When sourcing products from China for your business in Vietnam, understanding the various shipping methods is crucial. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss various ways to ship from China to Vietnam, including costs, transit times, the customs clearance process, and import duties you should know.
Shipping cost from China to Vietnam
How much does it cost to ship from China to Vietnam? It is a critical question that almost every shipper asks.To make it easier for you, here’s a summary of the average costs by different shipping methods:
Air freight per kg from China to Vietnam
| Airline | POD | USD/KG |
|---|---|---|
| Hongkong - CX | Hanoi | $1.73~$2.15/kg |
| Hongkong - AK | Hanoi | $2.53~$3.23/kg |
Container shipping cost from China to Vietnam
| POL | POD | 20GP | 40GP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | HaiPhong | $450 | $500 |
| Shenzhen | Da Nang | $500 | $850 |
LCL freight rates from China to Vietnam
| POL | POD | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | HoChiMinh City | $10/cbm |
However, it’s critical to note that shipping prices from China to Vietnam are not fixed. Prices can vary based on several factors, including:
- The type of goods (general cargo, sensitive items, or hazardous materials)
- The weight and volume of the shipment
- The shipping method (within the air, options like standard or express; within the sea, door-to-door or other services)
- Import custom duties and taxes
- Fuel surcharges (which can fluctuate and impact the final cost)
Shipping time from China to Vietnam
| Shipping Method | Lead Time |
|---|---|
| Air freight | 1-2 days |
| FCL Sea freight | 7-15 days |
| LCL Sea freight | 10-20 days |
| Road Transport | 5-15 days |
However, severe weather, port congestion, and customs delays can extend sea and air freight transit times. Contact our ASLG logistics experts for the most up-to-date delivery time to Indonesia.
Import duty and tax in Vietnam
Vietnam’s customs tariffs include import duties and value-added tax (VAT). Typically, you should pay these duties and taxes before customs clearance in Vietnam.
Foreign companies, including those from China importing into Vietnam, can easily register, declare, and pay their taxes through the online portal provided by the General Department of Taxation (GDT).
Type of import duties in Vietnam
Ordinary tariff rates: These are flat rates subject to all imported cargo depending on the commodity’s Harmonized System (HS) codes.
Value-added tax (VAT): It is a tax calculated as a percentage on specific regulated goods. VAT rates for imported goods typically range from 0% to 10%, with exemptions for items that cannot be produced locally.
Preferential tariff rates: Apply to goods from countries with Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) status with Vietnam, including China. China’s free trade agreements with Vietnam also provide access to these preferential rates.
Special preferential tariff rates: These are available for goods imported from countries enjoying a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Vietnam. For example, ASEAN countries benefit from the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT).
Special consumption tax (SCT): This tax is subject to luxury goods and is charged in addition to VAT.
Environmental protection tax (EPT): Goods that could harm the environment apply to EPT. The rate varies from the specific commodity.
Calculating import taxes in Vietnam
To calculate import duties, you need to multiply the value of the imported goods by the applicable tax rates, including VAT, SCT, and EPT. The formula is as follows:
Import Tax = Tax Rate x (Value of Imported Goods + VAT (if applicable) + SCT (if applicable) + EPT (if applicable))
At ASLG, we can assist you in accurately calculating customs duties for your shipments, helping you avoid unexpected costs.
Along with goods that cannot be produced domestically, the following categories are also exempt from import taxes:
- Products imported for re-export
- Materials used in the production of export goods
- Equipment and machinery that qualify as fixed assets are eligible for incentives.
Customs threshold for shipping to Vietnam
Vietnam has a de minimis value of VND 1 million (around $40.29). Cargo valued below this threshold are exempt from import duties and taxes. Nevertheless, if the shipment’s value exceeds this limit, you should pay import duties and taxes based on the value and type of the imported goods.
Common shipping methods to Vietnam
Airfreight from China to Vietnam
The primary advantage of air freight is speed, with shipments from China reaching Vietnam in just 1-2 days. It is ideal if your shipments meet the following criteria:
- Less than 200 kg/2CBM
- Are not excessively heavy
- Consist of high-value items
- Include time-sensitive cargo
- General goods (not restricted by air regulations)
Major international airports in Vietnam:
- Hanoi Airport (HAN)
- Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN)
- Hai Phong Airport (HPH)
- Da Nang Airport (DAD)
Sea freight from China to Vietnam
Container shipping: This is a popular and cost-efficient option for shipping large volumes of goods. You can opt for Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) based on your shipment need. When planning, consider the transit times and choose the appropriate entry port in Vietnam, such as Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
Bulk shipping: Ideal for transporting commodities like minerals, grains, or liquids that don’t require containerization. Bulk carriers handle these goods directly in their holds.
Major Vietnamese seaports:
- Haiphong
- Vung Tau
- Van Phong
- Da Nang
Door-to-door shipping from ASLG
DDP shipping is a service where freight forwarders ensure your goods are collected from the designated location and delivered directly to the final destination of your choice. Whether you choose air or sea freight, we can pick up the shipping container at your warehouse and deliver it to your specified doorstep. Get a free quote now!
Road transport from China to Vietnam
DDP shipping is a service where freight forwarders ensure your goods are collected from the designated location and delivered directly to the final destination of your choice. Whether you choose air or sea freight, we can pick up the shipping container at your warehouse and deliver it to your specified doorstep. Get a free quote now!
Customs clearance overview
Once your cargo reaches a Vietnamese seaport, it must go through the import customs clearance. This process generally takes 1-2 days from the date of arrival and is often completed on the same day.
Airsupply supports the import customs clearance process in Vietnam, also known as import customs declaration. We have a dedicated customs broker in Vietnam who manages the import customs declaration for our clients.
Documents required for customs
When shipping to Vietnam from China, you or your authorized customs agent should submit the required documents to the customs office at the port of entry.
The essential documents include:
- Packing list: Details the imported items, including quantity, quality, brand, model, serial numbers, and more.
- Certificate of analysis (COA): For specific goods like cosmetics, wines, and spirits, this document outlines the product’s composition.
- Commercial invoice: Specifies the commercial value of the goods in USD.
- Bill of lading: Serves as a receipt for the goods shipped.
- Arrival Notice: Provides information about the arrival of the goods.
- Certificate of origin: Verifies that the goods were produced in an approved country and carry the “Made in [approved country]” mark.
For more details on Vietnam import customs procedures, you can consult Vietnam customs or our shipping team for assistance.
Cheapest way to ship from China to Vietnam
Generally, sea freight is often the most economical option for larger shipments over 5 CBM or those with irregular shapes. However, if your goods are small (under 200 kg), air freight might be a better choice, balance between speed and cost.
To find the best shipping solution for your needs, it’s essential to have a detailed logistics plan tailored to your specific shipment. That’s where we come in.
We manage not only the transportation but also the customs clearance process in both China and Vietnam. Our team ensures that your shipments comply with all regulations and avoid potential restrictions, giving you peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
FAQs:
Should I choose air or sea for my China to Vietnam shipments?
When deciding between sea and air freight, the best choice largely depends on the volume of your shipment. Typically, the larger the shipment, the more cost-effective sea freight becomes. If speed is a priority, air freight is the fastest option available. For more information, you can check this article.
How long does it take to ship from China to Vietnam?
Sea freight can take 10 to 20 days, depending on whether you opt for LCL or FCL and the ports involved. Air shipping, on the other hand, is much faster, with delivery typically within 1 to 2 days. For those needing even quicker service, express can deliver your cargo in as little as 3 to 5 days.
What cannot be shipped from China to Vietnam?
- Weapons, ammunition, explosives, etc.
- Illegal drugs and narcotics substances.
- Pornographic content.
- Counterfeit goods, fake currency, and forged documents.
- Toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.
- Fireworks and similar pyrotechnic products.
- Cultural artifacts, antiques, and national treasures.
- Endangered animal and plant species, including their by-products.
- Food items that do not meet safety or health regulations.
- Specific types of electronic waste.
Can we group multiple shipments from different suppliers?
Absolutely! We can arrange for our trucks to collect your goods from various suppliers and then consolidate them at our warehouse. Whether you’re shipping via LCL or FCL, we can manage the consolidation without volume restrictions.
