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 in South Africa

All imports are subject to a 14% VAT (Value Added Tax) based on the FOB (Free on Board) value, along with an additional 10% surcharge on that amount.

When budgeting for transportation expenses, it’s crucial to consider the following factors:

Logistics costs involved in importing from China to South Africa:

• Customs Broker Fees: Consider the costs of hiring a customs broker to handle the necessary paperwork and ensure compliance with import regulations during the clearance process.
• Chinese Freight Forwarder Expenses: Factor in the expenses of engaging a Chinese freight forwarder to transport goods from China to South Africa.

Duty Charges in South Africa:
Southern African Customs Union (SACU) members, such as South Africa, Swaziland, and Namibia, are subject to the same excise duties and taxes. In South Africa, duty charges typically range between 0% and 45%, depending on the imported product. The average customs duty rate in South Africa generally is around 18.74%.

For detailed information about import taxes in South Africa, please visit the official website of the South African Government.

 

Sea shipping from China to South Africa

 

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 cost from China to South Africa

When shipping goods from China to South Africa, understanding the cost of sea freight is essential for effective budgeting and selecting the most economical shipping option. Consider the following information:

• 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.
• Factors Affecting Cost: The final shipping cost is influenced by several factors, such as the choice of carrier and seasonal demand. The standard rate per cubic meter (CBM) is typically around US$30 but can vary depending on specific shipment details.

How long is sea shipping from China to South Africa?

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, the busiest port in South Africa, 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 cost 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 cost of air freight comprises various charges and surcharges, including air freight charges, fuel surcharges, security fees, terminal fees, and other applicable fees. These charges are determined by individual airlines based on their operational expenses, which will be changed 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.

DHL Express :

DHL’s global express shipping offers reliable delivery within 3-5 business days for urgent shipments from China to South Africa.

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.

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 cheapest shipping method 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 can I avoid paying customs in South Africa?

All goods shipped from China to South Africa are subject to Customs procedures and fees. It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure the payment of these fees, as failure to do so will result in clearance issues.

One way to avoid paying Customs fees directly is by opting for DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping. With DDP shipping, the supplier or freight forwarder takes care of the customs costs on your behalf. This can provide a convenient solution for handling customs and associated expenses.

How much are customs fees from China to South Africa?

Imported products into South Africa are subject to a charge ranging from 0% to 45%, with an average rate of approximately 18%. Certain products, such as computer accessories and electronics, often have charges below 20%. Visit the South African Revenue Service’s website for detailed and accurate information regarding import taxes and customs clearance costs in South Africa.