Shipping from china to Singapore- The Ultimate and Complete Guide| 2022
Singapore has one of the biggest ports in the world, and this country is in constant international trade with China. In 2021, Singapore imported about $55.22 Billion worth of goods from China.
If you're an importer looking to join the blooming trade relations between China and Singapore, then you're in the right place. While the shipping process might seem overly complicated, there are many great options for shipping from China to Singapore.
This article will cover all the information on how to ship goods from China to Singapore, the best methods to use, the time it would take, and their cost implications. We would also analyze the customs duties and expenses you should look out for.
Ultimately, importers and businesses would have a comprehensive guide that answers all questions about air or sea shipping from China to Singapore.
Full shipping solutions from China to Singapore
Now, let's explore the various shipping methods available to importers willing to ship from China to Singapore.
Express shipping from China to Singapore
Air courier services offer express shipping. The biggest Air couriers that ship from China to Singapore are DHL, UPS, TNT, and FedEx. You can feel secure knowing that your belongings are traveling quickly to their destination because they all have solid reputations for dependability.
While it is a very fast and stress-free mode of shipping goods, it has the downside of being more expensive than other shipping methods. Thus, if you have heavier goods to ship, which are not perishable or urgently needed, you should consider using other shipping methods.
Air Freight from China to Singapore
Air freight is a form of shipping cargo through air freight carriers or airlines. Singapore has well-developed cargo airports that can receive air freight shipments from countries worldwide, especially China. It is a more cost-effective alternative to Express shipping of goods and is also relatively fast.
Air freight is the best option when shipping urgent, relatively high-value, but not necessarily large, cargo from China to Singapore.
Two advantages of air shipping that shouldn't be disregarded are its greater scheduling flexibility and controllable goods flow.
What is the air freight weight limit from China to Singapore?
When shipping by air from China to Singapore, importers must follow a maximum weight restriction that varies depending on the shipping company used.
DHL uses a weight limit of 50kg per box for their express shipping services, while UPS restricts their packages to 68kg. FedEx allows goods up to 70kg in weight.
What products are illegal to ship via air cargo from China to Singapore?
Here are some goods that are prohibited from shipping by air freight from China to Singapore. Note that some goods are generally prohibited, not only with air freight.
Narcotics and any form of drugs
Weapons and firearms
Products made from endangered wildlife and animals
Animal products
Firecrackers
Oral and nasal drugs
Military equipment
Toxic and dangerous materials
Obscene materials.
Door to Door Air shipping from China to Singapore
Door to Door air shipping is done with DDP Air freight. It is used from China to Singapore for time-sensitive, semi-bulky goods that would otherwise be too expensive with express freight. It usually takes about 2-6 days to arrive and can be delivered directly to the buyer's premises, whether at a private or commercial address or an Amazon FBA warehouse.
We handle all import customs clearances, extra duties, and logistics paperwork during the flight and use air couriers to ensure fast delivery to wherever you are in Singapore.
Air Express from China to Singapore (Air combined with Express)
Many international courier services offer air freight express shipping. This shipping is faster than regular air freight but costs higher too. DHL, UPS, and FedEx are some shipping companies offering these services.
Sea freight from China to Singapore.
The most popular method of transporting goods from China to Singapore is by sea freight, primarily due to its adaptability and reliability. It is also the cheapest shipping method.
The main drawback of sea freight is how long it takes; other shipping methods can deliver cargo in a matter of days, but sea freight takes weeks, depending on the type of cargo being shipped and the specific arrival and departure ports.
Sea freight uses containers and operates under two different container systems, which are explained below.
LCL shipping from China to Singapore
LCL shipments stand for less than container load shipments. In LCL sea shipping, goods from different importers are combined in a container, with each importer paying only for the space their goods occupy.
LCL sea shipping is simple; you simply contact a freight forwarder and provide them with the necessary information. Once the freight forwarder has determined your required space, they will reserve it for you.
LCL shipments work best for small freights or cargo between 1 and 15 cubic meters that don't require a full container space.
FCL shipping from China to Singapore
FCL shipments, also known as "full container loads," are one way for Singapore shipping by sea. In FCL sea shipping, an importer purchases an entire container and fills it with goods.
Even though the container was made to hold large shipments, your cargo does not need to fill it when shipping by full container load; in some cases, shipping a half-container using FCL rather than LCL is more cost-effective.
Door to Door sea freight from China to Singapore.
Sea freight remains the cheapest way of shipping from China to Singapore. We also offer door-to-door services to deliver your goods straight from your China supplier to your destination address in Singapore.
We use LCL shipping to ship your goods except otherwise specified. Your goods are expected to arrive in Singapore within 12-15 days.
How to ship goods from China to Singapore Amazon FBA Warehouse?
Many times, importers want to transport their goods directly to the Amazon FBA warehouse and sell in retail directly from there.
Transporting goods from China to Amazon FBA can be somewhat challenging. DFH can easily help you arrange for your shipment to be delivered directly to the Amazon warehouse in Singapore.
All you need to do is provide the Amazon warehouse address, and then we will agree on shipping costs and methods.
We have a specialized Amazon freight shipping service that transports your cargo from China to any Amazon FBA fulfillment center worldwide.
This is a hassle-free solution to your shipping needs, and we promise you timely and safe delivery of your goods to the Amazon warehouse. We are confident you will find our service pleasing and to your satisfaction.
How long does it take to ship from China to Singapore?
Transit time from China to Singapore depends on the following factors:
The shipping method used.
The size and type of goods transported
The specific cargo and departure ports
The shipping carrier used.
It is often difficult to estimate the shipping time from China to Singapore. We can, however, try to provide average transit times for each shipping method.
How long does Air freight from China to Singapore take?
Air freight from China to Singapore is the next quickest shipping method after express freight. There are also options to get goods delivered faster but at higher costs.
Factors that affect the transit times of air freight cargo are the types of goods being transported, their weight, and their monetary value.
Generally, shipping from China to Singapore by air freight takes about 3-4 days. From Guangzhou or Nanjing, it might take up to 5 days.
How long does Ocean freight from China to Singapore?
How long does Express Freight from China to Singapore?
The express shipping option is the quickest way of shipping to Singapore.
With this method, your cargo can arrive within 1-3 days. It is also a door-to-door shipping service, which saves importers so much stress and hassles.
How much does Shipping from China to Singapore Cost？
Here are the average expected costs for air cargo, ocean freight, and express shipping.
Air Freight Shipping costs from China to Singapore.
Apart from the type of goods being shipped and their weight, the cost of air freight also depends on the airline, the route, and the time of year.
Air freight costs do not have a flat shipping rate—the heavier the goods, the lesser the weight per kg, as seen in the table below.
Ocean Freight Shipping costs from China to Singapore
The cheapest way to ship goods from China to Singapore is by sea. The shipping costs depend on the type of sea shipping used, the shipping carrier used, and the size of goods transported. Here's an average shipping cost for FCL and LCL when shipping from China to Singapore.
Express Shipping cost from China to Singapore
The cost of Express freight from China to Singapore is determined by the goods shipped, their weight, and the packaging size.
You can check directly on the air courier's website or contact us to give you a quote for the shipment of your goods.
DHL Express shipping costs from China to Singapore
Generally, you should pay between $5-$7.5 per kg for DHL express shipping from China to Singapore.
UPS shipping costs costs from China to Singapore
You should pay between $10 per kg for UPS express shipping from China to Singapore.
FEDEX shipping costs from China to Singapore
FedEx Express shipping costs around $9 - $11 per kg from China to Singapore.
Insurance costs
It is highly recommended to get insurance if you ship expensive or fragile products from China to Singapore. Insurance is a form of logistic expenditure that should not be ignored when shipping air and sea freight.
Insurance protects against any loss or damage to your shipment, giving you peace of mind while also ensuring that, in bad circumstances, you can recover the costs of damage. Reputable freight forwarding companies like DFH offer insurance at very cheap rates. You can also get insurance for your goods through a third-party provider in international freight.
The insurance premiums are typically between 0.3% and 0.5% of the total commercial Invoice Value.
Customs Clearance costs
The process of importing commodities into the Philippines requires certain procedures and processes that must be accounted for to ensure duties, tariffs, and taxes incurred during the process are easily settled.
The type and value of your goods determine the customs clearance cost. There is a harmonized system to determine the tariff type of products. This is called the HS code, which stands for Harmonized System. The HS code of a given product greatly influences the customs import declaration, and you should check with your freight forwarder to get accurate estimates for your product.
An importer must have an active customs account in Singapore, an import permit, necessary documents, and pay security fees.
As you can see, the entire process can become hectic. Hence, it is always preferable to have freight forwarding experts handle your Singapore customs clearance obligations in international freight. Your freight forwarder will let you know how much duty you must pay in China and the Philippines to include in your shipping budget.
Import tax and duties in Singapore
You must pay import taxes on all items shipped to Singapore. The origin country and the type of goods will determine how much duty must be paid.
GST is typically applied to all imported goods into Singapore, regardless of whether they are subject to duties. GST is calculated based on the CIF value plus any applicable duty owed at the time of importation. T
If the total value of your goods is below $300, no import duty fee will be charged. Cargo worth over $300 is subject to an import tax GST rate of 7%. The rates, however, may vary based on the products you choose to import; for example, alcohol and petroleum products are subject to a 10% tax rate.
Excise tax and other customs fees may also apply to your shipment.
You can let your freight forwarder help sort out your import duties to facilitate easy shipping.
Do I have to pay tax on express or air delivery to Singapore?
Yes, you must pay tax for all goods that have a commercial value of more than $300 when shipping from China to Singapore.
Freight forwarder Charges
Regardless of experience or knowledge, it is important to use a freight forwarder when shipping from China to Singapore to facilitate easy shipping.
A freight forwarder also knows how to prepare the proper documentation, which is another crucial step in shipping from China to Singapore.
Freight forwarder rates vary, and it is necessary to research to select the best ones that offer value for money.
DFH is a reputable Chinese freight forwarder with the requisite experience shipping from China to Singapore. Contact us today.
Local Transporation costs.
While most of China's industries allow you to transport your shipment to any shipping port in sea freight, importers should be aware that not all manufacturing companies are close to ports, necessitating an inland transport company to move your goods to the destination port.
You must budget for the costs associated with moving goods from the factory to the loading port. You are also responsible for covering the costs of shipping the item from the destination port to your actual address.
Using a freight forwarder to handle local transportation costs is often best. Freight forwarders know how to transport goods cheaply and carefully to prevent damage and loss.
Main seaports in Singapore for shipping from China?
The port of Singapore is the principal port in Singapore. PSA Corporations and Jurong Port jointly control this port, and they can handle any type of vessel.
The sub-ports under the port of Singapore are:
Tanjong Pagar
Pasir Panjang
Sembawang
Chanji
Jurong
Main Airports in Singapore for shipping from China?
Only two major airports in Singapore are capable of cargo handling. They are :
Seletar Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
Main international Seaports from China to Singapore.
The main Chinese seaports that transport freight to Singapore are:
Shanghai Seaport
Ningbo Seaport
Shenzhen Seaport
Guangzhou seaport
Qingdao Seaport
Xingang Seaport
Chongqing seaport
Hong Kong Seaport
Main international Airports from China to Singapore.
The main Chinese airports that transport freight to Singapore are:
Beijing Capital International Airport
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Xian Xianyang International Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
What products can not ship from China to Singapore?
Some of the prohibited imports into Singapore are listed below:
Telecommunications equipment
Pornography and obscene materials
Weapons and firearms
Tapes and video cassettes
Radar equipment
Newspapers, films, and magazines
Laser discs
Electronic cigarettes and games
Cotton seeds
Psychotropic substances
Communications equipment
Cigarettes
Bunker oil sample
Animal skins and products
What products can be imported from China to Singapore?
Many goods are permitted to be imported from China to Singapore. They include:
Electrical and electronic equipment
Machinery, nuclear reactions, and boilers
Clothing items and dresses
Prefabricated buildings, furniture, and lighting
Toys, games, sports equipment.
Optical and photo equipment
Technical supplies
Medical supplies
Footwear
Iron and steel materials for construction
Plastics
Should I Choose a freight forwarder company to ship from China to Singapore?
Freight forwarders have the requisite experience shipping from China to Singapore. It is always advisable to use reputable freight forwarders like DFH to ensure a smooth shipping experience and the safety of your products.
How can I find reliable freight forwarding services for shipping from China to Singapore?
You can find reliable freight forwarders to ship from China to Singapore by checking Chinese marketplaces, asking our suppliers, and searching online.
You can then compare the freight forwarders you selected based on price, reviews and ratings, and their experience shipping to Singapore.
How to reduce shipping costs from China to Singapore.
There are ways to reduce shipping cost from China to Singapore. They include:
Use a local freight forwarder.
Try to optimize container space by packing goods tightly to save container costs.
Make reservations as far as possible to save money and ease any potential stress from delays.
Get cheaper shipping rates by shipping during less busy periods and off-peak seasons.
Have all required documentation prepared for quick customs clearance.
Plan ahead to cover customs taxes and levies.
Check different suppliers and freight forwarders for quotes before selecting one.
Be aware of your Incoterms and your shipping method to avoid unforeseen costs.
Get insurance for all your shipments.
Documents Required for shipping from China to Singapore?
The importer is responsible for ensuring that all necessary documents for customs clearance are provided when shipping cargo from China to Singapore.
The documents are submitted by the importer or freight forwarder. They include:
Packing List
Commercial Invoice
Bill of Lading
Arrival Notice
Import License
Certificates of Origin
Single administrative document and CMR
Why DFH is the best freight forwarder for Shipping from China to Singapore.
DFH is one of the most reputable freight forwarders in China. To save time and money, it is necessary to choose freight forwarders with the required expertise and knowledge in shipping goods from China to Singapore more efficiently.
We have office locations in Jiangxi, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Zhejiang. We provide free pickup within three hours of pickup authorization if your supplier's factory is located anywhere in mainland China, regardless of the city.
Using DFH gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on the essentials of running your business.
We distinguish ourselves from our rivals thanks to our:
24/7 customer support.
Low-cost insurance premiums
Free of charge packing and repacking
Free-of-charge warehousing
Renowned logistics expertise
A strong network of forwarders and customs brokers in Singapore.
Low shipping costs as a result of our good relationship with carriers
Free quality inspection services.
Knowledge of the right routes for shipping your products to the destination port.
No matter the request or unusual shipment, we'll try to satisfy your needs.
To get a quote on DFH, simply reach out to us here. We'll start working on your products immediately, and you'll have a timely delivery!
FAQs about shipping from China to Singapore.
How much does Express Shipping from China to Singapore cost?
Express shipping from China to Singapore costs about $9 to $12 per kg of goods.
What is the cheapest shipping method from China to Singapore?
Sea freight is the cheapest shipping method from China to Singapore. However, this also depends on the size of the goods being transported. Air freight shipping can be more cost-effective for goods less than 100kg.
How to determine which seaport in China is best for sea shipping?
While most of China's industries are situated to allow you to transport your shipment to any shipping port, importers should be aware that not all manufacturing companies are close to ports, necessitating an inland transport company to move your goods to the destination port.
To know the best port to select, you have to consider the following:
Nearest port location to save transport costs.
Size of goods to be transported.
The particular route you plan to take.
After considering these factors, you'll be able to figure out the best shipping port to use in China.
It is often best to use a freight forwarder to advise of the best China port to select because they have experience shipping from China to Singapore and know what to do.
Is it legal to ship a product from China to Singapore?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to ship goods from China to Singapore.
How fast can Air freight deliver a Product From China To Singapore?
Air freight shipping from China to Singapore typically takes around 3 to 5 days for delivery.
What is the best shipping route to ship from China to Singapore?
Choosing the best shipping route when shipping from China to Singapore depends on the shipping method used, the shipping carrier used, and your shipping budget. Contact your freight forwarder to advise on the best shipping route.
Do I have to pay for Customs Clearance during Shipment from China to Singapore?
Yes, it is compulsory to pay customs charges when shipping from China to Singapore.
Who is responsible for Customs Clearance from China to Singapore Shipments, And How?
The importer is usually in charge of obtaining customs clearance for the shipment from China to Singapore.
However, this also depends on the importer's agreement of the incoterms with the supplier. For instance, the importer pays all customs clearance costs in a FOB incoterm, but the supplier for a DDP incoterm handles customs clearance costs.
Your freight forwarder can also assist in clearing customs on your behalf.
Have more questions about shipping from China to Singapore, Contact us to get a quick reply within 2 Mins.