My experience getting the Framework Laptop 13 RISC-V board to China and what we should look out for

May 09, 2026

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My experience getting the Framework Laptop 13 RISC-V board to China and what we should look out for
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Why I think the RISC-V Mainboard is the 2026 tech highlight

I have been tracking the RISC-V movement for years, but 2026 feels like the moment it finally becomes accessible for developers like us. The Framework Laptop 13 (RISC-V Mainboard Edition) is trending because it is the first time we can swap a proprietary x86 or ARM chip for a completely open-standard ISA on a modular platform. Since this edition is currently a US-exclusive release, many of my colleagues in the UK and here in China are looking for ways to get their hands on it. We want that freedom to experiment without being locked into a specific vendor's ecosystem.

I noticed it popping up on several us trends lists recently. The modularity of the Framework system means we don't have to buy a whole new laptop; we just need the mainboard. However, since it's not in European or Asian retail yet, we have to get creative with how we shop.

The way we can buy from the US Framework store

When I first tried to order, I realized the Framework US store doesn't ship directly to mainland China. To get around this, I used a freight forwarder. This gave me a tax-free us address in Oregon, which is a huge plus because it saved me from paying US sales tax on top of the purchase price. We simply enter that address at checkout on the Framework website, and they ship it locally within the US.

Shipping Estimates and Box Specs

If you are planning to do this, you should keep an eye on the weight and size to avoid surprises. Here is my estimate for the Framework Laptop 13 (RISC-V Mainboard Edition) based on my recent shipment:

  • Box Weight: Approx. 1.2 lbs (0.55 kg) for the mainboard alone. If you buy the full DIY kit, expect around 6 lbs (2.7 kg).
  • Box Dimensions: Small (Approx. 10 x 7 x 2 inches). It is quite compact.
  • Volumetric Warning: Because the box is small and dense, you likely won't be hit with high volumetric weight charges. However, if you add a lot of extra padding or large accessories, it's always good to check a shipping calculator.
  • Battery Check: This is important. If you are only buying the Mainboard, it does NOT contain a lithium battery. This makes international shipping much easier and cheaper. If you buy the full Laptop 13 kit, it will include a 55Wh or 61Wh lithium battery, which requires specific labeling and might have limited carrier options for China.

Choosing a freight forwarder for China delivery

I've found that using comGateway works best for these types of high-value electronics. They provide a reliable package forwarding service that handles the transition from the US warehouse to our doorstep in China. I always check their FAQ before shipping to see if there are any new restrictions on semiconductor imports or specific electronics. It's better to be safe than have your package stuck in transit.

When we shop us store sites, we need to ensure the documentation is clear. I recommend opting for the repacking service if you are buying multiple components like expansion cards or RAM. This helps to estimate shipping cost more accurately by reducing unnecessary bulk.

Importing to China and what we need to know

Shipping to China involves dealing with customs, and for a specialized item like a RISC-V mainboard, we need to be careful with declarations. You will be responsible for import duties and VAT once the package arrives. I found it very helpful to research the specific HS codes for computer parts before my shipment arrived.

You might also like to check our guide on the legalities of this specific hardware. Read more: Framework Laptop 13 (RISC-V Mainboard Edition) Procurement vs China Customs Compliance. It covers the details of how to handle the paperwork so your board doesn't get held up by officials. I've found that being proactive with the international shipping service documentation makes the whole process much smoother for us in the long run.

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