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Ship from China to South Africa-A Comprehensive Guide

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(Last Updated On: 2023年5月6日)

Honourocean has extensive experience in handling shipment goods from China to South Africa. Whether it was by sea, air, or even postal parcel goods. No matter the place you need to ship from, Guangzhou port, Shanghai port and any other port in China. We always provide the best shipping solution. What about rates? Honourocean provides competitive shipping rates for door to port, door to door shipments and good shipping service. In this article, we will provide A Comprehensive Guide to shipment from China to South Africa.

How to import goods into South Africa?

South Africa is an important African country. With a population of around 55 million people, there are many goods in demand. African customs can be confusing, especially for new exporters, and can even slow down the import-export process if you don’t familiarize yourself with them.

To ease your job here is a step by step guide to importing into South Africa and you can be successful with it!

Which products can I import from China to South Africa?

Show the main products that China is selling in South Africa in the following chapters. Importing wedding gowns, furniture and tires are among the main goods Chinese exporters exported to South Africa. Show China exports of the following products: bag manufacturers e – products from China or the following parts: furniture e automobiles electronic parts. Import cars imported from China into S. Africa and other items include furniture, building materials, tires and importing solar panels from china to south africa

chinese wholesalers south africa

chinese suppliers in south africa

Do Your Search

You must identify what type of commodities you wish to bring into the country and how you want to do so. Examine the market and take note of the current desires! You can do your study online, talk to locals, or even travel to South Africa if you can afford it. If you’re a local importer, though, it’ll be much easier to research the industry and respond to its demands.

chinese wholesalers south africa

alibaba south africa clothing

aliexpress and other platform

buying from aliexpress in south africa

Pay attention to details

You need to focus on the details regarding the type of goods you import. When it comes to your items, be as descriptive as possible and avoid being generic. Make it clear whether your products are samples or mass imports in vast quantities.

What products does South Africa import from China?

While South Africa provides many opportunities for importers and international exports, it also exports a wide range of items around the world.. The main South African exports are as it follows:

Gems, precious metals: US$14.9 billion (16.7% of total exports)

– Ores, slag, ash: $11.3 billion (12.6%)

– Mineral fuels including oil: $10.6 billion (11.8%)

– Vehicles: $9.8 billion (11%)

– Iron, steel: $6.1 billion (6.8%)

– Machinery including computers: $5.4 billion (6%)

– Fruits, nuts: $3.4 billion (3.8%)

– Electrical machinery, equipment: $1.8 billion (2%)

– Aluminium: $1.8 billion (2%)

– Beverages, spirits, vinegar: $1.4 billion (1.5%)

You may interest : Wholesale Clothing from China

business sourcing

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Import duties in South Africa

When estimating the cost of transportation, consider the following factors:

  • Calculate the landed cost of importing products from China to South Africa. Duties on imports from China to South Africa
  • Logistics Costs of Importing from China to South Africa
  • The Price of a Customs Broker
  • The cost of employing a Chinese freight forwarder to transport goods to South Africa

SACU members such as South Africa, Swaziland, and Namibia were all charged the same excise duties and taxes.

Duty charges in South Africa typically range from 0% to 45 percent.

South Africa’s average customs duties rate is 18.74 percent.

Some of the items are exempt from duty charges.

  • Electric Equipment 
  • Electric guitar
  • Laptop
  • Computer accessories

Value added Tax applied on imports at 14% of the sum of FOB( Free on Board) value. And approximately 10% uplift charges of FOB value.

More detail about tax can go to

South African Government

import tax:

https://www.gov.za/faq/finance-business/where-do-i-find-latest-import-and-export-tariffs-or-information-trade

Import duties from China to South Africa

VAT applies to most imports at 14% of the sum of FOB value, any duty and excise payable, and a 10% upliftment of the FOB value. There is no minimum threshold in South Africa, i.e. duty, VAT, and other taxes where applicable, are payable regardless of the import value

China shipping agent to south africa

China to South Africa shipping

Shipping time from China to South Africa is approximately 25 days by sea freight and approximately 5 days by air freight. The cost of shipping is determined by the specifics of your order.courier service from china to south afria is about 5-7days. Air DDP is about 7-10days, sea DDP about 35-40days,Shipping cost will depend on your goods details.

Sea Freight from China to South Africa

  • Ocean freight is a safe way to ship your products. The Nature of products is the main factor-like delicate items, hazardous cargo, and minerals treated differently as compared to normal products. There are different factors that affect sea freight cost. The capacity of the Container, Currency Rate, Fuel cost, and Distance from loading port to destination port.

    To avoid any inconvenience just discuss with your freight forwarder in detail and get a better estimation about your products.

  • LCL freight is calculated in cubic meters (CBM) and charged based on the volume. Full Container Load refers to when the amount of your products is big enough to be loaded in at least one container.

    While importing from China, you can choose Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) if your maximum cargo volume does not meet one full container requirement. When it comes to size, there are three types of containers 20 ft., 40 ft. and a 40 ft. high cube container. 

    FCL shipping from China to South Africa: FCL stands for a full container load. When your cargo is big enough to fill a container then you book it for your shipment. Containers are usually of 20 and 40 feet lengths while the height and width are 8.5 feet and 8 feet respectively. When you book a full container then the shipping company charges you a lump sum payment against it. Containers are considered safe for handling cargo. After the container is full and sealed it will be opened only at its destination. There won’t be any stuffing of goods in it during transit. That is why container cargo is preferred by the importer. 

    There are different factors that affect sea freight cost. The capacity of the Container, Currency Rate, Fuel cost, and Distance from loading port to destination port. To avoid any inconvenience just discuss with your freight forwarder in detail and get a better estimation about your products. 

  • fast shipping from china to south Africa about 35-40days
  • china city wholesale center johannesburg

Express Shipping

we will provide you with a choice of express and economy courier services so you can select the one that best suits your needs. Shipping costs to South Africa are calculated by the size and weight of your package, so the best way to find a shipping cost to South Africa is to use our shipping calculator. Simply enter the weight and dimensions of your package and we’ll provide you with instant quotes, ranging from the cheapest way to ship to South Africa to the quickest. 

Express shipping is used for small packages. China to South Africa shipping responsibility also done by globally known companies like FedEx, UPS and DHL Trained staff help to complete the shipping process safely, you can even transfer your jewelry and important documents by express shipping or post office

Freight forwarders can find an express service that offers a reasonable price, and they can also get a discount price that you can’t find on their official website. 

If you are shipping documents with a commercial value, samples, or dutiable goods you require a FedEx International Air Waybill and a Commercial Invoice. If you are shipping electronic goods and computer parts for personal use or resale you need a test report from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

will still require the fully completed FedEx international air waybill and a commercial invoice for customs clearance.

Air Freight from China to South Africa

Air freight shipments between China and South Africa normally take 2-7 days, not including the additional time required to move products from the respective countries’ departure and arrival airports. 

When you need your items soon, China Air Freight is a cost-effective option to express shipping, but keep in mind that air freight estimates are rarely door-to-door like courier quotes. This means you’ll be in charge of transporting our items from your supplier to the airport in China, as well as customs clearance and any South African tariffs payable.

flights from china to south africa

multimodal transport -DOOR to door

we can provide the possibility of multimodal transport combining air freight and sea freight with other modes of ground transport (trucks, trains or some other means of transport) for delivery. Multimodal transport, also known as combined transport, is the transport of goods with at least two separate modes of transport under a single contract.

you will save money and you will also have time to face unplanned delays such as congestion, blockages, problems with the supplier and errors in the documentation. You can also ask questions about the company’s response to delays to see if they have procedures to resolve these issues. Find a Hybrid Transportation Solution When air freight is too costly and the cargo cannot be transported by sea due to a long time for sea delivery, you can negotiate with the freight forwarder, who can provide the possibility of multimodal transport combining air freight and sea freight with other modes of ground transport

Whether it was by sea, air, or even postal parcel goods. No matter the place you need to ship from, Guangzhou port, Shanghai port and any other port in China. We always provide the best shipping solution. What about rates? Honourocean provides competitive shipping rates for door to port, door to door shipments and good shipping service

 Guide Shipping to South Africa Get help with Customs procedures, limitations, and restrictions. Prepare your shipment properly

Honourocean has special contracts with shipping companies including top airlines, sea freight companies, and express couriers

DDP shipping service from CN to South Africa

Honourocean team can supply door-to-door shipping services including customs clearance and tax, we are your best family to share with them your concerns and questions. And surely will provide whatever shipping guide you need.

Door to door implies that you appoint a forwarder who picks up your cargo from your given address and sends it your way. He takes care of every step on the way. This includes transportation, documentation, customs clearance, loading, and unloading both at the ports .

Have you ever use the door to door service for shipping? Save your time, no need to go to any port at loading and unloading time to check your cargo. Your products arrived at the destination safely. Don’t waste your money for ensuring where your product is now. Freight forwarder helps you to update about the status of your cargo.

How long does aramex take to deliver from johannesburg to cape town?

it;s about 2-3days

Freight Services Process Simplified

International shipping can be a complex process, especially with regard to documentation, regulations, and routing decisions, customs clearance, and tax, so let us use our skill and 12 years of expertise to take care of it for you!

We can step in to make your international shipping process smoother and easier, allowing you to focus on your business.

We do it all. So you don’t have to.

No matter your industry or business size, China Freight can help. We have teams of experts dedicated to serving Canada-based importers like you.

We do it all- freight forwarding, e-commerce logistics, customs clearance, or warehousing, from origin to destination. We want to help alleviate your stress, support your business, and keep you ahead of the competition in your industry. 

Shipping cost from china to south africa

Honourocean team can send shipping cost from china to south africa 7*24hours online.

sea freight shipping

Documents required for shipping from China to South Africa

To clear your products through customs in South Africa, you’ll need the following documents:

  • Bill of lading
  • Packing list
  • Commercial invoice
  • Import Permit
  • Customs Import Declaration
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Certificate of product registration
  • Any other paperwork necessary by a government department or agency for the unique sort of products mentioned above.
  • you want to import any of the following types of goods; Controlled goods Waste or scrap Second-hand goods To get an import permit you need to first register yourself with South Africa Revenue Service or SARS. Once you are registered there, you are now eligible to apply for your import permit. The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) will issue you the import permit. Why import permit? The policy regarding import permit is different for different groups of products.
  • if you need know more detail. can contact honourocean team to check

How to save money

  • after you have defined your mode of transport for your goods, you are ready for the next step, which includes understanding the terms FOB, EXW and DAP. Since transport costs are a key factor in the same transport model, knowing these concepts will help you save money.  Incoterms Explained – A Simple Guide to FOB, DDP and EX Works

Incoterms Explained – A Simple Guide to FOB, DDP and EX Works

payment methods: Who Pays Freight Charges For A Shipment

Plan Ahead of time to avoid rush hour

When it comes to international shipping, you always have to schedule your shipment in advance, because the delivery time of your goods is the main factor that determines the mode of transport. Understanding the schedule of holidays in China and the essential shipping deadlines and instructions will also save you time and money because in those peak periods, shipping rates are usually higher and factories are closed.

Here are some examples of peak seasons for shipping from China to South Africa: –

  •  Chinese New Year – Factories and facilities shut down in this period, and it’s causing price spikes and delays.
  • Golden Week – This week-long festival exacerbates holiday season price spikes and delays.
  •  Dragon Boat Festival – for this holiday business typically close for three days.
  •  Holiday Shopping Season – Prices rise steadily over months as businesses prepare for holiday shopping (October-December for air freight), July-October for sea freight).
  • Here are some examples of peak seasons for shipping from China to South Africa: – Chinese New Year – Factories and facilities shut down in this period, and it’s causing price spikes and delays. Golden Week – This week-long festival exacerbates holiday season price spikes and delays. Dragon Boat Festival – for this holiday business typically close for three days. Holiday Shopping Season – Prices rise steadily over months as businesses prepare for holiday shopping (October-December for air freight), July-October for sea freight). 

    Understanding the schedule of holidays in China and the essential shipping deadlines and instructions will also save you time and money because in those peak periods, shipping rates are usually higher and factories are closed.

If your shipment is not urgent, you will save money and you will also have time to face unplanned delays such as congestion, blockages, problems with the supplier and errors in the documentation. You can also ask questions about the company’s response to delays to see if they have procedures to resolve these issues.

Find a Hybrid Transportation Solution

When air freight is too costly and the cargo cannot be transported by sea due to a long time for sea delivery, you can negotiate with the freight forwarder, who can provide the possibility of multimodal transport combining air freight and sea freight with other modes of ground transport (trucks, trains or some other means of transport) for delivery.

 

Multimodal transport, also known as combined transport, is the transport of goods with at least two separate modes of transport under a single contract. Legally speaking, the carrier is responsible for all transport and does not have to own all means of transport. This mode of transport may result in certain transshipment and handling costs, but it also has many benefits, such as centralization of responsibility in one transport operator, economies of scale in transport negotiations, the use of international experience in transport, in the field of bureaucracy and commerce, better use of available infrastructure and more efficient means of transport, focused on cost reduction, and reduction of indirect costs (e.g. human resources).

Finding the right freight forwarders is a must again because they can also work through their connections to your benefit to find a way to achieve this goal faster and cheaper. This hybrid approach should deliver the goods in the right timeframe and keep the delivery on budget.

shipping costs checking

Find a reliable freight forwarder

Shipping agents from china to south africa

The logistics companies that you can use include freight forwarder and customs brokers. The logistics companies are available in both South Africa and China for your consideration. Cost of hiring Chinese freight forwarder to South Africa In case you are taking a freight forwarder from China , it will be cheaper for the whole process.

Find a reliable freight forwarder from alibaba agents in south africa: Whether you import goods by sea or by air you will have to rely on the services of a freight forwarder. A freight forwarder takes care of the logistics of your cargo. You cannot import without a freight forwarder so first of all find a reliable and well-reputed freight forwarder.

Finding an experienced freight forwarder will give you the most cost-effective solution promptly, and will save you money and time.

You will also need a Chinese warehouse for storage and preparation in the shipping process.

If you need shipping boxes to south Africa, you are looking for a professional freight forwarder and logistics partner in China, honourocean is your best choice.

alibaba south africa,more detail you can view :The Ultimate Guide for Alibaba Shipping Costs From China

check alibaba shipping fee to south africa

Honour ocean shipping network on the world

We have stores or branches throughout more than 220 Chinese cities including Shenzhen Guangzhou Foshan Zhongshan Jiagon, Hong Kong, Hangzhou and Shanghai. Ningbo, Xiamen Representatives or warehouses in British, Germany, Poland, Australia, Saudi, UAE, Japan and so one.so quality assurance team will supply best service for customers.

The Basic Knowledge About Shipping from China

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