SINGAPORE
ONE-STOP GLOBALLOGISTICS PROVIDER
SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO SINGAPORE
Tonlexing is a premier provider of international logistics services, offering a wide range of freight forwarding solutions designed to meet your specific shipping needs across Singapore. We have developed an extensive network capable of delivering economical, affordable, and reliable logistics plans. Our high-quality services extend beyond just importing and shipping from China to Singapore; we also manage pick-up, documentation, packaging, loading, unloading, customs clearance, warehousing, consolidation, and much more.
SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO SINGAPORE
At Tonlexing, we are committed to ensuring that your shipments to Singapore are handled with the utmost care and efficiency. Whether you are shipping via sea or air, our team is equipped to provide you with the best, most affordable, and reliable solutions. We offer comprehensive air freight services to meet urgent shipping needs, ensuring quick and efficient delivery. For sea freight, we ensure seamless coordination from China to the port of Singapore, handling every detail to ensure a smooth process.
Our services prioritize transparency, keeping you informed about all necessary terms and regulations from the outset, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free shipping experience.
For a precise and tailored freight quote—whether for sea or air transport—from China to Singapore, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Simply provide us with your shipment details, and our experienced team will promptly offer you a competitive quotation based on your specific cargo requirements.
Table of Contents
Shipping from China to Singapore: Complete Guide for Sea Freight, Air Freight, and Door-to-Door Services
Singapore is one of the leading global trade hubs, offering businesses a gateway to the entire Southeast Asian market. With its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, shipping goods from China to Singapore is a common logistical requirement for businesses of all sizes. This guide will cover the various shipping options available, including sea freight, air freight, and door-to-door services, ensuring you choose the best solution for your needs.
Sea Freight from China to Singapore
Sea freight is a popular choice for businesses that need to transport large volumes of goods, as it is the most cost-effective method for bulk shipping. Whether you’re dealing with construction materials, furniture, or manufacturing supplies, sea freight offers a reliable and affordable way to move goods over longer transit times.
Main Ports for Sea Freight from China to Singapore:
Selecting the right port for sea freight from China to Singapore plays a critical role in determining shipping costs and transit times. The major Chinese ports offer different advantages in terms of proximity to manufacturing hubs, container availability, and shipping schedules. By choosing the most suitable departure port, businesses can optimize logistics, reduce shipping expenses, and ensure timely delivery to Singapore’s key ports.
Key Departure Ports in China:
- Shanghai Port – One of the busiest ports in the world, handling a significant amount of China’s exports.
- Shenzhen Port – A major gateway for goods from southern China, particularly Guangdong Province.
- Ningbo-Zhoushan Port – Known for handling both domestic and international shipments efficiently.
- Guangzhou Port – A vital hub for southern China’s exports, particularly for heavy industries.
- Qingdao Port – A key port in northern China, serving industries in Shandong Province and beyond.
Main Arrival Port in Singapore:
Port of Singapore – One of the world’s largest and busiest ports, playing a crucial role in global maritime trade and serving as a key logistics hub for Southeast Asia.
How Long is Sea Freight from China to Singapore?
Shipping by sea from China to Singapore typically takes between 7 to 12 days, depending on the port of origin in China and the service route chosen. Major ports in China, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo, regularly send shipments to Singapore’s busiest port, Port of Singapore.
| Port of Origin | Destination Port | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Port of Singapore | 8-11 days |
| Shenzhen | Port of Singapore | 7-9 days |
| Ningbo | Port of Singapore | 9-12 days |
Sea Freight Costs from China to Singapore
Sea freight costs are generally calculated based on the container type and size. Full Container Load (FCL) is the most cost-effective option for large shipments, while Less than Container Load (LCL) is ideal for smaller shipments.
| Port of Origin | FCL (20ft) | FCL (40ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | $700 | $1,300 |
| Shenzhen | $500 | $1,000 |
| Ningbo | $600 | $1,100 |
Sea Freight from China to Singapore: Operation Procedure
Booking and Cargo Pickup
Once you confirm the shipment details, book space with a shipping carrier. The logistics provider arranges for the pickup of the goods from the supplier’s location in China.Loading and Export Customs Clearance in China
The goods are transported to the port of departure (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo). At the port, the cargo is loaded into containers, and the necessary export documents (such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading) are submitted for export clearance through Chinese customs.Sea Transit to Singapore
Once the cargo is cleared and loaded, it begins its journey to Singapore. The transit time typically ranges from 7 to 12 days, depending on the specific route and port of origin.Arrival and Import Customs Clearance in Singapore
Upon arrival at the Port of Singapore, the logistics provider submits the required documents for customs clearance. Duties and taxes are paid, and the customs authorities inspect the goods if necessary.Final Delivery
After customs clearance, the goods are either picked up by the consignee or delivered directly to the designated address or warehouse in Singapore, completing the sea freight process.
Air Freight from China to Singapore
For businesses that require fast and efficient shipping, air freight is the preferred method for delivering goods from China to Singapore. This service is ideal for transporting time-sensitive, high-value goods such as electronics, luxury items, medical equipment, and perishable products. The frequent flights between major Chinese cities and Singapore ensure that shipments are handled quickly and securely, making air freight an essential option for businesses in industries where speed is critical.
Thanks to Singapore’s Changi Airport, which is known for its advanced logistics and high efficiency, air freight offers quick customs clearance and reliable connections to the rest of Southeast Asia. With the combination of modern infrastructure and frequent flights, businesses can expect their goods to arrive in as little as 1 to 3 days.
Main Airports for Air Freight from China to Singapore:
When shipping via air freight from China to Singapore, choosing the right airport is key to optimizing costs and transit times. The location of the airport in relation to your supplier can affect both transportation expenses and delivery speed. Selecting the nearest major airport can help streamline the process, ensuring faster and more cost-effective shipments to Singapore’s Changi Airport.
Key Departure Airports in China:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – A major global air freight hub, especially for electronics and high-value goods.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) – One of the busiest airports in southern China, handling significant air cargo volumes.
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – A key airport for northern China, with strong international cargo connections.
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) – Growing rapidly as a major air cargo hub for southern China.
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – Known for its strong air cargo infrastructure, particularly for international shipments.
Main Arrival Airport in Singapore:
Changi Airport (SIN) – One of the world’s busiest cargo airports, known for its efficiency and connectivity, serving as the key entry point for air freight into Singapore.
How Long is Air Freight from China to Singapore?
Air freight transit times typically range from 1 to 3 days, depending on the flight route and service speed. Key Chinese airports like Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) serve as major hubs, with frequent direct flights to Changi Airport (SIN) in Singapore.
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (PVG) | Changi (SIN) | 1-2 days |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | Changi (SIN) | 1-2 days |
| Beijing (PEK) | Changi (SIN) | 2-3 days |
Air Freight Costs from China to Singapore
Air freight is more expensive than sea freight due to the speed and security it offers. Prices are based on the weight and volume of the shipment.
| Departure Airport | Cost per kg |
|---|---|
| Shanghai (PVG) | $3 – $5 |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | $4 – $6 |
| Beijing (PEK) | $3.5 – $5.5 |
Air Freight from China to Singapore: Operation Procedure
Booking and Cargo Pickup
Confirm flight schedules and book space with an airline. The logistics provider arranges for the pickup of goods from the supplier’s location in China.Export Customs Clearance in China
Transport the goods to the departure airport (e.g., Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)). Submit the required export documents, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and airway bill, for customs clearance.Flight Transit to Singapore
Load the cargo onto the aircraft, and the goods are flown to Singapore. Air transit typically takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the route and the use of direct or connecting flights.Arrival and Import Customs Clearance in Singapore
Upon arrival at Changi Airport (SIN), the logistics provider handles import customs clearance, submitting the necessary documents and paying any duties or taxes required.Final Delivery
After clearing customs, the goods are either collected by the consignee or delivered to the specified address in Singapore, completing the air freight process.
Door-to-Door Shipping from China to Singapore
Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient and comprehensive shipping option available for businesses and individuals. This service takes care of every step of the shipping process, from picking up the goods at the supplier’s location in China to delivering them directly to the destination in Singapore. With door-to-door shipping, there’s no need to worry about coordinating multiple steps such as customs clearance, transportation, or delivery. It’s a seamless solution, especially for e-commerce businesses or companies shipping smaller consignments, ensuring that goods arrive safely and on time without the hassle of managing multiple logistics providers.
How Does Door-to-Door Shipping Work?
- Pickup: The logistics provider arranges the collection of goods from your supplier’s warehouse in China.
- Customs Clearance in China: The necessary export documents are submitted, and the goods are cleared by Chinese customs.
- Transportation: Goods are shipped via sea or air freight from China to Singapore.
- Customs Clearance in Singapore: The logistics provider handles import customs clearance and pays duties and taxes on your behalf.
- Final Delivery: The goods are delivered directly to your address or warehouse in Singapore.
Benefits of Door-to-Door Shipping
- Simplified Process: All logistics are handled by the provider, from customs clearance to delivery.
- Transparent Pricing: Duties and taxes are included in the cost, avoiding hidden fees.
- Faster Delivery: The seamless coordination of every step ensures timely delivery.
Customs Clearance and Duties for Shipping from China to Singapore
When shipping goods from China to Singapore, it’s important to understand the customs clearance process and how duties and taxes are applied. Proper documentation is crucial to avoid delays and extra costs.
Customs Clearance Process
Document Submission
The logistics provider or customs broker submits all necessary documents to Singapore Customs, including:- Commercial Invoice: Specifies the value of the goods and is used to calculate duties and taxes.
- Packing List: A detailed list of the items being shipped, including weight and volume.
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight): The transportation document proving shipment.
- Import Permits: Certain goods may require permits, such as controlled goods or those with specific restrictions.
Customs Declaration
The customs broker declares the shipment to Singapore Customs through the TradeNet system. This includes the details of the goods, value, origin, and HS code for proper duty and tax calculation.Customs Inspection
Singapore Customs may conduct a physical inspection to verify the accuracy of the shipment details. After inspection, the goods are cleared for import.
Duties and Taxes in Singapore
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Singapore imposes a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most imported goods. The tax is calculated based on the CIF value of the goods (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). From January 2023, GST increased to 8%, and it will further increase to 9% in 2024.Duties
While most goods are exempt from customs duties in Singapore, certain items such as alcohol, tobacco, petroleum products, and motor vehicles are subject to additional customs duties. These duties are calculated based on the ad valorem method, which applies a percentage rate to the value of the goods.
Example Calculation
For a shipment of electronics from China valued at $10,000 (CIF), the GST would be calculated as follows:
- CIF Value: $10,000
- GST (8%): $10,000 × 0.08 = $800
No additional customs duties would apply unless the goods are subject to specific regulations.
When shipping from China to Singapore, choosing the right service depends on your priorities—whether it’s cost, speed, or convenience. Sea freight is the most economical option for bulk goods, while air freight is perfect for fast delivery of urgent shipments. For a hassle-free experience, door-to-door shipping takes care of every step of the process, from pickup to final delivery.
At Tonlexing Logistics, we specialize in reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions from China to Singapore. Whether you need sea freight, air freight, or door-to-door services, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today for a personalized shipping quote!
FAQs About Shipping from China to Singapore
Sea freight usually takes 7-12 days, while air freight offers faster delivery times ranging from 1-3 days, depending on the shipping method and route.
Shipping costs depend on factors such as the size and weight of the shipment and the shipping method (sea or air). Sea freight costs for a 20ft container range from $600 to $1,000, while air freight costs between $3 and $5.5 per kg.
Commonly required documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, and either a bill of lading (for sea freight) or an airway bill (for air freight). Import permits may also be required for certain regulated goods.
Yes, Singapore imposes a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 8% on most imported goods, based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) of the shipment. Certain goods, like alcohol and tobacco, are subject to additional customs duties.
Yes, door-to-door shipping services are available, handling everything from pickup in China to delivery in Singapore. This service typically includes customs clearance and delivery to the final destination.
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