Freight Shipping between China and Vietnam |Sea & Air

You want to transport products between China and Vietnam, but you want to know more in terms of transport mode and regulations? Good news! DocShipper has created a "destination guide" for you, which includes information about freight shipping from China to Vietnam. This guide contains all the important information you need to know about transporting goods between China and Vietnam.

Please note that we offer services for all shipping methods (air, sea, rail, or road).

Our logistics experts study each of your requests according to your needs and determine the most appropriate transportation method for your project.

Enjoy your reading!

Ocean cargo between China and Vietnam

Sea freight is the most common method of shipping goods. Indeed, this type of transportation is the cheapest method.

Also, China is the first trade partner of Vietnam. Indeed, nearly 35% of Vietnam's imports came from China in 2019, and more than 18% of Vietnam's exports were shipped to China. Moreover, most of these goods were shipped by sea freight.

For more details about sea freight, please visit our page dedicated to this topic: sea freight services.

The main shipping seaports in China

Port of Shanghai

Ranked as the largest city in China, Shanghai is home to over 26 million visitors. To supply its population, as well as the entire hinterland, the port of Shanghai sees nearly 36 million containers pass through its port. This represents, in 2019, nearly 1.3 billion tons of goods.

Port of Ningbo

Located in the heart of Zhejiang province, south of Hangzhou Bay, the port of Ningbo is qualified as the first port in the world in terms of volumes handled. The port of Ningbo was born in 2006 from the merger of the two Chinese ports of Zhoushan and Ningbo. Today, this merger allows the transit of nearly 1.5 billion tons of goods per year.

Website: Ningbo port

Port of Tangshan

Known as the fifth largest port in the world, Tangshan Port also the most important port in Hebei Province. In 2019, 820 million tons passed through this industrial port. Located in the heart of the Bohai Sea shores, Tangshan Port has a strategic location to supply the Northeast of the country.

Port of Tianjin

In 2015, this port experienced a terrible tragedy. Indeed, tanks that contained chemicals exploded, causing a huge fire. This disaster caused the death of several dozen people, which significantly slowed down the activity of the port.

However, the port has been rebuilt, to allow some 900 million tons of goods to transit through the port in 2019.

How much time does it take to ship freight from China to Vietnam

The average sea freight shipping time from China to Vietnam depends on a number of factors such as the specific ports of departure and arrival, the shipping route taken, and the mode of transportation used. Generally, however, the average sea freight shipping time from China to Vietnam can range from 4 to 5 days.

	Saigon	Da Nang	Port Cam Pha	Ba Ngoi
Shanghaï	4	4	4	3
Ningbo	4	5	4	4
Tianjin	5	5	4	4
Qinqdao	6	6	5	5
Canton	5	5	4	4
Hong Kong	6	6	5	5

What container can I choose for shipment between China and Vietnam ?

There is different kind of containers, so you will find them below :

20'GP, 33 cm3 capacity, 20 feet container for general purpose
40'HC, 76 cm3 capacity, 40 feet high cube container
40'GP, 67 cm3 capacity, 40 feet container for general purpose

When the goods are less than 14 CBM, the shipment will generally be done by LCL. When the goods are more than 15 CBM, then it will be better to take a whole container (FLC), even if it is only half full. This will be more advantageous in terms of price.

LCL: Less than Container Load

Consolidation is the name given to systems that allow goods from multiple customers to be grouped together in a single container, with the final destination being a single port. This system is suitable for shippers whose goods do not fill an entire container.

Thus, you will only need to pay for the space needed for your goods in the container, instead of the entire container. This means that it is relatively cost-effective for small shipments.

In this case, the LCL principle will be interesting in the following cases:

You wish to group your shipments with other shippers in a single container
Your goods to be shipped have a relatively small volume to use an entire container
You want your goods to be delivered to multiple recipients
Your goods are too heavy to use air freight, so this way of shipping will not be cost-effective compared to ocean consolidation

FCL: Full Container Load

Full Container Load (FCL) shipping is a means of delivery by full container. This container belongs to a single customer, from the loading of the goods to the final destination.

Thus, the container being sealed from A to Z, the handling will be reduced, and the loads less important. This type of transport is used in particular for the purchase of goods in very large quantities.

This method is also the most economical way of transporting large volumes of goods. It is also the safest. This method is also advantageous for containers that are not completely filled, from 15 m3. The costs will indeed be lower than using the LCL method.

What you should be paid attention to when choosing LCL

In some cases, the clearance of goods is affected. This is particularly the case when product restrictions are in force in some countries, but not in others. This may be related to the politics of the countries, or to the terms of trade, or to the regulations against these countries in the importing and exporting country. It is necessary to be vigilant, because a good confronted with a particular regulation can affect the other goods, transported in the same convoy.

Here are the different points on which it is necessary to be vigilant:

Customs clearance: If certain documents are missing for a commodity in an LCL container, the goods carried in the same container will also be affected, if the container is detained by Customs authorities. This will disrupt the customs clearance process for the entire container.
Complete documents: The consignor should make sure that the packaging, the port of destination, weight, quantity, the name of the goods, size, specifications etc should be correct with the situation and on the documents.
Consistency of goods: The correct data must be communicated at the outset, because if the weight is wrong and the goods are overloaded, there will be repercussions on the container, such as damage to the cargo or accidents.
Temporary changes: Actual cargo conditions are monitored in real time by operators and shippers, as changes can be made between loading and vessel departure. Therefore, shippers will need to contact each stakeholder to ensure that the process is working properly.

Professional LCL companies have the role of controlling the characteristics of the cargo before it is packed. They are also required to determine if adjustments are necessary and to anticipate what may be affected by various factors after the cargo arrives in port. In the event of potential difficulties, the parties must be consulted to resolve the issues.

How much does sea freight between China and Vietnam cost?

The cost of sea freight between China and Vietnam can vary depending on several factors such as the volume of goods, the type of cargo, the shipping route, the carrier, and the season. However, I can provide you with some general information and estimates based on industry standards.

For instance, the cost of sea freight from China to Vietnam can range from $300 to $1,200 for a 20-foot container (FCL) and $500 to $1,600 for a 40-foot container (FCL).

Why do we choose air transport?

Air transport offers many advantages that sea transport lacks, including reliability, simplicity and low cost of packaging, but above all speed. These are advantages that no other type of freight can compete with (The transit time is generally a few days).

International air freight uses the volumetric ratio, which is a ratio of 6,000 cubic centimeters to 1 kilogram, with the actual load expressed in kilograms. Although air freight is most often more expensive, international air transport offers advantages for shipments that no other type of transportation can compete with.

What is volumetric weight ?

The price of air freight varies according to weight and volume. If the cargo to be transported is small in volume, but relatively heavy, then the price will be calculated according to the weight.

However, if the volume is high, but the weight is low, the price will be calculated according to the volume.

Volumetric weight = (length cm * height cm* width cm) / 6000

The weight by volume and the weight gross are taken into account to determine the weight to be invoiced for a given commodity. The highest value will be chosen.

How much time does it take to ship air cargo from China to Vietnam?

The time it takes to ship air cargo from China to Vietnam can vary depending on several factors such as the origin and destination cities, the airline carrier, the type of cargo, and any customs or regulatory requirements.

Generally, air cargo shipments from China to Vietnam can take anywhere from 1 to 2 days. However, some factors like the size and weight of the cargo, the availability of flights, and any potential delays can extend the shipping time.

Door-to-door delivery between China and Vietnam

Tired of shipping procedures? Having to choose between the right mode of transport, then between the right FCL or LCL container option, by the right traditional or express airway option, taking care of these shipments yourself is sometimes complicated. At DocShipper, we offer a door-to-door service. We pick up your goods from your door, prepare the necessary documentation for transport, and then deliver your goods to the final destination. This also includes the customs procedure.

For all inquiries regarding door-to-door transportation, please feel free to contact our experts using our online form.

How door-to-door services are helpful?

Our door-to-door service allows us to smooth your transportation from A to Z. Our collaborators, present in China and Vietnam, will be able to be present on the spot in order to avoid any additional cost, or any delays of delivery, which can be caused by errors of communication between the various actors of the delivery process.

The customs clearance will be entirely mastered by the skills of our collaborators with the local Chinese and Vietnamese customs.

Customs clearance between Vietnam and China

When a product is imported, exported or in transit, it must be declared to the customs authorities upon entering or leaving the country's customs territory. This is called customs clearance. Thus, the declarant or the owner of the goods will be able to recover his goods only after having fulfilled their obligations or accomplished the various formalities, whether it is in terms of control, taxation or formalities.

Also, each of the transports carrying goods, whether for import, export, or simply transit must be declared in customs, obtain a customs authorization and meet all the formalities.

Categories of tariffs

There is a tax levied by the state on articles and merchandise entering or leaving the customs territory. In all countries, customs duties are generally taxes whose tariff is set by the highest administrative unit of the state. For countries with developed foreign trade, customs duties are often the main source of revenue for the government and even the treasury.

Tariff classification based on commodity flow

Import duties: Levied by the customs authorities of the country importing the goods entering the customs territory from abroad, the import duties are in accordance with the customs tariff code.

Export tariff: Levied by the customs of the country exporting the goods, the export tariff is paid by the exporter.

Transit Tariff: Also known as the pass-through tariff, the transit tariff represents the customs duties that a country imposes on foreign goods crossing its customs territory.

Import restriction and export incentive policies are now in place in many countries around the world. Also, countries very rarely levy transit fees.

Tariff classification based on tariff purpose

Fiscal Tariffs: Collected with the primary objective of increasing the country's revenue, revenue duties, or fiscal duties, are imposed on the import or export of goods.

Protective Tariff: Levied to protect the country's agricultural and industrial development, the protective tariff increases with the degree of processing of the goods. It is generally higher than fiscal tariffs and capped at the taxed price of imported products above the national tariff of similar products. However, if the protective tariff were to exceed this limit, the competitiveness of the company will be impacted.

Punitive or retaliatory tariff: This tariff is an import surcharge. It is imposed by a country on goods imported from a third country, because of commercial discrimination against it, which results in a violation of the agreements concluded between them.

Special Preferences

This means that the importing country gives special preferential treatment, either free or at a reduced rate of duty, to all or part of the products imported from a certain country or region. However, this preferential treatment cannot be invoked by other countries or regions under the most-favored-nation principle. The EFN duty rate is usually lower than the treaty rate and the MFN rate. There are both unilateral (non-reciprocal) and reciprocal forms of ex gratia payments.

How to calculate customs duties and taxes?

Having an overview of the overall costs of your shipment, which includes not only logistics services, but also customs clearance procedures and all related taxes and duties, is very important.

In order to check each of these duties, you just need to know the HS code (Harmonized System) of your product. Each member of the World Trade Organization uses the same codes, unique for each product.

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System: HS code

Covering nearly 95% of world trade, the HS Code is used in 207 countries. Designed to uniquely and methodically classify products, this process was created to recognize the product simply by its code, and also to know the taxes and customs duties easily. Thus, each good is assigned a number, consisting of at least 6 digits. The HS code also allows to make statistics as well as comparison offers of the different relevant trade flows.

The composition of an HS Code is as follows

How do I find the HS Code?

There are several ways to obtain the HS code for your merchandise. The most efficient method, which is also the easiest, is to contact your supplier directly. If the supplier is not able to send you the HS code, it shows a lack of reliability of the supplier (unless the supplier has a very small infrastructure and is not familiar with the whole export process).

If this is the case, you can still turn to websites that will help you get the code.

To do this, just enter a keyword in the search bar and then look at the different results you get.

Calculate applicable tariff with the HS code

Once you have your HS code, it is now time to check the tax rate you will have to pay for your shipment. To do so, follow these steps:

Duties and taxes from China to Vietnam

You must first go to the website of the Vietnamese customs authorities : Vietnam customs tariff

You have to fill your information (we will fill here the origin country and HS code, here is China) :

When you have done this, click on the search icon to access a page like the one below:

Interpretation of customs tariff in Vietnam

You can see on this picture that there is a "Free Trade Agreement" (FTA). This agreement exists only with Japan. Indeed, when you import this type of goods in Japan (pineapple), you will have to pay duties and taxes amounting to 12.5%. If the same product came from another country, such as China, these same duties and taxes would be 30%.

Duties and taxes from Vietnam to China

For shipments from Vietnam to China, go to the website of the Chinese customs : Chinese customs tariff.

First, the HS code must be entered on the following page:

To proceed to the next step, click on the "Search" button. This is the page that should appear:

3 categories can be distinguished:

Customs declaration
landed cost calculator
import tariff and tax

Let's focus on the tariffs and import taxes in China :

Landed cost calculator in China

Required documents

Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is issued by the agent or carrier. It certifies the receipt of specific goods, which allows the products to be transported to a certain destination and delivered to the consignee of the document. It is actually a proof of the contract of carriage, and also serves as a receipt for the goods. It contains the following information: consignee, shipper, place of receipt, notified party, port of loading and unloading, place of delivery, measure, gross weight, date and place of issue, and is signed for the carrier.

Packing List

A packing list provides information on the invoice number, issuer, type of package, description of goods. It must also match the declared bill of lading.
The letter of credit must be presented to the export companies as it is a document for the payment of foreign currency. It is one of the additional documents that are added to the list of measures and weights associated with the invoice. They list the totality of the packaging and their characteristics, as well as the different weights. These documents will be used by the buyer to control the nature and size of the shipment and the customs acceptance of the goods.

Certificate of Origin

This type of document can only be issued by a notary agency, the government, or the exporter to prove the origin of the goods. The certificate of origin contains details on: the number and brand of the goods; the name and address of the importer/exporter; the name of the goods; the mode of transport and route; the weight and the quantity, etc.

Restricted and prohibited products

Before importing products, be sure to check the list of prohibited or restricted products :

Supplier Management in China

Upstream of your shipments, we can offer you a Sourcing service. This service includes product research and contact with the supplier. We make sure that the certificates of conformity are up to date, in order to ensure the approval of your goods in the country of import. Our department will also supervise a quality control on your products, and check the quality, condition and packaging of the goods.

Also note that our experts are fluent in English, French and Mandarin. So you won't have any bad surprises when your goods arrive.

Check here : Sourcing Services

3PL Service

Packaging / Ordering and Labeling: Strategically located in Camporosso, Italy, our warehouse in the heart of Europe will save you time, storing your goods, and preparing them for all your orders. We receive all orders from all countries, then we carry out the storage, packaging, labeling, order preparation and distribution, while managing your inventory.

Delivery to the last mile: From our warehouse, we supervise the shipments of all your B to C orders. Thanks to the strategic location of our warehouse, the delivery time to your customers is 48 hours.

Check here to know more information: 3PL Services

FAQ - Freight Shipping between China and Vietnam |Sea & Air

How can I get a shipping quote from China to Vietnam?

-Identify the size and weight of your shipment.

-Determine the shipping method.

-Choose a shipping company.

-Provide shipment details.

-Receive a shipping quote.

-Evaluate the quote and book the shipment.

Keep in mind that the shipping quote may vary depending on factors such as the shipping method, the size and weight of the shipment, the shipping company, and any additional services required. It's always a good idea to compare multiple quotes to ensure you are getting the best price and service for your shipment.

Should I ship by air or sea freight from China to Vietnam?

When deciding to ship from China to Vietnam, it's important to consider factors such as urgency, cost, volume, nature of goods, and customs clearance procedures. Air freight may be the best choice for urgent shipments or fragile/perishable items, while sea freight is more cost-effective for larger volumes. Customs clearance procedures for air freight are faster, while sea freight can be subject to delays. Ultimately, it's best to consult with a logistics provider like DocShipper to determine the best solution for your needs and budget.

What items are not allowed in Vietnam?

-Weapons, explosives, ammunition, and related materials.

-Illegal drugs, narcotics, and psychotropic substances.

-Pornographic materials.

-Counterfeit goods, fake currencies, and forged documents.

-Toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.

-Fireworks and other similar items.

-Cultural artifacts, antiques, and national treasures.

-Endangered animal and plant species and their by-products.

-Certain types of food products that do not meet safety and health standards.

-Certain types of electronic waste.

It's important to note that the list of prohibited items in Vietnam is subject to change, and it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or consult with a reliable logistics provider like DocShipper to ensure that you are not violating any regulations when importing goods into Vietnam.

How much is the import duty in Vietnam?

The general rate for import duties in Vietnam ranges from 0% to 50%, with an average rate of around 10%. However, certain goods are subject to higher tariffs, such as luxury goods like perfumes, cosmetics, and jewelry. In addition to import duties, there may be other taxes and fees that need to be paid, such as value-added tax (VAT) and special consumption tax (SCT).

Freight Shipping between China and Vietnam |Sea & Air

The different methods of transportation between China and Vietnam?

Sea freight from China to Vietnam

Ocean cargo between China and Vietnam

The main shipping seaports in China

Port of Shanghai

Port of Ningbo

Port of Tangshan

How much time does it take to ship freight from China to Vietnam

Saigon

Da Nang

Ba Ngoi

What container can I choose for shipment between China and Vietnam ?

LCL: Less than Container Load

FCL: Full Container Load

What you should be paid attention to when choosing LCL

How much does sea freight between China and Vietnam cost?

Air freight from China to Vietnam

There are 2 categories of Air Freight

Main Chinese airports

Main Vietnamese airports

Why do we choose air transport?

What is volumetric weight ?

How much time does it take to ship air cargo from China to Vietnam?

Door-to-door delivery between China and Vietnam

How door-to-door services are helpful?

Customs clearance between Vietnam and China

Categories of tariffs

Tariff classification based on commodity flow

Tariff classification based on tariff purpose

Tariff classification based on tariff treatment

What are Preferential tariffs?

Most-favoured-nation treatment tariffs

Special Preferences

Generalized System of Preferences tariffs

How to calculate customs duties and taxes?

How do I find the HS Code?

Calculate applicable tariff with the HS code

Duties and taxes from China to Vietnam

Interpretation of customs tariff in Vietnam

Duties and taxes from Vietnam to China

Does DocShipper charge Dutry when clearing customs?

Procedure and customs contact

Chinese Customs

Vietnamese Customs

Required documents

Bill of Lading

Packing List

Certificate of Origin

Restricted and prohibited products

Restricted Products

Prohibited products

Other logistics services

Warehousing and storage

Packaging and repackaging

Transportation insurances