How to Import from China to Philippines
Importing goods from China to Philippines requires careful planning and adherence to various procedures. First, identify the products you wish to import. Conduct market research to ensure there is demand for the items in the Philippine market. It’s crucial to be aware of any restrictions or regulations regarding the import of specific goods. The Philippine Bureau of Customs has specific guidelines for different product categories.
Next, find reliable Chinese suppliers. You can use online business – to – business platforms, attend trade fairs in China, or work with local sourcing agents. Once you’ve selected a supplier, negotiate the terms of the contract, including price, quantity, quality standards, delivery time, and payment terms. Ensure that the contract clearly states the responsibilities of both parties.
Before shipping, obtain the necessary import licenses or permits if required. Some products, such as certain food items, pharmaceuticals, or hazardous materials, may need specific approvals. Prepare all the required documentation for customs clearance, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.
Sea freight from China to Philippines
Sea freight is a commonly used and cost – effective option for shipping large volumes of goods. In China, major ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo are key departure points. These ports have state – of – the – art infrastructure, including advanced container handling facilities and connections to extensive inland transportation networks.
From these ports, ships transport goods across the South China Sea to the Philippines. In the Philippines, ports such as the Port of Manila and the Port of Cebu are major destinations. The Port of Manila, being one of the busiest in the country, has the capacity to handle a large number of containers and various types of cargo.
Shipping lines offer different types of containers for sea freight. Standard 20 – foot and 40 – foot containers are widely used. A 20 – foot container is suitable for smaller shipments or when the volume of goods is limited. A 40 – foot container can hold a much larger quantity of cargo and is ideal for bulk shipments. For example, if you’re importing furniture or consumer electronics in large quantities, a 40 – foot container would be more appropriate.
Shipping time from China to Philippines
The shipping time for sea freight from China to the Philippines usually ranges from 7 to 15 days. However, this can be affected by multiple factors. The specific shipping route chosen by the carrier is a significant determinant. Some routes may involve more stops at intermediate ports for loading or unloading other cargo, which can extend the journey.
| Manila | Cebu | Batangas | Davao | |
| Hong Kong/Shenzhen | 9 days | 10 days | 9 days | 11 days |
| Shanghai | 10 days | 11 days | 10 days | 12 days |
| Ningbo | 10 days | 11 days | 10 days | 12 days |
| Xiamen | 9 days | 10 days | 9 days | 11 days |
| Qingdao | 11 days | 12 days | 11 days | 13 days |
| Dalian | 7 days | 8 days | 7 days | 9 days |
| Tianjin | 12 days | 13 days | 12 days | 14 days |
Weather conditions also play a crucial role. The South China Sea can experience typhoons and rough seas during certain seasons. These adverse weather conditions can force ships to slow down, change course, or even take shelter in nearby ports, resulting in delays. Additionally, port congestion at either the origin or destination ports can cause significant hold – ups. High traffic volume, labor strikes, or mechanical issues at the ports can lead to longer waiting times for vessels to berth and unload.
Shipping Container Cost From China to Philippines
The cost of shipping a container from China to the Philippines varies depending on several elements. For a 20 – foot container, the cost can range from approximately $800 to $2,000. For a 40 – foot container, it usually falls between $1,500 and $3,500.
| Port in China | Port inPhilippine | Container Cost (20’FT) | Container Cost (40’FT) | LCL Cost (Per CBM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tianjin | Manila | $450 | $650 | $30-$45 |
| Qingdao | Manila | $400 | $600 | $30-$45 |
| Shenzhen | Manila | $380 | $580 | $30-$50 |
| Shanghai | Manila | $380 | $580 | $30-$50 |
| Ningbo | Manila | $350 | $540 | $30-$45 |
The origin port in China affects the cost. Ports with higher operating costs or those located in areas with more expensive inland transportation may charge more. The destination port in the Philippines also matters. The Port of Manila may have different handling and docking fees compared to other ports.
The type of goods being shipped is another factor. Special cargo requirements, such as refrigeration for perishable items or extra security for high – value goods, will increase the cost. Additionally, market conditions, including fluctuations in fuel prices and container availability, can impact the overall shipping cost. During peak shipping seasons, prices may be higher due to increased demand.
Express freight per KG from Philippines to China
Express freight services from the Philippines to China are designed for small – volume, high – priority shipments. These services are typically charged per kilogram. The cost per kilogram can range from $5 to $15, depending on the express company, the specific route, and the nature of the goods.
| Carrier | Weight | Price Range(USD) | Weight | Price Range(USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHL | ≥21kgs | 3.5-5.5/KG | ≥100kgs | 3.1-4.5/KG |
| FedEx | ≥21kgs | 2.9-5.7/KG | ≥100kgs | 2.5-3.8/KG |
| UPS | ≥21kgs | 2.7-4.5/KG | ≥100kgs | 2.1-3.6/KG |
Express freight offers fast delivery times, usually within 3 – 7 days. It’s ideal for urgent business documents, small electronic components, or high – value samples. Companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS operate in this market. They have extensive global networks and advanced logistics systems that enable quick and reliable transportation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Shipping from China to Philippines
Advantages
- Speed: The most significant advantage of air shipping is its speed. The transit time from China to the Philippines is usually between 2 to 5 days. This is crucial for time – sensitive goods such as perishable items (e.g., fresh seafood, flowers), high – tech products (e.g., new smartphone models), and urgent business documents.
- Security: Airports have strict security measures in place. This reduces the risk of theft, damage, or tampering during transit. Airlines also have advanced tracking systems, allowing shippers to monitor the location and status of their shipments in real – time.
- Reduced Inventory Costs: For businesses, faster shipping means they can maintain lower inventory levels. Goods can be ordered and received more quickly, reducing the need to stock large amounts of inventory.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Air shipping is significantly more expensive than sea freight. The cost per kilogram is much higher, making it less viable for large – volume or low – value goods. The overall cost can be prohibitive for some businesses, especially those with tight profit margins.
- Limited Capacity: Airplanes have limited cargo space compared to ships. This restricts the volume and size of goods that can be shipped. Large, bulky items may not be suitable for air transport unless they can be disassembled or are of high value to justify the cost.
- Dependence on Airport Infrastructure: Air shipping relies on the efficiency of airports at both the origin and destination. Delays due to airport congestion, bad weather affecting flight schedules, or technical issues with aircraft can disrupt the shipping schedule.
Main airports from China to Philippines.
In China, major airports serving flights to the Philippines include Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which has extensive international flight connections and modern cargo facilities. It can handle a large volume of air freight and has specialized terminals for different types of goods. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is also significant, especially for shipments originating from southern China. It has a wide range of domestic and international connections and offers efficient cargo handling services.
In the Philippines, Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is the primary airport for international cargo arrivals. It has dedicated cargo areas with the necessary infrastructure to handle various types of air freight. Mactan – Cebu International Airport also plays an important role, especially for handling shipments destined for the Visayas region. It has seen significant growth in recent years and has improved its cargo handling capabilities.
Main airports in the Philippines
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the busiest and most important airport in the country. It consists of several terminals, each handling different types of flights. Terminal 3, for example, has modern facilities for handling international passengers and cargo. The airport has a large cargo complex that processes a wide variety of goods, including perishable items, electronics, and high – value products.
| Airport | Manila | Davao | Malingao | Quezon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong kong | 2 to 4 days | 2 to 5 days | 2 to 5 days | 2 to 4 days |
| Beijing | 4 to 5 days | 5 to 7 days | 5 to 7 days | 4 to 5 days |
| Guangzhou | 2 to 4 days | 2 to 5 days | 2 to 5 days | 2 to 4 days |
| Shenzhen | 2 to 4 days | 2 to 5 days | 2 to 5 days | 2 to 4 days |
| Shanghai | 3 to 5 days | 5 to 7 days | 3 to 5 days | 3 to 4 days |
| Ningbo | 3 to 4 days | 3 to 4 days | 3 to 5 days | 3 to 4 days |
| Qingdao | 3 to 5 days | 3 to 5 days | 3 to 5 days | 4 to 5 days |
Mactan – Cebu International Airport is another major airport in the Philippines. It serves as a key gateway to the central and southern parts of the country. It has seen an increase in air traffic and cargo volume in recent years. The airport has expanded its cargo facilities to accommodate the growing demand for air freight, making it an important destination for goods shipped from China, especially for businesses operating in the Cebu region and nearby areas.
Air freight time from China to Philippines
As mentioned earlier, the air freight time from China to the Philippines typically ranges from 2 to 5 days. Direct flights will naturally be quicker, but even with layovers, the overall transit time is much shorter than sea freight. However, this can be affected by factors such as flight schedules, airline routing, and potential delays at airports. For example, during peak travel seasons, there may be more competition for flight slots, which could lead to longer waiting times for cargo to be loaded onto flights.
Air freight Cost from China to Philippines
The cost of air freight from China to the Philippines is relatively high. On average, the cost per kilogram can range from $4 to $10. The actual cost depends on several factors. The type of goods being shipped is a key determinant. High – value or specialized goods, such as medical equipment or luxury items, may attract higher rates. The weight and volume of the shipment also play a role. 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). Additionally, the airline carrier, the specific route flown, and any additional services required, such as temperature – controlled storage or expedited handling, can impact the cost.
| City | Weight(KG) | Price Range(USD) | Weight(KG) | Price Range(USD) | Weight(KG) | Price Range(USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila | 45+ | 2.8-3.5/KG | 100+ | 2.2-3.1/KG | 300+ | 1.8-2.5/KG |
| Davao | 45+ | 3.5-4.2/KG | 100+ | 3.2-4.0/KG | 300+ | 2.8-3.7/KG |
| Batangas | 45+ | 3.7-4.6/KG | 100+ | 3.3-4.2/KG | 300+ | 2.9-4.0/KG |
Door To Door Shipping From China To Philippines
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 the Philippines. This includes transportation, handling, customs clearance, and local delivery.
For example, if you’re a small – business owner in the Philippines importing goods from a Chinese supplier, door – to – door shipping eliminates the need for you to coordinate with multiple parties for different stages of the shipping process. The shipping company will handle all the logistics, making the process much simpler. However, it’s important to note that the cost of door – to – door shipping will include all these services and may be higher than just the basic shipping cost.
DDP Shipping From China To Philippines
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 the Philippines, including paying all import duties, taxes, and other fees. This provides the buyer with a more straightforward and hassle – free shipping experience.
For the buyer, this eliminates the complexity of dealing with customs duties and taxes, as they are already included in the price paid to the seller. However, for the seller, it requires a thorough understanding of Philippine customs regulations and the ability to accurately calculate and manage these costs. This mode of shipping is particularly beneficial for businesses that want to provide a seamless purchasing experience for their customers in the Philippines.
Get a Quote
To get an accurate quote for shipping from China to the Philippines, 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’re 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 weight. This information is crucial for calculating the cost, especially for air freight where the chargeable weight concept is used. If you’re 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 the Philippines. 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 the Philippines.
