As trade between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to flourish, efficient shipping plays a crucial role in maintaining a seamless supply chain. Understanding Freight Shipping From China to UAE is essential for businesses to plan logistics effectively. In this article, we will introduce the freight forwarding services from China to the UAE in detail, covering different shipping methods, customs clearance services, costs and time and other important information.

The United Arab Emirates’ location between Europe and the Far East has played a vital role in aiding its development as a global commercial hub, with Dubai being the focal point for much of the region’s economic activity and trade. But, if you’ve shunned the idea of sending freight from the Far East to the Middle East by air or sea due to high costs or customs complications, help is at hand.

We want to make importing from China to the United Arab Emirates as easy and straightforward as possible for your company. For this reason, we’ve gathered crucial information regarding ocean and air shipping from China to the UAE, including costs, transit times, and customs clearance procedures, right here on this page.

What is a freight forwarding company?

A freight forwarding company is a company that provides one-stop logistics services such as freight transportation, customs clearance, and warehousing. Freight forwarding companies do not directly transport goods, but are responsible for coordinating the transportation arrangements of goods, selecting appropriate transportation methods, managing transportation routes, and assisting in customs clearance. For cross-border trade, choosing an experienced and reliable freight forwarding company can effectively reduce transportation risks, delays, and save costs.

Trade relations between China and the UAE

According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, in 2023, the bilateral trade volume between China and the UAE was $94.98 billion. As the economic ties between the two countries continue to strengthen, this figure is expected to rise in the coming years.

Compared with the USA, China’s exports to the UAE increased by 4.3% in the past year, and as of 2024, China’s domestic investment has exceeded $80 billion. There are about 6,000 Chinese companies in Dubai. Imports include equipment, food, chemicals and transportation equipment.

The UAE is one of China’s major trading partners in the Middle East. The UAE’s exports to China are mainly oil and gas, and its imports from China are mainly machinery and equipment, electrical appliances, etc.

Why choose a freight forwarder from China to the UAE?

• Professional logistics management: Freight forwarding companies play an important role in shipping from China to the UAE. By choosing a professional agency, companies can obtain the most suitable transportation plan and avoid delays or losses caused by improper transportation methods.
• Save time and cost: Freight forwarding companies have rich transportation experience and a global network, which can save companies transportation costs and time by optimizing shipping routes and methods from China to the UAE.
• Customs clearance support: Since import policies vary from country to country, freight forwarding companies can provide professional customs clearance services to help companies avoid customs detention due to incomplete or incorrect documents.
• Full tracking: Freight forwarding companies usually provide cargo tracking services. Customers can check the status of cargo shipping from China to the UAE at any time to ensure timely acquisition of cargo location information.

Shipping From China to UAE

You have two options to export Freight Shipping From China to UAE: air freight and ocean freight. Either choice has its pros and cons, which we will cover on this page.

You may also be interested in: Door to Door Shipping from China to Dubai, UAE

Ocean Freight From China to Dubai and the UAE

Less than Container Load (LCL): LCL shipping means that your cargo will be given space in a shared container that carries consignments of other shippers. The advantage is that you only have to pay for the space that your freight occupies, not the whole container. If you’re planning on moving small shipments from China to UAE, then LCL shipping might be the most affordable option.

Full Container Load (FCL): FCL shipping means paying for the rental and transportation of a shipping container Freight Shipping From China to UAE for your exclusive use at a flat rate. This might be cheaper than LCL, especially if you are transporting large, heavy goods.

Major ports: Dubai Port and Jebel Ali Port.

Air Freight from China to Dubai, UAE

If your products are required in the UAE urgently, air freight is the best way to move your freight. However, be prepared to foot a larger bill for this fast and flexible service.

Air freight is suitable for time-sensitive, high-value or small-volume goods. Through air freight, goods can reach their destination faster, suitable for electronic products, fashion goods, medical equipment, etc.

Main airports: Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Freight From China to the UAE?

Sea freight costs:
20ft container: Costs from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen) to Dubai Port in the UAE are usually between $1000 and $1500, depending on the type of goods, shipping company and seasonal fluctuations.
40ft container: Costs are usually between $2000 and $3000, and 40ft containers are usually chosen for bulk goods.

Learn more: Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container from China to UAE

Air freight costs:
Air freight costs are charged by weight or volume. For example, for electronic products, the air freight cost is usually between $5 and $10 per kilogram. Air freight is faster than sea freight, but it is more expensive and is suitable for products that need to be delivered urgently.

In short, it depends on the specific situation. Freight costs depend on the nature of the goods you are transporting. Perishable goods may require refrigeration. For example, oversized goods may require oversized containers.

They also depend on the mode of transportation you choose, as air freight is usually more expensive than sea freight. They also depend on the volume, size and weight of your goods, all of which may prohibit air freight or affect the size and number of sea containers required.

For reference, if your shipment weighs less than 100 kg, air freight is just as economical as sea freight. Of course, air freight is faster. For shipments weighing more than 100 kg and not urgently needed in the UAE, it is usually more economical to ship by sea from China.

How Long Does it Take to Ship Cargo From China to UAE?

Your delivery deadlines are likely to influence the mode of shipping you choose to move your freight from China to the UAE. If you’re in a hurry, air freight is faster. But you should still allow at least a couple of days for your goods to arrive and receive import customs clearance.

Such speed comes at a price, so if your deadlines aren’t quite so tight, or if your budget is limited, waiting the 20-30 days for your goods to ship by ocean freight will almost certainly prove to be your most economical option.

How Long Does It Take to Ship Cargo by Sea From China to UAE?

The duration for shipping cargo by sea from China to the UAE can vary depending on several factors, including the specific ports of departure and arrival, the shipping method (Full Container Load – FCL or Less Than Container Load – LCL), weather conditions, and any potential transshipment stops. However, on average, it takes approximately 15 to 30 days for sea freight shipments to reach the major UAE port, Jebel Ali, from the major Chinese ports.

As the examples below show, ocean shipping between China and the UAE takes between 18 and 38 days:

•      · Shanghai to Jebel Ali – 30 days FCL, 33 days LCL
•      · Guangzhou to Jebel Ali – 24 days LCL, 36 days FCL
•      · Xiamen to Jebel Ali – 27 days FCL, 30 days LCL
•      · Qingdao to Jebel Ali – 30 days
•      · Shekou to Jebel Ali – 18 days FCL, 27 days LCL
•      · Shanghai to Abu Dhabi – 36 days FCL, 30 days LCL
•      · Ningbo or Shanghai to Sharjah – 36 days FCL
•      · Guangzhou to Sharjah– 25 days FCL, 38 days LCL
•      · Chongqing to Jebel Ali – 33 days
•      · Zhongshan to Jebel Ali – 23 days LCL
•      · Chiwan to Jebel Ali – 18 days FCL
•      · Dalian to Abu Dhabi or Jebel Ali – 36 days FCL
•      · Fuzhou or Nanjing to Jebel Ali – 36 days FCL
•      · Huangpu to Jebel Ali – 23 days FCL
•      · Huangpu to Sharjah – 25 days FCL
•      · Lianyungang to Jebel Ali – 32 days FCL
•      · Ningbo or Tianjin to Jebel Ali – 28 days FCL
•      · Nansha to Sharjah – 26 days FCL
•      · Shekou to Sharjah – 18 days FCL
•      · Wuhan to Jebel Ali – 29 days FCL
•      · Xiamen to Sharjah – 36 days FCL

How Long Does It Take to Ship Cargo by Air From China to UAE?

Shipping cargo by air from China to the UAE offers a significantly faster option compared to sea freight. Air freight is often chosen for time-sensitive or high-value shipments that require expedited delivery. The duration for shipping cargo by air from China to the UAE depends on several factors, including the specific airports of departure and arrival, the airline or freight forwarder chosen, customs clearance procedures, and any potential transshipment stops. On average, air freight shipments take around 3 to 7 days to reach the UAE from China.

•      · Shanghai-Pudong to Dubai International – 5 days
•      · Guangzhou to Dubai International – 5 days
•      · Xiamen or Beijing to Dubai International – 6 days
•      · Chengdu to Dubai International – 7days
•      · Qingdao to Dubai International – 4 days
•      · Shenzhen to Dubai Al Maktoum – 7 days
•      · Shanghai to Abu Dhabi – 6 days
•      · Guangzhou to Sharjah or Dubai Al Maktoum – 5 days
•      · Shenzhen to Abu Dhabi – 3 days
•      · Shenzhen to Dubai International – 5 days
•      · Zhengzhou to Dubai International – 4 days

What are the main ports for shipping from China to UAE

Shipping between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involves a network of ports on both ends to facilitate the movement of goods efficiently. The main ports for Freight Shipping From China to UAE are:

Chinese Ports:

• a) Shanghai Port: Located in the city of Shanghai, it is one of the largest and busiest ports in the world. Shanghai port serves as a vital hub for international trade and is well-connected to various destinations, including the UAE.
• b) Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: Situated in Zhejiang province, this port complex is another major player in China’s maritime trade. It has seen significant growth in recent years and handles a substantial volume of cargo.
• c) Shenzhen Port: As one of the most important ports in Southern China, Shenzhen port is strategically positioned near Hong Kong and is a key gateway for exports to the UAE and other destinations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

UAE Port:

a) Jebel Ali Port (Port of Jebel Ali): Located in Dubai, Jebel Ali is the largest and busiest port in the UAE and serves as a critical maritime hub for the region. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and has an extensive network of shipping connections to various international destinations, including China.

Jebel Ali port’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure make it an ideal transshipment point for goods moving between China and other regions in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Many shipping lines and freight forwarders offer regular services connecting these Chinese ports to Jebel Ali port, ensuring a steady flow of goods and supporting the growing trade relationship between China and the UAE. These ports are well-equipped to handle various types of cargo, including containers, bulk commodities, and general goods, making them integral to the smooth functioning of the international supply chain between the two nations.

Learn more: Top 5 Ports in the Middle East

Customs clearance from China to UAE

Documents necessary for import to UAE (Dubai)

Ability to manage challenging objects with flexibility ensuring a smooth and efficient transport across the world.

Customs clearance is the process of getting your shipment through customs so that it can be delivered to its final destination. To do this, you’ll need to provide certain documents, including:

• – A commercial invoice
• – A packing list
• – A bill of lading (if shipping by sea) or an air waybill (if shipping by air)
• – A certificate of origin
• – Letter of Credit or other payment terms (depends on the contract between the parties involved)
• – Bill of Lading for ocean freight or Airway Bill for air freight (Basenton Logistics will provide this for you)

The commercial invoice is the most important document for customs clearance. It’s a document that lists the products being shipped, their value, and other important information like the HS code. The HS code is a harmonized system code that’s used to classify and track international shipments. You can find the HS code for your products on the website of the World Customs Organization.

The packing list is a document that lists all of the items in your shipment, their dimensions, and their weight. This is a helpful document for customs officials to have because it helps them verify the contents of your shipment.

The bill of lading (B/L) is a document that’s used when shipping by sea. It acts as a contract between the shipper and the carrier, and it lists the products being shipped, their destination, and other important information. The B/L also serves as a receipt for the goods once they’ve been loaded onto the vessel.

The air waybill (AWB) is similar to the bill of lading, but it’s used when shipping by air. It lists the products being shipped, their destination, and other important information. The AWB also serves as a receipt for the goods once they’ve been loaded onto the aircraft.

The certificate of origin is a document that certifies that your products were made in China. This document is required for certain products that are subject to preferential tariff treatment. You can apply for a certificate of origin through the chamber of commerce in the city where your products were manufactured.

Other documents may be required depending on the type of goods being imported. These could include a sanitary and phytosanitary certificate for food products, a license for controlled goods, or an import permit.

Customs process in UAE

UAE Customs has the best efficiency in its customs procedures. If you wish to import Chinese products into UAE then you should know the UAE customs procedure.

The first thing you should do is to get a customs code for your product. You can use this code to calculate the customs duty and taxes levied on your shipment. The second thing is to find out the value of your goods. This can be done by using the CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) or FOB (free on board) method. The CIF method includes the cost of shipping your goods from China to the UAE, while the FOB method does not.

You will need to pay customs duty and VAT on your shipment when it arrives in UAE. Customs duty is a tax levied on imported goods, while VAT is a tax that is levied on the sale of goods and services. The amount of customs duty and VAT that you will need to pay will depend on the value of your shipment.

If you are shipping commercial goods from China to UAE, you will also need to obtain an import license from the UAE Ministry of Economy. This license can be obtained from the ministry’s website.

Once you have obtained an import license, you must submit a declaration to UAE Customs. This declaration must include the following information:

• – The value of your goods
• – The HS code of your goods
• – The country of origin of your goods
• – The quantity and type of your goods
• – The name and address of the manufacturer of your goods
• – The name and address of the importer of your goods
• – The name and address of the exporter of your goods
• – The name and address of the carrier of your goods
• – The port of entry into the UAE
• – The date on which your goods will be imported into UAE

After submitting your declaration, UAE Customs will issue a permit for your goods. This permit must be presented to the carrier of your goods when they arrive in UAE.

UAE customs regulations require that all shipments be cleared within 48 hours of arrival. If you are shipping commercial goods, you will need to provide a certificate of origin and a bill of lading when you submit your declaration. These documents can be obtained from your supplier in China.

Why Ship From China to UAE With Basenton Logistics?

Basenton Logistics is an experienced freight forwarding company that focuses on international logistics and transportation services from China to the UAE. With a deep understanding of the Chinese and UAE markets and rich operating experience, Basenton Logistics is able to provide customers with one-stop transportation solutions to ensure that goods arrive at their destination on time.

• Transparent quotations: Basenton Logistics’ charges are open and transparent, helping customers accurately estimate transportation costs and avoid additional costs.
• Comprehensive logistics solutions: Basenton Logistics provides customers with air freight, sea freight, DDP and door-to-door services to meet the transportation needs of different customers.
• Professional customs clearance team: Basenton’s customs clearance experts understand the customs clearance process in the UAE and can quickly handle customs clearance issues to reduce unnecessary delays.
• 24/7 customer support: Customers can contact the Basenton team at any time to understand the transportation status and customs clearance of the goods.

The following advantages are yours when you import Freight Shipping From China to UAE with us:

•      · Fast and easy-to-understand online quotes and bookings.
•      · Assistance with completing and filing the necessary shipping documents.
•      · Less customs complexity, as we handle most of the requirements on your behalf.
•      · Your entire shipping process is managed in one place.
•      · 24/7 support via email, phone, or chat.
•      · Compliance with local and international shipping rules.

Shipping from China to the UAE is a multi-faceted process, including choosing the right mode of transport, providing accurate customs clearance documents, and choosing an experienced freight forwarder. By working with a professional company like Basenton Logistics, you can ensure that your goods arrive in the UAE on time, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Whether you need sea freight, air freight, or other modes of transport, Basenton will provide tailored solutions based on your needs.