When you consider transferring goods from China to Tanzania, you have two primary options: air freight and sea freight. Each has advantages, making the right choice dependent on your specific needs.
Air Freight
When considering transportation of goods from China to Tanzania, air freight emerges as a fast and reliable option. Your cargo can be taken by truck from origins such as Shanghai to nearby airports, loaded onto an aircraft, and then flown directly to the destination.
Here’s a brief overview of the process:
- Departure: Goods are typically trucked to international airports like Shanghai Hongqiao International.
- Flight: There are direct flights or those with minimal layovers to ensure swift delivery.
- Arrival: The main port of arrival is Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania.
Major Airports for Shipping from China to Tanzania
Airports in Tanzania
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): The main airport in Tanzania for receiving air freight from China. It is a major cargo hub.
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Airports in China
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport(CAN)
- Beijing Capital International Airport(PEK)
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport(SZX)
Airlines Operating
Major airlines operating cargo flights between China and Tanzania include:
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Kenya Airways
- Air Tanzania
In summary, air freight provides a fast 2-5 day transit from major airports across China to Tanzania, operated by major international airlines. While more expensive than sea freight, it is ideal for time-sensitive shipments given the quick delivery times. Costs are influenced by weight/volume, airline, and specific routing.
Sea Freight & Container Shipping
Sea freight offers a cost-effective solution for your shipping needs from China to Tanzania. It involves transporting goods by ocean, providing options for various volumes and types of cargo. Sea freight is reliable, with established routes connecting major Chinese ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou to the bustling Port of Dar es Salaam.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
Full Container Load (FCL) is your go-to when you have enough goods to fill a standard 20-foot or 40-foot container. FCL shipping is not only economical for larger volumes but also minimizes the risk of damage as your cargo isn’t shared with others. With FCL, you can expect more stable sailing schedules and shorter transit times.
Less than a Container Load (LCL) Shipping
If your shipment doesn’t fill an entire container, Less than a Container Load (LCL) is an ideal choice. Your goods will be consolidated with other shipments heading to Tanzania, making LCL a flexible and budget-friendly option for smaller volumes. Keep in mind that transit times may be longer due to the consolidation process at the origin and deconsolidation at the destination.
Different Types of Shipping Service from China to Tanzania
- Door-to-Door Delivery
Opting for Door-to-Door Delivery simplifies the shipping process for you. Your freight forwarder will handle all logistics from pickup in China to delivery in Tanzania, including trucking, customs clearance, and warehousing. This comprehensive service is convenient, as it leaves you with fewer logistical concerns and ensures a seamless end-to-end solution.
- Express Shipping
For urgent shipments, Express Shipping is the fastest option for transporting your goods from China to Tanzania. This option is perfect for time-sensitive cargo that requires rapid transit.
Selecting the proper transportation method for your cargo is essential. You should consider factors like transit time, cost, and the volume of goods when deciding between FCL, LCL, door-to-door, DDP, and express shipping options. Collaborating with a reputable freight forwarding company ensures that your cargo arrives in Tanzania efficiently and with proper customs clearance.
Shipping Costs from China to Tanzania
Understanding the various costs associated with shipping from China to Tanzania is crucial for planning your logistics efficiently. Whether you opt for air freight or sea freight, or you’re deciding on the container size for your shipment, knowing the expenses involved helps you budget effectively.
Air Freight Costs from China to Tanzania
The typical air freight rate from major airports in eastern China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.) to Tanzania ranges from $5 to $15 per kg.
The following provides the rough estimates of air freight costs from China to Tanzania:
- $9-$10 per kg from eastern China airports to Tanzania
- $63-$172 per 45kg shipment from Hong Kong to Tanzania airports
- $5-$45 per kg depending on the airline, weight, etc.
- Factors Affecting Costs
Rates are lower for heavier shipments (300kg+) due to airline pricing discounts.
Costs vary based on airline, origin airport, destination airport, weight/volume, type of service etc.
Express services with shorter transit times tend to be more expensive.
Sea Freight Costs from China to Tanzania
Opting for sea freight offers a more cost-effective solution, especially for larger volumes of goods. The trip from China to Tanzania typically takes around 35-45 days, with variations depending on the route and weather. The Port of Dar es Salaam is a major receiving port for these goods, and using a reliable freight forwarder like Luckystar Logistics can help manage shipping processes and costs more smoothly and efficiently.
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to Tanzania |
| Shanghai, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4650 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3150 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4550 40FT | |
| Ningbo-Zhouhsan, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3150 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4550 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3150 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4550 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4650 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3350 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4750 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3350 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4850 40FT | |
| Dalian, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3350 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4950 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3350 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4850 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China- Tanzania | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4750 40FT |
*Please note that those container shipping rates are just general estimates for shipping from China to Tanzania. For more specific and exact quotes, please contact us!
Shipping Time from China to Tanzania
Shipping goods from China to Tanzania presents you with options for both air and sea freight, each offering different transit times. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs regarding speed and volume.
Air Freight Times from China to Tanzania
Air freight provides the swiftest mode of transportation for your cargo. Transit times from airports in China to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, can be around 5-10 days. These periods can vary due to factors like customs clearance, specific airline schedules, and market demands. For instance, an air freight service from Guangzhou to Dar es Salaam typically requires at least one kilogram and can cost roughly $9 to $10 per kilogram.
Sea Freight Times from China to Tanzania
When transporting larger volumes, sea freight becomes the more cost-effective solution. The journey from China to major Tanzanian ports, such as the Port of Dar es Salaam, averages between 25-35 days depending on the route taken and weather conditions encountered. The quickest shipping time by sea is reported to be around 19 days and 5 hours, with ships departing 2-4 times a week from Nansha to Dar es Salaam, covering a distance of approximately 5,831 Nautical Miles. Containers shipped via sea freight should be factored into your planning, given their longer transit times compared to air freight.
*Sea Freight Transit Times Table
| From(Port of departure) | To(Port of Destination) | Transit Times |
| Shanghai | Dar es Salaam | 30-45 days |
| Guangzhou | Dar es Salaam | 35-45 days |
| Shenzhen | Dar es Salaam | 30-45 days |
| Nansha | Dar es Salaam | 35-45 days |
| Xiamen | Dar es Salaam | 35-45 days |
| Chongqing | Dar es Salaam | 40-45 days |
| Fuzhou | Dar es Salaam | 36-45 days |
| Huangpu | Dar es Salaam | 35-45 days |
The transit time can vary slightly based on the origin port, shipping line used, the number of transshipments, and the specific route taken.
For less-than-container (LCL) shipments, 7-10 additional days should be factored in for consolidation.
Factors Affecting Transit Time
- Distance between origin and destination ports
- Number of transshipment ports on the route
- Operating speed of the vessel
- Port operations and potential delays
- Weather conditions during the voyage
The key things to note are that direct sailings from eastern China take around 30-45 days to reach Dar es Salaam, which is the major gateway port in Tanzania for sea freight. Transshipment routes or shipments originating from northern Chinese ports may have slightly longer transit times in the range of 35-50 days depending on the routing.
Necessary Documentation for Shipping from China to Tanzania
When you are shipping from China to Tanzania, having the necessary documentation in place is crucial to ensure customs clearance proceeds without delays. Below is a checklist of the key documents required for your shipment:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight)
- Certificate of Origin
- Import Permit (for certain products like food, plants, animals etc.)
- Phytosanitary Certificate (for plants/plant products)
- Other certificates as required (radiation-free, zoosanitary etc.)
The importer in Tanzania needs to appoint a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to handle customs clearance. All documents must be submitted at least 7 days before cargo arrival through Tanzania’s electronic customs system, TANCIS. Proper documentation is critical to ensure smooth customs clearance and legal compliance and avoid delays/penalties when shipping goods from China to the Tanzanian market. Consulting freight forwarders or customs authorities is advisable, especially for new exporters.
Remember to verify your documentation with the latest regulations from Chinese and Tanzanian customs authorities, as requirements may change. Ensuring that your documentation is accurate and comprehensive will facilitate a smoother shipping experience from China to Tanzania.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
When shipping from China to Tanzania, it’s essential for you as the importer to be aware of specific regulations governing what items you can bring into the country. Tanzania enforces a clear distinction between prohibited items, which cannot be imported under any circumstances, and restricted items, which may require special clearance or permits.
Prohibited Items:
1. Narcotics, illegal drugs like opium, marijuana, cocaine, etc., are strictly prohibited.
2. Pornographic materials in all kinds of media are banned.
3. Counterfeit currency, negotiable securities, and intellectual property-infringing goods are not allowed.
4. Certain wildlife products from endangered species covered under CITES, like ivory, fur, and leather, are prohibited.
5. Used garments are prohibited.
6. Plastic articles of less than 30 microns for conveyance or packing of goods are banned.
Restricted Items (require special permits/certificates):
1. Weapons, including replicas, toys, ammunition, and explosives, require permission from relevant authorities.
2. Animals, plants, and related products, including food, are subject to quarantine and require phytosanitary/health certificates.
3. Pets need valid health and vaccination certificates.
4. Currency over $10,000 must be declared.
5. Certain cosmetics, health supplements and medical products may be restricted.
6. Lithium batteries over 160Wh and devices with non-removable batteries like hoverboards are restricted.
7. Liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on luggage are restricted to 100ml per item up to 1 liter total.
8. Unwrought precious metals and stones are restricted.
9. Ossein, bones, horns, ivory, tortoise shells, and similar animal products are restricted.
10. Hazardous materials, fertilizers, and poisons are restricted.
Other key points:
– Items unsuitable for air transport due to size, weight, or nature are restricted by airlines.
– Agricultural and plant products must be declared and are subject to inspection.
– Importers must be aware of these regulations to avoid customs delays or penalties.
Insurance for Shipping from China to Tanzania
When shipping your goods from China to Tanzania, it’s essential to ensure that your shipment is protected against potential risks. Several insurance options are available to you that can provide peace of mind throughout the transportation process. Here’s what you need to know about securing insurance for your cargo.
Types of Insurance:
- All-Risk Insurance: This type of insurance offers comprehensive coverage for a variety of risks that your shipment may encounter.
- Named Perils Insurance: This coverage is for specific risks outlined in your policy, typically less comprehensive but still valuable.
Why Insurance is Important:
- To protect your financial investment against loss or damage during transit.
- Ensure that you are covered in case of unexpected events, such as theft or natural disasters, while in the warehouse or during freight forwarding services.
Insurance Premiums:
- Premiums will vary based on the value of your shipment and the level of coverage you choose.
- While it might seem like an added cost, insurance is a valuable investment for securing your goods.
Remember, your choice in shipping insurance should align with the type of goods you’re sending, their value, and your personal risk tolerance. Luckystar Logistics has established partnerships with reputable insurance providers, so consult with us to find an offering that matches your shipping needs from China to Tanzania.
About Us
When you’re seeking efficient and reliable shipment services from China to Tanzania, understanding the capabilities and offerings of your freight forwarder is paramount. Luckystar Logistic stands out in the logistics field, providing expert guidance and tailored services for your shipping needs. With an emphasis on quality service at competitive prices, your business can benefit from a partner that values both time and cost efficiency.