Are you looking to ship from China to Malaysia? In today’s tutorial, we will outline the primary shipping methods available, including their respective costs and timeframes. Additionally, we will provide guidance on the customs clearance process and the suitable Incoterm for you.
Table of Contents:
- Air freight from China to Malaysia
- Air freight charges from China to Malaysia
- Sea shipping from China to Malaysia
- Shipping cost from China to Malaysia
- Customs clearance in Malaysia
- Malaysia custom duty rate
- Incoterms always used to ship from China
- Best shipping agent China to Malaysia
- FAQ on shipping from China to Malaysia
Air freight from China to Malaysia
Opt for this logistics solution if your goods are less than 2CBM, weigh under 300 kg, or require expedited delivery. Air freight swiftly delivers your cargo from a Chinese factory to your destination within only several days.
Typically, air freight from China to Malaysia shipping times range from 2 to 9 days. It varies based on your choice between expedited delivery, door-to-door shipping, or economical air freight services.
- Economic options:
It is tailored for standard cargo (excluding hazardous goods, oversized, or temperature-controlled items). With economical air shipping, you can expect a delivery window of around 2 to 4 days for your goods.
- Fast air transportation:
It facilitates cargo transportation in various shapes, sizes, and types, encompassing even sensitive or hazardous goods. Typically, shipping time from China to Malaysia by this mode will take approximately 1 to 3 days.
- Door-to-door airfreight:
DDP freight refers to shipping from China to a Malaysian port initially, followed by transportation from the port directly to the final destination using express or truck freight services. It typically takes approximately 5 to 9 days for the entire process.
You can generally ship the goods from various regions across China to Malaysia utilizing the primary Chinese airports, such as:
- Shenzhen Baoan
- Beijing Capital
- Shanghai Pudong
- Guangzhou Baiyun
Malaysia’s prime airports include:
- Kuala Lumpur
- Langkawi
- Kuching
- Kota Kinabalu
Airsupply has integrated with multiple air carriers and established Block Space Agreements to ensure sufficient cargo space. You can book in advance for your goods preparation and supply chain arrangement.
Air freight charges from China to Malaysia
Typically, air shipping rates can be determined using two distinct methods. The first method involves multiplying the cargo weight(including packages, pallets, etc.) by the cost per kilogram.
Alternatively, the second method applies to cargo that is low weight and high volume. In such cases, calculating the freight price involves using the volumetric weight. For more details, you can check this article: Air Freight Cost Calculator.
Below is the average shipping cost from China to Malaysia by air per kg:
| POL | POD | 100kg+ | 500kg+ | 1000kg+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou | Kuala Lumpur | $3/kg | $3/kg | $2.5/kg |
| Shanghai | Kuala Lumpur | $2/kg | $2/kg | $2/kg |
The above price is only for reference as they will change due to the shipping market. To get the latest shipping fees, you can contact our shipping agent.
Sea shipping from China to Malaysia
If you are overwhelmed by the steep expenses of air freight shipping, there’s an alternative: sea freight, which offers a more economical option. One advantage of ocean freight is the lack of restrictions on the types of products shipped from China to Malaysia, especially cargo size.
Not only can you deliver heavy trucks, but you also can ship giant machinery and other oversized goods. Furthermore, sea freight offers remarkable flexibility regarding container shipping methods.
Usually, sea shipping from China to Malaysia encompasses three main categories: FCL, LCL, and door-to-door sea freight services.
- FCL ocean freight:
It is a method of shipping goods in which an entire container is reserved for a single shipper’s cargo. The most common shipping containers are 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high cube containers. Shipping from China to Malaysia by this mode generally takes 16-25 days.
- LCL ocean freight:
It involves consolidating goods from multiple shippers into a single container. This method allows businesses with smaller cargo volumes to share container space.
However, with LCL freight, the China to Malaysia shipping time may increase by 5 to 10 days, as it might transfer during transportation.
- Door-to-door sea freight:
Similar to DDP air freight, DDP sea shipping also requires delivery to your doorstep. But it needs to take approximately 25-30 days.
When shipping from China to Malaysia, here are some of the closest seaports in terms of distance:
Major ports in China:
- Port of Shanghai
- Port of Shenzhen
- Seaport of Ningbo
- Xiamen Seaport
Major seaport in Malaysia:
- Bakapit
- Kota Kinabalu
- Kuching
- Labuan
- Sandakan
Shipping cost from China to Malaysia by sea
| POL | POD | 20’ container | 40’ container | LCL freight | DDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Kota Kinabalu | $300 | $450 | $91/CBM | $125/CBM |
| Shenzhen | Kuching | $250 | $400 | $85/CBM | $120/CBM |
Transporting products from China might seem straightforward, but several factors can significantly impact the shipping cost from China to Malaysia. Listed below are key factors:
- Weight and volume
- Nature of goods
- Distance and destination
- Packaging and dimensions
- Fuel prices and market conditions
- Service level and time sensitivity
- Carrier and service provider
For the most up-to-date shipping fees, you can provide your cargo details and consult our logistics experts. At Airsupply, we can offer competitive price quotes for air and sea shipping.
Customs clearance in Malaysia
Your goods must undergo customs inspection and clearance when arriving in Malaysia. Generally speaking, importers or their appointed agents (customs brokers or freight forwarders) will handle the customs clearance process. They submit required documents to Malaysian customs authorities and facilitate inspections if necessary.
The essential shipping documents include:
- Packing List
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of lading/Airway bills
In certain instances, the customs officials may request additional documentation. It may include presenting insurance policies, other pertinent licenses, and certificates. For instance, health certificates for food items and FCC Certification for electronics.
You should know that Malaysia adheres to the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) to classify goods, and all imported and exported items should be categorized according to Malaysian Customs tariff numbers.
In addition, not every product in Malaysia necessitates a license for import. However, for goods that do require an import permit, you should register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Following successful registration, you should apply for an import license from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).
Malaysia custom duty rate
When shipping from China to Malaysia, the applicable custom duty rates are based on the HS code of the product. These rates can range from zero percent to higher percentages based on the nature of the imported goods.
Typically, industrial goods brought into Malaysia incur an average duty of 6.1%. Meanwhile, Malaysian customs impose elevated tariff rates specifically on pork and alcohol.
To determine the shipment’s customs value, utilize the CIF approach. It requests adding the total product cost, insurance expenses, and freight charges. By multiplying customs values with traffic rates, you can estimate the duties and taxes from China shipping to Malaysia.
If the CIF value of the shipment falls below the De Minimis threshold (MYR 500), no taxes or import duties are necessary.
However, if the total value of the imported goods surpasses MYR 500, you’ll be obligated to pay a 5-10 percent sales and service tax (SST), along with import and income taxes ranging from 0-25%.
Moreover, under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), certain products imported from China may benefit from reduced or zero-duty rates.
Before shipping from China to Malaysia, consider consulting our logistics expert. They can help you identify the total customs duty for your specific cargo.
Incoterms always used to ship from China
When shipping goods from China to Malaysia, you need to familiarize yourself with the shipping Incoterms in China. Below are the commonly used terms you can check:
FOB (Free on Board): The sellers are responsible for clearing goods for export. Their obligations cease as soon as the cargo crosses the ship rail at a designated port in Malaysia.
EXW (Ex Works): The seller makes the goods available at the buyer’s premises or another designated place in China. The buyer bears all risks and costs from that point onwards, including customs clearance and shipping to Malaysia.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The seller arranges and pays for transporting and insuring goods to a Malaysian port. And the risk shifts to the buyer upon the goods loading in China.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): This term puts the maximum responsibility on the seller, who is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s location in Malaysia, including all costs and import duties.
Apart from these, there are DAP, FCA, and DDU shipping terms. For more details, you can refer to this article: Shipping Terms Glossary.
Best shipping agent China to Malaysia
Airsupply specializes in coordinating shipments and can support one-stop services from customs clearance to warehousing and distribution. They can often provide tailored solutions to meet your specific shipping requirements.
With expertise in the field, strong connections with airlines, a solid reputation in customs procedures, competitive pricing, and a dedication to timely delivery, Airsupply stands out. Additionally, with our transparent cargo tracking systems and pricing structures, you’ll gain complete visibility into your cargo shipments.
FAQ on shipping from China to Malaysia
What kind of items can not ship to Malaysia?
Shipping regulations and restrictions can vary based on the country and the shipped items. In Malaysia, below items may be restricted or prohibited:
- Illegal drugs
- Counterfeit goods
- Weapons and firearms
- Pornographic materials
- Items made from endangered animals, such as ivory
You can send your cargo details to our shipping experts to check whether it is a restricted item.
What is the cheapest shipping from China to Malaysia?
Each shipping method presents its own set of pros and cons. Therefore, determining the most cost-effective shipping from China to Malaysia relies on factors such as the type of transported goods, the distance of travel, and the chosen logistics provider.
How long do customs hold packages from China to Malaysia?
Typically, Malaysian Customs processes packages within 1 to 3 days under regular conditions. Nevertheless, the duration can fluctuate based on the nature of the product, with certain items requiring specific inspections.
Can I refuse to pay overcharged customs duty for the shipment in Malaysia?
No, you cannot. Failure to pay duty will prevent you from receiving the delivery or clearing the items from the port.
