With the deepening of China-Iran trade, more and more goods are shipped from China to Iraq, and the demand for logistics transportation is increasing year by year. Time and cost are equally concerned by every enterprise or individual. In order to deliver goods to Iraq in time, this article will give a detailed description of the shipping time from China to Iraq.
Where is Iraq
It borders Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Syria and Jordan to the west, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to the south, and the Persian Gulf to the southeast. Its unique geographical location makes it an important channel for east-west traffic, and the transportation of goods from China to Iraq provides a variety of transportation routes.
Shipping from China to Iraq
Sea Freight
Sea freight is one of the most cost-effective ways to transport large quantities of goods over long distances. There are two main sea transportation options:
- FCL (full container load): This option is ideal for businesses that transport large quantities of goods. Using an entire container for one shipment is usually more economical and safer.
- LCL (less than container load): For smaller shipments, LCL allows multiple shippers to share a container. This option is cost-effective, but the shipping time may be longer due to the merging and splitting process.
Learn more: How to Choose FCL and LCL, What is the Differences
Air Freight
Air freight is currently the fastest mode of transportation and has high security, suitable for high-value or time-sensitive goods. Although air freight is usually more expensive than sea freight, it can greatly shorten delivery time and is ideal for urgent goods.
Time of Sea Freight from China to Iraq
Sea freight is the most common way to ship from China to Iraq and is suitable for large quantities of goods. Goods are usually shipped from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Guangzhou) to the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr. The sea freight time is about 30 to 40 days, depending on the season and the ship’s schedule. The following is the general time for shipping from China to Iraq:
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | Transport time (days) |
| Shenzhen | Umm Qasr | 31-40 days |
| Shanghai | Umm Qasr | 32-40 days |
| Ningbo | Umm Qasr | 30-38 days |
| Guangzhou | Umm Qasr | 30-37 days |
| Shanghai | Basra | 31-38 days |
| Shenzhen | Basra | 32-40 days |
| Ningbo | Basra | 30-39 days |
| Guangzhou | Basra | 31-40 days |
Time of Air Freight from China to Iraq
Air transport is suitable for urgent goods. It usually takes about 3 to 7 days to fly from major airports in China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) to Baghdad International Airport or Basra Airport in Iraq. Although air transport takes less time, it is more expensive.
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Transport time (days) |
| Beijing Capital | Baghdad | 3-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Baghdad | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Baghdad | 4-7 days |
| Shenzhen Baoan | Baghdad | 3-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Basra | 5-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Basra | 4-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Basra | 3-6 days |
| Shenzhen Baoan | Basra | 5-7 days |
If you want to know the shipping time to other countries you can read:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Kuwait
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Dubai
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Iran?
Factors Affecting Shipping from China to Iraq
- Port/airport congestion: congestion in major ports (such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Baghdad, etc.) will affect the overall shipping time.
- Weather: Extreme weather conditions may delay shipping or air transportation.
- Customs clearance and formalities: The cumbersome procedures such as customs inspection and quarantine may cause time delays, especially in countries such as Iraq where the political and security environment is more complicated.
- Seasonal peaks: For example, the impact of the Spring Festival and other peak seasons on shipping time.
- Routes and flight frequencies: including the time difference between direct flights and transit routes.
How to Optimize the Shipping Time from China to Iraq
The following measures can help shorten transportation time and improve efficiency:
Choose direct flights
Try to choose direct flights to Iraq in air transportation to reduce transit time.
Prepare documents in advance
Choosing a logistics service provider with experience in the Middle East can effectively ensure that customs clearance documents are complete, simplify the customs clearance process, and help speed up the customs clearance process in Iraq.
Rationally choose ports
Choose less busy ports to reduce the risk of delays caused by port congestion.
Book space in advance
Booking in advance during peak hours can ensure space and reduce waiting time.
Communicate closely with logistics suppliers
Keep abreast of the latest developments in transportation routes to deal with possible delays in advance.
Intermodal transport
For goods that pursue a balance between time and cost, you can choose intermodal transport, which is a suitable choice between air and sea transport.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Iraq
Full container load and unload operations are simple and take less time; full container loads are loaded independently in containers, which makes transportation safer and reduces the risk of cargo damage and mix-up. FCL is suitable for large quantities of goods, and the unit cost of full container transportation is lower than that of small quantities of LCL transportation.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Basra | $1550-$2600 | $2600-$3600 |
| Shenzhen | Basra | $1600-$2500 | $2550-$3600 |
| Ningbo | Basra | $1550-$2500 | $2550-$3750 |
| Shanghai | Umm Qasr | $1500-$2700 | $2450-$3600 |
| Shenzhen | Umm Qasr | $1650-$2850 | $2650-$3600 |
| Ningbo | Umm Qasr | $1600-$2800 | $2500-$3500 |
Learn more: How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Iraq?
Import Process from China to Iraq
The basic process of importing from China to Iraq includes the following steps:
Supplier selection
Determine the type, quantity and specifications of the products to be imported. Select a reputable Chinese supplier and conduct a background check
Signing a contract
Discuss the price, delivery time, payment method, transportation method, etc. with the supplier. Make sure the contract terms are clear and include all necessary details
Prepare documents
- Bill of lading: Proof of delivery of goods to the carrier during sea transportation.
- Commercial invoice: Commodity price and transaction details.
- Packing list: Goods list, packaging details.
- Certificate of origin: Proof of the country where the goods are produced.
- Customs clearance authorization: Authorize the freight forwarding company to handle customs clearance formalities.
Choose logistics and transportation methods
According to the timeliness and characteristics of the goods, choose the appropriate transportation method to transport the goods from China to Iraq.
Customs clearance preparation
Carry out import customs clearance in Iraq, ensuring the submission of all necessary documents and payment of customs duties.
Pickup and transportation
Pick up the goods after customs clearance at the Iraqi port and arrange for the transportation of the goods to the final destination.
Shipping from China to Iraq involves a comprehensive consideration of time and cost. By choosing the right mode of transportation, preparing customs clearance documents in advance, and optimizing the transportation process, you can improve the on-time delivery rate of goods.