Category: <span>China Freight News</span>

“From China to Spain – Shipping Guide
As a highly developed country with one of the largest economies in the European Union, Spain is a freight destination with continued growth in imports from China. As trade relations between China and Spain continue to strengthen, more companies in both countries will gain demand for their exports.
Perhaps your business has identified a market for Asian goods in Western Europe and is ready to import from China to Spain, or has already started the process and is looking for a better international shipping solution. This page will provide some advice and guidance to make it easier and more economical for you to do business by sea and air from China to Spain.

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Shipping method
Air Freight from China to Spain
The biggest advantage of air freight is its speed. Items leaving China can arrive in Spain within 8 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 issue for you and your company’s ethics, you’ll want to choose ocean or rail freight.
Keep in mind that air freight usually only involves delivering the goods to an airport in Spain, not to the final destination of the inventory. Additional shipping facilities must be provided to deliver your shipment to its final destination. The exception is, of course, if you have arranged door-to-door shipping. As mentioned above, door-to-door delivery allows arranging the transport of the goods from the airport to the final destination, as well as clearance through Spanish customs.

Air freight is divided into two categories: general cargo and special cargo. As the name suggests, most items are considered ordinary goods.
Shipping from China to Spain
Less than Container Load (LCL): When you choose LCL, your shipment will share space in one container with other shippers’ consignments. This can be ideal when you’re only shipping a small amount of cargo and don’t need an entire container to ship. Importing from China to Spain via LCL is usually the most affordable option for small batches.

Full Container Load (FCL): Full Container Load means paying for the exclusive use and shipping of a sea container from China to Spain. This shipping method may be cheaper than LCL for larger, heavier shipments since you will pay a flat fee.

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Transportation time
How long does it take to ship from China to Spain?
It is impossible to have an exact timetable for sea freight as it depends on the port of departure and arrival. Shenzhen to Barcelona can take around 26 days, while Shanghai to Valencia can take around 35 days and Guangzhou to Bilbao can take 41 days. As you can see, the time frame is around 25-50 days.
How long does it take to ship from China to Spain?
On average, you can expect your air freight to take about 8 days between China and Spain. This applies to all indirect and direct flights, although consignments between Shanghai and Barcelona generally run a bit faster, averaging 6 days.
How much does it cost to ship goods from China to Spain?
Global freight costs vary by route and depend on a range of conditions such as speed, seasonality, demand for capacity and mode of transport.
In most cases, air freight will incur more charges than LCL or FCL sea freight. Nonetheless, for shipments weighing up to 100kg, the difference may be negligible. Air freight becomes more expensive as your cargo increases in weight and volume, making bulk shipments very costly.
On the other hand, sea freight costs less than air freight, but it will take longer to get your goods from China to Spain. However, unless you’re shipping a high-value product or must ship quickly, the lower cost will make ocean shipping a more favorable method.
Customs clearance process when shipping from China to Spain
When it comes to customs clearance, the sooner you get through customs, the better for you.
One of the ways to achieve this is to understand your customs clearance requirements.
This section simplifies your customs clearance process with what you need to know about customs.
There are import documents and paperwork
You need to have the proper documents and paperwork ready to make the customs clearance process quick and straightforward.
Bill of lading
Some of the documents you will need include:
Single Administrative Document (SAD) Form
The information that Customs requires on the SAD includes who the goods are imported from, how they are imported and what you are importing.
commercial invoice
The importance of this document is that customs will use it to calculate the amount of VAT you will pay for your goods.
A customs invoice contains the basic information needed to clear the goods.
Necessary licenses for your goods
If you are importing restricted goods, you must hold a basic license that allows you to import goods.
Lack of these documents will mean customs will confiscate your shipment or even charge you.
shipping documents
Depending on how the goods are imported into Spain, you must complete any necessary shipping documents.
Some shipping documents include road bills of lading, air waybills, railroad bills of lading, ocean bills of lading or bills of lading.
You will then present this document to customs.
Cargo Insurance Document
You will need this document if your commercial invoice does not show information on your insurance premium amount
packing list
Another document you will need to prepare when clearing customs is a packing list.
Information in this document includes package quantity, net weight, date of issue, and package type.
Custom value declaration
If your goods are worth more than EUR 20,000, you must present this document to customs.
The importance of this document is to help determine the value of the goods to calculate the customs value.
This is the customs value used by customs to collect duties, also known as the taxable value.
Shipping from China to Spain – Frequently Asked Questions:
What import duties do I need to pay at Spanish customs?
Spanish customs charge VAT between 10% and 21% of the value of the goods depending on what you import. You may also have to pay customs and excise taxes and other charges. The good news is that Spain also allows duty-free imports of some goods. This includes items such as laptops, cell phones, digital cameras, and game consoles.
It is vital to know the current Spanish import charges and disclose all the contents of your shipment to your forwarder so they can provide you with an accurate estimate
When is my payment due?
Payment is made before shipment. If you choose to have us pick up your order at your supplier facility, payment should be made after pickup.
What payment methods do you accept?
wire transfer
Paypal
Western Union
RMB Cash (Chinese Currency)
in conclusion,
If you want to import from China to Spain, and have other questions, then drop me a message online now.”

“China to Switzerland – Shipping Method
For more than a decade, Switzerland has been China’s largest trading partner in Asia. China is also Switzerland’s third-largest trading partner after the European Union and the United States. If you intend to participate in an active exchange of goods between the two countries, then you should find a lot on this page that interests you.

To successfully import from China to Switzerland, you need some key information. Here, you will learn about the different shipping methods, shipping costs, shipping times, customs clearance procedures.
Shipping method
Shipping from China to Switzerland

LCL (LCL): When multiple shipments belonging to multiple shippers are combined into one container, the process is called LCL or LCL shipping. This is ideal for businesses that don’t want to rent an entire container. Especially for smaller shipments, LCL is often the most affordable way to ship from China to Switzerland.
Full Container Load (FCL): FCL shipping involves paying a flat fee for the use and transportation of the container. When you ship an entire container from China to Switzerland, you can use the space and transport a lot of products or materials.
Switzerland is a landlocked country because it has no access to the sea in central Europe. However, there are two main ways to ship goods from China by sea and air.
1. From the ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Genoa or Marseille/Foz, by ship, then by rail or truck across the EU to a location in Switzerland.
2. By direct shipping from China to Swiss ports along the Rhine. The containers are placed on numerous barges that travel up the river to entry points in Switzerland, especially to the city of Basel.
Air Freight from China to Switzerland

If your cargo must be shipped quickly, air freight is a better method than rail freight or sea freight. This way of doing things is also safer in terms of the risk of damage to the item.
Switzerland now has 7 international airports. They are all spread across the country, so choosing the best airport for your cargo can save you a lot of ground transportation time.
How much does it cost to ship goods from China to Switzerland?
In order to determine the final cost of shipping your goods from China to Switzerland, the freight forwarder will consider several different factors, including the following:
cargo type

Selected shipping method (FCL, LCL, Air)
cargo weight
Cargo size
distance between origin and destination
Type of service (eg port-to-port, door-to-door)
While all of these factors are important, the weight of your shipment may have the biggest impact on the final price. For cargoes weighing more than 100kg, most shippers consider ocean shipping to be the most cost-effective option. However, if you are shipping less than 100kg, you may find that there is not much difference between the air freight quote and the ocean freight quote.
Want to ship cargo up to 35kg? If so, you should use an international courier service instead of a freight forwarder. Most freight forwarders do not handle shipments in this weight range.
Transportation time

Transit time between Chinese and Swiss ports
It is difficult to predict the exact transit time from a Chinese port to Switzerland
Switzerland is not surrounded by any ocean, which means that transit times vary greatly depending on the European port of destination, the Swiss cities served, and the type of transport used in between. It usually takes 30-40 days.
How long does it take to ship from China to Switzerland?
Most air shipments from China to Switzerland take five to eight days. Considering the actual flight time is only a few hours, you might wonder why it takes so long. Just because there are other steps in the shipping process, such as loading and unloading, as well as customs and security checks, each of which takes some time.
Customs clearance in China and Switzerland
Whether you’re air freight or shipping a container from China to Switzerland, customs clearance is always part of the process. In order for your goods to leave China and enter Switzerland, the customs authorities of both countries must approve the goods to cross their respective borders.
Even the most experienced shippers typically hire an agent or freight forwarder to perform this critical task because they don’t want to risk any delays or issues. When you work with a professional service provider, you can rest assured that all formalities will be carried out in accordance with Chinese and Swiss customs regulations and international shipping laws.
To start the customs clearance process, you must ensure that the required documents are present and in order. At least the following documents are required:
commercial invoice
packing list
Certificate of Origin
Letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
Ocean Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (Shipa Freight will provide it for you)
In most cases, these documents are sufficient to obtain customs clearance. However, customs authorities sometimes require additional documents such as licenses, permits and certificates. Your freight forwarder will provide you with guidance and advice in this regard.
If you need to ship your goods from China to Switzerland, you can give us a call or email us and we will give you a quote and advice on the best shipping plan.”

“China to Germany – Shipping Method
China and Germany have long-term business cooperation. Every year, many Chinese businessmen come to China to buy goods and import products from China.
So, if you need a complete guide to importing and shipping from China to Germany, we have prepared this article for you, where you can find a lot of useful information on these topics.

Air Freight from China to Germany
If you need your goods quickly and use a freight forwarder, China Air Freight is a great alternative to express shipping, but there are a few important details you need to keep in mind.
Air freight is not a door-to-door service, nor is it “”all-inclusive””, so logistics to and from the airport, customs clearance in Germany will have additional work and costs. Having said that, the total of these fees will be less than the courier fee you pay, and if you use our China door to door service, the work will be managed by the freight forwarder, making air freight a great alternative to courier shipping.
As with express, the best price for air freight is for loads between 300-500 kg.
Shipping from China to Germany

FCL by sea
FCL, or Full Container Load, is when your cargo fills an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container. If you’re shipping in bulk, you can save time and money by shipping FCL. FCL pricing is flat whether your container is completely full or not.
LCL by sea
LCL or less than container load means your cargo will not fill the entire container and will be shipped with other boxes or pallets. Please note that when you ship LCL, your cargo needs to be consolidated at the port of origin and unpacked at the port of destination.
This is the reason why LCL shipping takes several days than FCL shipping.

China to Germany express
When you need fast goods, express is your best option for shipping between China and Germany.
Express shipping involves shipping goods by popular global express companies such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Not only do they handle all the logistics and shipping, but the express shipping is also an “”all-inclusive”” and “”door-to-door”” service, which means that once you place your order, the courier will handle every shipping detail, including customs clearance, until your product arrives The specified shipping address. Unlike other shipping methods detailed in this article, shipping by express does not incur any additional charges.
That being said, all this speed and convenience does come at a huge price compared to other shipping methods, especially for cargoes under 200kg. That’s why we only recommend express shipping if you’re shipping very small items (such as product samples) or if you need a very fast shipment.
Even if you use air express, you want to use a freight forwarder instead of booking directly with the courier himself.

why?
Because freight forwarders get exclusive high-volume rates from couriers around the world, it means you pay far less than you would pay for a courier yourself.
shipping time
How long does it take to ship from China to Germany?
Airfreight takes a few days than express, as the goods don’t get in and out of the airport as quickly and they stop at customs for a day or two. The average transit time is about 5-8 days from port to port, or 6-13 days from door to door.
How long does it take to ship from China to Germany?
Ocean freight from China to Germany is the slowest of all shipping methods, ranging from 25-41 days from port to port and 41-47 days from door to door.
How long does it take to express from China to Germany?
Couriers from China to Germany can run anywhere from 1-4 days and the cost increases with the speed of delivery.

Document requirements for importing from China to Germany
All imported goods from China to Germany must include the following documents:

Bill of lading
Certificate of Origin
commercial invoice
customs value declaration
customs import declaration
letter of credit
packing list
proof of insurance
German import taxes and duties
German customs impose import duties and duties on all goods brought into Germany from outside the EU, including China. The exact fee you’ll pay depends on the type of item you’re shipping, most items are taxed at 19%, with the exception of agricultural products, which are taxed at 19%.
The exact taxes and duties payable will depend on the TARIC code (community combined tariff). You can find more information about these fees here.
Tips for reducing cost and shipping time between China and Germany
Book in advance. Shipping by sea is the cheapest, but also takes the longest. Booking in advance can save you money and reduce stress in the event of delays.
Off-peak delivery. When a carrier is busy, both shipping prices and shipping times increase. Ship in low season whenever possible.
Organize your documents. When it comes to fast customs clearance, having your documents organized can play an important role.
Know your HS code. Many shippers are surprised by the extent to which customs fees can affect the cost of doing business. Do your research so you can budget effectively.
Compare quotes from different suppliers. Quotes may vary, so please review quotes from different providers before making a decision.
Find out what’s included in the offer. Is your offer port to port or door to door? What services does it include? Know what you’re paying so you don’t get hit with unexpected charges.”

“Shipping from China to Ireland – Shipping Guide
If you are importing from China to Ireland, then TJ China freight is your first choice. We will ship by air, sea, EMS, courier, to any address in Dublin, Galway, Cork, County Kildare and Ireland; whatever type of freight service will suit your needs. Our network of contacts in China means we can offer you the best import deals and provide you with the best information so you can choose the service that suits you and your company’s needs. Not only do we ship your goods for you, we also provide customs clearance services to make the often onerous customs inspection process smoother for you.
Shipping from China to Ireland, why choose air freight?

One of the main reasons why air freight is popular among importers is the fast delivery service.
This is a key factor in choosing air freight from China to Ireland.
Here I will list why you should choose to air freight overseas when shipping from China to Ireland.
The most important reason you should choose air freight over water is that you can save time in shipping your goods from China to Ireland. It usually takes 30 to 44 days for goods to arrive in Ireland by sea from China. This number varies depending on which part of China the goods are shipped from. However, when you ship by air, you will receive the goods within 6 to 10 days.

Ireland’s most important seaport is in Dublin, so it will take a few days for the consignee to get the goods after they arrive in Dublin. However, there are many more airports in the country. So the processing time of the goods will be shorter.
When you ship from China to Ireland, you pay lower insurance premiums. Less time for cargo damage and less handling for air freight.
Finally, this is in addition to the previous point, as there is less risk involved, so you don’t have to spend a lot of extra money on packaging when air freight.
Shipping time from China to Ireland

Time is money, especially when it comes to business. To keep up with market trends, you should know the shipping times from China to Ireland.
From there, you can balance cost and time to free up more profit for your business.
On average, express delivery is fast within 3-5 days, which is short for small batch orders. Home delivery is very convenient.
Air freight is the fastest delivery method, it only takes 3-5 days. However, it only covers transportation from airport to airport.

Sea freight is the longest, taking around 30 – 45 days to ship your goods from China to Ireland.
If you’re not in a hurry to save your budget, consider shipping by sea.
Finally, the delivery time for rail freight is between sea and air, which takes about 15 to 35 days.
How high can each box be when air freighted from China to Ireland?
To transport cargo by air, you must adhere to certain strict regulations regarding height and weight.
Each of your parcels cannot exceed 1.5m on both sides and 3m in width.
As for weight, each of your packages must not exceed 30kg.
If you plan to send more items, you will have to send multiple packages.
What products are not allowed by air cargo authorities when shipping from China to Ireland?
There is a list of goods that are prohibited from being imported into Ireland from China and they are:
domestic pet

illegal drugs
Commodities from endangered species
Projects of protected and international heritage
any kind of firearm
radioactive material
Import duties from China to Ireland
Irish customs use the CIF (cost + insurance + freight) method to judge the value of the goods. Tax free if the FOB value is less than EUR 150 or the duty to be paid is less than EUR 10
VAT is not required if the CIF value is less than EUR 22 or the total VAT is less than EUR 6. VAT also varies by item type, with a maximum of 23% for some items and 0% for others.
What is the shipping cost from China to Ireland?
Cost depends on many variables such as product type, package size, dimensions, your terms with the shipping company, and most importantly, the shipping method you choose. Let us know your needs and we will work with you to get the best price.
What documents are required to import goods into Ireland?
You will need a commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, packing list and any special documents such as quality or inspection certificates related to your product.
final thoughts
All in all, buying from China is beneficial if you choose the right product. You need to research costs and Irish import duties for better business planning.
I hope this article helped guide you through the information you need to import into Ireland.”

“Shipping Guide from China to Russia
The Russian Federation is one of China’s main strategic partners. China and Russia have many important economic relations. Every year, Russians come to China to buy Chinese goods, and they need shipping services from China to Russia.

If you need international shipping services from China to Russia, you have come to the right place, here are some tips for shipping from China to Russia.
By sea or by air?
You can ship your items to Russia in two ways: by air or by sea. For those in a hurry, air freight is the best. Most cargo planes can reach Russia from anywhere in the world in just two or three days. However, air shipping is also very expensive, so it’s best avoided if you’re on a budget. Ocean freight, on the other hand, is much cheaper, often five times cheaper than air freight. While the service is more affordable, it’s also much slower, so it’s important to plan your move in advance. If you choose to ship by sea, one of our suppliers will ship your items in either 20ft or 40ft containers. For smaller volumes of cargo (15 cubic meters or less), there is a process called less than container load (LCL), where several people share the use of a container. Most of our suppliers offer door-to-door service, which means they take care of every part of the process – from your old home to your new home.

Russian customs classification
Russia implements a unified customs system (HS code). The tariff includes 11,032 tax lines.
Documents required for customs clearance in Russia
If you want to start customs clearance in Russia, you have to prepare a lot of documents to start the process
The following are the documents that should be sent with the goods when sending goods from China to Russia:
One of the following value confirmation documents: Seller-verified price list (catalog page, online printout, etc.); receipt; copy of export declaration (if permitted by the laws of your exporting country)
Permissions required for your HS tariff code (e.g. for plant products, shipper’s quarantine approval is required)

Copy of insurance license with insurance amount (for Incoterms: CIP, CIF) where insurance is part of the contract.
company registration documents
Import and export contract
Approved brokerage contract if using customs broker services
Import transaction passport number (specific currency control document issued by the importer’s bank if the customs value exceeds USD 50 000)
Official letter to customs
HS (Tariff) Code required by the Russian authorities to publish the license (for example, import license, etc.)
How expensive are import taxes in Russia?
Import duties or import duties are the taxes that you need to pay to the Russian customs authorities to import products in the country.
Generally, the price of import duty will vary depending on the value of the package. The more expensive the total value of your package, the more expensive the import duty will be. However, if the total value of your package is less than $200, you will not be charged any fees. $200 is the minimum threshold set by the Russian authorities, so if the total value of your package exceeds this amount, you will be required to pay import tax.

It is better to declare the correct value of the package, because if the declared value is wrong, the package may be stuck at the Russian border.
What is the average tariff rate in Russia?
The duty is different for each product and each HS code, usually general goods are subject to a duty of 8% of their value, but not less than 4 EUR/1kg
However, all agents and all those involved in organizing the import of goods from China to Russia should be aware that the weight of the goods must be reasonable and commensurate with the value.
Before packing and shipping, an agent in the destination country must be consulted about the weight and value of the goods
Sometimes, customs requires customers to be present during the customs clearance process.
How to track my package from China to Russia?
You can track your international shipments from China to Russia through the Ship24 platform. Tracking your package with Ship24 lets you know information such as the name of the courier company used for shipping, the status of your order, the next steps in the delivery process, and the current location of the package.
To track your package, all you need is the tracking number. You can find it in the confirmation email you received after purchasing. Most of the time, the tracking number will look similar to the order number, however, since the order number does not track the package, don’t confuse the number when you copy-paste it into the search bar on the Ship24 homepage.

After entering the number in the search bar and clicking the arrow on the right to enter, you will receive all the necessary information related to your package.
If you see “”Not Found”” instead of receiving tracking information, it’s a good idea to double-check that the number you entered corresponds to the tracking number. Also, sometimes it’s better to wait 1 or 2 days after the package is dispatched for tracking details to be provided on the platform.”

“Shipping from China to the US
China is the factory of the world and has been for many years. While the U.S. is increasingly inclined to shorten supply chains and increase domestic production, trade opportunities between East and West giants are unlikely to diminish anytime soon.
There are many articles about sourcing from China. However, there is less information on the practicality of sea and air freight from China to the US. On this page, we aim to change that by giving you some practical guidelines for using either mode of transportation.
Do you want to start your first export from China to the U.S. by air, or simplify your ocean freight business? Either way, there’s a lot here to help you be more successful in freight from the East to the 50 great states in the United States.

Shipping from China to America
FCL by sea
FCL, or Full Container Load, is when your cargo fills an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container. If you’re shipping in bulk, you can save time and money by shipping FCL. FCL pricing is flat whether your container is completely full or not.
LCL by sea
LCL or less than container load means your cargo will not fill the entire container and will be shipped with other boxes or pallets. Please note that when you ship LCL, your cargo needs to be consolidated at the port of origin and unpacked at the port of destination.
This is the reason why LCL shipping takes several days than FCL shipping.
Air Freight from China to America

If you don’t want to wait weeks for your shipment to cross the ocean from China to the US, air freight will cut the transit time down to just a few days, albeit at a much higher cost.
What is the best way to ship from China to the US?
While this is a good question, there is no universal “”best way”” to ship from China. You should carefully consider the following variables:
Product and load – what is being transported and how big is it?
Destination – to a small office or a warehouse?

Time requirements – do you need to be in the same week, or can you wait? This is a crucial consideration, especially during Chinese holidays.
Product and load: Some goods, such as aerosol cans and strong magnets, are difficult to transport by air. Other products, such as lithium-ion batteries, can be shipped by air, but the required documentation is often difficult for suppliers to provide and can only be shipped by dedicated aircraft. Because of this, it is often easier to ship batteries by sea in China.
Some products may be too heavy or too large to be shipped by air and can only be shipped by sea or rail.
In some cases, it is better to ship the product by air. Products smaller than 1 cubic meter are usually ideal for air shipment. High-value cargo is sometimes safer to transport by air and is sometimes required by Chinese freight insurance companies.
Destination: End-to-end shipping services provided by most of the well-known Chinese 3PLs are able to deliver goods to warehouses, small commercial buildings and residential areas. However, it is sometimes difficult to transport the container to a location where there is no equipment to unload the container. Because of this, the final destination and how the cargo will be unloaded should be considered to determine the most ideal shipping plan.

In some cases, buyers may find it easier to ship smaller-sized shipments by air from China, while others may benefit from unpacking services after the shipment arrives at a U.S. port.
Time Requirement: If the goods are urgently needed, there is no faster way than air freight.
For some seaborne containerized shipments, transit time can be reduced by shipping to the West Coast instead of the East Coast, and then completing it by truck or rail after the shipment arrives in the United States.
If time is not a priority, shipping by sea to a popular port close to the final destination and trucking at the last leg of the journey is likely to be the cheapest option.
Shipping time from China to US
Transit times for sea, air and express shipments from China to the US
How long does it take to ship from China to the US?
The transit time of your shipment is affected by location, shipment size, and season. Shipping times are not always the same. Shipping may be delayed depending on market conditions, natural behavior and other events.
Use the table below to estimate the time for each shipping method from China to the United States.
image1
Shipping from China to USA
Shipping charges can often be calculated based on the shipping method used by looking at the weight and/or volume of the item being shipped and the speed at which the item is being shipped.
If you can fill a container, the FCL service will save you the most on shipping as the unit cost will be lower than LCL. This is because LCL shipping is calculated using the dimensional weight formula. In contrast, FCL is a flat rate per container.
On the other hand, it is rarely cost-effective to rent and transport a container that is only partially full. If your shipment only takes up two or three pallets, the cost of FCL shipping can be prohibitive, and LCL shipping becomes a more attractive option.
Most shippers won’t choose air freight — especially for bulk shipments — unless speed is critical to their supply chain. That is, small quantities of goods can be transported by air at reasonable prices. The cost of air cargo weighing around 100kg is sometimes only a little more than the cost of sending the cargo as sea freight.
If you plan to export cargo weighing less than 35kg, you are unlikely to find a freight forwarder to handle it. It is not feasible to ship such small quantities using a freight agreement. Instead, you should contact an international courier company that will arrange for your shipment to be shipped by air at an affordable rate.
Sino-US customs clearance
Import and export clearance can seem complicated, and in many cases, that’s because of it. However, this is an unavoidable aspect of sea and air shipments from China to the United States. Therefore, this is something that every supplier, consignee and middleman who engages in international trade must be prepared for.
Your carrier will not be responsible for helping you with customs procedures. However, freight forwarders charge a fee to take care of them. Even so, your business must be responsible for certain steps. They include providing accurate information and documentation to accompany your shipment.
Generally, you need to ensure that all exports from China to the US are accompanied by the following documents, as they are required by the customs authorities of both countries:
1. Commercial Invoice
2. Packing list
3. Certificate of Origin
4. Letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
5. Ocean bill of lading or air waybill (your freight forwarder should provide this)”

“Ocean & Air Shipping From China to UK
While it is technically possible to import from China to the UK via overland rail services, most shippers prefer to transport their imported goods by sea or air. For this reason, this page is entirely focused on using sea and air freight services as a way to export from China to the UK.
Most commercial organisations importing from China to the UK choose sea freight as it is usually the most economical way to transport goods over long distances.
Assuming your goods can be shipped in containers, LCL and FCL are the two most logical options. Alternatively, air freight is faster than shipping a container from China to the UK. However, the benefits of speed do come at a rather high price.

Shipping from China to UK
FCL by sea
FCL, or Full Container Load, is when your cargo fills an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container. If you’re shipping in bulk, you can save time and money by shipping FCL. FCL pricing is flat whether your container is completely full or not.
LCL by sea
LCL or less than container load means your cargo will not fill the entire container and will be shipped with other boxes or pallets. Please note that when you ship LCL, your cargo needs to be consolidated at the port of origin and unpacked at the port of destination.

This is the reason why LCL shipping takes several days than FCL shipping.
Air Freight from China to the UK
Airfreighting your shipment from China to the UK can be expensive, depending on the size of the shipment, but there are many reasons why this is still the best option for you.
These might include time-sensitive shipments that need to be delivered in days instead of weeks, or you might want to send a certain amount of inventory before ocean shipping.
Maybe the delivery destination is closer to the airport than the port, or the item is of high value or

perishable.
Whatever your goals, it is essential to use a reputable forwarder to ensure smooth deliveries.
How much does it cost to ship from China to the UK?
Freight rates have been rising and falling. Therefore, the only way to accurately assess shipping costs when importing from China to the UK is to get a quote from a freight forwarder. Quotations from all forwarders will be based on calculations taking into account the following factors:
1. Market demand and availability of freight capacity
2. Fuel cost
3. The type of goods you wish to ship
4. The amount of shipping that constitutes your shipment
5. The shipping method you want to use
6. Door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door or door-to-port service of your choice

A range of other conditions are also considered in the freight forwarder’s pricing calculations, so it is not realistic to provide any true indication of shipping costs on this page. However, the following rough guide can at least help you understand the comparative costs of different shipping methods and freight volumes.
1. Although air freight is usually expensive, the cost of importing goods under 100kg from China to the UK by air may not be much higher than LCL sea freight.
2. For shipments weighing more than 100kg, sea freight will almost certainly be more economical than air freight.

3. FCL shipping is the most affordable way to ship bulk goods from China to the UK. Even if your cargo doesn’t fill the container, sometimes it can be cheaper than LCL shipping.
4. For shipments over 100kg but less than six pallets, LCL will be your lowest cost shipping option.
If your planned cargo weighs less than 35kg, it may not make sense to hire a freight forwarder. Most freight forwarders will not handle that small load. In any case, the courier company will ship your goods at a more affordable price.
How long does it take to ship from China to the UK?
The rule of thumb for lead time (under normal conditions) is: 1-2 weeks for regular mail, 3 days for air express, 8-10 days for air, and 30-40 days for sea.
These estimates can be affected by a number of circumstances, especially in current markets, so it’s worth checking with your logistics provider. As things stand, delays are expected.
Post regularly
Shipping from China by surface mail takes a long time. China Post offers faster and more cost-effective options for airmail and express mail (EMS), both of which can take one to two weeks.
If the paperwork appears to be problematic, the customs agency will not give priority to releasing the package. So increase your chances of posting regularly in as little as a week by checking that the vendor is getting the paperwork correctly before sending.
Express Options
When shipping from China via international express, it takes at least three days to pick up at the supplier’s door in China (unless the supplier has delivered the package to their warehouse). If it’s really urgent, there are more expensive premium services that can even be delivered overnight.
air transport
Standard air freight between China and the UK generally takes around 8-10 days. It’s not that planes are slower; it comes down to the fact that the air freight process is more complicated than express freight.
ocean freight
Door-to-door shipping from China to the UK takes at least 30-40 days, the longest delivery time is by sea. That’s because boats move much slower than planes.
In addition to the extra preparation, ocean liners slow down as much as possible to save fuel (and money).
On top of that, port congestion, customs delays and adverse weather conditions affect ocean freight more than air freight.
Sino-British customs clearance
Customs clearance often confuses companies that move goods across borders. In particular, SMEs sometimes struggle to navigate the complexities of this necessary and sometimes puzzling aspect of global logistics.

For this reason, it may be a good idea for your business to leave customs clearance and compliance to a freight forwarder. Some freight forwarders have in-house customs clearance agents working for them. Others work with customs brokers to handle customs formalities on behalf of clients. Either way, they can save you a lot of heartache and energy in exchange for a proper fee.

While having a freight forwarder on your side can ease the pain of customs clearance, your business still needs to perform some tasks to meet formal requirements. Some of the documentation required to clear your shipment will be the responsibility of your business. You will either need to fill it out and file or make sure you have them available for inspection by customs authorities.
The documents (or electronic documents in some cases) that Chinese and UK customs officials typically expect to see are as follows:
1. Commercial Invoice
2. Packing list
3. Certificate of Origin
4. Letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
5. Ocean bill of lading or air waybill (your freight forwarder should provide this)
From time to time, you may find that Customs requires additional documentation, depending on the type of cargo you are shipping. For example, the UK or Chinese government may insist on some kind of certificate, permit or license. Therefore, it is always worth checking requirements with your freight forwarder, especially if you are shipping a specific product or material for the first time.
Tips to reduce shipping costs and shipping times between China and the UK
1. Book in advance. Shipping by sea is the cheapest, but also takes the longest. Booking in advance can save you money and reduce stress in the event of delays.
2. Off-peak delivery. When a carrier is busy, both shipping prices and shipping times increase. Ship in low season whenever possible.
3. Organize your documents. When it comes to fast customs clearance, having your documents organized can play an important role.
4. Know your HS code. Many shippers are surprised by the extent to which customs fees can affect the cost of doing business. Do your research so you can budget effectively.
5. Compare quotes from different suppliers. Quotes may vary, so please review quotes from different providers before making a decision.
6. Understand what is included in the offer. Is your offer port to port or door to door? What services does it include? Know what you’re paying so you don’t get hit with unexpected charges.”

“9 strategies to reduce freight costs
For businesses dealing with large inventories, shipping costs can have a significant impact on profitability and growth. Shipping costs can be mysterious to many businesses because there are many different freight products, categories and highly dynamic costs. While it pays to plan for cost peaks, the best strategy to reduce the financial burden of shipping inventory is to reduce daily shipping costs. Here are 9 strategies to unlock cheaper, more reliable shipping.
1. Rethink your packaging

Packing your shipments more efficiently is one of the easiest ways to keep costs down. Footprint is often a key factor businesses consider when setting shipping rates, so reducing dead space almost always results in lower shipping rates. In some cases, new packaging may increase the rate of breakage or deterioration; while it is often worthwhile to reduce inventory losses, some breakage may be an acceptable price for significantly lower shipping costs.
2. Irregular delivery
Shipping in bulk is often cheaper than shipping the same volume of product in multiple smaller shipments. Because carriers can load containers more efficiently, bulk customers can get cheaper freight rates—in less time because carriers don’t need to handle, load and unload as much customer cargo. On the other hand, regular shipping requires your customers to carry more inventory than they need immediately. This incurs inventory holding costs, so a slightly lower price or other favorable conditions may be required.
For some products, shipping components or ingredients in bulk to assemble and package close to the point of sale also allows you to ship the product more efficiently.
3. Contract stable lane volume
If your carrier knows he will be working with you every day and will get regular shipments in the same lane, he can market those return trips and build his network. As a result, you will pay less because the carrier is more efficient. In addition, these carriers will focus on moving cargo from people who are loyal and have reliable volumes due to the current tight capacity.
4. Ship on off-peak days
Shipping a day late or a day early can lead to significant savings. Friday is usually an off-peak day for shipping consumer goods, as most customers try to get their products to stores by Thursday, so it can be put on hold on Friday and ready to sell over the weekend. Monday also tends to be a low-volume day when carriers typically look for freight. Obviously, it depends on the cargo – for example, canned food has more windows than fresh food. Off-peak shipping is certainly a good option for shippers of non-consumer products.

5. Ship more products, less frequently. Persuade your customers to accept larger orders. It is much cheaper to ship six pallets at a time than to send two pallets every two days. But retailers tend to look for smaller items more frequently, so you need to provide them with incentives to get more inventory than they think they need. Potential savings: Up to 50% savings compared to the smallest LTL load, at which point minimum charges may kick in.
6. Build a fast-loading reputation
When carriers set their pricing, they usually assume a 2 hour loading window. But if the carrier knows they’re picking up where they’re loading within an hour, that can affect the price. It also makes the carrier work with that shipper. Shippers with consistent load time performance can even factor these favorable load times into rates. This avoids the need to pursue assessment fees – a huge waste of time. Efficiently operating shippers save money and have carriers lined up to serve them – a double benefit!
7. Use a load board.

If you have a one-off shipment and put it on a load board, you may experience low rates, especially if the carrier can handle it as a return trip. Carriers love return trips because they are making money, otherwise they would incur costs for empty miles. For return trips, many are willing to offer rates that cover only the cost of fuel, plus a little extra.
8. Find a carrier located near your delivery point
That way, your load is more likely to be their return trip, and you’ll get a lower rate. Filling up empty miles is how carriers make money, and it’s a great way for you to lower your shipping costs. It’s surprising how many shippers don’t investigate carrier terminals near their frequent receiving locations.
9. Use Data to Identify Freight Weaknesses
Modern inventory management systems collect vast amounts of data covering most aspects of a business’s inventory operations. This data can be used to identify poor shipping performance and identify potential causes. For example, shipping records can be used to identify carriers or shipping routes with higher than average rates of breakage or late deliveries.
Reduce shipping costs and challenge the status quo

Many of these solutions may seem self-evident, but shippers often ignore them and end up paying more for shipping than they should. why? The culprit is the blanket acceptance of “”business as usual”” rules and processes between internal departments and between shippers and customers.
See if any of the above suggestions make sense for your business. Then go a step further. Check your freight plan and question every built-in assumption – it has to get there in two days, railroads never work, marketing dictates carton size. Challenge the status quo and watch the savings and appreciation roll in.”

“7 Tips on How to Choose a Forwarder
In the international shipping industry, timing is of the essence. You need professionals to manage your supply line, which means you need a freight forwarding company. A freight forwarder handles your shipment from origin to final destination and everything in between. If you are new to the international freight business and looking for a reputable forwarder, here are 7 tips on how to choose the right forwarder to handle your shipments.

What are the responsibilities of an international freight forwarder?
The term “”international freight forwarder”” may seem foreign to some. But in this new era of global business prosperity, the international freight services industry has leapt to the forefront. In simple terms, an international freight forwarder is a business entity that helps individuals or companies arrange the import and export of goods.

International freight forwarders may not have large freight fleets themselves, but they are experts at handling the logistical arrangements that enable goods to move from one place to another – whether by land, air or sea. Typical international freight services they provide include but are not limited to the following:
Prepare all necessary shipping and export documents
Warehousing
Reserve a slot on the selected freight vehicle
Negotiate the fairest shipping fee
Track the movement of goods
Help arrange cargo insurance or file an insurance claim.
In this sense, a freight forwarder acts as an intermediary or intermediary between you and the person who is directly responsible for delivering your goods to individual customers, markets or final destinations. As a customer of a freight forwarder in Melbourne or elsewhere in Australia, you will pay for their expertise in efficiently transporting goods, their extensive network of professional contacts in the shipping industry, their ability to negotiate the best prices on your behalf, and their commitment to you Knowledge of international customs laws for the location to which you are shipping.
Here are tips on how to choose a freight forwarder.
1. Make sure the freight forwarder is experienced.

This could almost be the entire list. Experience, experience, experience.
Starting a freight forwarding company can be fairly easy, but international shipping is not the easiest business sector in the world, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you won’t last long.
Years of experience means your freight forwarder has dealt with different situations such as dockworker strikes and port closures, the need to rearrange cargo, resolve customs or storage issues, and more.
Experience often means that your freight forwarder will help you avoid customs, warehousing and routing issues before they start, so your international shipments run smoothly.
2. Ensure risk management
Essentially, global shipping provides precarious conditions. You need a freight forwarder who can mitigate risk and have the knowledge to deal with problems as they arise. They should be proactive and provide solutions in a timely manner.

One risk mitigation strategy is cargo insurance. Be sure to ask what types of cargo insurance are offered, as making your company standard carrier liability can prove to be a costly mistake.
Seek open communication and transparency. In times of crisis, you need a partner.
3. Confirm a wide range of services
If your business requires multimodal transportation, or if you need to store goods in warehouses for extended periods of time, it is important to work with a freight forwarder who provides air, ocean, road transportation and logistics solutions. You should discuss all aspects of your supply chain with a potential forwarder to ensure they provide all the services you need. If they’re only local or their product range is narrow, they may not be flexible enough to handle when you need to go beyond the specs.
4. Commit to your schedule
Timeliness is critical in international shipping; businesses that maintain calendars suffer the least amount of loss and disruption. Work with an international freight forwarder who can meet your deadlines and offer tips to avoid these costly delays.
5. Make sure the freight forwarder has good customer service.

this is very important.
How quickly will the freight forwarder respond to your shipping request or answer your questions?
If you are new to international shipping, are they able and willing to walk you through what you need to know and do to make sure everything goes smoothly with your import and export?
Your salespeople at a freight forwarding company may not be able to provide all the answers to your questions as they may be new to the company or even the industry, but they should be able to find answers for you from the experienced team they work with.
The performance of your forwarder in meeting your individual needs says a lot about their ability to give your shipment the necessary attention.
Note that I didn’t even include shipping costs in this list, because what’s more important is that your forwarder is able to meet your shipping needs professionally and accurately.
A freight forwarder may offer much lower rates than other competitors, but you will often find yourself paying extra costs, delays and very poor customer service for choosing them.
6. Check licenses, certificates and permits
Freight forwarders need to have different licenses and documents to handle your shipments, as well as special licenses for transporting sensitive and dangerous products. Make sure your provider has the right license for you, and they’re publicly posted somewhere.
7. Be transparent and process-oriented
Your international freight forwarder must be diligent and honest with you throughout the process, especially when it comes to tasks such as submitting documents, coordinating shipments and tracking the flow of goods. One of the great things about AFI’s company culture is our commitment to have no ambiguity or gray areas; we measure every situation, analyzing the best possible course of action; and reassure every client of the importance of their business goals. We intend to achieve these goals together!
Following these steps will help guide you in finding the right freight forwarder for you.”

“What to Consider When Choosing a Customs Broker – A Simple Guide
What is a customs broker
Customs Brokers provide individuals and organizations with shipping and delivery services across geographic borders.
The public is often unaware of the sheer scale of goods and raw materials that cross these international borders on a daily basis, and what is involved in clearing these goods through customs in different countries.
When looking for a licensed customs broker, there are some questions that must be answered. Here are a few.

fundamental issue
How long has the broker or agency been in business?
Can they clearly outline the risks involved in importing and exporting goods? Learn how they can help mitigate and overcome these risks
What kind of support can they provide for your type of business?
Find out what information they need from you to assess your business needs.
How good is their customer service? There should be a single point of contact between you and your brokerage. You should be able to reach real people at the agency at any time of the day.
legal aspects

Is the broker or agency fully licensed? All customs brokers must have a license to operate as a single person.
Can an agency or broker clarify the legal aspects of customs clearance? You need to properly understand all the laws your shipments must comply with.
Do they keep you informed of changes in laws or regulations affecting the import and export of goods, especially those related to your business area?
Can they state the tax you need to pay?

Are they members of the Customs Association? Brokers are often required to join specific associations or entities in order to provide services in specific ports.
Other basic questions
Ask them to provide some references about their previous clients. Contact these customers directly to find out how good the customs brokerage service is.
Check to see if the agency specializes in any particular business area. Do they specialize in the same areas as your business?

Do they provide you with regular updates on the customs clearance process? You need to know where you stand in order to plan accordingly.
Will the agency work with you to develop an action plan for customs clearance? This is especially important if you plan to import and/or export goods on a regular basis.
Why work with a customs broker?
Let’s go back to the misconception that the choice is made based on the location and/or number of offices of the customs broker. We need to dispel the myth that they need to have an office at every airport, marine terminal or border point where your cargo will enter Canada or the US. A few years ago, this was an important factor because customs clearance required a physical presence everywhere.
Today, nearly all commercial customs clearance in the United States and Canada is done electronically. This means customs brokers
Obtain trade data (usually in the form of customs or commercial invoices and other supporting documents),
transfer the information to the appropriate customs agency (and other government agencies, depending on the type of shipment), and
Request cargo clearance
Once the goods are released, they also “”confirm”” entry electronically by sending a final declaration to customs or customs entry.
Although the point of entry into the country must be properly declared to customs, the act of transferring data can take place from any location. Now, when you’re looking for a reliable customs broker, you can broaden your horizons and explore the best options.”