As China-Brazil trade continues to deepen, more and more companies and individuals choose to import goods from China to Brazil. Shipping time has become an important factor in determining order cycles and supply chain efficiency. Due to the long distance between the two countries (about 17,000 kilometers in a straight line), shipping time is affected by many factors. This article will give a detailed introduction to the shipping time of the two countries.
Overview of China-Brazil trade relations
China and Brazil are important global trading partners, and there is frequent flow of goods between the two countries. A large number of Chinese machinery, electronics, plastic products, clothing and other products are imported. Reasons for choosing to import goods from China:
- Rich variety of goods, high cost performance
- Strong manufacturing capabilities and global supply chain support
- Convenient sea and air transport infrastructure
How to Ship from China to Brazil
Shipment of goods from China to Brazil involves multiple steps, and the timeliness and cost of different methods vary greatly. The following is a detailed step:
Preparation stage
Confirm that the product can be exported (for example, sensitive items require special permission), Brazilian companies need to have a RADAR license (for import registration), obtain an NCM code (equivalent to the HS code, used for taxation), and some products need to apply for import licenses in advance.
Determine the terms of the transaction and sign a contract
Clarify the transaction parties, cargo information, transportation methods, insurance, payment methods, etc., produce or purchase goods to be exported, and conduct quality inspection and packaging.
Booking
The freight forwarder arranges suitable flights/shipping dates.
Select the mode of transportation
And transit to transport goods through appropriate transportation methods, track and monitor the status of goods for timely adjustments. From China to Brazil, the main modes of transportation include sea transportation and air transportation
Sea Freight
Sea freight is the most common mode of transportation, with low costs and the ability to transport various types of goods from bulk goods to special goods. There are two main types of services: less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL)
- FCL: suitable for bulk goods (such as 20ft or 40ft containers).
- LCL: suitable for small quantities of goods, sharing a container with others.
Air Freight
The speed and reliability of air transportation make it an ideal choice for time-sensitive goods, with higher security, and due to weight restrictions, it is suitable for transporting lighter, high-value or urgent goods.
Brazil customs clearance
Brazil has strict customs clearance, and importers need to register the RADAR system. Products must comply with relevant certifications such as ANVISA (drugs, cosmetics), INMETRO (electronic products). Brazil imposes high import taxes, including tariffs, ICMS, IPI, etc. Brazilian importers or agents use the SISCOMEX system to submit customs clearance materials:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
- Packing list
- Import license (if applicable)
Receipt and delivery
Delivery from the port/airport to the warehouse or final consignee
Key Factors Affecting Shipping Time from China to Brazil
The time efficiency of shipping from China to Brazil is not only determined by the mode of transportation, but also affected by the following factors:
Choice of departure port and destination port
The departure port is Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou, and the destination port is Santos, Rio de Janeiro, etc. The distance between the ports is different, and the shipping schedule is also different.
Routes and number of transfers
Direct flights take a shorter time, while routes that transfer via Singapore, South Africa, etc. take longer.
Impact of peak seasons and holidays
China’s Spring Festival, Brazil’s Carnival and the Christmas season at the end of the year will cause freight peaks, ship congestion and customs clearance delays.
Customs clearance efficiency
Brazil’s customs clearance procedures are relatively complicated. If complete information is not prepared, it will lead to a longer time efficiency.
Choice of transportation mode and service type
Choosing economic, standard or priority logistics services will have obvious time differences.
Sea Freight Time from China to Brazil
Usually departs from China’s eastern coastal ports and arrives at major Brazilian ports such as Santos and Rio de Janeiro via the Pacific or Atlantic routes. Shipping time varies depending on the route, and sea shipping usually takes 30-45 days
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Shipping days |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Santos | 35-45 days |
| Shenzhen | Santos | 38-48 days |
| Ningbo | Santos | 33-43 days |
| Shanghai | Rio de Janeiro | 35-42 days |
| Shenzhen | Rio de Janeiro | 34-43 days |
| Ningbo | Rio de Janeiro | 34-40 days |
| Shanghai | itapoa | 37-45 days |
| Shenzhen | itapoa | 34-45 days |
| Ningbo | itapoa | 35-42 days |
Air Freight Time from China to Brazil
Air freight from China to Brazil is a fast, efficient but relatively expensive international logistics method. Most routes require 1-2 transfers, usually via Europe or North America, and usually take 7-9 days to transport to Brazil.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Brazil) | Shipping days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Guarulhos | 6-9 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Guarulhos | 7-9 days |
| Beijing Capital | Guarulhos | 6-8 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Galeao | 7-9 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Galeao | 6-8 days |
| Beijing Capital | Galeao | 7-8 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Viracopos | 7-9 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Viracopos | 6-9 days |
| Beijing Capital | Viracopos | 8-9 days |
Learn more about shipping times to other countries below:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to USA?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Canada?
How to Shorten the Shipping Time
Use the following strategies to help shorten the shipping time from China to Brazil
Choose direct routes to avoid multiple transfers
Try to choose shipping companies with direct flights to Santos, Itagai, and Rio de Janeiro.
Plan ahead to avoid peak seasons and holidays
Avoid the problems of high booking pressure, high prices, and slow timeliness during the Chinese New Year and the peak season at the end of the year.
Use “pre-clearance” to improve efficiency
Prepare customs clearance documents before the goods arrive at the port, and strive to complete declaration and release as soon as possible.
Choose a reliable freight forwarding partner
Professional freight forwarders can remind policy changes in advance, prepare materials, and coordinate transportation to avoid delays.
Consider mixed transportation solutions
For urgent items, key components can be shipped by air, and the rest can be shipped in batches by sea.
Choose the Right Freight Forwarder
We provide tailor-made shipping solutions to help you plan an effective shipping plan. We are committed to choosing the most efficient way to ship your goods to Brazil, ensuring they are delivered on time and within your budget.
We offer a wide range of services, including:
- Streamlined logistics for your Amazon FBA business
- Expertise in safely transporting sensitive and dangerous goods
- Customs brokerage and clearance
- Time-sensitive shipping offers and discounts
- Flexible warehousing and consolidation
- Global network covering air, ocean and express
The time it takes to ship from China to Brazil depends mainly on the mode of transportation, route arrangement and customs clearance efficiency. When choosing a logistics solution, companies should fully weigh timeliness and cost, and choose the best path based on product attributes and customer needs.
If you need a customized shipping timeliness and quotation solution, please contact Ubestshipping. We provide full container, LCL, air freight and DDP to door services from China to Brazil to help you deliver your goods quickly, safely and legally.