Table of Contents
The Thorne Hype: Why Everyone Wants This Specific Magnesium
As of February 2026, Thorne’s Magnesium Bisglycinate has become the gold standard for high-bioavailability supplements. Unlike cheap magnesium oxide that causes digestive distress, Thorne’s formula is NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring it is free from banned substances and contaminants. For health-conscious individuals in China, the demand is driven by the brand's reputation for pharmaceutical-grade purity that local alternatives often lack.
See more about shipping to China
The China Market Reality: Markups and Fakes
Buying Thorne within China usually means facing a 200% markup on platforms like Tmall Global, or worse, risking counterfeit products from unverified third-party sellers. Smart shoppers are bypassing local middlemen entirely. By using a freight forwarder, you can shop directly from US retailers like Thorne.com or iHerb US, ensuring you get the authentic product at the actual US retail price.
Check our guide on: Read more: Is your 'local' Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate actually a rip-off? Why China's health gurus are ditching local stores in 2026.
Shipping Estimates for Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate
Before you purchase, it is essential to understand the logistics of international shipping. Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate is typically sold in a 237g (approx. 8.4 oz) powder tub.
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 1.2 lbs (0.55 kg) including protective packaging. |
| Box Dimensions | Small (Approx. 6 x 6 x 6 inches). It is not a bulky item. |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. This item is dense. You will likely be charged based on actual weight, not volume. |
| Battery Check | None. This is a powder supplement; no lithium battery restrictions apply. |
To get a precise quote for your specific order, use a shipping calculator to compare rates between carriers.
The Lazy Method: Using a Freight Forwarder
The easiest way to get your hands on US-exclusive supplements is to use comGateway. They provide you with a tax-free US address. This means when you shop at Thorne’s US store, you don't pay any US sales tax—saving you an immediate 6-10% depending on the state the retailer is based in.
If you find that the US store doesn't accept your local payment method, you can utilize a proxy shopping service (BuyForMe). You simply tell them what you want, and they buy it on your behalf, handling the transaction entirely.
How to Buy from the US Step-by-Step
Follow this step-by-step guide to simplify your shopping experience:
- Sign Up: Get your US address from a us package forwarding service.
- Shop: Go to the Thorne website and enter your new US address at checkout.
- Declare: Once the package arrives at the warehouse, you will be notified.
- Ship: Select your preferred carrier (e.g., DHL international shipping or FedEx international shipping) and ship to China.
If you have questions about storage or consolidation, visit the help center for quick answers.
Navigating China Import Tax and Regulations
When shipping from US to China, supplements are generally categorized as personal effects. However, you must be aware of the import tax thresholds. For personal postal articles, China Customs applies a 13% tax rate on health supplements if the total value exceeds 1,000 RMB (unless it is a single inseparable item).
Before shipping, always check the list of prohibited items to ensure your specific supplement doesn't contain ingredients restricted by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). Generally, standard magnesium powder is perfectly fine for personal import in 2026.
