Import to China Made Easy
Shipping Goods Into China: By Post, Courier, Air or Sea?
“We know that choosing the best shipping and freight options depends entirely on your specific business requirements. There are several different options, so it helps to think through which method makes sense for your budget and timeline.”
Shipping Methods Into China
There are multiple ways you can choose to ship goods into China. You can send them by ocean freight, air freight, or express courier.
Depending on what you need to ship and where you need to ship it, you might need to consider different options that can be wildly different in freight charges, transit times, and security.
Obviously, we want to help you make the best decision for your budget and shipping needs.
Courier Shipping Into China
If you choose an express courier service like DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT (which is often the most common choice for businesses just starting out), you can rest assured that your package is in good hands.
You want further information about our Express shipping services?
Feel free to contact our Speedline experts, or check our dedicated page.
Air Freight Shipping Into China
Air freight is the next step up. While still fast, it is generally used for heavier shipments that are too expensive for courier services but need to arrive much quicker than sea freight.
Ocean Freight Shipping Into China
Ocean freight is the most cost-effective method for large volume shipments. Transit times are longer, but the savings for bulk orders are substantial.
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About Speedline
Speedline Logistics is a trusted international freight forwarder offering a full range of logistics and transport services. With a strong presence in China and a commitment to efficiency, we ensure stress-free and cost-effective solutions for businesses worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
A company in China must hold an official Import/Export License, Customs Registration (CR) Code, and foreign exchange approval. If you do not have an entity in China, Speedline can provide an Importer of Record (IOR) service to clear and receive goods on your behalf.
China applies a standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate of 13% on manufactured and commercial goods (9% on agricultural goods). Customs duties vary depending on the product’s Harmonized System (HS) code and whether a preferential trade agreement (like CPFTA) applies.
Clearance involves electronic declaration filing via China’s Single Window, Customs Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) commodity evaluation, document validation, payment of customs duties and import VAT, and customs release for domestic transport.
We operate 3 fully equipped warehousing facilities in China located in Yiwu, Guangzhou, and Foshan. Cleared goods can be moved directly to our warehouses for inventory storage, repackaging, and nationwide distribution.
Food and beverages, cosmetics, dietary supplements, medical devices, chemicals, and pre-owned machinery face stringent supervision requiring CIQ pre-market approvals, Chinese label registration, and laboratory inspection.
Standard import documentation includes: Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, Detailed Packing List, Certificate of Origin, sales contract, and product-specific health or conformity certificates.
Bonded logistics zones allow foreign goods to enter China with customs duties and VAT deferred until the goods are formally dispatched into the domestic market. This is widely used for bulk distribution and cross-border e-commerce.
Yes. Following customs clearance at Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou, our domestic transport network coordinates container trucking and express distribution to any city or commercial hub across mainland China.
For standard commercial goods with pre-validated documentation, customs clearance in China typically takes 1 to 3 business days from vessel arrival or cargo discharge.
Ensure precise HS code classification, verify product labeling in Simplified Chinese where mandated, confirm supplier registration on GACC Single Window, and submit accurate commercial invoices without value discrepancies.