Shipping from China to India

Shipping from China to India is a key part of trade between the two nations, with imports reaching a record high of $102 billion in 2024. But navigating freight options, transit times, and customs procedures can be complex. With multiple shipping methods—including sea, air, rail, and express freight—choosing the right one impacts both costs and delivery speed.

Freight rates fluctuate based on cargo size, weight, shipping route, and customs duties, making it important for importers to optimize shipping costs and streamline clearance. Understanding India’s import taxes, documentation requirements, and customs regulations is essential to avoid delays, penalties, or unexpected expenses.

Enlisting the help of an international shipping freight forwarding service like Twings Supply can help you make sure your cargo from China arrives safely in India, without unnecessary costs or delays. Get in touch with us today!

What are the Freight Options from China to India?

When shipping from China to India, you have the options of sea, air, rail, road, and express freight. Each method affects shipping costs, cargo security, and handling requirements.

Sea Freight (Container Shipping)

Sea freight costs less than air freight and works best for large-volume, bulky shipments. Ships move cargo between major ports in China and India, making this method essential for industries transporting heavy goods. Port congestion and customs processing can affect delivery speed.

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL shipments fill an entire container. This option suits businesses shipping high volumes because it lowers per-unit costs. FCL shipping also reduces handling risks since the container remains sealed until arrival.

Less-Than-Container Load (LCL)

LCL shipments share a container with cargo from multiple shippers. This method lowers costs for smaller shipments but requires additional handling during consolidation and break-bulk, leading to longer processing times.

Air Freight

Air freight shipments work best for high-value, perishable, or time-sensitive goods. Shipping from China to India by air is best when speed matters more than cost. Airlines impose weight and size restrictions, which limit the type of cargo that can be shipped by air.

Rail Freight

Rail freight provides a cost-effective alternative to air shipping and moves goods faster than sea freight. It’s a middle-ground option between cost and speed. Direct rail routes between China and India remain limited, so rail freight is often combined with other shipping methods.

Road Freight

Road freight moves cargo from ports to final destinations, with trucks transporting goods between cities. Local logistics, traffic, and road infrastructure affect this method’s efficiency.

Express Freight

Express shipping from China provides door-to-door delivery through couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Shipping costs increase due to premium services, but express freight promises direct delivery without intermediaries. Express shipping is ideal for urgent, small shipments that require fast processing and simplified customs handling.

How Long does It Take To Ship Goods From China To India?

Shipping freight from China to India can take anywhere from 1 day (via express shipping) to 50 days (via ocean freight).

Shipping Method	Average Transit Time	Description
Ocean Freight	15 to 50 days	Transit time depends on origin and destination ports, with fluctuations due to weather and port congestion.
Air Freight (Standard)	2 to 8 days	Includes flight time and handling at both departure and arrival airports.
Air Freight (Express)	2 to 3 days	The fastest method but more expensive and suitable for urgent, small shipments.
Rail Freight	15 to 25 days	Limited direct rail connections, often requiring multimodal transport, with average times ranging based on rail schedules.
Express Freight (Couriers: DHL, FedEx, UPS)	1 to 3 days	Ideal for urgent shipments from China of small size, with door-to-door service.

What are the Main Shipping Routes From China To India?

The main shipping routes from China to India use sea and air transport, chosen based on the type of goods and destination. For sea freight, popular routes include:

Shanghai to Mumbai: Common for high-volume shipments.
Shenzhen to Chennai: Mainly for electronics and manufacturing exports.
Ningbo to Mundra: Often used for industrial goods and large shipments.
Guangzhou to Kolkata: Primarily for consumer goods and retail trade.
Qingdao to Visakhapatnam: Suitable for raw materials and industrial machinery.

For air freight from China, the routes are faster but more expensive. Common air routes include:

Guangzhou to Mumbai: Estimated transit time of 6 hours.
Beijing to Delhi: Estimated transit time of 7 hours.
Shanghai to Chennai: Estimated transit time of 8 hours.

What is the Shipping Cost From China To India?

Shipping freight rates from China to India can take anywhere from 1 day (via express shipping) to 50 days (via ocean freight).

Shipping Mode	Cost Range
Air Freight	₹306.08 ($3.5 per kg)
Sea Freight (FCL)	₹96195.55 to ₹195014.62 ($1100 to $2230)
Sea Freight (LCL)	₹97944.56 to ₹196763.63 ($1120 to $2250)
Rail Freight	₹174901.01 to ₹262351.51 ($2000 to $3000)
Express Shipping	₹2186.26 to ₹3935.27 ($25 to $45 per kg)

What Affects the Cost of Freight Shipping?

Overall shipping costs from China to India will fluctuate based on weight, distance, customs duties, fuel prices, specialized packaging, and seasonal demand.

Weight and Volume: Larger or heavier shipments increase shipping costs.
Distance and Port: Costs vary depending on the shipping port and destination in India, like Nhava Sheva or Chennai.
Customs and Duties: Taxes and import duties differ based on the type of goods being shipped.
Fuel Prices: Fluctuating fuel prices during the shipping process can raise transportation costs.
Packaging: Specialized packaging for fragile or hazardous goods increases the price.
Seasonal Demand: Rates can spike during peak seasons or holidays due to higher shipping volumes.

What is the Import Tax From China to India?

The import tax for goods from China to India includes the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and customs duties. GST is generally 18% but can vary depending on the product.

Customs duties range from 0% to 50% or more, depending on the type of goods. For example, electronics may incur a customs duty of 18 to 20%, while clothing may have a 5 to 12.5% duty.

A 10% Social Welfare Surcharge applies to the customs duty. If using customs brokers or shipping companies, there may be extra handling or clearance fees. Rates can vary, so checking with a customs broker for the most accurate details is advisable.

How much is Insurance for Shipping from China to India?

The cost of shipping insurance from China to India typically falls between 0.3% and 0.5% of the goods’ declared value. For example, if your shipment is worth $100, you can pay between $0.30 and $0.50 for insurance coverage.

What is the Customs Clearance Process In India?

Customs clearance in India involves document submission, duty assessment, inspection, and final release of goods. The process starts with filing a Bill of Entry (BoE) on the ICEGATE portal, either by the importer or a licensed customs broker.

Customs officials verify the declared value, check compliance with import regulations, and assess applicable duties and taxes.

Some shipments undergo random or mandatory inspections by agencies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), or the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).

Once cleared, the importer pays duties and taxes, and customs issues a Let Export Order (LEO) or Out of Charge (OOC) clearance, allowing goods to be released.

Customs Regulations in India

India’s customs regulations are governed by the Customs Act, 1962, and the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Imports must comply with the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes, and certain products require specific licenses, permits, or NOCs (No Objection Certificates) from regulatory bodies like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

High-duty goods, restricted items, and those under Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) face stricter scrutiny. India’s self-certification system (Authorized Economic Operator – AEO) allows trusted importers to benefit from faster clearances.

Documentation Needed for Customs Clearance

Importers must submit the following mandatory documents to clear customs in India:

Bill of Entry (BoE): Filed electronically to declare shipment details.
Commercial Invoice: Specifies goods’ value, HS code, and transaction details.
Packing List: Details the weight, dimensions, and packaging of items.
Bill of Lading (BOL) / Airway Bill (AWB): Confirms shipment details and carrier responsibility.
Import Export Code (IEC): A mandatory 10-digit code issued by DGFT for all importers.
Letter of Credit (LC) or Purchase Order (PO): Proof of transaction for customs verification.
Certificate of Origin (COO): Required for preferential tariff benefits under trade agreements.
Regulatory Certificates & NOCs (if applicable): Issued by agencies like FSSAI (for food), BIS (for electronics), or the Drug Controller (for pharmaceuticals).

Failure to provide accurate documentation can lead to delays, penalties, or shipment confiscation. Using a reliable freight forwarder shipping service like Twings Supply can help you avoid documentation errors that end up costing you. Contact us today!

Shipping From China to India FAQs

What is the cheapest way to import goods from China to India?

The most cost-effective way to import from China to India depends on freight shipment size, urgency, and customs duties. For shipping large loads, sea freight (FCL or LCL) is the cheapest option, with freight rates as low as $30 to $50 per cubic meter for LCL and even lower for full containers (FCL).

If shipping smaller loads, rail from China to India can be cheaper than air and faster than sea. For lightweight, low-value goods, using postal services like China Post or courier aggregators that consolidate shipments can save costs.

To further reduce expenses, importers should negotiate bulk rates with freight forwarders, use duty-free exemptions under trade agreements, and avoid peak-season surcharges.

Do I need an IEC to import goods into India?

An Import Export Code (IEC) is mandatory for all commercial imports into India. Personal imports, goods under ₹50,000 via courier, and imports under government exemptions do not require an IEC.

To obtain an IEC, businesses must apply online through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal by submitting a PAN card, Aadhaar-linked mobile number, and business registration details. The process usually takes 1 to 2 working days, and the IEC is valid for a lifetime.