How Much does it Cost to Ship from China to Singapore


Singapore has one of the largest ports in the world, and the country has ongoing international trade with China. In 2023, Singapore imported approximately US$78.5 billion worth of goods from China.

If you are an importer looking to join the booming trade relationship between China and Singapore, you have come to the right place. While the shipping process may seem overly complicated, there are many great options for shipping from China to Singapore.

Shipping from China to Singapore has become an indispensable part of the trade chain, and price is everyone’s biggest concern. This article discusses the freight prices from China to Singapore to help you understand and choose the appropriate transportation plan, improve transportation efficiency, and promote smooth trade cooperation.

SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO SINGAPORE

The most common shipping methods from China to Singapore are sea freight and air freight, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing the most appropriate method, you should consider the size of your shipment, your rates, and your preferred shipping time.

Sea freight from China to Singapore

The most popular method of shipping goods from China to Singapore is sea freight, mainly due to its adaptability and reliability. This is also the cheapest shipping method.

The main disadvantage of sea freight is its length; other shipping methods can deliver goods within a few days, but sea freight can take weeks, depending on the type of cargo being transported and the specific ports of arrival and departure.

Ocean shipping uses containers and operates under two different container systems, as discussed below.

Sea freight from China to SingaporeSea freight from China to Singapore

LCL shipping from China to Singapore

LCL shipments are shipments that are smaller than a container. In LCL shipping, goods from different importers are combined in a single container, and each importer only pays for the space occupied by their goods.

Ocean consolidation is simple; you just need to contact the freight forwarder and provide them with the necessary information. Once the freight forwarder determines the space you require, they will reserve space for you.

LCL shipping is best suited for small shipments or shipments between 1 and 15 cubic meters that do not require full container space.

Full container shipping from China to Singapore

Full container shipping, also known as “full container load”, is a method of shipping to Singapore. In FCL shipping, the importer purchases an entire container and fills it with goods.

Although containers are designed to hold large amounts of cargo, your goods do not need to fill the container when shipped full; in some cases, it is more cost-effective to ship half a container using an FCL rather than an LCL.

Door to door sea shipping from China to Singapore.

Sea freight remains the cheapest shipping method from China to Singapore. We also provide door-to-door service to ship your goods directly from suppliers in China to your destination address in Singapore.

Unless otherwise stated, we use LCL shipping to ship your goods. Your shipment is expected to arrive in Singapore within 8 to 15 days.

You might be interested : Sea Freight From Shenzhen To Singapore

Air freight from China to Singapore

Air freight refers to the transportation of goods by airplane. Cargo is loaded onto the aircraft until the maximum weight load is reached before departing for its destination. This method of shipping is faster and often more expensive than ocean shipping.

When shipping urgent, relatively high-value but not necessarily bulky shipments from China to Singapore, air freight is the best option.

Air freight from China to SingaporeAir freight from China to Singapore

If your goods are less than 2 cubic meters and under 200 kilograms, air freight from China to Singapore can be your first choice. Basenton Logistics can provide competitive air logistics solutions to meet your needs. In addition, our charter services can provide you with customized services and a variety of cargo available for transport, such as:
Electronic product
high value goods
Sensitive items such as battery products
Medical supplies and humanitarian aid
Automobile, aircraft and ship spare parts

Shipping costs from China to Singapore

Shipping Method From China to the Singapore (Cost)
Sea Freight (20ft Container) Approx. USD 1,250 for a 20ft container
Sea Freight (40ft Container) Approx. USD 1,850 for a 40ft container
LCL Sea Freight Approx. USD 60 – 120 per cubic meters
Door to Door or DDP Shipping Sea Freight : Approx. USD 2 per kgs
Air Freight : Approx. USD 6 per kgs
Air Freight Approx. USD 500 for 100kg (Approx. USD 5 per kilo)
Express Shipping Approx. USD 8 per Kgs

The final cost of importing from China to Singapore depends on several factors. Before preparing a quote, your freight forwarder may ask for the following details:

  • Nature of your shipment
  • Your preferred shipping method (FCL, LCL, air freight)
  • The weight and dimensions of your shipment
  • Origin and destination
  • Service type (e.g. port-to-port, door-to-door)

For goods weighing less than 200 kilograms, the cost difference between air freight and LCL sea freight is not large. Beyond 200 kilograms, the cost difference begins to widen. Although much slower, sea freight can quickly become much more economical than air freight when there is greater weight and size involved.

Shipping costs from China to SingaporeShipping costs from China to Singapore

Shipping costs for 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Singapore

How much does it cost to ship a container from China to Singapore? , the average price to ship a container from China to Singapore is US$1,050 to US$3,550.

The cost of shipping a full container from China to Singapore depends on the size of the container (20ft or 40ft) and the sailing route, please contact the Bassindon Quotation Team for detailed rates for shipping containers from China to the major container ports in Singapore.

How much does it cost to ship a 20-foot container from China to Singapore? The average price to ship a 20-foot container from China to Singapore is US$1,050 to US$2,050. Shipping schedules for shipping 20-foot containers from China to Singapore vary by route.
How much does it cost to ship a 40-foot container from China to Singapore? The average price to ship a 40-foot container from China to Singapore is $1,550 to $3,050. Shipping schedules for shipping 40-foot containers from China to Singapore vary by route.

Shipping costs for 20ft and 40ft containers from China to SingaporeShipping costs for 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Singapore

FCL Sea freight rates from China to Singapore

Container shipping service from China to Singapore Type of container Ocean freight rates from China to Singapore:
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1250 20FT
average price from: $1950 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1150 20FT
average price from: $1850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1150 20FT
average price from: $1850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1350 20FT
average price from: $1950 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1150 20FT
average price from: $1750 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1350 20FT
average price from: $2250 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1350 20FT
average price from: $2350 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1550 20FT
average price from: $2550 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1250 20FT
average price from: $2050 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to Singapore 20 foot container FCL
40 foot container FCL
average price from: $1150 20FT
average price from: $2550 40FT

LCL Sea freight cost from China to Singapore

Ocean LCL shipping charges are calculated based on the space you occupy in the container. To calculate shipping charges, you must first determine the billable weight by comparing the dimensional weight to the actual weight.
Volumetric weight is usually length x width x height in cubic meters (CBM). Then divide the actual weight by 1000 to convert to CBM, and choose the larger of the two to calculate shipping cost.
Assume that a shipment has a volume of 1.6 cubic meters and a weight of 100 kilograms. The price is $60 per cubic meter. so:
Actual weight=100kg/1000=0.1<Volume weight (1.6CBM)
Sea freight is 1.6 * 60 = 96 USD.

Below are the sea freight rates for reference:

Port of Loading Destination Port USD/CBM
Shenzhen Singapore 60
Ningbo Singapore 70
Shanghai Singapore 80

Air freight costs from China to Singapore

In addition to the type and weight of cargo being transported, air freight costs also depend on the airline, route and time of year. There is no uniform freight cost for air freight – the heavier the goods, the less the weight per kilogram. Generally, 100kg is between US$4 and US$8 per kilogram.

Air freight costs from China to SingaporeAir freight costs from China to Singapore

Express shipping costs from China to Singapore

Express shipping costs from China to Singapore are determined by the goods shipped, weight and packaging size.
You can check directly on the Air Express website or contact us to provide you with a cargo transportation quote.

  • DHL express shipping cost from China to Singapore
    Generally speaking, DHL express delivery from China to Singapore costs USD 5-7.5 per kilogram.
  • UPS shipping costs from China to Singapore
    UPS shipping from China to Singapore costs $10 per kilogram.
  • FEDEX freight from China to Singapore
    FedEx shipping from China to Singapore is around $9 to $11 per kilogram.

If you want to know the cost of traveling from China to other countries in Asia, you can read:

Insurance fee

If you are shipping expensive or fragile products from China to Singapore, it is highly recommended that you purchase insurance. Insurance is a logistics expense that should not be ignored when shipping by air or sea.

Insurance can give you peace of mind in case your goods are lost or damaged, while ensuring you can recoup the cost of the damage in the event of adverse circumstances. Reputable freight forwarding companies such as Basenton Logistics offer insurance at very cheap prices. You can also purchase insurance for your shipment through an international shipping third-party provider.

Insurance premiums typically range from 0.3% to 0.5% of the total commercial invoice value.

Customs clearance fees

The process of importing goods into Singapore requires certain procedures and processes that must be considered to ensure that duties, duties and taxes incurred during the process are easily settled.

The type and value of your shipment determines the cost of customs clearance. There is a unified system for determining the tariff type of a product. This is called an HS code, which stands for Harmonized System. The HS code of a specific product has a large impact on customs import declarations and you should consult your freight forwarder to get an accurate estimate for your product.

Importers must have a valid customs account in Singapore, import licenses, necessary documents, and pay security fees.

As you can see, the whole process can get hectic. Therefore, it is best to let the freight forwarding experts handle your Singapore customs clearance obligations for international shipments. Your China freight forwarder will tell you how much customs duties you have to pay in China and Singapore to include in your shipping budget.

How to reduce shipping costs from China to Singapore

There are several ways to reduce shipping costs from China to Singapore. They include:

  • Choose China freight forwarder Basenton Logistics.
  • Try to optimize container space by packing goods tightly to save on container costs.
  • Book when possible to save money and relieve the potential stress of delays.
  • Get cheaper shipping costs by shipping during the off-peak and off-peak seasons.
  • Have all required documents ready for quick customs clearance.
  • Plan ahead to pay customs fees.
  • Please check the quotes from different suppliers and freight forwarders before choosing.
  • Please be aware of your Incoterms and shipping methods to avoid unforeseen costs.
  • Purchase insurance for all your shipments.

How long does it take to ship from China to Singapore

Air freight
This is the fastest shipping method and usually takes 1 to 3 days.

Sea freight
Port to port shipping time is about 5 to 15 days.

DDP air freight
It will take a total of 4 to 5 days for you to receive the goods at home.

DDP sea freight LCL
China to Singapore DPP shipping time takes 10 to 18 days. Transfer time is usually 1 to 2 days.

Due to weather conditions, customs inspections and other factors, the shipping time from China to Singapore may vary. With our transparent tracking system, you get more accurate transit time information about your shipment.

Additionally, please consider whether your shipment requires any special handling or documentation, as this will also affect delivery time.

Shipping Time From Guangzhou China To Singapore

Door to Door Shipping from China to Singapore

Door to Door Shipping from China to Singapore is a convenient and fast mode of transportation that covers all aspects from cargo loading, export declaration, transportation, back-end customs clearance and delivery. This service is usually provided by a Chinese freight forwarder, who will provide customers with full tracking and coordination services. Door to door shipping time is usually similar to normal shipping time, but due to the increase in service content, its cost will also increase accordingly.

Door to Door Shipping from China to Singapore service can include 2 modes of transportation, which include:

  • DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): In this case, the seller is responsible for all costs of transporting the goods to the destination (excluding duties and taxes). The buyer is then responsible for customs clearance and pays any applicable import taxes when the goods arrive.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Under DDP, the seller bears all costs involved in transporting the goods, including duties and taxes. This means that the buyer does not need to manage any customs clearance process to receive the goods, providing a fully managed logistics solution.

Door-to-door shipping price from China to Singapore

  • 20ft container (FCL): USD 1500-2500, shipping time 10-25 days
  • 40ft container (FCL): USD 2000-3500, shipping time 10-25 days
Door to Door Shipping from China to SingaporeDoor to Door Shipping from China to Singapore

DDP Shipping from China to Singapore

DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) is an international trade term that means the seller bears all costs and risks to ship the goods from China to Singapore, and is responsible for customs clearance and payment of duties, taxes, etc. The buyer only needs to receive the goods without having to deal with complicated customs clearance and tariff issues.

DDP Shipping Process from China to Singapore:

  1. Shipment Preparation: Organize the goods and prepare all necessary shipping documents, such as commercial invoices and certificates.
  2. China Customs Clearance: The freight forwarding company ensures that all customs documents are complete, clears customs in China, and books a suitable freight service.
  3. Transportation: The goods are shipped from China to Singapore via regular shipping (sea, air, rail) services.
  4. Customs Clearance and Duties in Singapore: Upon arrival in Singapore, the seller is responsible for all duties and taxes to ensure smooth customs clearance.
  5. Final Delivery: The goods are delivered directly to the buyer’s location without any additional costs or delays.

Differences between Door-to-Door and DDP Shipping

Although both Door-to-Door and DDP shipping are one-stop services, they differ in the division of responsibilities and cost bearing. The following are their main differences:

Aspect Door-to-Door Shipping DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Shipping
Cost Responsibility Seller covers transportation costs; buyer covers import duties and taxes. Seller covers all costs, including duties and taxes.
Customs Clearance Buyer is responsible for customs clearance and paying applicable duties. Seller handles customs clearance and pays all related fees.
Delivery Point Goods delivered to buyer’s address or doorstep. Goods delivered to buyer’s address, fully cleared and duty paid.
Risk for Import Taxes Buyer assumes risk of unexpected import taxes and fees. Seller assumes responsibility for all import taxes and fees.
Best For Buyers experienced in handling customs procedures. Buyers seeking a hassle-free shipping experience.
Transparency in Costs Costs may vary due to duties and taxes at destination. All-inclusive cost known upfront.
Common Usage Often used when buyer wants control over customs processes. Preferred for a seamless shipping experience with minimal buyer involvement.

Import taxes and duties in Singapore

You must pay import taxes on all items shipped to Singapore. The country of origin and the type of goods will determine how much duty must be paid.

Goods and Services Tax generally applies to all imported goods into Singapore, regardless of whether duties are payable. GST is calculated based on the CIF value plus any applicable duties owed on import. time

If the total value of your shipment is less than $300, no import duties will be charged. Goods valued over $300 are subject to a 7% import tax, GST. However, rates may vary depending on the products you choose to import; for example, alcohol and petroleum products are subject to a 10% tax rate.

Your shipment may also be subject to excise taxes and other customs fees.

You can ask your freight forwarder to help you with import duties to facilitate shipping.

Several cases of Basenton logistics to Singapore





heavy equipment

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