Freight shipping From China CN To Russia RU | Tariffs - Transit times - Duties and taxes

Freight shipping between China and Russia is a crucial component of the global logistics industry. With vast distances to cover and complex customs regulations to navigate, businesses of all sizes rely on efficient and reliable transportation services to move goods between these two major markets. That's where DocShipper comes in. As a leading freight forwarding and logistics provider, we offer comprehensive shipping services between China and Russia, including packaging, storage, customs clearance, international freight, and trucking. With 15 years of experience and a commitment to delivering cost-effective and reliable transportation solutions.

DocShipper has the expertise and resources to help you navigate the complexities of freight shipping between China and Russia and ensure that your goods arrive on time and in good condition.

In order to assist you in your transportation between China and Russia, we've written this guide.

Overview - Trade relations between China and Russian

China and Russia have a long-standing trade relationship, with sea freight being a critical mode of transportation for the movement of goods between the two countries. Both countries have invested heavily in the development of their ports and shipping infrastructure to facilitate trade. China is one of Russia's largest trading partners, and the two countries have been working to strengthen their trade ties in recent years.

Sea freight is a crucial element of this trade relationship, as it allows for the transportation of large volumes of goods at a lower cost compared to air freight. The two countries have established several shipping routes between their ports, with the majority of cargo transported via container ships. Chinese ports, such as Shanghai and Ningbo, are major hubs for shipping goods to Russia, with Vladivostok and St. Petersburg being significant ports of entry for cargo coming from China.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to global trade, the sea freight trade between China and Russia has remained strong. According to the latest data, the trade volume between the two countries increased by 4.9% year-on-year in the first half of 2021, with sea freight being the primary mode of transportation.

The main shipping routes between China and Russia

There are several shipping routes between China and Russia, with varying transit times and ports of call. Here are some of the main shipping routes between China and Russia:

Shanghai - Vladivostok: This route connects the port of Shanghai, one of the busiest ports in China, to Vladivostok, a major Russian port on the Pacific coast. This route is commonly used for shipping goods such as electronics, textiles, and machinery.
Ningbo - St. Petersburg: This route connects the port of Ningbo, located in Zhejiang Province, to St. Petersburg, one of the largest ports in Russia. This route is popular for shipping goods such as chemicals, furniture, and consumer electronics
Qingdao - Vostochny: This route connects the port of Qingdao, located in Shandong Province, to Vostochny, a major Russian port on the Sea of Japan. This route is commonly used for shipping goods such as iron ore, coal, and oil.
Tianjin - Novorossiysk: This route connects the port of Tianjin, located in the north of China, to Novorossiysk, a major Russian port on the Black Sea. This route is popular for shipping goods such as grain, steel, and chemicals.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

LCL: Less than Container Load

Maritime freight operations typically involve the use of containers. However, not everyone (especially individuals) requires enough cargo to fill an entire container. Therefore, sharing a container with other clients is a common practice to save costs and benefit from economies of scale.

When should I choose LCL?

Your volume is little, and you don't send in large quantities
You want to combine numerous shipments and deliver the items to the same address.
The excessive weight makes air freight very expensive.

Full Container Load (FCL)

The term FCL stands for Full Container Load, indicating that a single client utilizes the entire container's space (20 feet = 33 CBM, 40 feet = 66 CBM). This option is typically only viable for those with a considerable amount of cargo.

Thus, our FCL customers primarily consist of large removal and shipping companies. If your cargo volume is not expected to exceed 12 or 15 CBM, this option may not be relevant for you, and you will likely be directed toward LCL shipping.

Special transports between China and Russia

Reefer container

A reefer container is a specialized type of shipping container that is designed to transport goods that require temperature-controlled environments. The container is equipped with refrigeration and heating systems that maintain a constant temperature range, allowing for the safe transportation of perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and pharmaceuticals. Reefer containers come in different sizes and can be used for both FCL and LCL shipments. They are often used for transporting goods over long distances by sea or land, as well as for air freight.

RoRo

RoRo, short for "Roll-on/Roll-off," refers to a type of shipping vessel that is designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, and trailers, as well as non-wheeled cargo that can be rolled onto and off of the vessel using ramps. RoRo vessels are designed with large, open decks and can accommodate a wide range of vehicles of different sizes and shapes. This type of transportation is often used for moving large volumes of cargo over long distances and is considered a cost-effective and efficient way to transport goods.

Bulk

The ship's hold is filled with bulk cargo, which differs from other types of cargo due to its distinction between liquid and solid mass. This type of cargo is particularly significant, especially for nations with abundant natural resources that produce large quantities of it.

Out Of Gauge (OOG)

Special handling is required for Out-of-gauge freight, which includes items that have a volume greater than the average during transit. In such cases, specific solutions must be provided to ensure their safe transportation.

How much does sea freight between China and Russia cost?

To determine the cost of your shipment, it's crucial to know the weight and volume of your items, as these factors form the basis of the tariff. According to the equivalence rule, the weight/volume ratio is 1 ton = 1 m3.

In conventional and groupage transportation, the basic freight is calculated based on the weight/volume ratio and the 1 ton = 1 m3 concept. The tariff is expressed in payment units (PU), which can be either the weight in tons or the volume in cubic meters, and is always in favor of the shipping company. Thus, the higher value is used to calculate the cost.

The pricing for a full container is influenced by the shipping company and the type of container used, but it's not clearly defined.

So, it's best to contact a freight forwarding company or shipping carrier like DocShipper to get a quote based on your specific shipping needs. We will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate of the cost of sea freight for your particular shipment.

The different types of air freight

Air freight between China and Russia can be broadly categorized into conventional air freight and express air freight.

Conventional Air Freight: Conventional air freight involves the shipment of goods via commercial airlines or cargo carriers. It is typically used for shipping larger and heavier loads that are not time-sensitive. Conventional air freight can be further classified into the following categories:

Standard air freight: This service is used for shipping larger shipments that are not time-sensitive.
Charter air freight: This service involves the hiring of an entire aircraft to transport a shipment. It is typically used for oversized, heavy, or urgent loads.
Consolidated air freight: This service involves the consolidation of multiple smaller shipments into a single shipment to optimize transportation costs.

Express Air Freight: Express air freight involves the shipment of goods via express carriers such as DHL, FedEx, TNT, or UPS. It is typically used for time-sensitive shipments that require expedited delivery. Express air freight can be further classified into the following categories:

Same-day delivery: This service involves the pickup and delivery of a shipment on the same day.
Overnight delivery: This service involves the pickup and delivery of a shipment overnight.
Two-day delivery: This service involves the pickup and delivery of a shipment within two business days.
Economy delivery: This service involves the pickup and delivery of a shipment within a specified timeframe at a lower cost than other express services.

Why do we choose air transport?

1. The speed

As you can see, the trip time is the main benefit. As a result, air freight is preferable to rail freight (which isn't accessible everywhere) and sea freight (which isn't available everywhere) (often about thirty days).

2. Reliable timekeeping

It's important to realize that airplanes arrive far faster than ships. Also, it makes sense given that the same site is served by planes every hour. Other than that, missing one isn't a catastrophe.

3. Many destinations

You can have your things delivered to any location on the planet thanks to the large networks of providers, including airplanes.

4. Economical insurance rates

It is rapid, and the cost of insurance varies with the amount of time needed. You must, however, make your own estimates because the operation will be more expensive.

5. Extraordinary security

The advantage of air travel is that it offers a high level of security, with rigorous screening at airport gates, reducing the possibility of cargo theft.

6. The lack of storage and the demand for it

Storage is simpler and more affordable because there is less air freight. Moreover, customs inspection and handling are considerably more efficient processes because the shipment requires less manpower and time resources.

7. The continuation

The majority of delivery services provide a tracking service for airfreight deliveries. An application may be used to track the products from the moment they depart till they arrive.

You may choose the best air freight service with the assistance of DocShipper!

What is volumetric weight?

When it comes to express air freight, the rule of equivalency is based on weight-volume ratios, with a ratio of 1 to 5. This means that for every 5 cubic meters of space, 1 ton of weight can be transported. In other words, 1 cubic meter of space is equivalent to 200 kilograms of weight, which can be expressed as a weight-volume ratio of 1 to 5, or as

1 m³ = 200 kg (1/5)

For conventional freight, the weight-volume ratio is 1 to 6, meaning that 1 ton of weight can be transported in 6 cubic meters of space. In addition to this, a gross weight fee is charged for ratios of 1 to 6 or less. The pricing is based on the volumetric weight, which is calculated by dividing the actual volume by 6. For example, 1 cubic meter of space is equivalent to 167 kilograms of weight, or 1/6 of a ton, and can be expressed as a weight-volume ratio of 1 to 6, or as

1 m³ = 167 Kg (1/6)

How much does it cost to ship merchandise from China to Russian via air?

The weight-to-volume ratio is multiplied by the cost per kilogram to determine the taxable weight. This is what will ultimately determine the price.

The theoretically necessary IATA fee may be lessened dependent on volume. Based on weight classifications, the degressive duty changes depending on the origin nation. The minimal rate is used when the shipment has a tiny volume and weight.

There is a distinction between the volumetric weight and the so-called gross weight, which is calculated when the products are weighed (measured when the dimensions are taken into account). To decide on a price, the more significant of the two values will be utilized.

Transport by train from China to Russia

Transport by train from China to Russia dates back to the late 19th century when the first section of the Trans-Siberian Railway was completed. The railway line, which spans over 9,000 km from Moscow to Vladivostok, was built to connect Russia's far eastern regions with the rest of the country and to boost trade between Russia and its Asian neighbors, including China.

In the early years of the railway, trains carried mostly goods and raw materials, such as coal, timber, and metals, from Russia to China. However, with the opening up of China's economy in the 1980s, the trade flow between the two countries increased significantly, leading to a surge in the demand for rail transport.

Today, transport by train from China to Russia is a vital component of the region's trade and logistics network. The two countries have developed several rail routes, such as the Trans-Mongolian Railway and the Eurasian Land Bridge, that connect China's major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, with Russia's main industrial centers, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.

How long does it take to travel by train from China?

The travel time by train from China to Russia depends on the starting point, the destination, and the specific route taken. The journey can take anywhere from a few days to over two weeks, depending on various factors such as the distance, the train schedule, and any border crossing delays.

For example:

the journey from Beijing to Moscow on the Trans-Mongolian Railway takes about 6 days,
the journey from Shanghai to Moscow on the same route takes about 10 days
The journey from China's Xinjiang region to Moscow via Kazakhstan on the Eurasian Land Bridge route takes about 2 weeks.

The benefits of rail freight between China and Russian

Transport by rail between China and Russia offers several benefits, including:

Cost-effectiveness: Rail transport is generally less expensive than air freight and more efficient than sea transport for time-sensitive cargo. It is particularly cost-effective for bulky or heavy cargo that is not time-critical.
Reliability: Rail transport is known for its reliability, especially for long-distance transportation. Trains operate on fixed schedules, and their routes and delivery times are more predictable than other modes of transport.
Faster transit times: Rail transport is faster than sea transport and often less expensive than air freight for time-sensitive cargo. Transit times can vary depending on the specific route and the type of cargo being transported, but trains are generally faster than ships for cargo moving between China and Russia.
Government support: Both the Chinese and Russian governments have invested heavily in their rail networks to support trade and economic growth. This has led to the development of new rail routes, better infrastructure, and streamlined customs procedures, making rail transport a more attractive option for cross-border trade.

Door-to-door service between China and Russian

Our daily door-to-door service is highly regarded by our clients and is offered to them. In actuality, we manage the whole process. Everything from the packaging to the loading, palletizing, customs procedures, import/export fees, and delivery (unpacking and unloading if necessary also). We go door-to-door once a week in dozens of countries.

Our partners, whether in China or elsewhere, are well-established companies with whom we have worked for many years. This is a chance to save money and time.

At DocShipper, we are experts in providing door-to-door delivery services that cater to all of your logistics requirements. Our comprehensive services encompass a range of tasks such as packaging, storage, loading and unloading, customs clearance, international freight, trucking, and more. Allow us to take care of all your logistics needs with our reliable and efficient services.

What are the benefits of door-to-door service?

DocShipper offers a full range of services. In order to streamline your processes, we manage all of your shipments, whether they are sent via air freight or sea freight, LCL or FCL, conventional or express.

Time-saving

We'll lead you through the procedure, paying close attention to every little thing, and updating you often on our development.

A professional team

At DocShipper, we've always paid close attention to the details. We have a team ready to help you at any time. You will receive emails with the departure date, arrival date, and customs clearance information. If a problem occurs, we'll try to fix it.

Security of goods

The safety of your products is one of our main priorities. When they arrive, our professionals carefully package your items in specialized, professional packaging.

Please visit our dedicated website for more information about Door-to-Door services, and do not hesitate to contact us.

Customs clearance for goods imported

This section explains the customs clearance process that must be followed when importing Chinese goods into Russia.

Customs clearance is the process of verifying and approving imported goods by the customs authorities of a country. When importing goods from China and Russia, the customs clearance process may vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of the importing country .

The payment of duties and taxes, is the essence of the customs procedure, thus it is an important concept to comprehend. As a result, we'll walk you through the procedure step by step.

Step1: Documentation

The importer needs to provide proper documentation for the imported goods, such as invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin.

Step 2: Calculating taxes and duties

It would be better if you had the assistance of your customs broker in this circumstance, as they are in charge of paying taxes and import duties. These levies are based on:

Product categories in your shipment
Their stated value
Customs laws of the nation you are sending to Shipping methods
The shipping conditions you chose.

Step 3: Selecting an Incoterm and paying Taxes and Duties

There are two choices: a DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) or a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Customs agents will check which incoterms apply to your consignment. If you have made a payment, your cargo will be labeled as DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), indicating that your customs broker has already settled all necessary taxes and import duties.

If you have not paid these taxes and fees, your cargo will be labeled as DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). In that case, the customs officer will send the cargo to a different customs broker, so they can process it and collect the payments. Costs for items like inspection, storage, handling, insurance, and disbursement will be included in this case.

Step 4: Release of shipment.

After completing the customs clearance process, the imported goods are released to the importer.

How to calculate customs duties and taxes?

You must be informed of the rate of customs fees as well as the various taxes that may be levied on the goods you intend to import to prevent unpleasant surprises.

Determine the products' "HS code" or tariff species

The three pillars that will lead to the amount to be paid for customs clearance are the origin, customs value, and lastly the HS code.

Over 95 percent of global trade is covered by the Harmonized System (HS Code), which is adopted by 207 nations. For the nations that adopt it, the system gives a single, systematic classification. Each item has its own unique code.

An HS code is made up of the following components

How to find the HS Code?

How to check the customs duties rate with the HS Code?

Since you have the HS code, it will be fascinating to know the pace of customs obligations and expenses applied to your item when bringing it into Russia.

If it's not too much trouble, return to the page as displayed in the past advance:

Snap on "pineapple" to show the rundown and rate generally applied to this item.

To ensure that this rate is something very similar for pineapples from China if it's not too much trouble, click on the full HS code shown on the right half of the screen.

This will take you to the accompanying page:

Enter the country of origin here to see the customs duties rate.

Required documents

Bill of Lading

The carrier or their representative issues a document called the bill of lading, which verifies the receipt of particular goods and permits their transportation to a designated destination for delivery to the recipient specified in the document. The bill of lading serves as proof of the transportation contract and as a receipt for the goods. The document typically includes information such as the shipper's and consignee's details, the notification party, the location where the goods were received, the loading and discharge ports, the delivery location, the total weight and size of the shipment, and the date and place of issuance. It is signed by the carrier as proof of acceptance.

Packing List

When creating a packing list, it's important to include essential details such as the issuer, invoice number, quantity and type of packages, and description of the goods. This information must align with the bill of lading. In addition to including these details, export businesses must also provide a packing list and weight list when submitting export customs declarations. Furthermore, the letter of credit may serve as a document for foreign exchange settlement. The Packing List, Weight List, and Measurement List are supplementary commercial invoices that provide a comprehensive breakdown of the packaging, specifications, colors, and weights of the goods. These documents are crucial in enabling buyers to verify the variety, color, size, and specification of the goods they receive and ensure that they are compliant with customs requirements.

Certificate of Origin

A certificate of origin is a document that is requested by the importer and issued by the exporter, notary agency, or government. It is used to verify the place of manufacture or origin of the goods. The certificate typically includes information such as the name and address of the importer and exporter, the transportation method and route, the commodity mark and number, and details about the commodity such as its name, quantity, and weight. It is important to note that the certificate number column cannot be left blank, as this will render the certificate invalid.

Documents of conformity (CE standard)

The Declaration of Conformity (DOC) is a formal statement provided by the responsible party, indicating compliance with the CE Directive and corresponding harmonized standards. The DOC is based on a conformity assessment, which may include a test report or certificate of conformity for the product. For electrical and electronic products, the manufacturer can issue the DOC for both directives, provided they have passed the LVD/EMC test and complied with the technical data requirements outlined in the directives.

Please contact our DocShipper professionals if you want to import products from any of the above lists! They will walk you through the whole procedure.

Restricted and prohibited products

If you want to be a successful importer, please check the following information because you don't want to waste your time and energy, even money on products that are restricted and prohibited in Russia.

Cooperation relationship between China and Russia

China and Russia have established a strong cooperation relationship over the years. The two countries have formed a strategic partnership based on mutual interests and have collaborated in various areas such as trade, energy, infrastructure, and defense. China is Russia's largest trading partner, and Russia is China's largest supplier of crude oil. The two countries have also collaborated on major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of gas pipelines and high-speed rail lines. In addition, China and Russia have conducted joint military exercises and have worked closely on international issues such as counterterrorism and climate change. The cooperation between China and Russia is expected to continue to strengthen in the future, as the two countries continue to expand their economic and political ties.

Warehousing and storage

Our storage facilities are ideally placed near China's main cities. As a result, we can wait for your item for as long as you need it before delivering it to Russia, for example. If you wish to combine items from various suppliers to fill a container, or if you already have a full container and want to break it up at the port of entry and distribute it to multiple locations. We are able to supply you with this service!

You may find more information on our dedicated page:: Warehousing services

Transport insurance

Apply this calculation: premium rate x declared amount

The cost of insurance varies depending on the mode of shipping, the nature of the products, and the insurer... It is possible to raise the reported value by a maximum of 20% to cover, in addition to the products, any losses incurred. The subscriber specifies the worth of the products as well as the costs of the primary transportation. It's quite simple to perform this calculation once you know the premium rate.

Visit our page: Transport Insurance

Supplier management in China

We can also contact your supplier ahead of time to offer you a full service. We'll ask you specific questions regarding your product's features. Not only that, but we'll make sure the supplier has all the necessary paperwork (Certificates of Conformity, etc.) and go over all the details, such as condition and packing, to ensure that your products arrive securely and in the right packaging. We'll also double-check the measurements and validate the HS code.

For more details, click here: Sourcing services

3PL service

Orders/packaging and labeling: The supply chain also includes orders and distribution. We have storage in Camporosso, northern Italy, where we can keep your goods and arrange all of your orders to save you time. We can accept all of your shipments from China and provide all the services you require.

Last mile delivery: All of your B2C E-Commerce orders will be transported to any location in the world. We will send it to all of your clients within 48 hours of receiving your order, thanks to our strategic position in the heart of Europe.

Do not hesitate to visit our page for more information: 3PL Services

FAQ - Freight shipping between China CN and Russia RU | Tariffs - Transit times - Duties and taxes - Advice

What will be the cheapest way to transport my goods between China and Russia?

Everything is dependent on the volume or weight/volume ratio of your things. Below 2 CBM, air freight is just as economical as ocean freight. It becomes astronomically expensive above that. Therefore, it becomes a matter of your schedule limitations and departure/arrival dates, as rail freight may also be an appropriate stopgap option.

Why is DocShipper exceptional?

As you can see, thanks to our knowledge of the logistics industry, we are able to provide our clients comprehensive solutions that include door-to-door delivery and larger-scale supply chain management. Prior to handling the cargo, our shipping staff conducts a source search. Finally, let us handle the delivery of your things using our 3PL department.

Which method will provide you a transportation estimate the fastest?

To get a shipping price as quickly as possible, you must first gather all the information necessary to fulfill your request, including all possible information about the items you want to import:

Height and width
Dimensions
Weight
Volume
Shipping date
Pickup address
Services requested
Pickup location
Delivery location
Type of products

You can get a quote quickly and at a good price with all this information.

How does DocShipper handle the purchase and import of my products?

We offer a range of services to support you in managing your product from conception to completion. Our sourcing service is first and foremost. You can use this service to help with supplier research, the purchase procedure, and quality assurance. We help you with all aspects of your e-commerce logistics once your product has been dispatched; we track your supplies, label each item, handle customer orders, and deliver to your customers. Our 3PL distribution facility in Italy, which is conveniently situated in the center of Europe, manages all of this.

DocShipper Advise : We help you with the entire sourcing process so don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

Having trouble finding the appropriate product? Enjoy our sourcing services, we directly find the right suppliers for you!
You don't trust your supplier? Ask our experts to do quality control to guarantee the condition of your goods!
Do you need help with the logistics? Our international freight department supports you with door to door services!
You don't want to handle distribution? Our 3PL department will handle the storage, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery!

China Port	Russia Port	Days
Shanghai	Vladivostok	7-10 days
Ningbo	St. Petersburg	27-32 days
Qingdao	Vostochny	4-5 days
Tianjin	Novorossiysk	34-40 days
Dalian	Vladivostok	2-3 days
Xiamen	St. Petersburg	28-35 days

Freight shipping From China CN To Russia RU | Tariffs – Transit times – Duties and taxes

The different methods of transportation between China and Russia

Sea freight from China to Russia