How to Import Fitness Equipment

From weight machines to treadmills, commercial gyms and retailers benefit from having a wide range of fitness equipment from which to choose. When you import this equipment, you can get what you need at a fraction of the price of buying domestically.

Key Takeaways

• China is the world’s largest exporter of fitness and exercise equipment.
• Exercise equipment imported from China must meet regulatory standards set by agencies such as the FDA, FCC, and CPSC.
• Minimum order quantities for fitness equipment can range from one to over 100 depending on the size and value of the product.

Whether you’re a wholesaler or gym owner, knowing how to import fitness equipment can help you get your business in shape. Learn how to find a supplier, choose a bond, and more.

Importing Gym Equipment from China

China is the world’s largest exporter of goods, and this includes gym equipment. In fact, China’s fitness industry is booming and exports are growing at an exponential rate. China exported more than $19 billion worth of sports and fitness equipment to the global market in 2022, representing nearly 50%  of the world’s market share.

By the same token, the sale of fitness equipment in the United States is big business. Importers in the U.S. brought $10.3 billion dollars worth of fitness equipment into the country in 2022. This means that imported fitness exercise equipment is part of a booming industry.

With growth in China’s industry and high revenue in the U.S., it is easy to see why sourcing fitness equipment from China is a wise business move for importers. Gym owners can get in on the import action by bringing in their own equipment, too. 

Regardless of why you’re importing from China, there are several things you need to know.

Finding a Fitness Equipment Supplier

The first step in importing goods from China is finding a supplier. Many wholesalers and gym owners turn to websites like Alibaba.com and Globalsources.com to find products to import.

It is also possible to purchase and bring in goods directly from the manufacturer, though this is more difficult without an established business relationship between them and your business. 

Many of China’s top fitness equipment manufacturers are located in the country’s southeast coastal region. The provinces of Shanghai, Guangdong, Shandong, and Jiangsu are all known for making a wide variety of products, such as: 

• Cardiovascular training equipment
• Dumbbells and weights
• Elliptical machines
• Resistance bands
• Rowing machines
• Sportswear and fitness clothing
• Stationary bikes
• Yoga mats
• Treadmills

There are hundreds of companies in China that manufacture fitness equipment. I’ve listed ten of the most popular ones below. 

1. Impulse: Exports gym equipment to the U.S., Germany, Spain, the U.K., Australia and Japan
2. Shua: Exports products to the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asia
3. Shandong Minolta Fitness Equipment Co., LTD: Offers a range of customization options for importers.
4. WNQ: Exports equipment to the U.S., Italy, Turkey, India and the U.K.
5. Johnson Health Tech: Headquartered in Taiwan with plants and research and development centers in Shanghai, Taiwan, and North America
6. Orient: One of the oldest manufacturers of fitness equipment in China. Supplies equipment to the Chinese space laboratory, China’s national fitness program and China’s sports administration
7. Huixiang: Exports products to Europe, the U.S. and Southeast Asia
8. Ironman: One of the largest gym and sporting equipment manufacturers in China. Produces treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, weight benches, steppers and more
9. Yanre: One of the leading fitness equipment manufacturers in China, Yanre has recently made big investments in research and development
10. Kangliyuan: Manufactures more than 1 million sets of fitness equipment each year

Another way you can source quality fitness equipment is at trade shows. Attending a trade show for the health and fitness industry can help you get the inside scoop on the latest in quality equipment. This may also help you establish a direct relationship with manufacturers.

Trade shows for importers of fitness equipment include:

• China Sport Show Shanghai
• CIHIE – China International Nutrition & Health Industry Expo Beijing
• FIBO CHINA Shanghai
• Global Sources Fashion Fair
• HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week
• IWF Shanghai

Regardless of how you source your equipment, you’re likely to find that you’ll have to buy in bulk. Buying from Chinese wholesalers isn’t like heading over to your favorite big-box retailer. These businesses need to sell in volume to keep their profits in acceptable thresholds.

What is an MOQ?

After you’ve settled on which fitness equipment you want to import, it’s time to place an order. When you purchase products on the international marketplace, you’ll often find that vendors set a minimum order quantity also known as an MOQ. This is to ensure profitability for the manufacturers and wholesalers in the supply chain.

The MOQ might be low (just a few products) or high (hundreds of products) depending on the equipment you are importing. 

In the table below, I’ve compiled some popular fitness equipment from Alibaba, along with a range of MOQs for each one.

The general rule of thumb is the smaller and cheaper the item, the higher the MOQ. Larger, more costly items like machines will have lower MOQs.

After selecting your supplier and products, it’s time to start your transaction. 

Shipping Imported Fitness Equipment

In some cases, your supplier may already have an arrangement with carriers in their country to handle the shipping process. However, this isn’t always the case. If you have to make your own arrangements in part or in whole, it’s wise to understand the options you have available.

There are two shipping methods importers can use to get their goods to a U.S. port: 

• Ocean Freight: Cargo vessels are the most common method used to ship goods from China to the USA. You’ll find many options for ocean carriers, as a number of different carriers service different terminals and points of entry.
• Air Freight: While far faster than ocean freight, air shipping is also far more expensive due to the limited cargo area available.

Whichever method you choose, you might want to retain the services of a freight forwarder who can make sure that your imported goods make it to the ocean carrier on time.

Is Fitness Equipment Regulated by the Government?

Like any consumer goods, fitness equipment is subject to regulation by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, you most likely won’t need a special license to import these items.

Some exercise equipment and related products are subject to government regulations by a number of agencies. They include: 

• Electronic Gym Machines: Any gym equipment that plugs in is required to comply with federal safety regulations. This means importers must make sure their products comply with FCC Part 15. You can also choose to ensure your product complies with voluntary Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standards.
• Sports Apparel: If you’re importing sportswear or fitness apparel, you will find that your imports are subject to textile regulations. These rules are in place to restrict chemicals and heavy metals in clothing, particularly if you import to and distribute in California, where CA Prop 65 applies. It is also important to make sure your imports are properly labeled.
• Sports Nutrition Supplements: Some fitness products, like protein powder and other food/nutritional supplements, are subject to regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Shake Bottles: Containers for shakes and supplements need to comply with certain federal rules. Regulations like 21 CFR apply to plastics, metals and other materials used for food containers.

You might be surprised to know that electronics, like treadmills and stationary bikes, are also subject to the FDA’s jurisdiction. They have a set of guidelines these products must meet. Otherwise, your exercise equipment and products will be denied at the port of entry.

All products must be labeled clearly with the correct product codes and country of origin. Make it a point to ensure labels are in English with a brief description. 

Ask your supplier for any product certificates and existing test reports they have for the equipment.  If your products are denied entry, they could be destroyed, leaving you on the hook for payment with no goods to show for it. This is why it’s important to thoroughly research the equipment prior to purchase.

For taxes and duties, you’ll want to check the  Harmonized Tariff Schedule and find which HTS codes match your products. Your entry documents must reflect these accurately to get through the CBP smoothly.

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Is a Customs Bond Needed to Import Fitness Equipment?

If you are importing fitness equipment for commercial purposes, you will need a customs bond. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mandates that a customs bond is required when your imports are worth more than $2,500 or when they are subject to another federal agency’s regulations.

The two most common customs bonds used in the U.S. are:

• Continuous Customs Bonds: Suitable for importers handling multiple shipments annually, continuous customs bonds cover at least $50,000 and include coverage for Importer Security Filings (ISF). This option is cost-effective for frequent importers.
• Single Entry Customs Bonds: Ideal for importers who make only one to four shipments per year, single entry bonds must cover the value of the goods plus all applicable fees, taxes, and duties. 

For gym owners, a single entry bond might make sense, since you probably won’t consistently import exercise equipment. For those importing fitness equipment for resale, a continuous bond will be more effective.

If you don’t have a customs bond and one is required for your imports, your shipment will likely face serious delays.

Related: How to Get a Customs Bond

How Customs Brokers Can Help     

Customs brokers can ensure your import goes smoothly. Their experience makes  it easy for your shipments to clear customs in a timely manner. Your broker can also help you make sure all federal requirements and guidelines are met.

Some of the specific services a broker offers are:

• Arranging clearance at the port of entry
• Preparing for the release from CBP
• Making sure goods enter the country in a timely manner
• Working with CBP to ensure that all government duties, taxes, and fees are paid as needed
• Helping you obtain any necessary permits
• Advising you through the import process, including determining entry options for your goods, navigating free-trade agreements, and tax or duty deferment

If you’re an importer of fitness equipment looking for customs brokerage services such as these, you’ve come to the right place. 

Ready to Import Fitness Equipment? USA Customs Clearance Can Help

Millions of Americans make exercise an important part of their daily routines. With ongoing demand for newer and more advanced fitness equipment, there’s money to be made by savvy importers.

USA Customs Clearance offers value-added customs brokerage services for importers just like you. These services can help you navigate rules and regulations and get your imported exercise equipment moving without any hassle.

Our services include:

• Customs consulting
• Secure customs bonds
• New importer bundles
• And more

To get started, reach out to us online or give us a call at (855) 912-0406. An agent is available to answer your questions and help you get started with the import process.