The shipping industry between China and Bangladesh has seen immense growth over the past decade. As trade relations strengthen between the two Asian countries, understanding the best practices for international freight logistics and import/export regulations is essential for businesses looking to tap into these opportunities. This article provides an informative guide to the world of shipping from China to Bangladesh. We will explore the array of options available for cargo transport between the two countries, including critical factors like:
- Shipping routes and transit times
- Freight costs and shipping rates
- Import duties and customs processes
- Documentation requirements
Reviewing the complexities around international shipping to Bangladesh from China will enable your business to:
- Optimize supply chain workflows and inventory management
- Save on overall logistics costs and delivery times
This article will also help you navigate the intricacies of trade regulations and import controls when clearing customs in Bangladesh. Now, let’s explore international freight options between China and Bangladesh in more detail.
Methods for Shipping from China to Bangladesh
When exporting goods from China to Bangladesh, businesses have several freight transport options to evaluate:
| Method | Transit Time | Cost Per KG* | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 1-4 days | $5-$8 | Urgent or high-value goods |
| Express Air | 3-7 days | $2-$4 | Time-sensitive shipments |
| Sea Freight LCL | 15-30 days | $1-$2 | Large volumes or heavy goods |
| Sea Freight FCL | 15-30 days | $0.5-$1 | Large volumes or heavy goods |
“FCL” stands for Full Container Load, while “LCL” stands for Less than Container Load.
- FCL (Full Container Load):
- This shipping option is used when the shipper has enough goods to fill a whole container.
- The entire container is exclusively reserved for the shipment of one shipper.
Both FCL and LCL have their advantages and considerations, depending on the volume of goods being shipped and the specific requirements of the shipper.
Air Freight Routes
Air freight offers the quickest shipping time but comes with the highest shipping cost from China to Bangladesh. Air shipping is best for urgent, time-sensitive, or high-value goods that cannot wait for sea freight transit times. It allows flexibility in logistics without needing regional warehouses.
| Route | Main Carriers | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Zhengzhou – Dhaka | SF Airlines | 1-2 days |
| Nanjing – Dhaka | SF Airlines, China Southern Airlines | 2-3 days |
| Shanghai – Dhaka | China Eastern Airlines | 3-4 days |
| Guangzhou – Dhaka | China Southern Airlines | 4-5 days |
| Beijing – Dhaka | Air China | Weekly |
The main airport route is from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) in China to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The flight time on this route is around 4 hours 10 minutes. SF Airlines operates Boeing 737 freighter aircraft on this route, departing every 1-2 days.
There are also cargo flights originating from other Chinese airports like Nanjing to Bangladesh carrying textiles and other goods.
Sea Freight Routes
Ocean freight is the most common and cheapest shipping solution from China to Bangladesh. For most commercial shipments from China, sea freight is the standard mode due to its affordability.
| Route | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Qingdao – Chittagong | 20-25 days |
| Shanghai – Chittagong | 15-20 days |
| Ningbo – Chittagong | 20-25 days |
| Shenzhen – Chittagong | 25-30 days |
The most common route is from Shanghai to Chittagong, which takes 15-20 days in transit. Sea shipments depart from various Chinese ports and sail through the South China Sea and Bay of Bengal before arriving at the port of Chittagong in Bangladesh. Transit times range from 15-30 days, depending on the exact origin and destination.
Required Shipping Documentation
Proper documentation is crucial when importing from China to ensure timely customs clearance in Bangladesh. Key documents include:
Commercial Invoice:
- Provides details on the shipment contents and value
- used to calculate import taxes and duties in Bangladesh
- Must include Incoterms
Packing List:
- Specifies details on the packages, products, and quantities being shipped
- Enables customs inspection if needed
Certificate of Origin:
- Confirms goods wholly manufactured in China
- Eligible for trade agreement benefits
Bill of Lading:
- Serves as the contract between the shipper and carrier detailing the shipment, fees, responsibilities, etc
Insurance Certificate:
- Provides proof that insurance coverage is in place for the cargo
Inspection Certificate:
- Verifies that the products meet the required quality standards before export from China.
Additional documentation may be needed based on import regulations for specific products. Having these documents prepared upfront ensures cargo release without customs delays in Bangladesh.
Managing Customs Clearance
Navigating customs procedures when importing to Bangladesh can be complex for those new to global trade. Partnering with a customs broker or freight forwarder helps optimize the clearance process.
Customs Clearance Process
The typical documentation steps for customs clearance include:
- Submit import declaration and documentation
- Pay relevant duties and taxes
- Complete inspection if required
- Receive customs release order
- Cargo leaves the port for final delivery
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Import Duty | Tax based on tariff classification and value |
| VAT | 15% value-added tax in Bangladesh |
| AIT | Advance income tax |
Avoiding Demurrage & Delays
Submitting paperwork promptly enables swift cargo release from Bangladesh ports and airports while avoiding extra storage fees.
Tracking Your Shipment
Once your sea freight or air cargo departs China, monitoring its movement and estimated arrival time is crucial. Real-time visibility into location and status enables proactive planning around:
- Warehouse labor allocation
- Inventory replenishment
- Customs clearance prep
Common sources for shipment tracking from China include:
- Carrier portal
- Freight forwarder platform
- Third-party logistics providers
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Location Updates | Monitor movement through the supply chain |
| Status Notifications | Get alerts on delays or exceptions |
| Estimated Time of Arrival | Plan downstream processes |
Managing Delays
Despite best efforts, delays can still occur due to:
- Port congestion
- Adverse weather
- Mechanical issues
Having contingency plans in place allows you to mitigate the impacts through:
- Sourcing from alternate locations
- Strategic inventory placement
- Expedited freight options
Working with a Freight Forwarder
Partnering with a freight forwarder can optimize your shipping logistics when importing to Bangladesh from China. Freight forwarders offer services like:
- Coordinating bookings across various carriers
- Managing shipping documentation
- Consolidating LCL cargo
- Customs clearance and duties management
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost Savings | Combine shipments for better freight rates |
| Process Efficiency | Handle export/import formalities |
| Supply Chain Visibility | Real-time tracking and status updates |
Why Choose Us? Luckystar Logistic
Established in 2022, Luckystar holds a prestigious position as a member of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and functions as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). With a primary focus on serving China, the USA, Canada, and Europe, the freight forwarding company is dedicated to delivering superior service quality at reduced costs. Boasting a core team with over two decades of logistics experience, Luckystar brings significant expertise to the forefront. Since its inception, the company has been unwavering in its commitment to providing door to door shipping services, emphasizing dependability, adaptability, and responsiveness.
We help to:
- Arrange cargo transportation via air and ocean.
- Handle shipping documentation such as bills of lading, customs paperwork, certificates of origin, invoices, packing lists, etc.
- Coordinate customs clearance activities like duties/tax payments on the client’s behalf.
- Optimize logistics using our route knowledge and relationships to balance cost, speed, and reliability. We advise on the best transport options.
We trust that this article has offered valuable insights to help you decide on the optimal method for shipping goods from China to Bangladesh. Should you have any further inquiries or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us!