With the increasing economic and trade ties between China and Mongolia, more and more Chinese companies are choosing to export goods to Mongolia. China has been Mongolia’s largest trading partner and source of investment for many consecutive years. This article will provide a detailed overview of the logistics situation between the two countries.
Shipping Methods from China to Mongolia
Mongolia is a neighboring country of China. Most goods are transported by land, rail, or road, supplemented by air transport to meet the needs of different cargoes and timelines. The following are the main transportation methods:
Road Freight
Road transport is the most common mode of transportation from China to Mongolia. Door-to-door service offers flexible deployment of transport vehicles and is suitable for small and medium-sized shipments, bulk cargo, and urgent shipments. Delivery time is typically 3–7 days, but it is significantly affected by weather, port congestion, and border control policies.
Rail Freight
Rail freight costs are lower, it can transport large quantities of goods, and is suitable for bulk trade. It offers controllable transportation schedules and regular train schedules, but transportation times are longer (usually 7–15 days). It lacks flexibility and cannot provide door-to-door service. Goods must be picked up at railway stations, and transshipping at ports can result in damage or delays.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, offering extremely fast delivery times (as fast as 1–3 days), high security, and a low damage rate. It can be combined with customs clearance and delivery services (DAP/DDP), making it suitable for urgent shipments, samples, and valuables. However, it is costly and has limited weight and volume capabilities.
Composition of Shipping Costs from China to Mongolia
In international logistics, shipping costs from China to Mongolia typically consist of multiple components, varying depending on the mode of transport, cargo type, weight, volume, and destination. The following is a detailed breakdown of these costs:
Domestic Costs at the Origin (Original Freight)
Costs incurred within China prior to the collection, packaging, and transportation of goods to the port of entry or departure.
- Pickup fee/door-to-door pickup fee (e.g., picking up goods from a factory or warehouse)
- Storage fee (temporary storage, stacking)
- Document processing fee (customs declaration, invoice, packing list)
International transportation fee
The core of transportation costs depends on the mode of transportation.
Customs duty and VAT (if applicable)
These are taxes levied by the destination country’s government and are determined by Mongolian regulations.
- Customs duty: Typically 0%–5% (some products are over 10%)
- Value added tax (VAT): The Mongolian standard is 10%
Mongolian costs
Mongolian customs clearance fees, transportation fees within Mongolia, and delivery fees at the destination.
Shipping Costs from China to Mongolia
Freight costs vary significantly depending on the mode of transport, the weight and volume of the cargo, and the distance traveled. For rail freight, costs vary based on the size of the shipment and the specific services required. Road freight costs are influenced by fuel prices, the type of cargo, and the urgency of the shipment. Air freight, the most expensive option, is charged based on weight and volume.
| Shipping Method | Cost Range | Suitability | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rail Freight | $1,000 – $2,000 | Large shipments, cost-effective for bulk | Cargo size, services required |
| Road Freight | $500 – $1,500 | Medium to large shipments, flexible | Fuel prices, goods type, delivery urgency |
| Air Freight | $8–$15 | High-value or perishable items, fastest | Weight, volume |
Shipping Process from China to Mongolia
While the shipping process from China to Mongolia is not complicated, it involves multiple steps and regulatory bodies. This article will provide a detailed overview to help you better understand time, cost, and compliance risks.
Cargo Preparation
Standard or special packaging (such as wooden boxes, pallets, etc.) is performed based on the cargo’s characteristics, along with labeling and document preparation.
China Export Customs Clearance
The shipper or their authorized customs broker/freight forwarder submits customs documents to China Customs.
Transportation within China
Land transport (trailer or truck) is carried out from the factory or warehouse to the border crossing. Examples include Erlian, Manchuria, and Ceke.
Handover at the China-Mongolia Border Port
Customs and border inspection at the Chinese port inspect the cargo. After export formalities are completed, the cargo enters the port’s transit area, where Mongolian authorities receive the cargo and initiate import clearance procedures.
Mongolian Import Customs Clearance
All documents are submitted to Mongolian Customs. Customs reviews the documents and may conduct random inspections. Incomplete documents or discrepancies between the cargo and the documentation may result in delays and fines.
Cargo Delivery
After customs clearance, the goods are either stored in the warehouse or delivered directly to the consignee.
Documents Required for Customs Clearance in Mongolia
Complete and accurate documentation is essential for smooth customs clearance. Core documents include:
- Commercial Invoice: This must be bilingual (Chinese/English), indicating the transaction amount and crucial for calculating tax.
- Packing List: This details the contents of each box, including gross and net weight, and volume.
- Bill of Lading: This can be a Railway Waybill (CIM) or a Road Waybill (CMR).
- Certificate of Origin: This typically requires Form A or COO issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
- Product Certificate of Conformity and Quality Inspection Report: This applies to specific products such as food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
- Export Declaration: This is prepared by a Chinese export customs broker.
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder?
If you’re shipping from China to Mongolia, a quality freight forwarder is crucial to your project’s success. Consider the following factors when selecting a freight forwarder:
Experience and Reputation
We have dedicated ourselves to the China-Mongolia route for many years, with successful experience transporting similar products and positive customer reviews.
Service Scope
We offer one-stop door-to-door customs clearance (DDP) services, handling all complexities.
Compliance Expertise
We are well-versed in the customs regulations of both China and Mongolia, providing professional tax and documentation guidance.
Communication and Transparency
We provide prompt responses, clear quotes, no hidden fees, and full cargo tracking.
Emergency Response Capabilities
We have the ability to resolve issues such as congestion and inspections at the border.
Shipping from China to Mongolia involves selecting a port, transporting methods, documenting customs clearance, calculating taxes, and more. This article explains how to rationally plan your route, control costs, and partner with a professional freight forwarder to significantly improve transportation efficiency and safety.