Shipping from China to South Africa

Shipping from China to South Africa | Sea, Air, Express, DDP Cost & Transit Time

This comprehensive guide provides a breakdown of the essentials, empowering you to make informed choices and ensure your goods’ safe and timely arrival. Explore a wealth of knowledge on importing goods from China to South Africa, including customs regulations, freight forwarders, etc.

 

How to import goods from China to South Africa?

1. Sourcing cargos:

The initial step is to locate suppliers of high-demand items. You can accomplish this through the following channels:

Alibaba; Made-in-China.com; Hongkong Fair ; Canton Fair
Identifying multiple suppliers can increase your chances of obtaining a competitive price. Analyzing a more comprehensive price range can gauge the potential profit margin.

2. Find a reliable freight forwarder

A reliable freight forwarder can ensure smooth and efficient shipping operations for your importing business.

3. Place your order

Place your order with a reliable supplier who offers the best quality items at the lowest price to expand your profit margin. Depending on your platform, make sure your order is confirmed. Also, ensure you understand the terms and conditions of the sale before paying.

4. Secure packing & prepare import documentation

Pack your items securely and have all the necessary documents prepared to ensure stress-free transportation.

5. Track your delivery
Live online tracking can keep you informed of the precise location of your shipment throughout the shipping process

6. Sign for your cargo
Ensure that you are available to receive your goods once the cargo arrives.

Import duties from China to South Africa

When importing products from China to South Africa, like in any other country, you are required to pay customs duty to the South African government. This duty can range from 0% (free) up to 60%, depending on the product. The customs department uses tariffs, identified by HS codes (tariff numbers), to categorize products and determine the duty that the importer must pay.

For instance, if you’re importing women’s suits from China, a 40% customs duty applies. This means that if the total value of your import is approximately 1,000 ZAR, the customs duty will increase the total cost to 1,400 ZAR.

The complete tariff list is on the SARS official website, which allows you to check the import duties for various products from China to South Africa.

Calculating Customs Duty in South Africa

In South Africa, the customs duty on imported goods includes not only the primary duty but also anti-dumping and countervailing duties, as well as value-added tax (VAT). This means that if a product has a customs duty of 20% according to the tariff list, you must also account for any applicable anti-dumping duties and VAT.

Example: Importing Women’s Jackets from China to South Africa
Suppose you are importing 100 women’s jackets from China to South Africa, with each coat costing 10 ZAR, bringing the total value to 10,000 ZAR. The anti-dumping duty is 0%, and the VAT is 15%. Here’s how to calculate the overall customs duty:

1. Calculate customs Duty:
Customs Duty= Goods Value x Customs Duty Rate
Customs Duty=10,000ZARx45%=4,500 ZAR
This means the customs duty, excluding VAT, is 4,500 ZAR.

2. Calculate Value-Added Tax (VAT):

VAT =(Goods Value + Customs Duty)x 15%
VAT=(10,000+4,500)x15%=2,175 ZAR

Therefore, you need to pay 2,175 ZAR as VAT.

3. Calculate Total Duty:

Total Duty=Customs Duty+VAT=4,500+2,175=6,675 ZAR
Thus, the total duty, including both customs duty and VAT, for importing 100 units of women’s jackets at a total price of 10,000 ZAR will be 6,675 ZAR.

Sea freight China to South Africa

Sea freight offers significant cost savings compared to air freight, making it ideal for shipping bulk goods and heavy cargo such as machines while also having a lower environmental impact. Not only that, the low price of sea freight is also one of its main advantages, with prices varying based on container size FCL or LCL and shipping contracts. Sea freight time from China to South Africa usually ranges from 20 to 40 days, influenced by the route, seasonal factors, and port efficiency. The shipping routes from China to South Africa connect significant ports in China, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, with South African ports like Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth, serving as vital supply chains for global trade.

 

Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping

FCL shipping is the most cost-effective choice for larger shipments. It involves booking a full container (20ft or 40ft) exclusively for your goods. This option suits businesses shipping large goods, allowing for better economies of scale.

Less than a Container Load (LCL) Shipping

LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping is a cost-effective option for small businesses and individuals shipping more miniature goods. With LCL, you only pay for the space your goods occupy within a container. A freight forwarder consolidates multiple shipments into one container for shipping to South Africa. It’s an efficient solution for smaller shipment volumes.

Sea freight rates from China to South Africa

Sea freight rates from China to South Africa usually range from US$25 to US$100 per cubic meter (CBM) under normal conditions. However, the actual rate can vary depending on factors such as the shipping line, container size (full container load or less than container load), route, and current market conditions.

For FCL shipping rate:

• 20GP Rates: Shipping a 20-foot container typically costs US$1,560 to US$1,750.
• 40HQ Rates: A 40-foot High Cube (40HQ) container costs approximately US$2650 for larger shipments.

How long does sea freight take from China?

Sea freight from China to South Africa usually takes 20-26 days, but the duration can vary based on the departure and arrival ports and other factors, like the season.

The estimated transit time for shipping between China and South Africa can be summarized in the table below:

Port of departure	Port of arrival	Transit time
Shanghai	Durban	22 days
Shanghai	Cape Town	27 days
Shenzhen	Durban	17 days
Shenzhen	Cape Town	22 days
Tianjin	Durban	26 days
Tianjin	Cape Town	38 days
Qingdao	Durban	24 days
Qingdao	Cape Town	26 days
Ningbo	Durban	21 days
Ningbo	Cape Town	24 days
Xiamen	Durban	21 days
Xiamen	Cape Town	27 days

Main Seaports in China

With its vast size and extensive coastline, China is home to numerous seaports that serve as global conduits. Acquainting yourself with these ports can enhance the efficiency of your shipping planning.

Understanding the layout of China’s ports can provide a strategic advantage in planning your shipping logistics, given the country’s extensive coastline and numerous connections to the rest of the world.

•  Port of Shanghai
• Port of Shenzhen
• Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
• Port of Hong Kong
• Port of Guangzhou
• Port of Qingdao
• Port of Tianjin
• Port of Xiamen

Main Seaports in South Africa

South Africa is home to many vital ports, and we look at some of them here.

• Cape Town: The Port of Cape Town in South Africa is a busy and strategically located port along a major trade route. It is the second-largest container port in the country after Durban.

• Port of Elizabeth: The Port of Elizabeth, also known as Gqeberha, is a significant seaport in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
• Port of Durban: Durban is the busiest port in South Africa. It annually manages approximately 2.8 million TEUs, accounting for 60% of all imports into the country. 
• Saldanha Bay: Saldanha Bay is a recently established port initially built to serve the nearby iron ore mines.
• Richards Bay: Richards Bay is a South African port specializing in coal exports. 

Air freight from China to South Africa

The demand for air freight services from China to South Africa is rising due to its speed and convenience. While air shipping is typically more expensive than sea freight, it offers a quicker alternative for those requiring prompt delivery of their goods.

How long does air freight take from China to South Africa?

Standard air freight shipping from China to South Africa generally takes 8-10 days for delivery. However, for those who require even faster delivery, express delivery courier services are available, which can get the items to their destination within a couple of days.

Air freight rates from China to South Africa

“Air freight is a cost-effective option for shipping goods from China to South Africa, with a door-to-door cost ranging from $4 to $7.9 per kg”.

The air freight rates comprise various charges and surcharges, including air freight charges, fuel surcharges, security fees, terminal fees, and other applicable fees. Individual airlines determine these charges based on their operational expenses, which will change to align with market fluctuations, seasonal factors, international oil prices, and other variables.

The calculation of air freight charges is based on the weight of the shipment multiplied by the cost per kilogram. Fuel surcharges are applied at a fixed rate per kilogram, which fluctuates regularly based on international oil prices. Therefore, the specific surcharges and their rates may vary between airlines, potentially changing monthly or weekly.

Main Airports in South Africa

The following section looks at some of the major international airports in South Africa. 

• Cape Town: Cape Town Airport is the second busiest airport in South Africa and one of the busiest on the continent.
• O.R. Tambo/Johannesburg: O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg sees an impressive flow of over 20 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports on the African continent.
• King Shaka/Durban: King Shaka Airport, opened in 2010, is highly regarded for its excellent facilities and services.
• Kimberley: Compared to the other airports, Kimberley Airport serves the Northern Cape region of South Africa.

Express Shipping from China to South Africa:

Express shipping offers fast and simple door-to-door service for smaller quantities of goods from China to your business address. However, it comes at a higher cost and may not be suitable for larger or bulkier items. Contact us for clarification on whether your goods qualify for express shipping.

FedEx Express :

FedEx, an express delivery company in the US, offers services worldwide. When utilizing FedEx courier services for shipments from China to South Africa, the estimated transit time is typically around 2-3 days.

UPS Express:

UPS Express is a reliable and efficient shipping service that ships goods from China to South Africa and offers a range of express shipping options tailored to meet different delivery needs.

Aramex Express:

Aramex is a global logistics company specializing in express delivery services. With a presence in over 65 countries, Aramex offers reliable and efficient door-to-door delivery. Consider Aramex Express for shipping from China to South Africa.

DHL Express from China to South Africa

DHL is the largest courier service provider globally. It offers a wide range of international shipping services, including delivery from China to South Africa. Whether you need to send documents, small packages, or large shipments, DHL can facilitate seamless delivery to South Africa and ensure comprehensive coverage across South Africa, making it easy to reach your desired destination.

DHL prices from China to South Africa

It provides various shipping options, each with its own pricing structure. The cost of sending packages from China to South Africa with DHL depends on several factors, such as package size, weight, delivery speed, and the specific DHL service chosen.

NewSmartShip is dedicated to transparency and competitive pricing, ensuring you receive the best rates for DHL shipments between China and South Africa. Our user-friendly customer service lets you acquire shipping prices in real time, enabling you to make informed decisions and optimize your shipping budget.

How long does DHL take from China to South Africa?

The shipping time for a package sent via DHL from China to South Africa can vary based on several factors, including the specific DHL service selected (e.g., DHL Express Worldwide or DHL eCommerce), the origin and destination locations within China and South Africa, customs clearance processes, and potential unforeseen delays such as weather disruptions.

DHL Express Worldwide is one of the fastest options, delivering packages from China to South Africa in as little as 1-4 business days. This expedited service emphasizes speed and efficiency.

In contrast, if you opt for DHL eCommerce, the shipping time may be longer, generally ranging from 5 to 14 business days or more, depending on the service level chosen and the specifics of the package.

DDP shipping from China to South Africa

DDP (Door-to-door 、D2D) is a popular shipping method from China to South Africa. In this method, the consignee must be present at the designated delivery address to receive the shipment and provide a signature upon delivery. The shipping company assumes responsibility for any potential damages or losses during transit.

DDP shipping from China to South Africa can be conducted via sea or air freight, providing flexibility in transportation options. To facilitate the export of goods from China, you must prepare the necessary documents for your Chinese factory to complete. The shipping method is highly secure as it eliminates the need for third-party involvement, ensuring a smooth and successful delivery of goods.

DDP Shipping Transit Time From China To South Africa

• Air freight DDP door-to-door shipping from China to South Africa takes 9-12 days.
• Sea freight DDP door-to-door shipping from China to South Africa takes 40-45 days

Custom clearance South Africa:

The South African customs system employs a harmonized system for customs classification. South African Revenue Service (SARS) assigns approximately 90,000 product codes to all imported goods. Import clearance requires the submission of a document known as the Single Administrative Document (SAD).

To obtain an SAD, you must submit your shipping documents, including a bill of lading, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and packing list. The SARS website provides a comprehensive list of the necessary documents.

Documents required for shipping from China to South Africa

When importing from China to South Africa, you will need the following documents for passing South African customs:

• Bill of lading
• Packing list
• Commercial invoice
• Certificate of Origin

FAQ

What is the best way to import from China to South Africa?

Sea freight is generally the most cost-effective method for shipping goods from China to South Africa. However, the cost-effectiveness also depends on the size of the goods being transported. In some cases, air freight shipping can be more economical for goods weighing less than 100kg.

How much is it to ship from China to South Africa?

The cost to ship from China to South Africa varies based on the shipping method and service type. Sea freight is generally more affordable, with rates ranging from US$25 to US$100 per cubic meter (CBM) for large or heavy shipments. Faster air freight typically costs between US$5 and US$10 per kilogram. DHL Express Worldwide, known for its speed, can cost between US$100 and US$300 or more depending on the package, while DHL eCommerce offers a more economical but slower option. Costs also depend on package size, weight, and any additional services. You can also contact NewSmartShip customer service to get free, accurate shipping rates.

How much is import tax in South Africa from China?

In South Africa, import duties and taxes on goods from China include customs duty, which varies by product type and can range from 0% to 30% of the value, and VAT at 15% on the customs value plus customs duty. Excise duty may apply to certain items like alcohol and tobacco, with rates depending on the product. Additional fees for handling, storage, and clearance may also apply. For precise rates and details, it’s best to consult the South African Revenue Service or a customs broker.

How long is shipping from China to South Africa?

Shipping from China to South Africa generally takes:

• Sea Freight: Approximately 20 to 30 days, depending on the ports of departure and arrival, the shipping route, and potential delays.
• Air Freight: Typically 3 to 7 days, based on the service level and specific routes.

For courier services:

• DHL Express Worldwide: Usually delivers in 1 to 4 business days, offering a fast and efficient option.
• FedEx International Priority: Typically takes 2 to 5 business days, providing reliable and expedited delivery.

Transit times can vary due to factors like weather conditions, customs processing, and the efficiency of the carrier.