The trade relationship between China to India has been growing steadily, with a significant volume of goods being shipped between the two countries. Whether you are a business looking to import goods from China or an individual sending personal items, understanding the various aspects of shipping is crucial. This article will provide detailed information on different shipping methods, costs, transit times, customs clearance, and other related topics to help you make informed decisions when shipping from China to India.
How to Import Goods from China to India
Importing goods from China to India involves several steps. First, you need to identify the products you want to import and ensure they comply with Indian regulations. This includes checking for any restrictions on certain goods, such as those related to safety, health, or trade policies. You can refer to the Indian government’s official websites or consult with trade experts to understand the specific requirements for different product categories.
Next, find reliable Chinese suppliers. You can use online B2B platforms like Alibaba, attend trade fairs in China, or work with sourcing agents. Once you’ve selected a supplier, negotiate the terms of the purchase, including price, quantity, delivery time, and payment methods. It’s important to have a clear contract that outlines the responsibilities of both parties.
After finalizing the purchase, you need to arrange for shipping. This is where the different shipping methods come into play, such as sea freight, air freight, or door-to-door shipping services. You also need to be aware of the customs clearance process in India to ensure a smooth entry of your goods into the country.
How to Ship from China to India
Sea freight from China to India
Sea freight is a popular choice for shipping large volumes of goods due to its cost-effectiveness. There are several major ports in China that serve as departure points for shipments to India. Ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo have excellent infrastructure and are well-connected to manufacturing centers in China. These ports offer regular sailings to Indian ports.
In India, major ports such as Mumbai Port, Chennai Port, and Kolkata Port receive shipments from China. The process of sea freight involves packing the goods into containers (usually 20ft or 40ft containers), loading them onto cargo ships, and transporting them across the sea. The transit time can vary depending on the shipping route and other factors, which we will discuss later.
Air freight from China to India
Air freight is a faster option compared to sea freight and is ideal for time-sensitive and high-value goods. Major airlines operate flights between China and India, connecting major cities and airports. For example, flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport in China to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Chennai International Airport in India are common.
The goods are packaged according to airline regulations and then transported to the airport for loading onto cargo planes. Air freight offers a much shorter transit time, but it comes at a higher cost.
How much does it cost to ship from China to India?
20ft Container Shipping Cost from China to India
The cost of shipping a 20ft container from China to India can vary depending on multiple factors. On average, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500. The origin port in China, the destination port in India, the shipping line used, the time of year (as peak seasons may have higher rates), and the type of goods being shipped all influence the cost. For example, if the goods require special handling, such as refrigeration for perishable items, the cost will be higher.
40ft Container Shipping Cost from China to India
For a 40ft container, the shipping cost is typically higher. It can range from $1,800 to $4,000. Similar to the 20ft container, factors like the origin and destination ports, shipping line, season, and nature of the goods affect the cost. Special handling requirements for certain types of cargo can also lead to additional charges.
Shipping Charges from China to India
The overall shipping charges from China to India include not only the container shipping costs but also other expenses such as terminal handling charges, documentation fees, and customs clearance fees. These additional costs can vary depending on the shipping method (sea or air freight), the specific ports involved, and the services provided by the shipping company or freight forwarder.
| From (China) | To (India) | FCL (20ft container) | FCL (40ft container) | LCL (per cubic meter) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Mumbai | $1,000 – $1,200 | $1,800 – $2,500 | $45 – $65 |
| Guangzhou | Chennai | $1,200 – $1,400 | $1,700 – $2,300 | $40 – $60 |
| Shenzhen | Kolkata | $1,150 – $1,450 | $1,750 – $2,350 | $45 – $65 |
| Ningbo | New Delhi | $1,250 – $1,550 | $2,000 – $2,700 | $42 – $62 |
| Qingdao | Bangalore | $1,300 – $1,600 | $2,000 – $2,800 | $45 – $65 |
Air Freight Rates from China to India Per KG
The air freight rates from China to India per kilogram can range from $3 to $10. The actual rate depends on various factors. The type of goods being shipped is a key determinant. High-value or specialized goods usually attract higher rates. Airlines calculate the chargeable weight based on either the actual weight or the volumetric weight (calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package and dividing by a specific factor). The airline carrier, the specific route flown, and any additional services required, such as temperature-controlled storage or expedited handling, also contribute to the overall cost.
| From City (China) | To City (India) | Cost for 1 kg (USD) | Cost for 100 kg (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | New Delhi | 10 | 700 |
| Shanghai | Mumbai | 10.5 | 750 |
| Guangzhou | Bangalore | 11 | 720 |
| Shenzhen | Kolkata | 9 | 760 |
| Chengdu | Hyderabad | 10 | 730 |
| Wuhan | Chennai | 11 | 705 |
| Xi’an | Ahmedabad | 11.5 | 780 |
| Tianjin | Pune | 9 | 715 |
DDP Shipping Cost From China To India
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping means that the seller takes on the responsibility of all costs and risks associated with delivering the goods to the destination in India, including paying all import duties, taxes, and other fees. The DDP shipping cost from China to India will be higher than regular shipping costs as it includes these additional expenses. The exact cost depends on the value and type of goods, the shipping method used, and the specific customs duties and taxes applicable in India.
| From | To | Transit time | LCL cost | |
| Sea Freight DDP | China | India | 15 to 20 days | $ 200 per cbm |
| Air Freight DDP | China | India | 7 to 10 days | $8.5 to 12.00 per kgs |
How long does it take to ship from China to India?
Sea freight time from China to India
The transit time for sea freight from China to India typically ranges from 10 to 20 days. However, this can be affected by various factors. The shipping route chosen by the carrier is a significant factor. Some routes may make stops at other ports along the way for loading or unloading additional cargo, which can extend the journey. Weather conditions during the voyage can also cause delays. Storms, rough seas, or adverse weather patterns in the Indian Ocean can slow down the ship’s progress. Additionally, port congestion at either the origin or destination ports can lead to longer waiting times for the vessel to berth and unload.
| From Port (China) | To Port (India) | Standard Shipping Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Mumbai | 12-20 |
| Shenzhen | Mumbai | 14-22 |
| Guangzhou | Mumbai | 15-23 |
| Shanghai | Chennai | 15-25 |
| Shenzhen | Chennai | 14-24 |
| Guangzhou | Chennai | 16-26 |
| Shanghai | Kolkata | 18-28 |
| Shenzhen | Kolkata | 20-30 |
| Guangzhou | Kolkata | 20-30 |
Air freight time from China to India
Air freight from China to India is much faster. The typical transit time is between 2 to 5 days. Direct flights will obviously be quicker, but even with layovers or connections, air freight offers a significant time advantage over sea freight. However, it’s important to note that the shorter transit time comes at a higher cost.
| From (China) | To (India) | Estimated Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | New Delhi | 2-4 |
| Shanghai | Mumbai | 2-4 |
| Guangzhou | Chennai | 2-5 |
| Shenzhen | Kolkata | 2-5 |
| Chengdu | Bangalore | 3-7 |
Cheapest Shipping from China to India
Determining the cheapest shipping option from China to India depends on several factors. In general, for large volumes of non-time-sensitive goods, sea freight is usually the cheapest option. The cost per unit of cargo is lower for sea freight compared to air freight. For example, if you are shipping bulky furniture or large quantities of consumer goods, sea freight using a 20ft or 40ft container would be more cost-effective.
However, for small shipments or time-sensitive and high-value items, air freight may be the better option despite its higher cost per kilogram. If you need to get a small quantity of high-tech electronics or urgent business documents to India quickly, air freight would be the way to go.
DOOR TO DOOR SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO India
Door-to-door shipping provides a convenient and comprehensive solution for shippers. In this service, the shipping company takes care of everything from picking up the goods at the sender’s location in China to delivering them to the recipient’s address in India. This includes transportation, handling, customs clearance, and local delivery.
The cost of door-to-door shipping will include all these services and may be higher than just the basic shipping cost. However, it offers great convenience, especially for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of coordinating different aspects of the shipping process.
How to clear customs in India for shipped goods
Clearing customs in India for shipped goods involves several steps. First, the importer needs to prepare all the necessary documents, which we will discuss in the next section. These documents are submitted to the Indian customs authorities.
The customs officers will then assess the goods based on the provided information. They will check the classification of the goods according to the Harmonized System (HS) codes, which determine the applicable import duties and taxes. The goods may also be subject to physical inspection, especially if there is any suspicion of non-compliance or if the goods are of a particular type that requires inspection.
After the assessment and inspection, if everything is in order, the importer needs to pay the applicable import duties and taxes. Once the payment is made, the goods are cleared for release and can be distributed within India.
Documents Required for Customs Clearance in India
When shipping goods from China to India, several documents are required for customs clearance. These include:
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice provides details of the goods being shipped, including the description, quantity, value, and terms of sale. It is used by the customs authorities to assess the duties and taxes applicable to the shipment.
Packing List
The packing list details the contents of each package or container. It lists the item description, quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item. This helps the customs officers to verify the contents of the shipment and ensure compliance with import regulations.
Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight)
The bill of lading (for sea freight) serves as a receipt for the goods loaded onto the ship, a contract between the shipper and the carrier, and a document of title. The air waybill (for air freight) performs similar functions. It provides details of the shipment, the shipper, the consignee, and the airline carrier.
Certificate of Origin
The Certificate of Origin indicates the country where the goods were manufactured. It may be required to determine eligibility for preferential trade agreements or to assess import duties based on the origin of the products.
Other Documents
Depending on the nature of the goods, additional documents may be required. For example, if the goods are food products, a health certificate may be necessary. If the goods are hazardous materials, relevant safety certificates and handling instructions may be required.
Freight Forwarder China to India
Freight forwarders play a crucial role in the shipping process from China to India. They have in-depth knowledge of the shipping industry, including the best routes, shipping lines, and customs regulations. A good freight forwarder can handle all aspects of logistics, including booking cargo space, preparing documentation, arranging for pickup and delivery, and coordinating with customs authorities.
When choosing a freight forwarder, look for one with experience in the China to India trade route, a good reputation, and a wide network of partners. They should be able to provide you with accurate quotes, timely updates on the shipment’s progress, and reliable service throughout the shipping process.
Get a Quote
To get an accurate quote for shipping from China to India, you need to provide detailed information to the shipping company or freight forwarder. This includes:
Type of Goods
Describe the nature of the goods you are shipping. Are they perishable, hazardous, high-value, or general merchandise? Different types of goods have different handling requirements and may attract different rates. For example, shipping hazardous materials will require special packaging and handling, which can increase the cost.
Quantity and Weight
Specify the quantity of the goods and their inductor weight. This information is crucial for calculating the cost, especially for air freight where the chargeable weight concept is used. If you are shipping a large volume of goods, sea freight options may be more cost-effective.
Dimensions of Packages
Provide the dimensions of the packages. This is important for both air and sea freight. In air freight, the volumetric weight may be calculated based on the package dimensions. In sea freight, it helps determine how the goods can be efficiently loaded into containers.
Origin and Destination Addresses
Clearly state the pickup address in China and the delivery address in India. This includes details such as city, province, and specific street addresses. The location can affect the cost, as transportation to and from certain areas may have different charges.
Desired Shipping Date and Time Sensitivity
Let the shipping company know when you want the goods to be shipped and if there’s a specific time sensitivity. If you need urgent delivery, air freight or express services may be more suitable, but they come at a higher cost.
By providing all this information, you can obtain a more accurate quote that takes into account all the relevant factors for your shipment from China to India.
Conclusion
Shipping from China to India involves a complex set of decisions regarding shipping methods, costs, transit times, customs clearance, and the choice of freight forwarder. By understanding these aspects and providing accurate information when seeking a quote, you can ensure a smooth and efficient shipping process, facilitating the continued growth of trade between the two countries.
