Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Egypt

With the booming bilateral trade between China and Egypt, container transportation has become one of the important logistics means connecting China and Egypt. This article will introduce in detail the container transportation methods from China to Egypt, the costs of 20ft and 40ft containers, and help enterprises or individuals reach their destinations with efficient transportation.

Introduction to Containers

Containers are large metal boxes used to transport goods, which can be divided into many types according to size and type. Common sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet, of which 40ft containers can be divided into ordinary high cabinets and high cabinets. The capacity of a 20ft container is about 33.2 cubic meters, while the capacity of a 40ft high cabinet reaches 67.7 cubic meters, which is very suitable for the transportation of large quantities of goods.

Steps for Container Shipping from China to Egypt

Preparing Ocean Freight
Preparing ocean freight is a crucial step that can significantly affect the efficiency of the transportation process. Proper preparation ensures compliance with regulations, minimizes delays, and facilitates smooth transportation.

Booking
Choosing a Freight Forwarder Choose a reliable freight forwarder to assist in handling transportation matters. According to the volume and weight of the goods, choose the appropriate container type (such as 20 feet, 40 feet, etc.) and confirm the space.

Loading
Container Shipping: The freight forwarder will arrange the transportation of the container to the factory or warehouse.
Packing: Load the goods into the container at the loading location and ensure that it is securely fixed.

Customs clearance
Export customs clearance: Prepare the required documents (such as invoice, packing list, export license) and submit them to the Chinese customs.

Shipping from China to Egypt
Container shipping is a standard mode of transportation in international logistics, with the advantages of relatively low cost and high cargo security. It usually departs from major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Guangzhou, and arrives at major Egyptian ports such as Alexandria and Port Said via the Indian Ocean or the Suez Canal. The sea transportation time from Chinese ports to Egyptian ports is generally 20-30 days.. The cargo transportation status is monitored in real time through the tracking system provided by the freight forwarder.

Arrival at the Egyptian port
Once the container arrives at the destination port, it is unloaded by the port staff. Prepare and submit the necessary documents for entry customs clearance.

• Commercial invoice: This document details the transaction between the seller and the buyer. It must include the description of the items, quantity, price and payment terms, and serves as the basis for customs declaration.
• Packing list: The packing list details the contents of the goods, including the dimensions and weight of each package. This document helps customs officials evaluate the goods and is essential for the consignee to verify the goods received.
• Bill of lading (BOL): A bill of lading is a legal document issued by the carrier as a receipt for the goods. It outlines the details of the goods, including the origin, destination and terms of transportation. Depending on how the ownership of the goods is transferred, there are different types of bills of lading, such as named bills of lading and negotiable bills of lading.

Pay duties and fees
Pay the corresponding import duties according to Egyptian customs regulations. Pay port fees, transportation fees and other related fees.

Pick up goods
Pick up the container: After completing customs declaration, pick up the container with relevant documents.
Delivery: Transport the container to the final destination. You can choose to pick it up yourself or have the freight forwarder arrange delivery.

Goods Prohibited in Container Shipping from China to Egypt

Egypt has strict import restrictions on certain products. In container shipping, the following goods are usually prohibited or strictly controlled:

• Drugs and illicit drugs: Any form of illegal drugs or controlled drugs are prohibited from import.
• Counterfeit goods: Goods involving infringement of intellectual property rights, such as counterfeit brands or pirated products.
• Certain agricultural products and plants: Unapproved agricultural products, plants and related products may be restricted from import.
• Certain chemicals and dangerous goods: For example, radioactive materials, corrosive chemicals.

Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Egypt

Container shipping costs depend on the type of container, destination port, type of cargo, and specific service requirements. Below is the approximate cost range for 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Egypt:

If you are interested in container shipping costs to other parts of the Middle East you can read:

Shipping Costs for 20ft And 40ft Containers from China to Iraq

Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Qatar

Cost of 20ft and 40ft Container Shipping From China To Kuwait

Shipping Costs for 20ft And 40ft Containers from China to UAE

Factors that Affect the Cost of Shipping from China to Egypt

The cost of container shipping is not fixed, and many factors affect the final shipping cost:

• Cargo type and quantity: Special types of cargo such as dangerous goods and fragile goods usually require additional handling fees. In addition, the quantity, weight and volume of the cargo will also affect the cost.
• Shipping season and market fluctuations: During peak shipping periods, freight rates may rise, while during off-seasons, freight rates are relatively low.
• Shipping distance and routes: Different routes have different shipping costs. It is usually cheaper to ship from ports on the southeast coast of China (such as Shenzhen) than from ports in northern China (such as Tianjin).
• Additional services: Such as door-to-door services and warehousing fees will add additional shipping costs.

Duty Fees for Container Shipping from China to Egypt

In the process of shipping from China to Egypt, the calculation of customs duties is mainly divided into the following parts:

• Import Duty: This is a tax based on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) of the goods. Different goods have different import tariff rates, which are generally determined according to the Egyptian tariff classification. The tax rate is usually between 5%-40%, depending on the type of goods. Common goods such as electronic products, textiles, and mechanical equipment have different tax rates.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): In addition to tariffs, imported goods are also subject to VAT. The standard VAT rate in Egypt is 14%, but different rates may apply to certain goods. VAT is also calculated based on the sum of the CIF value and the tariff amount.
• Other Fees: Depending on the type of goods, there may be additional fees such as excise tax and stamp duty. Some high-end products or special goods (such as tobacco and alcohol) may also be subject to additional excise taxes, which are usually higher.

The cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Egypt depends on many factors. By choosing the right mode of transportation, preparing all necessary documents in advance and working with the right freight forwarding company, companies can effectively control transportation costs and ensure that their goods arrive in Egypt smoothly.