Shipping Small Appliances from Xiamen to Seattle via Ocean Freight

Readying white goods for freight demands careful steps. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and tape doors, cords, and loose shelves. We recommend using the original packaging when available, or reinforced boxes and pallets for protection. Clearly mark units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You may occasionally combine small appliances with kitchenware, but only with proper separation. Place heavier pots and pans at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter Small appliances above. Individually cushion glass lids, ceramic bakeware, and appliance attachments, and avoid overloading any single carton to keep weight manageable and prevent crushing.

Because major appliances are heavy and relatively high value, extra insurance is advisable beyond basic carrier liability. Our team suggests declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium food prep equipment. Verify that your policy covers water exposure, as many Domestic appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store kitchen appliances in a well-ventilated area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep small appliances, kitchenware, and other boxed items off bare concrete floors, and apply pallet covers or top sheets if humidity is high. Avoid outdoor staging or open docks during rain, and do not shrink-wrap warm appliances immediately after use, as trapped condensation can damage electronics.

International shipments of domestic appliances may be subject to electrical safety standards in the destination country. Our team suggests that major appliances comply with local voltage, plug type, and certification requirements (such as CE, UKCA, or other regional marks). Include accurate product descriptions and HS codes for small appliances on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.

When shipping household appliances via ocean freight, it is important to ensure that items are properly secured and protected from moisture and saltwater exposure during transit. Packaging should be robust enough to withstand the rigors of ocean transport, and appliances should be adequately cushioned to prevent damage from movement and vibrations.

Essential documentation for customs clearance includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary import permits or certificates specific to household appliances. Compliance with U.S. regulations, including safety standards and labeling requirements, is also mandatory for successful clearance.

Our operations are fully compliant with CBP, TSA, IATA, and NMFTA standards to ensure secure, lawful, and efficient cross-border operations.

Yes, one example is CE North America, where we built a custom EDI feed that pushes real-time shipment updates, documentation, and exception alerts directly into their ERP, eliminating dozens of manual tasks and improving cross-department visibility.

Yes, DNA offers full port-to-door service, managing booking, loading, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery with one point of contact and one visibility platform.