Main ports of China
The port of Shanghai
The Port of Shanghai, is the world's largest container port, with a cargo capacity of over 40 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year. In 2020, it handled over 43.5 million TEUs of cargo.
The port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, is the second-largest container port in China, with a cargo capacity of about 30 million TEUs per year. In 2020, it recorded a cargo volume of nearly 28.8 million TEUs.
The port of Shenzhen
The Port of Shenzhen, is one of China's busiest ports, with a cargo capacity of about 25 million TEUs per year. In 2020, it handled more than 25.2 million TEUs of cargo.
The port of Tianjin
Tianjin Port, is one of the country's largest ports, with a cargo capacity of about 17 million TEUs per year. In 2020, it handled more than 17.6 million TEUs of cargo.
The port of Qingdao
Qingdao Port, with a cargo capacity of about 18 million TEUs per year and a cargo volume of nearly 18.5 million TEUs in 2020.
The port of Hong Kong
The Port of Hong Kong is a major hub for sea freight, facilitating the efficient movement of goods between Hong Kong and China, as well as with other destinations around the world. With its modern facilities and cargo capacity of approximately 23 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year, Hong Kong Port offers quality logistics services, including quays, warehouses, and handling facilities, ensuring the smooth loading and unloading of goods.
As a strategic transit point, it plays a key role in maritime trade and logistics connectivity between Hong Kong and China, contributing to the economic growth of both regions.
Should I ship by groupage or full container between China and Hong Kong?
There are different types of containers, but the three most commonly used are:
- The 20-foot container has a capacity of 33 CBM.
- The 40-foot container has a capacity of 67 CBM.
- The 40-foot HQ container with a capacity of 76 CBM.
For each type of container, two different shipping methods can be used.
Maritime consolidation or LCL (Less than Container Load)
Maritime consolidation allows you to send goods when you do not have enough cargo to fill an entire container. The rest of the available space will then be used by other customers. This saves money when you send a quantity of goods less than 15 CBM.
Transport by train between China and Hong Kong
Rail freight between China and Hong Kong has gained popularity as an efficient and cost-effective mode of transport for goods. It offers a viable alternative to sea and air freight, especially for landlocked regions or for shipments that require faster transit times compared to sea freight.
The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail Link (GZSH) is a major railway line connecting Hong Kong with mainland China. This high-speed rail network has greatly facilitated the movement of passengers and cargo between Hong Kong and various cities in Guangdong Province, such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen. It has significantly enhanced connectivity and trade opportunities for businesses in the region.
The GZSH line is known for its speed and efficiency, with trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph). This allows for quicker transportation of goods, reducing transit times compared to traditional road transportation. The rail line has dedicated cargo trains equipped with specialized containers for efficient loading and unloading.
Rail freight between China and Hong Kong is particularly suitable for certain types of cargo, including electronics, automotive parts, textiles, and perishable goods. It offers a reliable and secure mode of transportation, with reduced risk of delays due to road congestion or weather conditions.
Here's what an HS Code is made of :
How can I find the HS code for my products?
Go to this page: HTS - HS Code Finder and enter your product name. All you need to do is check which HS code your product corresponds to in the results. In the following example we take the case of pineapple.
Calculation of customs duties with HS code
Once you have the HS code, you can easily find the duties and taxes that apply to your product;
As for customs clearance in China, just go to the China Customs page: China Customs Tariff.
Please enter your HS code on this page first:
Click Search, and the results will look like this:
3 categories arise import tax and duty, customs declaration, and landed costs.
Let's take a look at them:
- Import duties and Taxes in China
- Cost calculator for cash procurement in China
As we can see, if you import products falling into category 0804 30, you won't pay customs duties when importing into China.
Chinese Customs
Name Official: General Administration of Customs (China)
Website Official: Chinese customs
What import and export licenses are required?
Import license
You don't need an import license to transfer goods between Hong Kong and China. In fact, all you need is a registered company as the consignee of the shipment, both in China and Hong Kong. It is necessary to comply with local customs formalities; don't try to shape this detail!
Required documents
Bill of Lading
The main document required is the sea freight bill of lading (or air waybill for air freight). It attests to the regularity of the transfer since it is issued once the carrier has received payment for its services. This form is required for all international commercial transport of goods.
Here is an example :
Original invoice
The original invoice is required for customs clearance;
Packing list
The packing list provides a summary of your inventory. The packing list indicates which items have been seized, and their declared value. It also specifies the origin and arrival of the merchandise.
Certificate of origin
Certificates of origin must be signed by the supplier and submitted to a government agency in China or Hong Kong, depending on your supplier's location.
Here's an example:
