Most people looking for a shipping company from UAE to China are traders sending goods or samples to a factory, partner or customer in Shanghai, Guangzhou or Shenzhen, and some are China residents moving their household. The sea route from Jebel Ali or Khalifa Port to China’s main ports is usually direct and takes a few weeks, while air freight gets samples and urgent parts there in days. Al Basmah International Shipping collects from any emirate and, before loading, checks with you what most often stops shipments in China: the Chinese importer’s details, the tariff code and the description of the goods.
Stops in this guide14 sectionsShowHide
The rule we repeat to every client: in China, sound goods are not enough; the file has to be sound too. A small mismatch between the invoice and the packing list can keep a container at the port for days.
Your China shipment file
- The consignee in China usually has to be registered with China Customs with import rights, or use an import agent to act for it.
- A commercial invoice and a packing list that match on description, quantity, weight and value.
- An HS tariff code for each line, ideally confirmed by the Chinese importer before shipping.
- Food and cosmetics generally need prior registration and Chinese-language labels.
- Samples are declared at their real value and marked “Sample”; that does not mean automatic exemption.
- Household goods for residents usually need a residence permit valid for at least a year, with procedures that vary by city.
Full container (FCL)
For large cargo or a whole household: 20 ft, 40 ft or 40 ft high-cube.
Shared shipment (LCL)
For small commercial quantities or a few pallets, priced per cubic metre.
Air freight
For samples, urgent parts and documents, arriving in days.
File check
Invoice, packing list, tariff code and importer details aligned before loading.
What we ship from the UAE to China
Trade from the UAE to China is smaller than the flow the other way, but it is varied: re-export goods from free zones, local products, samples for Chinese factories that want a model before production, exhibition goods and residents’ furniture.
- Commercial goods: raw materials, plastic and aluminium products, spare parts, perfumes and care products (usually by sea) and re-export cargo.
- Samples: product models a trader sends to a factory to copy, or samples for a prospective Chinese buyer.
- Exhibition goods: products shown at fairs in Guangzhou and Shanghai and then returned or sold, with paperwork arranged in advance.
- Food: such as dates and packaged products, provided the product and manufacturer are registered with the relevant Chinese authorities.
- Residents’ furniture: for people with a work residence in China moving their household from the UAE.
Collection from every emirate
We collect from warehouses, shops and homes across the UAE. For commercial cargo we also collect from free zone warehouses once exit formalities are done.
| Emirate | Collection notes |
|---|---|
| Dubai | Collection from Jebel Ali Free Zone, Al Qusais, Al Ras and trading shops; our Deira branch on Port Saeed Street is close to the Deira markets. |
| Sharjah | The Industrial Area 18 branch is close to industrial warehouses and is used to consolidate and palletise shared shipments. |
| Abu Dhabi | Usually loaded from Khalifa Port, with collection from Mussafah and the industrial areas. |
| Ajman and Umm Al Quwain | Collection from industrial and free zones, added to shared shipments. |
| Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah | Containers loaded on site; Fujairah or Khor Fakkan may be used. |
| Al Ain | Cargo is moved to Khalifa Port or Jebel Ali to meet the vessel. |
Sea freight from the UAE to China
There is no practical road route, so shipping to China is by sea or air. The Gulf–China services are among the most regular in the world: containers sail from Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, Sharjah and Khor Fakkan, or Fujairah across the Indian Ocean and through the Strait of Malacca to South China ports, then on to the east and north. The arrival port should follow the importer’s or factory’s location, not the most famous port name.
| Arrival port | Region | Usually serves |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (Yangshan) | East | Shanghai, Jiangsu, and inland cities along the Yangtze |
| Ningbo | East | Zhejiang: Ningbo, Hangzhou and Yiwu |
| Shenzhen (Yantian and Shekou) | South | Shenzhen, Dongguan and the Pearl River Delta |
| Guangzhou (Nansha) | South | Guangzhou, Foshan and the furniture factories around them |
| Xiamen | Southeast | Fujian |
| Qingdao | North | Shandong |
| Tianjin | North | Beijing and Hebei |
Inland cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing and Wuhan are reached after discharge by rail, truck or river barge from Shanghai, and that leg counts in the time and the price.
Transit times from the UAE to China
Times are approximate and depend on the vessel schedule, customs clearance and any quality inspection ordered. You get WhatsApp updates from us at loading, sailing, arrival, release and delivery.
| Method | Approximate time | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL to Shenzhen or Guangzhou | About 14–20 days port to port | Cargo and furniture to the south | Usually the quickest Chinese ports |
| FCL to Shanghai, Ningbo or Qingdao | About 18–28 days port to port | Importers in the east and north | Add clearance, usually a few days to a week |
| Shared LCL | About one to two weeks longer than FCL | Small commercial quantities | Consolidation in the UAE and unpacking at a bonded warehouse in China |
| Air | About 3–7 days door to door | Samples and urgent parts | Charged on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher |
Air freight from the UAE to China
Air freight is the usual way to send samples: a factory in Dongguan waiting for a model before starting production, or a buyer in Shanghai who wants to see quality before ordering a container. Shipments leave Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports for Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen, Beijing and Chengdu, and are then cleared and delivered.
- Charging: length × width × height in cm ÷ 6000 gives the volumetric weight, and the higher of that and actual weight applies.
- Light, bulky samples: cut down empty carton space around the sample, because you pay for the air inside the box.
- Not for furniture: the volume makes the air price unreasonable.
- Restrictions: perfumes, oud oil, liquids and loose lithium batteries are restricted by air; perfumes are better sent by sea.
Packing and preparing goods and samples
Cargo for China goes from Gulf heat into the high humidity of South China, and may arrive in winter at cold northern ports. Commercial packing has an extra job here: to make the customs examination quick.
- Heat-treated ISPM-15 pallets carrying the stamp, because untreated wood is refused or treated at your cost.
- Clear shipping marks on every carton: consignee name, carton number and weight, matching the packing list.
- Moisture-sensitive products wrapped in polythene with desiccant bags, especially for Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
- Similar lines grouped in consecutive cartons so customs can open one sample of each.
- Samples packed individually and marked “Sample” with an exact description.
- Residents’ furniture dismantled and numbered, with appliance models and serial numbers written on the list.
Documents and Chinese customs
China’s General Administration of Customs combines clearance with quality and health inspection, and the declaration is usually lodged by the importer or a customs broker registered in China. Our role is to hand over a complete file from the UAE; the decision on duties and inspection belongs to Chinese customs.
Commercial goods
The consignee usually has to be a company registered with China Customs and authorised to import; if it is not, it can use an import agent. Goods attract customs duty by tariff line, then import VAT at 13% for most manufactured goods or 9% for certain agricultural and other products, and a consumption tax may apply to luxury items such as high-end cosmetics, jewellery and cars. Typical documents:
- A commercial invoice with an exact description, quantity, unit price, value and terms of sale.
- A packing list that matches the invoice on weights and carton count.
- The ocean bill of lading or air waybill.
- A certificate of origin where needed, and the sales contract if the importer asks for it.
- Specific licences for some products: manufacturer registration for food, CCC certification for certain electrical goods, and Chinese labels on packaged food.
Samples
Samples are treated by customs as goods, but small low-value quantities are usually cleared with simpler procedures, especially by air. Declare their real value; an unrealistic token value can raise suspicion and delay release, and a sample that needs a licence, such as food, still needs it even if it is a single piece.
Exhibition goods and temporary import
An exhibitor at a fair in Guangzhou or Shanghai who wants to bring products back to the UAE afterwards does not usually have to pay full duty on goods that will not stay in China. These goods generally enter under temporary admission, either with an ATA Carnet issued by a chamber of commerce or with a guarantee lodged with customs and refunded when the goods leave within the set period. Anything sold or handed out at the fair pays duty and VAT like any other import. We time the shipment to arrive several days before the fair opens, because a delay here means an empty stand.
Furniture and personal effects for residents
A foreigner moving to live in China can usually import used household goods in reasonable quantities, and in many cities the first shipment is duty-free. Conditions vary from city to city, though, and Beijing in particular applies stricter rules to high-value items. Usually required:
- Passport, plus a residence permit and work permit valid for at least a year.
- An application form signed by the owner and stamped by the employer in China.
- A lease or title deed for the home in China.
- A detailed inventory listing every electrical item with model, serial number and size.
- The baggage declaration form stamped on arrival in some cities.
Non-diplomatic personal effects shipments are usually physically inspected by local customs, and sea clearance takes around two weeks of working days. So do not send the container before your residence is complete.
Cars
Importing used cars into China is heavily restricted and is generally not a practical option for individuals. We do not book a car for China until the customs broker there confirms in writing that it can be admitted.
Warning: Do not ship goods to China in the name of a person or company that is not registered to import, hoping it will “get sorted on arrival”. A container nobody can clear builds up storage charges and may end up being returned at your expense.
Prohibited and restricted items for China
- Solid waste, scrap and unprocessed recyclables, which China bans from import.
- Used clothing for sale.
- Meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, seeds and soil.
- Weapons, ammunition and narcotics.
- Printed matter and recordings that breach Chinese law.
- Counterfeit goods carrying brand names without a licence.
- Used electrical equipment and machinery for trade, which is restricted and usually needs special approval.
- By air: perfumes, flammable liquids and loose lithium batteries.
Shipping prices from the UAE to China
An air shipment of samples to Shenzhen and a 40 ft container to Tianjin have nothing in common on price, so we do not publish a general figure. Send the details on WhatsApp and get your price: the type of goods, weight and volume, the emirate, the Chinese city, and the terms agreed with the importer, whether you hand over at the UAE port, pay freight to China, or deliver to the importer’s door after clearance. Ask the team about optional insurance.
What decides the price of shipping to China?
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Sea FCL, LCL or air | Full container for large quantities, shared for small ones, air for samples and urgent cargo |
| Container size | 20 ft for heavy cargo, 40 ft or 40 ft high-cube for light, bulky goods |
| Volume or weight | Cubic metres for shared shipments, volumetric weight for air |
| Arrival city | Southern ports are closest; inland cities add a rail or river leg |
| Packing | Treated pallets and shipping marks add a little cost and speed up clearance |
| Documents and clearance | Special licences and quality inspection for some products carry fees |
| Terms of sale | Who pays freight, clearance and duties: you or the Chinese importer |
How to ship from the UAE to China, step by step
- Send a description of the goods, quantity and weight, the emirate and the Chinese city on WhatsApp.
- We agree the method and delivery terms and send you the price.
- You give us the Chinese importer’s details, and the importer confirms the tariff code for each line.
- We check that the invoice and packing list match before loading.
- We collect the goods, palletise them on treated pallets and apply shipping marks.
- The container sails or the goods fly, and you receive WhatsApp updates.
- The importer or customs broker lodges the declaration in China and pays the duties due.
- The goods are delivered to the agreed warehouse, factory or address.
Tips for traders before shipping to China
- Agree the terms of sale with the importer in writing (EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP) before booking, so there is no dispute over who pays port charges.
- Ask the importer to confirm the tariff code and duty rate in advance; they know the Chinese classification of their product best.
- Avoid vague descriptions such as “assorted goods” or “spare parts”; an exact description shortens the examination.
- If the goods are food or cosmetics, start the registration process well before shipping.
- Keep photos of the goods before packing; they may be requested if customs has a query.
From our experience with samples: a trader who sends one well-packed sample with a sheet explaining specifications and measurements in English saves the Chinese factory days of back-and-forth.
Delivery in Shanghai, Guangzhou and other cities
Commercial cargo is usually delivered to the importer’s warehouse or factory in an industrial zone rather than the city centre, and delivery normally needs a booked slot with the warehouse and a Chinese phone number for the driver. Residents’ furniture goes to residential compounds, which usually require the truck to be registered at the gate and the lift booked with compound management.
| City | Usual arrival port | Delivery note |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Shanghai (Yangshan) | Restrictions on large trucks entering the centre at certain hours |
| Guangzhou and Foshan | Guangzhou (Nansha) | Large industrial zones and wholesale markets |
| Shenzhen and Dongguan | Shenzhen (Yantian or Shekou) | Relatively fast port-to-factory delivery |
| Yiwu and Hangzhou | Ningbo | Road leg from Ningbo |
| Beijing | Tianjin | Road leg from Tianjin; stricter rules for residents’ goods |
| Chengdu and Chongqing | Shanghai, then rail or river | Extra time for the inland leg |
If you trade across Asia, see also our guides to shipping from the UAE to India, shipping from the UAE to Singapore, shipping from the UAE to Malaysia, or shipping from the UAE to Russia.
FAQ: shipping from the UAE to China
How long does a container from Jebel Ali to Shanghai take?
About 18–28 days port to port, and usually less to Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Add clearance and delivery.
Can I send goods to someone in China who is not registered to import?
For commercial cargo the consignee usually has to be registered with China Customs or use an import agent. We advise against shipping until this is settled.
What is the best way to send a sample to a Chinese factory?
Usually by air, in compact packing, with the real value declared, an exact description and “Sample” on the carton.
What is the import VAT rate in China?
Usually 13% for most manufactured goods and 9% for certain agricultural and other products, plus customs duty by tariff line, and a consumption tax may apply to luxury goods.
Can I ship my household furniture to China?
Yes, generally if you hold a residence permit and work permit valid for at least a year, with procedures that vary by city, and the shipment is usually physically inspected.
Can perfumes and oud oil be shipped to China?
Usually by sea with their paperwork; by air they are restricted as flammables. Cosmetics may need registration in China.
How do I follow my shipment?
The team sends you a WhatsApp update at loading, sailing, arrival, release and delivery.
Do you collect from free zones?
Yes, we collect from free zone warehouses in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and elsewhere once exit formalities are done.
Have goods or samples for China?
Send a description of the goods and the importer’s city, and we will review the file with you and send the price.
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