Category: Buy Direct from China

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IMPORTING – FAQ

Here we want to address frequent questions about importing fireworks to the USA.

What is the difference between Wholesale, Drop-Ship, and Direct Import?

Wholesale: When you start a fireworks business we recommend that you begin buying wholesale from our dealers across the USA.     Wholesale is typically purchases above $3,000 (about 100-200 cases) that offer lower bulk prices.    For wholesale you work with the Dominator Dealer, and not with us.

Drop-ship: is similar to wholesale, because the Dominator dealer still handles all of the import formalities with the USA Government agencies (such as CPSC, Customs, DOT, etc.), but the minimum order changes to one Ocean Shipping Container.    The entire container is “drop-shipped” direct to your warehouse from China.   One container is about 1,000 cartons (So 5-10 times more then the minimum for wholesale).  Drop shipping often uses the lower “China factory” price, but the dealer will add a fee to cover their costs of import formalities.  For Drop-ship you work with the Dominator Dealer, and not with us.

Direct Factory Import:  This is the lowest cost option, but the most complex for you.     Direct import means that you are the “legal importer of record” and thus you take all responsibility with the USA Government.     Also, for direct import, you will work directly with the Dominator China team, making payment to China, etc.   Because all product is manufactured after you order, you must order much further in advance (we recommend 12-18 months in advance).    Finally, you can’t hold your product in China, once it is manufactured for you, we need to ship it to you.  Often that means receiving product in winter or at an inconvenient time.   Payment also needs to be made in advance.    For all of these reasons, we recommend that companies be operating at least 2-3 years and have sales of at least 2,000 cartons per year before they begin direct importing.

What do I need to be able to import containers?

You need to make sure you have all local, state, and federal licenses.  If you want to import 1.3G items, you will need ATF license.  You do not need a FEDERAL license to import consumer 1.4g fireworks.  Your company EIN # or your personal Social Security # is needed.  You will also need a USA Customs Bond and a USA Customs Broker (for paying the tariffs).

What’s a Customs Broker?

A Customs Broker processes your paperwork with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to allow the container to enter the USA.  If you do not have a Customs Broker, we can provide you contact information to them that other importers are already using.

How much can I get on a container?

A container typically holds around 1,000 cases of product.  It depends on the type and sizes of the items.  The High Cube container holds 68 CBM worth of product.

How many different items can I get on a single container?

We try to limit containers to no more than 40 different items.  Warehousing in China is limited in space.  The government-controlled loading warehouses are not stacked three rows high of pallets on shelving with fork trucks running around.  All products can only be stacked on the floor up to about 12 feet high, so that limits the amount of goods that can be at the loading warehouse.  The more skus added, the longer it takes to load, and more logistics and paperwork involved.  If ordering off the stock list and paying in advance, exceptions can be made to add more variety.

What is the minimum number of cases per item I can order?

See above that it is 40 different items is the max per container.  You can order 10 cases of a fountain, but overall, you will need to average about 50 cases per SKU to fill the container.

When will I receive the container?

It typically takes 50-60 days for it to arrive to your door in the USA after it is loaded.   We ship the container as soon as the products that you ordered are manufactured.    The more items you order on one container, the longer it takes manufacture all items, so this risks your container being delayed.    We occasionally ask customers to be flexible and accept small substitutions  to ensure there is no delay for your shipment.

How much is shipping?

As of March 2026, it is about $20,000 in shipping costs per container.  The rates are decided month to month.   We do not control shipping costs.   Shipping is controlled by a small group of shipping companies who hold the logistics licenses for international shipping of fireworks.  We do handle the “booking” of shipping for you, but you pay the shipping cost directly.   We can also put you in direct contact with the shipping company if you wish.

 

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How to import fireworks from China

How to import fireworks from China. 

In the pyrotechnics industry, many business owners strive to import fireworks direct from China.  Let’s discuss the pluses and minuses of direct import.  Many firework shops are open only during peak sales season, in the USA this can be days before and after the 4th of July, In the United Kingdom it is centered around Guy Fawkes day or Bonfire Night in November.  Much of the world uses tons of fireworks during annual New Years Eve celebrations.

Regardless of the country or season, these smaller shops mostly buy their fireworks domestically, or from a large wholesaler or distributor who is already direct importing from China.  Of course, buying domestically comes with a mark-up versus direct importing, so how do you know when you are “big enough” to take the leap so to speak, and direct import for yourself?  You must first analize the costs, and risks involved, what seems like a great full out discount by NOT paying a distributors mark up might have some hidden snags you had not foreseen.

Importing direct, generally is for large companies moving tons of products monthly.  The larger direct fireworks importers are bringing in anywhere from 100 to 1,000+ containers annually!  The rest of the market between these giants, and the domestic buyers consists of companies importing as few as 5 containers annually. We should mention, there are display companies importing 1.3g fireworks exclusively for displays bringing in only 1-2 containers per year, not for resale, so this article mainly addresses consumer fireworks being retailed.

How much can you save importing direct versus buying wholesale domestic?  Importing, much like buying wholesale is a volume game, to get the best prices you have to buy a LOT.  The best wholesale prices are lists for buyers that spend at least 100k and more.  Likewise, direct importers who buy 50 or more containers from a single supplier can expect discounts over those bringing in far less product.  The percent discounts on these lower cost lists might not be as great a savings as you would think, as margins are fading fast in fireworks just like many other industries.

So how do you know when your big enough to start importing?  Dominator Fireworks associates recommend that your moving at a minimum 5,000 cartons per year, and even at this level keep the amount of product imported to 20% or less.  The average 40′ HQ (high cube) ocean container holds on average 1,000 cartons of fireworks.  This leaves 4,000 cartons of fireworks to purchase domestically, for several reasons.  One is, you must meet MOQ (minimum order quantities) when direct importing.  Some of the larger importers mentioned earlier might buy 2,000 cases of a single item.  If you are importing one container only, you must buy a minimum number of cartons of EACH item, usually 20 or more cases.  This means that 1,000 / 20 = 50.  So 50 is the number of different items you might get on a small order container from China.  50 items is about 20% of what most stores and stands carry.

Next to discuss is risk, and costs involved importing direct.  Most wholesalers will offer a credit program to domestic buyers.  This is not likely buying direct from China, and the average cost of the products on a container are around $25,0000.   Add to that, the 8-10k freight charge that must be paid before receiving your goods and the up front investment per container becomes substantial for many.  Another factor to consider is government.  The government in some countries has been known to stop entire containers at the ports and hold them for up to months for various inspections.  These inspections can be completely random.

If the above has NOT scared you away from direct importing, give us at Dominator Fireworks a call or email and we will be happy to discuss your personal situation further and help you decide if we would be a good partner in helping you take the next step in your growing business.