Shipping Services from China to India
with ShangHai Freight Forwarding
When it comes to shipping goods from China to India, Shanghai offers a diverse range of shipping services to cater to various needs. With a focus on reliability, cost-effectiveness, and excellent customer service, Shanghai ensures that your shipments are handled efficiently from China to India, whether by sea freight, air freight, or door-to-door services.
1. Shipping Services
Shanghai provides several shipping methods, tailored to suit different types of cargo and delivery requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the primary services:
Sea Freight
Shanghai offers both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipping options. This method is highly cost-effective, especially for bulk shipments, and is widely used for large, non-urgent goods.
Common Sea Freight Routes from China to India:
- Shanghai to Nhava Sheva (Mumbai): 23 days
- Shenzhen to Mumbai: 17 days
- Guangzhou to Mumbai: 17 days
- Tianjin to Nhava Sheva: 23 days
- Qingdao to Mumbai: 23 days
Air Freight
For time-sensitive shipments, air freight is the fastest option. Shanghai benefits from block space agreements (BSA) with airlines, allowing them to offer better rates for air freight. Air freight is ideal for small, high-value goods or urgent deliveries.
Main Airports:
- China: Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Shenzhen Baoan
- India: Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Chennai International, Mumbai International
Door-to-Door Shipping
2. Shipping Options
Full Container Load (FCL)
Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
3. Additional Services Provided
ShangHai provides a variety of additional services to meet specific industry needs:
Warehousing Services
Cargo Insurance
Loading Supervision
Customs Clearance
Competitive Shipping Rates
4. Ports and Routes
Shanghai connects major Chinese ports with key Indian ports. Here are some of the primary routes:
Chinese Ports:
- Shanghai
- Shenzhen
- Ningbo
- Qingdao
- Tianjin
- Xiamen
Indian Ports:
- Nhava Sheva (Mumbai)
- Pipavav
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Visakhapatnam
- Paradip
5. Customs Regulations & Procedures in India
When shipping goods from China to India, it’s crucial to understand the customs regulations and required documentation. Here’s an overview of key points:
Prohibited Imports:
- Narcotics and counterfeit goods
- Politically sensitive materials
- Walkie-talkies
- Live plants
Restricted Imports:
- Vehicles
- Live animals
- Certain goods requiring specific authorization
Required Documentation:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- IEC Code (Importer Exporter Code) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
6. Import Duties & Taxes in India
India has a complex customs tariff system that includes various duties and taxes on imports:
- Basic Customs Duty: A standard duty on imports.
- Additional Customs Duty: An additional charge applied over the basic customs duty.
- Special Additional Duty (IGST): A 4% tax on all imports, including alcoholic beverages.
- Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% on the value of basic and additional customs duties.
- Anti-dumping Duty: Applied to goods imported below fair market value.
- 1% Landing Fee: Part of customs valuation.
Quality Standards:
- Labeling: All products must be labeled in English (with Hindi optional for additional declarations).
- Food Products: Must have ingredients, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, and vegetarian/non-vegetarian symbols.
- Shelf Life: Food products must have at least 60% shelf life remaining at the time of import.
7. Steps to Import from China to India
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth import process from China to India:
- Identify a Product: Choose products with demand in India (e.g., electronics, furniture).
- Obtain an IEC Code: Register with DGFT for an Importer Exporter Code.
- Find a Supplier: Use platforms like Alibaba or attend trade shows in China.
- Calculate Costs: Consider freight rates, duties, taxes, and other fees.
- Place an Order: Ensure the supplier is credible.
- Engage a Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker: Secure logistics and customs assistance.
- Choose Shipping Mode: Opt for air or sea freight based on cargo size and urgency.
- Collect Goods: After clearing customs, pick up your goods from the Indian port.
8. Shipping Costs
- Sea Freight:
- FCL Costs: Ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 3,500 per container.
- LCL Costs: Cheaper but slower than FCL.
Sea Freight Major Routes:
- Shenzhen to Mumbai: 4452 nautical miles, 18.6 days
- Guangzhou to Chennai: 3714 nautical miles, 15.5 days
9. Air Freight from China to India
Air freight is faster but more expensive, making it ideal for urgent shipments.
- Shipping Time: 5 days or less.
- Rates: Around USD 2.5 to USD 3 per kg.
Major Airports in China:
- Beijing Capital International, Shanghai Pudong, Shenzhen Baoan
Main Airports in India:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Chennai International Airport, Mumbai International Airport
10. Common Shipping Options
- LCL (Less Than Container Load): Ideal for smaller shipments.
- FCL (Full Container Load): For larger, more economical shipments.
- OOG (Out of Gauge): For oversized cargo such as machinery.
- Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off): For wheeled cargo like vehicles.
- Reefer Shipping: For perishable goods requiring temperature control.
- Express Shipping: Fast air freight for urgent deliveries.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a cheap shipping option from China to India?
Yes, sea freight is generally the most affordable option for larger shipments.
How can I reduce shipping costs?
Use the appropriate shipping mode based on the volume and urgency of your shipment. Build long-term relationships with freight forwarders to negotiate better rates.
Is cargo insurance necessary?
Yes, especially for high-value or fragile goods.
Conclusion
Why Trust ShangHai Freight Forwarding?
ShangHai Freight Forwarding provides a comprehensive range of shipping services from China to India, including sea freight, air freight, express courier services, and combined transport. With competitive rates, flexible shipping options, and a network of warehouses in key locations across the Philippines, ShangHai ensures your shipments are handled with care and efficiency.
Let ShangHai Freight Forwarding streamline your shipping experience. Request a quote today for seamless, reliable, and cost-effective shipping!