Are you looking for a reliable freight forwarder to handle your international shipping from China to Africa? If yes, then your search is over. Siyuan Freight is a trustworthy freight-forwarding company and can be your best partner in shipping cargo from China to Africa.

Shipping from China to Africa requires a network of agents and local partners who can help with the entire process from start to finish. With our extensive experience and partnerships, you can benefit from the cheapest shipping from China to Africa and the best delivery times.

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Fast Shipping Solutions From China to Africa

Our one-stop-shop shipping solutions are perfect for businesses of all sizes. Whether you have a small or a large business, Siyuan Freight has you covered. Our company has different shipping options to choose from depending on the size of your cargo.

Air freight from China to Africa

If your cargo is lightweight and doesn’t weigh more than 200kg, then air freight shipping may be an option for you. If you need a reliable, secure, and fast delivery from China to Africa, then this is the right method of transportation for your business. Our services include:

• DDP/DDU air freight shipping
• Affordable air freight forwarding
• Intermodal solutions
• Door-to-door shipping

Ocean freight from China to Africa

Ocean and sea freight is oftentimes complicated, and every business requires a trusted partner to handle customs documentation, booking, pickup, and delivery. Siyuan Freight has years of experience and can provide you with the best ocean freight services from China to Africa. Some of the services we offer for ocean and sea freight are:

• FCL/LCL shipping
• Extra shipping solutions
• DDP/DDU services

Express freight from China to Africa

Siyuan Freight works with the best partners around the world to provide secure and on-point deliveries. You can book our express shipping service that includes the following:

• UPS freight forwarding
• Extra shipping services
• DHL freight forwarding
• SF freight forwarding

What goods can be imported from China to South Africa?

Some of the goods that are allowed to be imported in South Africa are:

• Electrical equipment and electronic products
• Apparel products and garments
• Spare parts for vehicles
• Food products such as rice, refined sugar
• Iron and steel goods
• Smartphones
• Furniture
• Shoes
• Toys
• Solar panels

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

South Africa prohibits the import of several goods, such as:

• Products made out of toxic materials
• Counterfeit products
• Products made out of animal skin
• Drugs
• Weapons, firearms or other explosive materials
• Fireworks and dangerous goods
• Alcohol and liquor
• Metals and precious stones
• Psychotropic drugs
• ODS products
• Narcotics
• Electronic and machine parts
• Plants
• Cigarettes or tobacco leaves 

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list, and rules can change often. Therefore, always check the official website of the International Trade Administration. 

Best Shipping Routes from China to South Africa

Given the fact that both countries have active trade going on between them, you have various chipping routes to choose from. The most used shipping routes from China to Africa are:

• Pacific Ocean route
• Indian Ocean route
• Atlantic Ocean route

For shipments to Africa, freight forwarders usually use the Indian route. The goods are shipped from China and pass through the Persian Gulf before they arrive in South Africa. Some of the locations in South Africa used for unloading are Cape Town, Durban or Maputo.

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

The shipping cost depends on the type of shipment used and the type and volume of your cargo. Let’s discuss each method to better understand the costs.

Sea freight

Full container load: For a 20-foot container, the cost can range from $1,700 to $3,850, based on the port of loading in China and the port of unloading in Africa. For example, shipping goods from Shanghai to Durban can cost between $2,750 and $3,450. If you require a 40-foot container, then the price can range from $2,000 to $4,800, and based on the distance and port location, the cost can change. For instance, if you ship goods from Shenzhen to Cape Town, the price can range from $3,150 to $4,750.

Less than container load: For goods that don’t need a whole container, LCL shipping is a great option and the estimated cost ranges from $50 to $120 per cubic meter.

Air freight

Shipping using air freight ranges from $4 to $10 per kg and can increase slightly based on the route and urgency. For example, if you ship from Beijing to Johannesburg, it may cost between $4 and $7 per kilogram, with a delivery time of 4 days.

Express shipping

This option is used only for urgent deliveries and costs around $10.50 per kilogram.

Additional considerations

Imports into South Africa are subject to a value-added tax of 15% and import duty, calculated on the cost insurance and freight value, plus the import duty. Keep in mind that the aforementioned prices are estimations and can fluctuate based on market conditions. For an accurate price, please get in contact with one of our freight shipping experts today.

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How long does it take to ship goods from China to Africa using air freight?

The transit time is based on the airport of departure in China and the airport of arrival in South Africa. For an estimated transit time, please consult our table.

Shipping Route	Transit Time
Shanghai to Durban	3 days
Shanghai to Cape Town	3 days
Zibo to Durban	4 days
Shenzhen to Bloemfontein	3 days
Qingdao to Cape Town	5 days
Tonghua to Cape Town	3 days
Tianjin to Port Elizabeth	4 days

How long does it take to ship goods from China to Africa using ocean freight?

The transit time is based on the port of discharge in China and the destination in South Africa. For an estimated time of delivery, please consult our table.

Shipping Route	Transit Time
Shanghai to Durban	22 days
Shanghai to Cape Town	27 days
Shenzhen to Durban	17 days
Shenzhen to Cape Town	22 days
Tianjin to Durban	26 days
Tianjin to Cape Town	38 days
Qingdao to Durban	24 days
Qingdao to Cape Town	26 days
Ningbo to Durban	21 days
Ningbo to Cape Town	24 days
Xiamen to Durban	21 days
Xiamen to Cape Town	27 days

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

It is recommended to insure your products when you ship them from China to South Africa. However, this is not mandatory. Purchasing insurance for your cargo is a smart decision, especially when transporting high-value goods such as smartphones or electrical products. At Siyuan Freight, we can get you premium insurance for your goods so you can rest assured knowing that the goods will be ensured in case of an unexpected event.

Documents required for shipping goods from China to South Africa

When shipping goods to South Africa, the importer is responsible for all the paperwork necessary for customs clearance. These documents are as follows:

• Packing list: This list contains all the products that are imported into South Africa, along with their US code and the country of origin.
• Commercial statement: This bill will contain the commercial value of the goods in USD currency.
• Notice of arrival: The arrival notice of a shipment informs the receiver that the goods are ready to be picked up and delivered by the carrier.
• Import license: An import license is mandatory for sensitive products like animals, hazardous materials, temperature products, weapons or ammunition when importing to South Africa.
• Certificate of origin: This certificate will demonstrate that the goods were shipped from China.
• Singe administrative document and CMR.

Cheap China to Africa Shipping Services

Siyuan Freight is one of the most reputable freight forwarders in China. If your business is looking to save money but also receive top freight forwarding services and get goods delivered on time and in perfect condition to their destination, then we are the right choice for you.

No matter the type of products you need to deliver, we will find a solution for you. Reach out to us, and we’ll start shipping your goods immediately.

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FAQs

How much is the customs clearance cost in Africa?

Customs clearance in Africa ranges from $100 to $300 based on the end location, product type and service provider. Other additional costs can be import duties, VAT and local taxes and can vary from 5% to 30% of the product’s value. 

How can I avoid paying customs in Africa?

Businesses cannot avoid paying for customs in Africa. All goods that are shipped from China to Africa have to pass through customs clearance, and import duties need to be paid in order for the shipment to be released.

How long can customs hold my package in Africa?

Customs clearance in Africa usually takes from 3 to 7 days. Nevertheless, certain delays can happen due to incomplete paperwork, high import volumes or additional inspection requirements.