor shipments from door to door.
• Streamline operations with batch shipping for multiple orders.

Shipping from the US to Hong Kong is straightforward, thanks to the region's free port status and excellent infrastructure. By selecting the right carrier and leveraging cost-saving strategies, small business owners can efficiently manage their international shipping needs. Always use atoship for the best rates and seamless shipping experiences.