Shipping From China To South Africa
With the continuous expansion of trade between China and South Africa, Chinese machinery and equipment, electronic products, textiles, etc. occupy an important position in the South African market. The bilateral trade volume in 2023 is 55.62 billion US dollars, so the demand for shipping from China to South Africa is growing. Whether it is bulk cargo by sea or urgent products by air, choosing the right logistics solution is crucial to ensure that the goods arrive in major ports and cities in South Africa (such as Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg) in a timely and safe manner.
Ubest Shipping focuses on providing a full range of logistics solutions from China to South Africa, helping customers choose the most suitable mode of transportation according to the characteristics of the goods and delivery needs. We not only arrange safe and reliable sea and air transportation services, but also assist customers in efficiently handling customs clearance procedures to ensure that goods can pass through South African customs quickly and reduce unnecessary delays and costs.
What can we do when shipping from China to South Africa?
Sea freight FCL from China to South Africa
- Shipping from China to Durban, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to South Africa
- Consolidate multiple shipments into one container
- Competitive freight rates based on cubic meters or tons
- Collect shipments from different suppliers in different cities
Air freight from China to South Africa
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to South Africa
- Quickly respond to market demand and offer competitive air freight prices
- It takes 2 to 5 days to airfreight from China to Dubai, UAE
Express delivery service from China to South Africa
- Express delivery from China to any city in South Africa
- Super fast, 1 to 3 days to South Africa
- Huge discounts on DHL, UPS, Fedex, TNT, EMS, SF Express
Door to Door Shipping from China to South Africa
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in South Africa
- Including South Africa customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to South Africa
- Provide one-stop service from China to South Africa warehouse
- DDP service, all tariffs and taxes included, reduce cost risks.
- Flexibly choose the mode of transportation to ensure the fast and safe arrival of goods.
Content Guidelines
Guide to Shipping from China to South Africa
The process of shipping goods from China to South Africa involves multiple steps, each of which requires careful planning to ensure smooth transportation.
First, it is crucial to choose the right mode of transportation. Ocean freight is usually suitable for bulk goods and is highly economical, especially when the goods are not in a hurry to be delivered. In contrast, although air freight is more expensive, it provides faster delivery and is suitable for high-value goods with strict time requirements. Evaluating options based on the volume, weight and urgency of delivery of the goods can help you save costs and improve efficiency.
Before shipping, be sure to prepare all necessary documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, transportation contracts, and certificates of origin. These documents are not only necessary for customs clearance, but also reduce potential delays during transportation. In addition, make sure you understand South Africa’s import regulations and tariff policies so that you can make accurate declarations.
Working with an experienced logistics company, such as Ubest Shipping, will greatly simplify this process. We provide full support, including customs clearance and distribution from the shipment of goods to the destination. With a real-time tracking system, you can always understand the status of your goods, ensuring seamless connection and avoiding unnecessary troubles and delays.
Shipping Methods from China to South Africa
Choosing the right shipping method from China to South Africa requires considering the size and weight of your items, how quickly they need to get to your destination, and your budget. You can choose between air, ocean, courier, and delivery-to-door (DDP) services, each with their own advantages.
- Air freight: This is the quickest option and is ideal for situations where time is of the essence. It’s particularly suitable for items that need to arrive quickly, such as fresh food or expensive electronics. While it’s more expensive than other methods, it’s chosen for its speed and reliability.
- Ocean freight: Ocean freight is an affordable option if you’re not in a hurry but need to ship a large amount of goods. Ocean freight is slower but can handle large volumes, making it a preferred choice for bulk shipments. Delays can occur due to weather or port issues, but ocean freight is a reliable and affordable method of shipping.
- Express: For goods that are urgent and not too large, express is a fast and secure method of shipping. It’s faster than ocean freight and can be tracked in real time, but it costs more and has size and weight restrictions. If you’re sending an important item quickly, this may be your best option.
- Door-to-door (DDP) service: This is the least-worry option. The shipping company will take care of everything from pickup to delivery, including customs formalities. This service gives you peace of mind and convenience, but it may cost slightly more.
Each mode of shipping has its advantages, whether it is speed, cost or convenience, so choose the method of shipping from China to South Africa based on the factors that apply to your goods.
Sea Freight from China to South Africa
Sea freight is the main way to transport bulk goods from China to South Africa, especially for cost-sensitive customers. Usually, sea freight departs from major ports in China such as Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen, and the destination covers major ports in South Africa, including Cape Town, Durban and East London. Depending on the different routes, the transit time of sea freight is usually between 25 and 40 days, depending on the distance between the departure port and the destination port and the sailing conditions.
During the sea freight process, customers can choose full container shipping (FCL) or less than container shipping (LCL). FCL shipping is suitable for customers with large cargo volumes, which can ensure that the goods are transported in a dedicated container and reduce the risk of damage to the goods; while LCL shipping allows customers to combine their goods with other customers’ goods in one container for transportation, reducing the transportation cost of a single customer. It is worth noting that no matter which mode of transportation is chosen, it is wise to insure the safety of the goods in transit to prevent accidental losses.
Ubest Shipping provides flexible sea freight solutions, and the professional team will develop the most suitable shipping route for customers and coordinate the shipping schedule. We ensure that you understand all the relevant costs before shipping and provide transparent quotes. Our real-time tracking service allows you to keep track of your shipment and ensure it arrives safely in South Africa.
Major Shipping Ports in South Africa
Port of Durban
Location and Volume: Located in the city of Durban on the east coast of South Africa, the port is a vital artery for international trade, handling more than 3 million TEUs per year.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: The Port of Durban carries out significant trade with major economies such as China, the United States, and India. Its strategic location serves the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, making it a key player in South Africa’s maritime economy.
Port of Richards Bay
Location and Volume: Located in Richards Bay, the port is known for its large coal exports.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Given the port’s dominant position in coal exports, major trading partners include countries that are heavily dependent on coal, such as China, India, and South Korea.
Port of Cape Town
Location and Volume: Located at the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Port of Cape Town is a key international trade port, handling more than 900,000 TEUs per year.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Major trading partners include China, the United States, and Germany. The port plays an important role in the fishing industry and is an important channel for the export of fresh fruit.
Port of Saldanha Bay
Location and throughput: The deepwater port of Saldanha Bay is located on the west coast of South Africa and is the largest natural port in the region, especially known for its iron ore exports.
Major trading partners and strategic importance: Major trading partners that rely heavily on iron ore demand include China, Japan and South Korea.
Port of East London
Location and volume: The Port of East London is located on the southeast coast of South Africa and is a medium-sized port known for its motor vehicle exports.
Major trading partners and strategic importance: The port has fruitful trade relations with the United States, Germany and Japan, based on the automotive industry.
How much does it cost to ship from China to South Africa
Shipping costs from China to South Africa can vary greatly depending on whether you choose to ship by air or sea. Air freight usually costs between US$5 and US$10 per kilogram, sea freight also depends on the container size (20ft or 40ft). For example, shipping a 20ft container from Shenzhen Port to Durban by sea may cost between US$2500 and US$3800. between.
Freight charges for both air and sea freight are determined based on the weight or volume of the cargo, whichever is higher is the billable weight.
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| LCL | $60 – $120 per cubic meter |
| FCL (20-foot container) | $2,500 to $3,800 |
| FCL (40-foot container) | $3,050 to $4,800 |
| Express Shipping (50kg) | $15 per kilogram |
| Air Freight (100kg) | $5 to $10 per kilogram |
There are various costs to consider when shipping from China to South Africa, which are affected by the mode of transportation, cargo size and distance. Additionally, duties, insurance and fuel surcharges can significantly affect the total cost.
Shipping costs of 20ft & 40ft containers from China to South Africa
The average price of shipping a 20-foot container from China to South Africa is between $2,550 and $3,850. The average price of shipping a 40-foot container from China to South Africa is between $3,250 and $4,850. You can refer to the following table:
| POL | POD | Carrier | O/F(USD) | |
| 20GP | 40GP | |||
| Shekou | Durban | CMA | 2900 | 3950 |
| Shekou | Cape Town | EMC | 3000 | 4250 |
| Nansha | Durban | CMA | 2900 | 3950 |
| Shanghai | Durban | CMA | 3300 | 4150 |
| Shanghai | Apapa | ONE | 3400 | 4750 |
| Shanghai | Tema | ONE | 3550 | 4650 |
| Shanghai | Daker | ONE | 3250 | 4550 |
| Ningbo | Durban | CMA | 3300 | 4150 |
| Ningbo | Abidjan | MSK | 3200 | 4300 |
How long does it take to ship from China to South Africa
The time it takes to ship from China to South Africa depends a lot on the mode of transport. Express delivery is the fastest, usually taking 1 to 3 days, but is also the most expensive. Air freight is a close second, with a shipping time of 3 to 7 days. Ocean freight is more economical but takes longer, usually 25 to 45 days, depending on the route and shipping schedule.
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of South Africa) | Shipping time |
| Shanghai | Durban | 26 days |
| Shanghai | Cape Town | 28 days |
| Shenzhen | Durban | 25 days |
| Shenzhen | Cape Town | 26 days |
| Qingdao | Durban | 27 days |
| Qingdao | Cape Town | 30 days |
This shipping time fluctuates based on weather conditions, port congestion, and customs clearance processes.
Air Freight from China to South Africa
Air freight is an ideal option for fast shipping from China to South Africa, especially for goods with a tight delivery schedule. The main departure airports include Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and goods are usually cleared through Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport. Air freight transit time is usually between 3 and 7 days, especially for high-value electronic products, medical equipment and urgent orders.
Although air freight is more expensive, its speed and security are its biggest advantages. To ensure smooth customs clearance, customers need to prepare all relevant documents in advance, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and any other required supporting documents. Efficient communication during the customs clearance process is also very important to ensure that the goods can be cleared in the shortest time.
Ubest Shipping provides efficient air freight services to assist customers in choosing the right flights and the best freight options. We work with a number of airlines to ensure flexible flight options and competitive prices. Our professional team will follow up your cargo transportation throughout the entire process to ensure smooth customs clearance and safe arrival of goods at the destination in the shortest time. Our services are designed to help customers improve supply chain efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Major international airports in South Africa
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB): Located in Johannesburg, this is South Africa’s busiest and largest airport and a major hub for cargo flights.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT): Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, this airport is a key gateway for international trade.
King Shaka International Airport (DUR): Located in Durban, this airport supports a large volume of air cargo, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Door to door shipping from China to South Africa
Door to Door service is a comprehensive shipping solution that simplifies the logistics process by handling the entire journey of your goods from the supplier’s location in China to the final destination in South Africa. This all-inclusive service covers all aspects of the shipping process, including pickup, transportation, customs clearance and final door-to-door delivery.
Door to Door service typically includes:
- Pickup: Collecting the goods from the supplier or manufacturer in China.
- Transportation: Coordinating inland transportation within China and then coordinating international transportation (air or sea) to South Africa.
- Customs Clearance: Processing all necessary customs documents and formalities at the departure and destination points.
- Delivery: Transporting the goods from the South African port or airport to the consignee’s address.
Businesses can choose between DDU and DDP terms when choosing a door-to-door service:
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Under DDU terms, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to the buyer’s location, but the buyer is responsible for paying import duties, taxes, and any additional customs-related fees when the goods arrive.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Under DDP terms, the seller bears all costs and risks of shipping the goods, including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance. This option provides a worry-free experience for buyers.
Different Types of Door-to-Door Shipping from China to South Africa
- LCL Door-to-Door: This service is ideal for smaller shipments that don’t need to fill a single container. Multiple shipments are consolidated into a single container, saving costs and increasing flexibility.
- FCL Door-to-Door: For larger shipments that can fill an entire container, the FCL Door-to-Door service ensures that the goods are shipped exclusively in one container, reducing the risk of damage and providing greater control over the shipping process.
- Air Freight Door-to-Door: This option is suitable for urgent and time-sensitive shipments. Air freight door-to-door service ensures fast and reliable delivery and is ideal for high-value or perishable goods.
DDP Shipping from China to South Africa
DDP stands for “Delivered Duty Paid”. This means that the seller pays all costs associated with the delivery of the goods. These costs include shipping and insurance costs. This is different from FOB (Free on Board), which means that you pay for all costs up to a certain point in time. After this point, the buyer takes over and pays the remaining costs.
DDP shipping is a very popular way to ship goods between South Africa and China, and is used by businesses from all walks of life.
DDP shipping is best suited for Amazon FBA shipping, commercial addresses, and private addresses.
DDP Shipping Costs and Time from China to South Africa
| From | To | Cost | |
| Sea Freight DDP | China | South Africa | $ 190 per cbm |
| Air Freight DDP | China | South Africa | $8 to $15 per kgs |
DDP air freight from China to South Africa takes about 7-10 days.
DDP sea freight from China to South Africa takes 35 to 45 days
Customs Clearance for Shipments from China to South Africa
Goods shipped from China to South Africa must go through customs clearance, which is usually completed within 1-3 days. The customs clearance process requires a series of documents to ensure that the goods pass smoothly through South African customs. Here are the main customs clearance documents:
- Bill of Lading
In the world of international trade, a bill of lading is like your golden ticket. It is an important document that marks the transfer of ownership from your Chinese supplier to your South African business. You can think of it as the passport of your goods from China to South Africa. If you are shipping by air, you will know it as an Air Waybill (AWB). - Packing List
When shipping goods from China to South Africa, your packing list serves as evidence, detailing the specifics of the goods. You can think of it as a resume of the goods – outlining the quantity, description, weight and packaging type of the goods. - Commercial Invoice
When you ship goods from China to South Africa, the commercial invoice plays an important role in ensuring that the goods pass smoothly through customs. This document contains details such as product description, quantity, value and country of origin, which is essential for assessing import duties. - Certificate of Origin
When goods are shipped from China to South Africa, a certificate of origin is essential to verify the “country of origin” of the goods.
Steps to Shipping from China to South Africa
1 Consultation and Quotation
First, contact Ubest Shipping for a quotation consultation. Our experts will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your needs, including cargo type, size, mode of transportation (air, sea or rail), and special requirements. Based on this information, we will provide you with a detailed quotation, which includes a breakdown of costs, estimated shipping time, and additional services (such as insurance and warehousing).
2 Cargo Booking, Preparation, and Shipping
Once the quotation is confirmed, we will book the freight service and work with the Chinese supplier to ensure smooth pickup from the designated location. We promise to pack and mark the goods according to international shipping standards, and choose full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) according to the cargo situation. For air freight, we will be flexible in arranging flight schedules and provide priority handling services when necessary.
3 Documentation, customs clearance, and cargo tracking
Ubest Shipping will fully handle all necessary documents, including commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin, and will be responsible for the customs clearance process at the origin and destination to ensure compliance with various regulatory requirements. Our advanced tracking system allows you to track your cargo in real time until it arrives safely in South Africa.
4 Final Delivery
Once your shipment arrives in South Africa, our team will coordinate inland transportation to your warehouse or distribution center. We ensure that all shipments are delivered safely and on time, and provide you with final delivery confirmation.
With Ubest Shipping’s expertise and full range of services, your shipping journey from China to South Africa will be smooth and efficient. We are committed to providing you with the best shipping experience.
Best Shipping Company from China to South Africa
Choosing the best shipping company from China to South Africa is crucial to ensure that the goods arrive safely and on time. With the rapid growth of China-South Africa trade, companies need a reliable logistics partner to manage the supply chain efficiently. Ubest Shipping is committed to meeting the different needs of customers with its rich industry experience and professional services.
Reputation and industry experience are key factors when choosing a shipping company. A logistics company with a good reputation can provide professional services to ensure the safety and integrity of the goods during transportation. A company that is well aware of the challenges of shipping from China to South Africa can provide tailor-made solutions to ensure that every detail is properly handled.
Transparent fee structure and flexible service options are also important aspects of choosing a shipping company. Ubest Shipping provides clear quotes and a variety of shipping methods, including sea and air freight, to ensure that customers can choose the most suitable option based on the nature of the goods and budget. In addition, real-time tracking services can help customers understand the status of the goods at any time and enhance the transparency of the transportation process.
Finally, excellent customer service cannot be ignored. Ubest Shipping’s professional team maintains close communication with customers, provides customs clearance, insurance and other related support to ensure that customers have no worries during transportation. By choosing Ubest Shipping, you will get efficient supply chain management and a worry-free shipping experience.