Shipping from China to South Africa since 2009

Air, Ocean, Express Freight in Competitive Prices and High shipping Efficiency

Shipping From China To South Africa

If you’re in the market for cheap shipping from China to South Africa, or you want to get a better freight forwarder to handle shipments from China to South Africa, you’ve come to the right place.DFH is a China-based Freight forwarder, Which has handled freight shipping from China to SA since 2009.

Contact us now, We’ll tell you how to ship goods from China to South Africa and advise you on the different elements you need to consider in order to make your shipping as economical as possible.

One-stop Shipping Solutions from China to South Africa

More Services When Shipping from China to South Africa

Why Choose DFH to Help Arrange
shipments from China to South Africa

Safe and Efficiency Delivery
10+ Years Experiences of Shipping from China
24/7 Online services
Competitive Price Guarantee
Profesional Customer service Team
One-Stop Solutions
Door to Door Delivery
Consolidate and Distribution service
Full Set Paper Work and help to make shipping documents
Personal and Business Shipments both Acceptable
Strong Custom Clean Team in&out of China
Varieties of Shipping routes to meet your Customized shipping requirements

Procedures of Shipping from China to South Africa

Make Quotation and Confirm Shipping Method

Contact supplier to Arrange Pick up

Prepare Shipping Documents. Goods Inspection before Loading

Export Customs Clearance Help Buy Insurance if needed

International Shipping

Import Customs clean

Final Mile Transport From air or sea port

Delivered to your destination or Amazon Warehouse.

Shipping Goods from China to South Africa| Air & Sea Freight|2022

International trade between China and South Africa has been increasing at an annual rate of over 13% in the last decade. As recently as 2021, South Africa imported over $19.24 billion worth of goods from China.

This stable trading relationship between both countries has created great opportunities for importers and businesses interested in shipping goods from China to South Africa. If you’re one of such importers looking to take advantage of these opportunities, then you’re in the right place.

With over 10 years of experience shipping from China to South Africa, we have created this article to be a comprehensive guide that answers all questions about air or sea shipping from China to South Africa.

This article will cover all the information on shipping goods from China to South Africa, the best shipping methods, the transit time, and their cost implications. We would also analyze the customs duties and expenses you should look out for. Come along!

How to ship from China to South Africa?

When you make up your mind to import goods from China to South Africa, some steps are expected for you to take. They include the following.

Do product research and decide what to import.
Find a reputable Chinese supplier.
Define your shipment’s Incoterms.
Check trade laws in China and South Africa.
Choose a shipping method.
Hire a freight forwarder to facilitate shipping.

Shipping routes from China to South Africa which one is Best?

Importers often get confused about the best shipping method and route to use when shipping from China to South Africa. So, which is the best?

First, you have to understand that there are three main ways to ship cargo from China to South Africa. They include- Express freight, Air freight, and Sea freight. Choosing the right shipping route for shipping cargo depends on the following:

The type of cargo being transported.
The size of the goods being transported.
The price budget of the importer.
How urgent the goods are needed.

For example, shipping bulky goods is best done through sea freight; the cheapest form of shipping is also sea freight. The fastest shipping method is Express shipping or air freight, and air freight is a more affordable shipping option for smaller goods.

By evaluating these factors, an importer would then know the best shipping methods and routes to move his shipments.

It is often best to contact a freight forwarder with South Africa shipping experience to advise on the best shipping route and method from China to South Africa.

Sea freight from China to South Africa.

Ocean freight from China to South Africa is the most popular method of transporting goods, primarily due to its adaptability and reliability.

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.

China and South Africa are on different continents, and this makes sea freight the most popular and effective way of shipping heavy cargo between the two countries.

Ships from China to South Africa may use either the Pacific or Indian Ocean route to reach South Africa because of its location at the tip of the African continent. However, the Indian Ocean route is typically well-preferred for this journey. Ports in Cape Town, Durban, and Maputo are frequently used by ships arriving in South Africa.

Ocean freight uses containers and operates under two different container systems, which are explained below.

FCL shipping

Container shipping from China to South Africa can also be done with FCL shipments, known as “full container loads.” 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-full container using FCL is more cost-effective than LCL.

LCL shipping

China to South Africa sea freight can also be done through LCL shipping. 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 container shipping is simple; you 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.

Major Sea ports from China to South Africa

The main Chinese seaports that transport freight to South Africa are:

Shanghai Seaport
Ningbo Seaport
Shenzhen Seaport
Guangzhou seaport
Qingdao Seaport
Xingang Seaport
Chongqing seaport
Hong Kong Seaport

Major Seaports in South Africa for shipments arriving from China.

The main South African seaports that receive freight from China are:

Port of Cape Town (Cape Town)
Port of Durban (Durban, South Africa)
Port of Coega (Port Ngqura)
Port of East London (East Cape Province)
Port of Richards Bay
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha, South Africa)
Port of Saldanha (Saldanha Bay)

Air cargo from China to South Africa.

Air freight from China to South Africa is a form of shipping cargo through air freight carriers or airlines. South Africa has well-developed cargo airports that can receive air freight shipments from countries worldwide, especially China.

Air freight is a cheaper alternative to Express shipping of goods and a fast shipping method.

While air freight is more expensive than sea shipping, it is ideal and safer for sending smaller, urgent, and high-value cargo quickly because it arrives faster. The best air freight rates are available for packages weighing between 300 and 500 kg.

Two advantages of air shipping that shouldn’t be disregarded are its greater scheduling flexibility and controllable goods flow.

Major airports from China to South Africa.

The main Chinese airports that transport freight to South Africa are:

PEK – Beijing Capital International Airport
CAN – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
PVG – Shanghai Pudong International Airport
SHA – Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
CTU – Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
SZX – Shenzhen Baoan International Airport
KMG – Kunming Changshui International Airport
XIY – Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
HKG – Hong Kong International Airport

Main airports in South Africa for shipments arriving from China.

The main South African airports that receive freight from China are:

Cape Town Airport
King Shaka Airport
R. Tambo Airport
East London Airport
Upington Airport
Kimberley Airport
Bloemfontein Airport
George Airport
Port Elizabeth Airport

Express shipping from china to south Africa.

DHL/UPS/FEDEX/TNT express from China to South Africa are some of the biggest air couriers that offer express shipping services.

Express shipping is a very fast and stress-free mode of shipping goods. You can feel secure knowing that your belongings are traveling quickly to their destination because they all have solid reputations for dependability.

However, it has the downside of being more expensive than other shipping methods. Thus, if you have heavier goods to ship that are not time-sensitive or urgent, you should consider using other shipping methods.

Door-to-door shipping from china to South Africa.

Businesses can ship directly from China to South Africa using door-to-door freight shipping. This is usually done with DDP shipping. With the aid of a freight forwarder, you can move your goods from China to South Africa using DDP shipping for sea and air freight. Express freight is always door-to-door.

While door-to-door shipping is generally more expensive, choosing the right freight forwarder can help you get the services at cost-effective prices, full customs clearance, and timely delivery.

Essentially, importers do nothing except wait to receive their goods right at their preferred destination.

Door-to-door delivery using sea freight usually takes between 30-40 days, air freight 3-8 days, and express freight 1-4 days.

How long does it take to ship goods from China to South Africa?

Transit time from China to South Africa depends on the following factors:

The shipping method used.
The size and type of goods transported.
The specific cargo and departure ports, i.e., port-to-port distance
The shipping carrier used.

Estimating the shipping time from China to South Africa is often difficult. We can, however, try to provide average transit times for each shipping method.

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

Chinese Airport	South Africa Airport	Transit Time
Shanghai	Durban	3 Days
Shanghai	Cape Town	3 Days
Zibo	Durban	4 Days
Shenzen	Bloemfontein	3 Days
Qingdao	Cape Town	5 Days
Tonghua	Cape Town	3 Days
Tianjin	Port Elizabeth	4 Days

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

The express shipping option is the quickest shipping solution for China to South Africa. DHL/UPS/FEDEX transit time from China to South Africa generally takes 2-4 working days.

Chinese Airport	South Africa Airport	Transit Time
Shanghai	Durban	22 Days
Shanghai	Cape Town	27 Days
Shenzen	Durban	17 Days
Shenzen	Cape Town	22 Days
Tianjin	Durban	26 Days
Tianjin	Cape Town	38 Days
Qingdao	Durban	24 Days
Qingdao	Cape Town	26 Days
Ningbo	Cape Town	24 Days
Ziamen	Durban	21 Days

How long does Express freight from China to South Africa?

The express shipping option is the quickest shipping solution for China to South Africa. DHL/UPS/FEDEX transit time from China to South Africa generally takes 2-4 working days.

Express Courier Service	Transit Time
UPS	2 To 4 Days
DHL	2 To 5 Days
FedEx	2 To 3 Days

How much does it cost to ship different goods from China to South Africa?

Here are the expected costs for air cargo, ocean freight, and express shipping from China to South Africa.

Air freight shipping costs from China to South Africa.

Air freight costs from China to South Africa per kg depend on the type of goods shipped, their weight, and the airline used. For shipments weighing between 150 and 500 kg, standard air freight is the most affordable option.

The air freight price when shipping with China cargo airlines from China to South Africa comprises several fees and surcharges, such as the air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, terminal fee, and other fees. Because of the high-grade fuel and expensive crews, operating an aircraft is very expensive, and space and weight restrictions are very important.

These fees are set by airlines based on their operating costs, and they vary frequently; hence you need to get a quote on time and inquire with your freight forwarder before cargo shipping.

How is air freight cost calculated when shipping goods from China to South Africa?

The cost of air shipping depends on the airline, the route, and the time of year. For instance, if two airlines fly from China to South Africa, the cost of a shipment during the peak season will likely differ from that of a shipment during the off-season.

Calculating Chargeable weight.

Also, there are two different ways to calculate freight costs: volumetric weight-based calculations and gross weight-based calculations. Air freight calculates their fees both ways, then they take the heavier one to maximize revenue.

For instance, if your parcel measures 100x100x50 cm and weighs 80 kg in total, the airline will divide the total volume of the parcel dimensions by 5000, i.e., 500,000 cubic centimeters. In this case, since volumetric weight > gross weight, the airline will charge for the volumetric weight of 100kg instead of 80kg.

On the flip side, if the package dimensions are 250,000 cubic centimeters, then the volumetric weight would be 50 kg. In this case, the airline would charge for the gross weight because it is greater than the volumetric weight.

Note that the divisor in express air freight is 5000. The divisor is 6000 for both standard air and sea freight.)

To read more about calculating volumetric and gross weight, check out our article here.

Generally, air freight costs range from $3 to $10 per kg when shipping from China to South Africa. If you send a package weighing 25kg or 0.50 cubic meters from China to South Africa, the cost would be about $250 with a 7-day delivery window.

Suppose you want to send a shipment from Shanghai, China, to Durban, South Africa, with a gross weight of 100kg and measurements of 100 x 100 x 50cm in volume. In that case, the air freight cost will be roughly $1000 because of service fee charges for air freight.

It is best to contact your freight forwarding company to get precise costs for air freight shipping. You can get a quote from us here.

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.

Weight	Air Freight Cost
0 – 45kg	$7 – $10
46kg – 100kg	$6 – $9
101kg – 300kg	$5 – $7
301kg – 500kg	$5 – $6

Ocean freight shipping costs from China to South Africa.

Sea freight is the cheapest way to ship from China to South Africa, and the price depends on various factors, such as:

The kind of cargo you’re transporting.
Container accessibility and ship freight capacity.
The size of the cargo.
Current fuel prices.

For FCL shipping,

The cost of shipping a 20feet container from the port of Shanghai in China to the port of Durban in South Africa costs between $1800 to $1900.

For a 40feet container, the cost is around 3000 US dollars to 4000 US dollars.

For LCL shipping,

The cost per cubic meter is around $50 to $100.

If you ship a weight of 5 cubic meters from China to South Africa, it’ll cost around $300-$700, with other shipping fees included.

FedEx Express shipping costs from China to South Africa.

Generally, FedEx Express shipping costs around $80 to $200 per kg from China to South Africa.

FedEx International Express Shipping Economy will accept shipments from China to South Africa weighing up to 68kg. The cost of shipping a 0.5kg package via FedEx Envelope from China to South Africa is $140.15.

If the parcel is larger than a document or any compact package, it falls under FedEx Pak. FedEx Pak costs $171.43 to $298.66 for packages weighing 0.5 kg to 2.5 kg.

The cost of non-documents for FedEx Express Shipping from China to South Africa is US $205.70 for 0.5kg.

DHL shipping costs from China to South Africa.

For shipments from China to South Africa, the cost will be defined based on the weight and product type.

DHL shipping charges based on the volumetric weight and gross weight of goods they ship.

Generally, you should pay between $100 – $300 per kg for DHL express shipping from China to South Africa.

For a parcel with a gross weight of 5kg and volume dimensions of 30x30x20 cm, then shipping from Shanghai to Capetown in South Africa will cost about $500 to $1500.

DHL only permits documents weighing up to 2kg. For 0.5kg to 2kg, a document parcel costs US $103.87 to US $208.21.

When shipping non-documents, DHL Express will accept packages weighing up to 70 kg. Non-Document parcels cost between $156.82 and $4075.64 for weights between 0.5kg and 70kg.

How to find China to Africa shipping agency?

In China, countless shipping agents can assist you in getting your goods to South Africa. You can find reliable shipping agencies that ship from China to Africa by checking Chinese marketplaces, asking your suppliers, and searching online.

You can then compare the ones you selected based on the best terms offered, like their price, delivery time, etc. You should also check out their reviews, ratings, and experience shipping to Africa.

You should discuss with your agent all the costs associated with the transportation and clearance of your goods before you import them. Doing this will help you avoid many future problems with the agent.

Remember, you can always trust DFH to help handle your logistics needs. We have well-experienced shipping agents that can handle every part of your shipment logistics from Chin to South Africa.

What goods can be imported from China to South Africa?

Many goods are permitted to be imported from China to South Africa. They include:

Electronics and electrical equipment
Garments and articles of apparel
Vehicles and their spare parts, tires, etc.
Foodstuffs like rice, fish fillet, refined sugar, etc.
Articles of iron and steel like machinery etc.
Mobile phones
Footwear
Solar panels
Articles of plastic-like toys etc.
Furniture

What goods can not be imported from China to South Africa?

Some of the prohibited imports into South Africa are listed below:

Toxic materials
Counterfeit things
Animal products and skins
Dangerous Goods
Drugs
Explosive materials, firearms, and weapons
Fireworks
Liquor and Alcohol
Medical/dental supplies & equipment
Metals, Precious stones
Psychotropic Substances
Ozone-depleting substances
Narcotics
Parts, machine & electronic
Plants and Plant Products
Tobacco/Tobacco Leaves/Cigarettes

Remember that this isn’t a comprehensive list; rules can change frequently. As a result, you should always check the most recent rules before shipping a new item to South Africa.

Do I need to buy insurance for shipments from China to South Africa?

It is advisable to use insurance for your shipments when shipping from China to South Africa. However, it is not compulsory.

Buying cargo insurance is wise, especially when shipping high-value goods like phones, electrical equipment, etc.

Your freight forwarder should be able to get a great insurance premium for your goods.

Who does the customs clearance for shipments from China to South Africa?

This depends on the incoterm an importer agrees with the supplier or freight forwarding company. For instance, the importer pays all customs clearance costs in a FOB incoterm. However, the supplier handles customs clearance costs for a DDP incoterm.

However, the supplier factors in the costs for customs clearance in their total invoice, so in the end, the importer indirectly pays for it.

Documents required for shipping goods from China to South Africa

The importer is responsible for ensuring that all necessary documents for customs clearance are provided when shipping cargo from China to South Africa.

The documents are submitted by the importer or freight forwarder. They include:

Packing List: This record lists every item imported into South Africa, its HS code, and the nation of origin.
Commercial Invoice: This invoice gives the commercial value of the goods in USD.
Bill of Lading: This document is given by the shipping carrier and shows The owner and receiver of the goods. In cases of air shipping, an airway bill is given instead.
Arrival Notice: A shipment’s arrival notice informs the consignee that it is ready for pickup and is being delivered by the carrier.
Import License: Import licenses are necessary for sensitive goods like animals, hazardous materials, controlled items (like weapons and ammunition), and sensitive products when shipping from China to South Africa.
Certificates of Origin: Shows where the goods were shipped from in China.
Single administrative document and CMR

Factors affecting transit time when shipping from China to South Africa.

China and South Africa are on different continents. Therefore, it usually takes some time to deliver cargo when shipping. Transit time from China to South Africa depends on the following factors:

The shipping method used- Express freight is the fastest shipping method, then air freight, and finally, sea freight.
The size and type of goods transported- The heavier the goods, the longer the transit time. Also, sea freight is mostly used to transport bulky cargo from China to South Africa.
The specific departure port in China and destination port in South Africa, i.e., port-to-port distance
The shipping carrier is used from China to South Africa.
The time is taken for customs clearance in both China and South Africa.
The experience of your reliable freight forwarder.

Tips to save costs when shipping from China to South Africa.

There are ways to reduce shipping costs from China to South Africa. 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.
Choose the right shipping method suitable for your goods.
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.

Why is DFH the best freight forwarder shipping goods from China to South Africa?

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 to ship goods from China to South Africa 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 South Africa.
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, 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 South Africa

Is there free shipping from China to South Africa?

An importer must pay shipping fees for every good shipped from China to South Africa. The supplier or freight forwarder handles the shipping cost in DDP shipping.

What is the cheapest shipping method from China to South Africa?

Sea freight shipping is the cheapest shipping method from China to South Africa. However, this also depends on the size of the goods being transported. For example, air freight shipping can have a lower shipping cost for goods less than 100kg.

How much does it cost to ship a container from China to South Africa?

The shipping cost of a container via sea freight shipping from China to South Africa depends on various factors, such as:

The kind of cargo you’re transporting.
Whether you use FCL shipping or LCL shipping.
Container accessibility and ship freight capacity.
The size of the cargo.
Current fuel prices.

For FCL shipping,

The cost per cubic meter is around $50 to $100.

If you ship a weight of 5 cubic meters from China to South Africa, it’ll cost around $300-$700, with other shipping fees included.

How much is customs clearance cost in South Africa?

The process of importing commodities into South Africa requires certain customs clearance procedures and processes that must be accounted for to ensure duties, tariffs, and taxes incurred during the process are easily settled.

Customs clearance fees, VAT, and taxes are not set; rather, they vary depending on the nature of the goods. 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.

A charge of 0-45% is applied to products shipped into South Africa. On average, the charge is around 18% The average charge is around 18%. Products like computer accessories and electronics tend to have charges of less than 20%

Please visit the South African Revenue Service website to learn more about import taxes and customs clearance costs in South Africa.

As you can see, the entire process can become hectic. Hence, it is always preferable to have a reliable freight forwarder handle your South African customs clearance obligations in international freight. Your freight forwarder will let you know how much duty you must pay in China and South Africa to include in your shipping budget.

How long is shipping from China to South Africa?

This depends on the method of shipping chosen. It ranges from 2-4 days with express shipping to 3-8 days with international air freight and 20-35 days with sea freight.

How much is the shipping fee from China to South Africa?

The international shipping cost from China to South Africa varies with the shipping method and the size of goods transported. Check the article above to see the average shipping cost.

How much are customs fees from China to South Africa?

A charge of 0-45% is applied to products shipped into South Africa. On average, the charge is around 18% . Products like computer accessories and electronics tend to have charges of less than 20%

Please visit the South Africa shipping Revenue Service website to learn more about import taxes and customs clearance costs in South Africa.

How long does Alibaba take to deliver to SA?

The time taken for Alibaba to deliver goods from China to South Africa depends on the shipping method used. Generally, It ranges from 2-4 days with express international shipping to 3-8 days with air freight and 20-35 days with sea freight.

How can I avoid paying customs in South Africa?

All goods shipped from China to South Africa must pass through Customs. Hence, an importer must pay for them, or the goods won’t be cleared.

The only way to avoid paying it is by DDP shipping. This way, the supplier or your freight forwarder handles customs costs.

How long can customs hold my package in South Africa?

South African customs clearance typically requires 5 days.

However, this time may change if there is a problem with the package imported from China to South Africa. Also, the customs clearance process will take longer if your documents contain any errors.

The customs may often be overcrowded with goods, so your goods may not be cleared on time.

Finally, your goods must not be prohibited in South Africa. If customs become suspicious about your goods, this would delay clearance.

Remember your freight forwarder can handle your shipment to ensure goods are delivered faster.

Is it safe to order from Alibaba to South Africa?

Yes! Alibaba is one of the largest marketplaces in the world. Many importers and businesses buy goods from Alibaba and ship them from China to South Africa. There are many major shipping companies available on the platform that offers South Africa shipping.

How are goods transported from China to South Africa?

There are three basic methods for transporting goods from China to South Africa; Express shipping, air freight, and sea freight.

Choosing the best option depends on the size and type of goods being shipped, your budget cap for shipping, and the time urgency of the goods you have to ship.

Please read our article above or contact us to understand which shipping method is most favorable for your shipment.

Have any further questions about shipping from China to South Africa? Contact us to get a quick reply within 2 Mins.

Shipping from China to South Africa since 2009

Air, Ocean, Express Freight in Competitive Prices and High shipping Efficiency