China is South Africa’s largest trading partner. With the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the scale of trade between China and South Africa continues to expand, and time has also attracted more and more attention as transportation services increase. This article will introduce in detail the shipping time from China to South Africa.
Where is South Africa?
Located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, bordering the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, South Africa is an important maritime hub connecting Africa with the world. Its main ports include:
- Port of Durban: The largest port in Africa, handling most of the import of Chinese goods.
- Port of Cape Town: Handles cargo transportation in southwest South Africa.
- Port Elizabeth: Focuses on the transportation of automobiles and industrial products.
How to Ship from China to South Africa
Sea Freight
Sea Freight is the most common mode of transportation in international transportation. It is low-cost and suitable for large, non-urgent cargo transportation. You choose FCL and LCL according to the characteristics of the goods:
- FCL: For large quantities of goods, customers occupy a container exclusively.
- LCL: Small batch cargo selection, sharing a container with other customers.
Air Freight
Air Freight is the fastest mode of transport, with high timeliness and strong safety, suitable for high-value, small and urgent goods.
Time for Shipping from China to South Africa
The time for transport from China to South Africa is mainly determined by the mode of transport, but is also affected by the following factors
- Port of departure and port of destination: The logistics efficiency and route selection of different ports will affect the delivery time and transportation cycle of goods.
- Weather and season: Extreme weather (such as storms, typhoons, etc.) may cause interruptions during transportation or slow down the speed of ships, thereby extending transportation time.
- Customs and customs clearance process: Customs clearance efficiency and the existence of additional inspections will affect the overall transportation time.
- Type of goods: Dangerous goods, refrigerated goods, etc. require special handling, which may cause additional time delays.
Time of Sea Freight from China to South Africa
It usually takes 25-35 days for goods to be loaded from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou) and arrive at South African ports (such as Durban Port) via the Indian Ocean. The following is the time range for shipping from China to South Africa:
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | Transport time (days) |
| Shanghai | Durban | 25-35 days |
| Shenzhen | Durban | 30-35 days |
| Ningbo | Durban | 28-35 days |
| Qingdao | Durban | 25-35 days |
| Shanghai | Cape Town | 25-30 days |
| Shenzhen | Cape Town | 25-33 days |
| Ningbo | Cape Town | 26-35 days |
| Qingdao | Cape Town | 25-35 days |
| Shanghai | Elizabeth | 25-34 days |
| Shenzhen | Elizabeth | 25-33 days |
| Ningbo | Elizabeth | 27-35 days |
| Qingdao | Elizabeth | 25-35 days |
Time of Air Freight from China to South Africa
The goods take off from major airports in China (such as Shanghai Pudong Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun Airport) and go directly to major airports in South Africa. It usually takes 3-7 days. The following is the time range for air freight from China to South Africa:
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Transport time (days) |
| Beijing Capital | OR Tambo | 3-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | OR Tambo | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | OR Tambo | 4-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Cape Town | 3-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Cape Town | 3-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Cape Town | 4-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | King Shaka | 3-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | King Shaka | 4-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | King Shaka | 3-7 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 Egypt
- 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 Turkey
- How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Nigeria?
How to Shorten the Time of Shipping from China to South Africa
To shorten the time of transport from China to South Africa, the following measures can be taken:
Choose direct transport methods
Try to choose direct flights or direct ships to avoid transit
Optimize transportation routes
Choose the best transportation routes to reduce transit and waiting time.
Prepare documents in advance
Prepare all necessary documents and information in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Consider seasonal factors
Seasonal demand fluctuations, weather conditions and peak transportation periods will affect transportation time.
Communicate with the transportation company
Maintain close communication with the transportation company to understand the transportation progress and solve possible problems in a timely manner.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to South Africa
Below is the cost range for 20ft and 40ft containers from China to South Africa for a few cases, but since shipping prices change all the time, please contact Ubest Shipping and we will get back to you within 24 hours!
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Cape Town | $2550-$3450 | $3000-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Cape Town | $2500-$3600 | $3150-$4750 |
| Qingdao | Cape Town | $2550-$3750 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Cape Town | $2650-$3700 | $3150-$4650 |
| Shanghai | Durban | $2750-$3450 | $3050-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Durban | $2700-$3700 | $3100-$4700 |
| Qingdao | Durban | $2650-$3850 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Durban | $2800-$3550 | $3050-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Elizabeth | $2850-$3750 | $3150-$4750 |
| Shenzhen | Elizabeth | $2750-$3450 | $3100-$4600 |
| Qingdao | Elizabeth | $2600-$3700 | $3000-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Elizabeth | $2850-$3700 | $3050-$4850 |
Learn more: How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to South Africa?
Customs Clearance Documents for Shipping from China to South Africa
For smooth customs clearance, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Commercial invoice: details the name, quantity, unit price, total price and other information of the goods.
- Packing list: details the name, quantity, packaging method and other information of the goods in the container.
- Bill of lading: proves that the goods have been received or loaded on board and will be delivered to the legitimate holder of the bill of lading at the designated port after sea transportation.
- Import declaration form: a customs declaration document required by the South African Customs to declare detailed information of the goods.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
The time required to ship from China to South Africa varies depending on the mode of transportation and specific arrangements. By selecting this article to understand the shipping time, you can arrange your shipping plan reasonably. If you need more information about our shipping services, please contact us!