Handling international shipments is a complex process. It involves not only coordinating the actual shipping, but also getting the item through Chinese and Korean customs while making sure your company follows all regulations and doesn't violate any restrictions. This requires background knowledge, experience, and the ability to stay abreast of changes in the industry. That's why choosing the right freight forwarder for your company is crucial.
Before you are ready to export goods from China to South Korea, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Customs regulations of both countries
- Import and export policies and restrictions of various countries
- Shipping documents
- The transport method suitable for transporting the goods
- Appropriate shipping route used by the selected shipping method
Finding a Chinese carrier that is affordable and can handle your shipping items efficiently will ensure that your needs are met, whether it's maximizing your company's profits or maintaining the integrity of your inventory. Even if you won't handle this process yourself, it's important to understand how it works so you can work with your forwarder to address logistics and potential pitfalls. TJ chinafreight is one of the most trusted international logistics companies in China, with partners in more than 100 countries around the world.
What you need to know about shipping from China to South Korea
Check Chinese and South Korean trade laws
When exporting and importing from China to South Korea, make sure you are aware of current regulations and restrictions. The two countries have different policies that change frequently, so it's important to stay informed. This is also the time to find out what documents you need to prepare to get your shipment through customs smoothly.
Prohibited and restricted items
Not all goods can be shipped, every country has restricted import and export of goods, some of these items are restricted or even banned completely, it is important to anticipate such shipments to avoid any problems, so before starting your shipping this is what you need to know.
Select shipping method
Before shipping your product, you must select a shipping method. Shipping method depends on your item type. If you don't know which shipping method is best for you, then we have a good suggestion for you. Shipping methods vary by product weight and quantity.
Shipping from China to South Korea
Sea freight
South Korea is a country located in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. It borders North Korea, its only neighbor to the north. The country is surrounded by water, with the Yellow Sea to the east, the East China Sea to the south, and the Sea of Japan to the west. As indirect neighbors, China, Japan and Russia are quickly reached by sea from South Korea. This situation explains why there are only two modes of freight that reach the country, sea and air. It influenced South Korea to build one of the world's greatest fleets and state-of-the-art port infrastructure.
Shipping time
Shipping to South Korea takes a long time, usually 5 to 8 working days, and some important issues are that these times are for normal circumstances. Sometimes unexpected events happen and they make the process a little longer!
Shipping fee
In general, ocean shipping is always privileged because of two big benefits: You can transfer large quantities of goods at very competitive prices. Regardless of whether you need a one-time transshipment, or more regular multiple transshipments, ocean freight will surely meet all your needs and requirements.
Air freight
The biggest advantage of air freight is its speed. Items leaving China can arrive in Korea within 2-3 days. This is the best option for high-value items as they take less time in transit. However, with this speed, there are some tradeoffs.
Air freight is usually more expensive than rail or sea. It's also better for small items, as airlines have weight and volume restrictions. Air freight also uses more fuel than alternatives, so if carbon footprint is an ethical issue for you and your company, you'll want to choose ocean or rail freight.
Air freight is divided into two categories: general cargo and special cargo. As the name suggests, most items are considered ordinary goods.
Example of general cargo:
- Electronic
- Jewelry
- Medicine
- Personal accessories such as watches and wallets
Special cargo has different regulations than general cargo and may involve additional inspections.
Examples of special goods:
- Fragile items
- Dangerous goods, such as certain chemicals
- Items that require temperature control, such as seafood
Air transit time
Door to door, a plane arrives in South Korea from any airport in China in up to 6 hours. Courier (Express) will allow you to transfer all of your shipments to the exact address in South Korea in less than 3 days. With regular air freight, from a Chinese supplier to your South Korean address, your goods will be shipped within a week.
Door to door shipping
Requesting door-to-door shipping from China to South Korea will provide you with a stress-free import experience. We'll pick up, ship, and deliver directly to your warehouse, office or home from your Chinese supplier. With TJ chinafreight, you can be sure to get the best shipping rates and prompt delivery.
Door-to-door couriers handle items of all sizes and weights. Light cargo is generally shipped fast by air, while heavy cargo is shipped by sea, and the shipping time is longer. But since they come right to your door, they are the most convenient option.
Necessary documents
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (BL)
- Packing List
- Valid return
- Certificate of Origin (CO)
- Licenses, certificates... (if any)
- Commercial invoice
- Proof of insurance (if any)
- Detailed Description of Duty Exemptions
Common problem
How to import duty-free from China to South Korea?
It mainly depends on the type of product you are importing. The FTA signed by China and South Korea came into effect in 2015. The vast majority of China's imports to South Korea are agricultural products, and vice versa are automobiles. The FTA mainly applies to such commodities. So, if you want to import agricultural products, you will definitely benefit from tax exemption. If you're importing other types of goods, your chances of getting an exemption are slim.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to South Korea?
Sea freight is the cheapest way to ship from China to South Korea. However, prices often vary based on several factors. Keep in mind that FCL and LCL prices are different and which one is most economical for your situation will depend on the particularities of the particular cargo.
How to reduce shipping costs?
If you are familiar with your destination country, we invite you to consider door-to-port service. However, this is not possible for every destination. You can choose to pack your inventory yourself to reduce the cost of origin. Remember, your personal packing items must still be professionally loaded by our overseas moving company. Packing your own goods must also be professional export shipping and can only be insured for total loss.
