The most common ways to ship from China to Singapore are ocean freight and air shipping, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. When selecting the most suitable method, you should consider the size of your cargo, rates, and shipping time you appreciate.
This comprehensive China to Singapore shipping guide will provide all the essential details, including current costs, customs procedures, and valuable tips. So that you can make an informed decision about which method best aligns with your specific requirements.
Table Of Contents
- Air freight from China to Singapore
- Air shipping costs from China to Singapore
- Sea shipping from China to Singapore
- FCL ocean shipping rates from China to Singapore
- LCL sea freight costs from China to Singapore
- Door-to-door delivery from China to Singapore
- Shipping time from China to Singapore
- Three beneficial tips to save time and cost
- Cheapest shipping from China to Singapore
- Customs clearance process in Singapore
- Airsupply – Best forwarder from China to Singapore
Air freight from China to Singapore
Air shipping from China to Singapore is crucial for the international logistics network connecting these two nations. It is the fastest mode of transportation, making it ideal for time-sensitive shipments.
Though air freight is costlier than ocean or rail transport, it boasts significant advantages, such as faster transit times and unparalleled convenience. Furthermore, air freight is typically less prone to cargo damage than sea freight. However, you should also notice that it is more susceptible to hazardous goods restrictions.
If your cargo is smaller than 2 CBM and under 200 kg, air freight from China to Singapore can be your first choice. We at Airsupply can offer competitive air logistics solutions to meet your needs. Moreover, our charter service can provide you with bespoke services and a wide range of goods available for shipment, such as:
- Electronics
- High-value commodities
- Sensitive items like battery products
- Medical supplies and humanitarian aid
- Spare parts for cars, aircraft, and ships
We also have signed Block Space Agreements with hundreds of airlines to guarantee enough cargo space. When it comes to cargo loading, we support options like crates, carton boxes, on pallets, bulk, ULD build-up, etc.
Air shipping costs from China to Singapore
Air freight always charges by volumetric or actual weight (in kilograms), whichever of the two is higher. Generally, the volumetric weight is determined by (length x width x height) by 6,000.
For example:
Consider an item with dimensions of 70cm x 60cm x 70cm and a weight of 100kg. The shipping rate is USD 2.8/kg. You can get:
The actual weight is 100kg
A volumetric weight will be (70cm x 60cm x 70cm)/6,000 = 49kg
In this scenario, as the actual weight (100kg) exceeds the volumetric weight (49kg), the chargeable weight is 100kg.
So, the air shipping rate from China to Singapore is 100kg x USD2.8/kg = USD280.
You should know that the costs of shipping from China to Singapore vary depending on several factors. For example, certain cargo may require special handling or packaging, which would cost additional fees. It includes fragile, temperature-sensitive, dangerous goods, etc. On the other hand, direct flights are often more expensive than flights with layovers or transfers.
You can find air freight rates for popular shipping routes from China to Singapore below:
| Departure City | 100-299KGS | 300-499 KGS | 500-1000KGS+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | $2.8/kg | $2.8/kg | $2.5/kg |
Due to the market change, the shipping rates are only for reference. For the latest prices, feel free to contact our logistics expert.
Sea shipping from China to Singapore
China to Singapore by ship is another widely favored route for global businesses of all scales. It offers cost-efficiency, reliability, and greater flexibility concerning cargo dimensions.
In terms of capacity, a 40-foot ship container can hold up to 20-22 standard pallets, while a 20-foot one can accommodate 8-10 pallets.
Generally, you can choose between two shipping options: FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than a Container Load) when shipping from China to Singapore by sea.
If you have a substantial volume of goods to transport and can fully utilize a container, opting for FCL makes practical sense. One advantage of this is that your items are kept segregated from those of other importers.
Conversely, LCL shipping involves sharing container space with goods from other shippers. For more details, you can check this article: FCL Vs. LCL.
If your cargo exceeds 2 CBM or consists of large bulk cargo, ocean shipping is the best deal for you. We offer competitive sea shipping costs from China to Singapore by booking directly with the ship owner.
Our dedicated team handles one-stop services such as customs clearance and direct delivery to your preferred address in Singapore. It signifies that you don’t need to engage a separate customs broker.
FCL ocean shipping rates from China to Singapore
| Port of Loading | Container 20’ (USD) | Container 40’ (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | 120 | 130 |
| Ningbo | 150 | 300 |
Please note that shipping rates may vary due to market fluctuations and are for reference only. For up-to-date pricing quotes, we encourage you to contact our logistics expert.
LCL shipping costs from China to Singapore
Ocean LCL freight charges are based on the space you occupy in the container. To calculate the cost of sea shipping, you must first determine the chargeable weight by comparing the volumetric weight to the actual weight.
The volumetric weight typically is length x width x height in cubic meters (CBM). Then, convert the actual weight to CBM by dividing by 1000. Choose the greater of the two to calculate the freight cost.
Let’s say one batch of goods with a volume of 1.6 CBM and a weight of 100 kg. The price rate is USD 6 per CBM. So:
Actual weight= 100kg/1000=0.1< the volume weight (1.6CBM)
The sea freight cost will be 1.6 * 6 = USD 9.6.
Below are the sea freight rates for reference:
| Port of Loading | Destination Port | USD/CBM |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Singapore | 8 |
| Ningbo | Singapore | 9 |
| Shanghai | Singapore | 9 |
For the latest prices, feel free to contact our logistics expert.
Door-to-door delivery from China to Singapore
Door-to-door delivery from China to Singapore is a convenient and efficient shipping solution. It can ensure goods seamlessly reach the recipient’s doorstep in Singapore from the supplier’s location in China.
Generally speaking, you have two main options: DDP air shipping and DDP ocean freight. Both of them utilize trucking or express courier services for last-mile shipments.
Using a freight forwarder like Airsupply Logistics will simplify each stage for your convenience. We have the capability to handle all customs clearance procedures for shipments between China and Singapore.
With your authorization, we can pick up your goods from your supplier and transport them to the designated seaport or airport. Alternatively, you can send the goods directly to our warehouse in Shenzhen.
DDP shipping fees from China to Singapore
| From | To | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea freight DDP | Shenzhen | SIN | $108/CBM (LCL) |
| Air freight DDP | Shenzhen | SIN | $4/kg |
Typically, it encompasses the following costs:
- Shipping Cost
- Customs Clearance Fees
- Duty and Taxes(Expect GST)
- Delivery Fees
Additional charges may apply if customs necessitate a thorough inspection of your cargo. For the most up-to-date and detailed fee breakdown, contact our shipping expert.
Requirements for DDP freight shipping
1. Do not send any items that infringe on intellectual property rights.
2. All items must be labeled with “Made in China” on their packaging or SKU labels.
3. Do not send any illegal items or products prohibited by Chinese or Singaporean laws and regulations. Examples include electronic games, cotton seeds, bunker oil samples, animal products, and psychotropic substances.
Under DDP shipping from China to Singapore, the maximum gross weight allowed per waybill is 40kg. Moreover, package dimensions should not exceed 120x80x80cm, with the sum of the three sides not exceeding 300cm.
Shipping time from China to Singapore
Air freight
It is the fastest transporting way and typically spans 1-2 days.
Ocean freight
The port-to-port transit time is approximately 5-10 days.
DDP Air shipping
It will take a total of 4-5 days until you receive the cargo at home.
DDP Sea shipping by LCL
China to Singapore sea shipping time with DPP takes 10-18 days. The transfer time is usually 1 to 2 days.
These China to Singapore shipping times can be subject to changes due to weather conditions, customs inspections, etc. With our transparent tracking systems, you can get more accurate information on shipping times for your cargo.
In addition, consider whether any special handling or documentation is required for your shipments, as this can also impact delivery times.
Three beneficial tips to save time and cost
Optimize shipping methods and packing
Choose the most appropriate shipping method for your cargo. If time is not critical, sea shipping from China to Singapore is usually more cost-effective. However, air freight is a faster but pricier option for urgent shipments.
Additionally, a proper package ensures your goods occupy minimal space, reducing volume-based shipping costs. It also protects your cargo during transit to minimize the risk of damage.
Plan ahead for your shipment
When shipping from China to Singapore, develop a detailed shipping plan that includes contingencies for potential delays.
If your goods request special containers, booking them months in advance is advisable. It not only guarantees the availability of the required containers but also minimizes the impact of container shortages.
Furthermore, it’s essential to account for peak seasons to guarantee ample inventory for order fulfillment. Consider booking shipments in advance and staggering them, as there are often increased rates and potential port congestion during peak seasons. Such occasions include Christmas and New Year.
Partner with a trusted forwarder to Singapore
Partnering with reliable freight forwarders can significantly ease the burden of managing transportation. As previously discussed, the logistics handling process can be time-consuming for business owners. We can assist your China-to-Singapore shipping by providing:
- Access to efficient transportation networks and services.
- Expertise in customs clearance procedures.
- Real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities for your shipments.
Cheapest shipping from China to Singapore
Sea shipping from China to Singapore can be more cost-effective than air freight. It shines when it comes to transporting large volumes of cargo.
As shipment size increases, the cost per unit decreases considerably compared to other transportation. What’s more, ocean shipping also offers extensive routes, providing a plethora of port choices.
However, irrespective of the chosen shipping method, the most affordable option to ship from China to Singapore is through Airsupply Logistics. We are one of the leading China freight forwarders, which can assure you the lowest freight costs and container shipping rates.
Customs clearance process in Singapore
Usually, this customs clearance can take from three to five days if there are no document-related issues. However, should customs identify any problems with the documentation, you will need to address them, which can extend the process further.
The necessary documents for China to Singapore shipping include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and more. To get detailed paperwork preparation, check our article: Essential Shipping Documents for Export And Import.
Import duty and tax from China to Singapore
When importing goods from China to Singapore, you will encounter import duties and taxes imposed by Singapore customs authorities. Here is an overview of import duty and tax in Singapore:
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST is levied at a standard rate of 7% on the import value of most goods, including those imported from China.
Certain goods, like essential food items and financial services, may be exempt or subject to a reduced GST rate.
Customs duties
Singapore has signed several Free Trade Agreements with various countries, including China. And many goods imported from China are subject to preferential tariff rates or zero customs duties.
However, specific categories of goods may still incur customs duties based on their classification under the Harmonized System (HS) code.
You can consult our shipping agent or check on the Singapore Customs website to determine the applicable customs duty rates for your goods.
GST relief for low-value goods
Singapore offers GST relief for low-value goods with an order value not exceeding SGD 400 (around USD 294). Specific goods like alcohol, tobacco, and petroleum can not enjoy this relief.
The customs process is complex. It requests you correctly classify your Chinese imports using the appropriate HS code. Moreover, you also need to have a solid grasp of the regulations relevant to your product category.
Collaborating with Airsupply can help you mitigate potential customs complications and unforeseen expenses. We specialize in the ins and outs of import laws and regulations.
Besides, we have trusted customs broker partners in Singapore who can manage the import customs declaration process on your behalf. It guarantees a smooth and compliant import experience.
Airsupply - Best forwarder from China to Singapore
At Airsupply, We boast extensive experience in container shipping to Southeast Asia, the USA, Europe, the Middle East, etc. Therefore, you can place your trust in us to deliver a dependable and cost-effective solution for your international shipping requirements.
Our well-established global network of carriers empowers us to overcome even the most intricate shipping hurdles, enhancing the overall value of your supply chain.
Whether you are shipping a modest number of pallets or a full container load, Airsupply will ensure that your cargo arrives at the named destination safely and on time.
