Mahjong Import Documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List and What Your Customs Broker Needs

Direct answer

To import custom Mahjong sets into the United States, your customs broker typically needs a commercial invoice, a packing list, the transport document (an ocean bill of lading or air waybill), and, for ocean shipments, the data for the Importer Security Filing before the cargo is loaded. The commercial invoice must contain the details listed in U.S. regulations, including a clear description of the goods, quantities, prices, all charges, and the country of origin. The goods themselves must also be marked with their country of origin. Agree on these documents with your supplier before production ends, not when the shipment is already moving.

This guide explains the documents. It is not legal or customs advice; confirm requirements for your shipment with a licensed customs broker.

Sourcing & Cost

By Lucky Mahjong · Published 2026-10-12 · Updated 2026-10-12

Key takeaways

• The commercial invoice is the core document. U.S. regulations (19 CFR 141.86) list what it must contain.
• The packing list must match the cartons. Each package's contents should be identifiable.
• Ocean shipments need ISF data early. Some elements are due no later than 24 hours before loading at the foreign port.
• Country of origin marking is a product requirement, not only a paperwork detail.
• Your broker should see draft documents first. Errors are easier to fix before the goods ship.

Who prepares what

Your Incoterm affects who arranges freight and customs. See EXW vs FOB vs CIF vs DDP.

The commercial invoice

Under 19 CFR 141.86(a), each invoice of imported merchandise must set out information including:

• The port of entry the goods are destined for
• When, where, by whom and to whom the goods were sold
• A detailed description of the goods, including the name each item is known by, its grade or quality, and the marks and numbers of the packages
• Quantities in weights and measures
• The purchase price of each item, in the currency of purchase
• The kind of currency
• All charges on the goods, itemized by name and amount, such as freight, insurance, commission, and packing, where not included in the price
• Any rebates, drawbacks or bounties allowed on export
• The country of origin
• Goods or services supplied by the buyer for production that are not included in the price, sometimes called assists

For Mahjong sets, a useful description identifies the product clearly, for example: complete Mahjong game sets, with the tile material, tile count, and the accessories included in each set. Vague descriptions such as "gifts" or "plastic items" can cause questions and delays.

Assists to watch for: if you supply molds, tooling, printed packaging or artwork production services to the factory at no charge, ask your broker how these should be declared.

The packing list

Regulations require that each invoice state in adequate detail what merchandise is contained in each package. In practice a packing list should show:

• Carton numbers and the total number of cartons
• Contents of each carton, by SKU or set type and quantity
• Gross and net weight per carton
• Carton dimensions
• Shipping marks that match the marks printed on the cartons

A packing list that matches the physical cartons helps both customs examination and your own receiving. Our freight guide explains why the final packing list should be ready before booking.

Transport documents

• Ocean freight: a bill of lading issued by the carrier or forwarder
• Air freight: an air waybill
• Express courier: the courier's shipping documents; ask how the courier handles customs entry for your shipment

Importer Security Filing (ocean shipments)

For cargo arriving by ocean, the Importer Security Filing ("10+2") applies. Under 19 CFR 149.2, the ISF importer must submit certain data elements, including seller, buyer, importer of record number and consignee number, no later than 24 hours before the cargo is laden aboard the vessel at the foreign port. Other elements, such as manufacturer, ship-to party, country of origin and the commodity tariff number, are also part of the filing.

What this means for you: give your broker or forwarder the supplier and manufacturer details early, and make sure the supplier tells you the loading schedule.

Country of origin marking

U.S. Customs generally requires imported articles to be marked with their country of origin so that the ultimate purchaser knows where the item was made. CBP's guidance says the marking must be legible, permanent enough for the article, and located in a conspicuous place where it can be seen with casual handling, without being covered by later attachments.

For a Mahjong set sold in a retail box, the ultimate purchaser is usually the consumer, so plan where the origin marking will appear on the product or its retail container. Decide this before packaging artwork is finalized. CBP publishes an informed compliance guide, Marking of Country of Origin on U.S. Imports; your broker can advise on your specific product.

Classification and duties

Your broker will classify the product under the U.S. tariff schedule to determine duties. A Mahjong set may combine tiles, racks, a mat and a case, which can affect classification. Provide the broker with photos, the component list and the tile material. We do not list tariff numbers or duty rates here because they depend on the product and current rules. See US landed cost for custom Mahjong imports for how duties fit into total cost.

Product safety documents

Depending on how the product is classified and marketed, it may also need product safety testing or certification. See US testing and compliance questions for custom Mahjong importers.

Document checklist before the goods ship

• [ ] Draft commercial invoice reviewed by your broker
• [ ] Description identifies the product, material, tile count and components
• [ ] Prices, currency and all charges shown; Incoterm stated
• [ ] Country of origin shown on the invoice
• [ ] Packing list matches carton count, marks, weights and dimensions
• [ ] Origin marking on product or retail packaging approved
• [ ] ISF data sent to your broker or forwarder before loading (ocean)
• [ ] Customs bond arranged for formal entry
• [ ] Assists (tooling, packaging you supplied) discussed with your broker

Common mistakes

• Using a vague product description
• Packing lists that do not match the cartons
• Sending ISF data too late
• Forgetting origin marking on retail packaging
• Leaving document questions until the goods arrive
• Different company names on the invoice and the payment beneficiary; see the factory checklist

FAQ

Who prepares the commercial invoice?

Usually the supplier, but the importer is responsible for the entry. Review the draft with your broker before shipment.

Do I need an Importer Security Filing for air freight?

ISF applies to ocean cargo. Ask your broker which advance data requirements apply to air shipments.

Where should "Made in China" appear on a Mahjong set?

In a legible, conspicuous place that the ultimate purchaser will see, often on the product or retail container. Confirm the placement with your broker.

What tariff code applies to Mahjong sets?

It depends on the product and its components. Ask a licensed customs broker to classify your specific set.

Next step

When you order from Lucky Mahjong, tell us your Incoterm, destination and customs broker contact. We will share draft invoice and packing list details for your broker to review before the goods ship.

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