Freight shipping From China CN to South Korea KR | Tariffs - Transit times - Duties and taxes

Q: What is the transit time for shipping goods from China to South Korea?

The transit time for shipping goods from China to South Korea depends on several factors, including the mode of transportation, the route is taken, and the customs clearance process. Generally, it takes around 1-5 days for air freight, 3-7 days for sea freight, and 2-3 days for road freight.

Q: What are the tariffs and import duties for shipping goods from China to South Korea?

The tariffs and import duties for shipping goods from China to South Korea vary based on the type of goods, their value, and other factors. It is recommended to consult with a customs broker or freight forwarder to determine the exact tariffs and duties for your specific shipment.

Q: Does DocShipper provide advice for freight shipping between China and South Korea?

DocShipper provides expert advice on freight shipping between China and South Korea . Our professionals are knowledgeable about the customs procedures, regulations, and shipping methods in both countries and can offer guidance on the best shipping options and practices for your specific needs.

Q: What services does DocShipper provide for freight shipping between China and South Korea?

DocShipper offers a wide range of freight shipping services between China and South Korea , including air freight , sea freight , and rail freight . We handle all aspects of the shipping process, from documentation to customs clearance to final delivery. We also provide additional services such as cargo insurance and warehousing if needed.

Shipping freight between China and South Korea plays a crucial role in the global logistics industry. Due to vast distances and intricate customs regulations, businesses of all sizes rely on dependable and efficient transportation services to move goods between these significant markets. DocShipper, a leading freight forwarding and logistics provider, offers comprehensive shipping solutions that include packaging, storage, customs clearance, international freight, and trucking services. With a decade of experience and an unwavering commitment to delivering cost-effective and dependable transportation options, DocShipper has the expertise and resources to help you navigate the complexities of shipping freight between China and South Korea. Rest assured that your goods will arrive safely and on schedule.

To assist you in learning more about China's transportation in South Korea, we've created this guide.

Overview - Trade relations between China and South Korea

Trade relations between China and South Korea have been robust over the past few decades, with bilateral trade reaching significant heights. In recent years, China has become South Korea's largest trading partner, while South Korea ranks as China's third-largest trading partner. The trade between these two nations mainly includes electronic goods, machinery, and raw materials.

Sea transportation plays a pivotal role in the trade relationship between China and South Korea. As the two countries are geographically close and share a long coastline, sea transportation provides a cost-effective and efficient way of moving goods between the two nations. The major ports for sea freight in China include Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen, while Incheon, Busan, and Gwangyang are popular ports in South Korea. Shipping via sea is not only less expensive compared to air freight, but also allows for the transportation of a higher volume of goods. Additionally, sea transportation also supports the growth of other industries such as shipbuilding, logistics, and marine engineering, which are crucial to the economies of both China and South Korea.

The main shipping routes between China and South Korea

There are several shipping routes between China and South Korea, with the most popular routes being between the major ports of each country. The main shipping routes for sea freight between China and South Korea include:

Shanghai to Busan: This is one of the most popular routes for sea freight between China and South Korea. The port of Shanghai in China is the busiest port in the world, while Busan in South Korea is the fifth-busiest port in the world.
Ningbo to Incheon: Ningbo is another major port in China, and Incheon is the largest port in South Korea. This route is also popular for shipping goods between the two countries.
Shenzhen to Gwangyang: Shenzhen is located in the south of China, and Gwangyang is a major port in South Korea. This route is particularly important for the transportation of raw materials and manufactured goods between the two nations.
Qingdao to Busan: Qingdao is a major port in northern China, and Busan is located on the southeast coast of South Korea. This route is particularly important for the transportation of agricultural products, minerals, 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 South Korea

Reefer container

A reefer container is a specialized type of shipping container used to transport items that require temperature regulation. The container is outfitted with refrigeration and heating systems that keep the temperature constant, enabling the safe transport of perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and medications. Reefer containers are available in a variety of sizes and can be used for both FCL and LCL shipments. They are frequently employed for long-distance sea or land transport, as well as air freight.

RoRo

RoRo, which stands for "Roll-on/Roll-off," is a type of transportation vessel designed to transport wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, and trailers, as well as non-wheeled freight that can be rolled onto and off the vessel using ramps. RoRo vessels have huge, open decks and can handle a variety of vehicles of various sizes and forms. This mode of transportation is frequently used for transporting big amounts of material over long distances and is seen as a cost-effective and efficient method of transporting commodities.

Bulk

The ship's hold is full of bulk cargo, which differs from other forms of cargo in that it is divided into a liquid and solid mass. This type of cargo is especially important for countries with vast natural resources that create big amounts of it.

Out Of Gauge (OOG)

Out-of-gauge freight, which comprises goods with a volume larger than the average during transit, necessitates special management. Specific solutions must be offered in such circumstances to ensure their safe transit.

How much does sea freight between China and South Korea 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.

As a result, it's best to receive a price from a freight forwarding firm or shipping carrier like DocShipper depending on your individual shipping requirements. We will be able to provide you with a more precise estimate of the cost of sea freight for your particular shipment.

The different types of air freight

Air freight is a popular choice for shipping goods between China and South Korea, offering speed and efficiency. There are two broad categories of air freight available for this route: 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 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 biggest advantage is reduced travel time. As a result, air freight is preferable to rail freight (which isn't available everywhere) and sea freight (which takes roughly thirty days).

2. Reliable timekeeping

It is critical to understand that airplanes arrive much faster than ships. It also makes sense given that planes fly over the same location every hour. Aside from that, missing one isn't a disaster.

3. Many destinations

Because of the vast networks of suppliers, including airplanes, you can have your items delivered to any area on the earth.

4. Economical insurance rates

It is quick, and the cost of insurance varies according to the amount of time required. However, because the operation will be more expensive, you must create your own calculations.

5. Extraordinary security

Air travel has the advantage of providing a high level of security, with a thorough screening at airport gates, limiting the potential of cargo theft.

6. The lack of storage and the demand for it

Because there is less air freight, storage is easier and less expensive. Furthermore, customs inspection and handling are far more efficient processes because the shipment takes less labor and time.

7. The continuation

For airfreight deliveries, the majority of delivery services offer tracking. An app can be used to track the products from the time they leave till they arrive.

DocShipper can aid you in selecting the best air freight service!

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 South Korea 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 to 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 South Korea

The history of railway transportation between China and South Korea dates back to the early 1900s, when Korea was under Japanese occupation. During this time, Japan built a railway network connecting Korea to China's northeast provinces. However, after the end of World War II, the Korean peninsula was divided into two, and the railways were cut off.

In recent years, there have been efforts to revive railway transportation between China and South Korea. In 2014, the two countries agreed to connect their railway networks, which would enable cargo and passengers to travel directly between the two countries. The project involved the construction of a 230-kilometer railway line between the northeastern Chinese city of Hunchun and the North Korean port city of Rajin, which would then connect to South Korea via a sea route.

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

The transportation of cargo by train from China to South Korea can take around 2-3 days. The main railway route connecting China and South Korea is the Gyeongui Line, which runs from the Chinese city of Dandong to the South Korean city of Incheon.

The Gyeongui Line has been in operation since 1904 and was originally built by Japan to transport coal and other natural resources from the Korean Peninsula to Japan. Today, it is used to transport a variety of goods, including electronics, machinery, and textiles, between China and South Korea.

The benefits of rail freight between China and South Korea

Rail transportation between China and South Korea has various advantages, including:

Cost-effectiveness: For time-sensitive cargo, rail transport is often less expensive than air freight and more efficient than sea shipping. It is especially economical for large or heavy goods that are not time-sensitive.
Reliability: Rail transportation is noted for its dependability, particularly for long-distance travel. Trains follow a set timetable, and their routes and arrival times are more predictable than other types of transportation.
Faster transit times: Rail travel is faster than sea transport and frequently less expensive than air freight for time-sensitive items. Transit times vary based on the road and the kind of cargo, but trains are generally faster than ships for cargo moving between China and Russia.
Government support: Both the Chinese and Russian governments have made significant investments in their rail networks to facilitate commerce and economic growth. This has resulted in the creation of additional rail routes, improved infrastructure, and simplified customs procedures, making rail transit a more appealing choice for cross-border trade.

Door-to-door service between China and South Korea

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 provides an overview of the customs procedures that need to be followed when importing goods from China to South Korea.

Customs clearance is the process of verifying and approving imported goods by the customs authorities of a country. The customs clearance process for importing goods from China to South Korea may vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of the importing country.

One of the key aspects of the customs clearance process is the payment of duties and taxes, which is essential to understand. Therefore, we will guide you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Documentation

The first step in the customs clearance process is to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for the imported goods, such as invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin.

Step 2: Tax and Duty Calculation

It is recommended to seek the assistance of a customs broker as they are responsible for paying taxes and import duties. The amount of taxes and duties to be paid will depend on various factors such as the product categories in your shipment, their stated value, customs laws of the destination country, shipping methods, and the shipping conditions you choose.

Step 3: Incoterm Selection and Payment of Taxes and Duties

You have two options: DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Customs agents will determine which Incoterms apply to your shipment. If you have paid the necessary taxes and fees, your cargo will be labeled as DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), indicating that your customs broker has settled all taxes and import duties.

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

Step 4: Shipment Release

After completing the customs clearance process and settling all necessary taxes and duties, the imported goods will be 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 South Korea.

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

When importing goods, several documents are required to ensure smooth customs clearance. Here are the essential documents that you need:

Bill of Lading: This document verifies the receipt of particular goods and permits their transportation to a designated destination for delivery to the recipient specified in the document. It serves as proof of the transportation contract and as a receipt for the goods
Packing List: This document must 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. 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.
Certificate of Origin: This document is used to verify the place of manufacture or origin of the goods. It 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.
Documents of Conformity: The Declaration of Conformity (DOC) is a formal statement provided by the responsible party, indicating compliance with the CE Directive and corresponding harmonized standards. It is based on a conformity assessment, which may include a test report or certificate of conformity for the product.

Restricted and Prohibited Products

Importers must be aware of the products that are restricted or prohibited in South Korea to avoid wasting time and resources. It is essential to check with the relevant authorities to ensure that the products you want to import are legal.

Cooperation relationship between China and South Korea

China and South Korea have a strong cooperation relationship in the field of logistics. The two countries have a long history of economic and trade ties, and their proximity makes them ideal partners for logistics cooperation.

In recent years, China has become a major trading partner for South Korea, and there has been a significant increase in trade volumes between the two countries. This has resulted in a growing demand for logistics services, including transportation, warehousing, and customs clearance.

Chinese logistics companies have been actively expanding their operations in South Korea, while Korean logistics companies have also been investing in China. In addition, there are numerous joint ventures between Chinese and Korean logistics companies, which are focused on providing comprehensive logistics solutions to customers in both countries.

One of the key factors driving logistics cooperation between China and South Korea is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by China. The BRI aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation between countries in the region and includes investments in infrastructure, trade, and logistics.

As a result of the BRI, there has been a significant increase in trade volumes between China and South Korea, and this has led to the development of new logistics routes and services. For example, the China-Korea Railway Express, a rail freight service between China and South Korea, has become an important logistics link between the two countries.

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 South Korea KR | Tariffs - Transit times - Duties and taxes

What is the transit time for shipping goods from China to South Korea?

The transit time for shipping goods from China to South Korea depends on several factors, including the mode of transportation, the route is taken, and the customs clearance process. Generally, it takes around 1-5 days for air freight, 3-7 days for sea freight, and 2-3 days for road freight.

What are the tariffs and import duties for shipping goods from China to South Korea?

The tariffs and import duties for shipping goods from China to South Korea vary based on the type of goods, their value, and other factors. It is recommended to consult with a customs broker or freight forwarder to determine the exact tariffs and duties for your specific shipment.

Does DocShipper provide advice for freight shipping between China and South Korea?

DocShipper provides expert advice on freight shipping between China and South Korea. Our professionals are knowledgeable about the customs procedures, regulations, and shipping methods in both countries and can offer guidance on the best shipping options and practices for your specific needs.

What services does DocShipper provide for freight shipping between China and South Korea?

DocShipper offers a wide range of freight shipping services between China and South Korea, including air freight, sea freight, and rail freight. We handle all aspects of the shipping process, from documentation to customs clearance to final delivery. We also provide additional services such as cargo insurance and warehousing if needed.

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!

Port in China	Port in South Korea	Approximate Transport Time (days)
Shanghai	Busan	3-4
Ningbo	Incheon	2-3
Shenzhen	Gwangyang	2-3
Qingdao	Busan	2-3
Tianjin	Busan	4-5
Dalian	Incheon	1-2
Xiamen	Busan	2-3
Guangzhou	Busan	3-4
Lianyungang	Incheon	2-3

Freight shipping From China CN to South Korea KR | Tariffs – Transit times – Duties and taxes

The different methods of transportation between China and South Korea

Sea freight from China to South Korea

Overview - Trade relations between China and South Korea

The main shipping routes between China and South Korea

The main shipping seaports in China

The main shipping seaports in South Korea

Transport time between China and South Korean ports

What container can I choose for shipment between China and South Korea?