Shipping from China to Colombia: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the Right Shipping Method from China to Colombia

There are two primary methods for shipping goods from China to Colombia: sea freight and air freight. Your choice will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the nature of your cargo

Sea Freight & Container Shipping

Sea freight is the most common and cost-effective method of shipping goods from China to Colombia, especially for large volumes and heavy cargo. Shipping by ocean container ships can be much more economical than air freight, making it a preferred choice for businesses looking to minimize their shipping costs.

Major Chinese ports that export to Colombia include Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Dalian, Xiamen, and Hong Kong. Colombian ports receiving sea freight from China are Buenaventura, Cartagena, and Barranquilla.

There are two main options for container shipping: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL involves renting an entire container for your shipment. This is the most economical option if you have enough cargo to fill a container or most of a container. FCL shipping keeps your items separate from other importers, ensuring that your container remains sealed throughout the journey unless selected for inspection by customs officials. It is also quicker than LCL shipping as there is no need to consolidate or deconsolidate your items from others.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

LCL shipping refers to shipments where your goods share space within a container with other goods. This option is more economical for shipping smaller quantities that make up less than half of the volume of a full container. However, it may take longer than FCL shipping due to the need for consolidation and deconsolidation of items.

Air Freight from China to Colombia

Air freight is the fastest shipping method, with transit times typically ranging from 3 to 7 days, depending on air traffic and schedules. However, it is also the most expensive option due to its speed and the limited capacity of aircraft. Air freight is best suited for small goods or time-sensitive shipments that add value to your business.

Super International Shipping, a leading freight forwarder from China to Malaysia, offers both sea freight and air freight services to cater to different shipping needs. Their logistical expertise, high-volume rates for the Chinese market, and global base of operations ensure high-quality services and cost-effective solutions for shipping from China to Colombia.

Shipping Costs from China to Colombia Across Different Transport Methods

Additional Details:

• Sea Freight: The cost of shipping containers from China to Colombia is contingent upon the size of the container (20ft or 40ft) and the shipping route. Rates may vary, and it is recommended to consult with the Bassendon Quotation Team for detailed pricing and shipping schedules to major Colombian ports.

• Air Freight: Air freight rates from China to Colombia depend on the departure city, destination airport, and the specifics of the cargo (weight and volume). Costs can range from USD 8 to 22 per kilogram, varying by the chosen air cargo service and route.

  • Example: A 20kg package measuring 30cm x 30cm x 20cm would cost approximately USD 750 to 800 via FedEx International Priority, with a typical delivery window of 9 to 10 days. Alternatively, using FedEx Economy Parcel International for the same package can cost approximately USD 540 to 560, with delivery taking about 15 to 17 days.

Customs Clearance in Colombia

Navigating customs clearance procedures can be a daunting task for importers. To ensure smooth and efficient customs clearance, it is essential to engage a professional freight forwarder with experience in handling Colombian customs regulations and documentation.

Customs clearance involves submitting the necessary documents, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, along with any required import permits or licenses. Import duties, taxes, and fees must also be paid before the goods can be released.

The customs clearance process can be complex and time-consuming. By working with a knowledgeable and reliable freight forwarder, you can ensure that your goods are cleared quickly and efficiently, minimizing delays and additional costs.

Required Documents

To clear customs, you’ll need to provide several documents, including:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (BOL)
• Customs Import Declaration Form

These documents contain essential information about your shipment, such as the buyer and seller’s details, the nature of the goods, and the sale’s terms. It’s crucial to ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays or penalties during the customs clearance process.

Import Duties and Taxes in Colombia

Import duties and taxes are levied on goods imported into Colombia, based on their value and classification under the Colombia’s customs tariff schedule. The rates vary depending on the type of goods and their origin.

Generally, import duties in Colombia are consolidated into three tariff categories:

• Up to 5% for capital goods, industrial goods, and raw materials not produced in Colombia.
• 10% for manufactured goods, with some exceptions.
• 15% to 20% for consumer goods.

It’s essential to consult with your freight forwarder to determine the applicable import duties and taxes for your specific shipment.

Restricted and Prohibited Items for Shipping from China to Colombia

When shipping from China to Colombia, it is essential to be aware of restricted and prohibited items that cannot be legally imported. These include:

• Antiques and fragile items
• Asbestos
• Animal furs
• Military equipment
• Dangerous or flammable materials
• Weapons and explosives
• Hazardous or toxic items
• Pornography

Certain types of food and organic materials, such as vegetables, plants, and animal-based products, are also prohibited or restricted. It’s crucial to consult with your freight forwarder to ensure that your shipment complies with all Colombian import regulations.

Warehousing and Storage Services

Professional freight forwarders like Super International Shipping offer warehousing and storage services to accommodate your logistical needs. Warehousing allows you to consolidate your goods, saving you money by reducing the need for local warehousing and stock consolidation. These facilities typically provide loading, unloading, crating, palletizing, and temporary storage services.

Advantages of Choosing Super International Shipping as Your Chinese Freight Forwarder

Why Choose Super International Shipping as Your Freight Forwarder from China?

We have been in shipping industry for over 3 decades and have the expertise to handle any shipping needs from China to Colombia, and we handle hundreds of shipments for customs every month. We have an excellent track record with respect to all imports being cleared on time.

What makes us different is our unique combination of:

Comprehensive Services Offered:

• 24/7 Customer Support
  Our dedicated customer service is available around the clock, ensuring that any queries or issues you encounter are addressed promptly, providing you peace of mind.
• Strategic Office Locations Across China
  With offices in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, Tianjin, and Qingdao. we cover extensive geographical areas within mainland China. This network allows us to offer free pickup services within three hours of receiving authorization, regardless of your supplier’s city location.
• Cost-Saving Consolidated Pickup Services
  For businesses dealing with multiple suppliers, we streamline the logistics by collecting shipments from various warehouses. We then consolidate these into one single shipment, significantly reducing your shipping costs.
• Quality Assurance Checks
  Quality control is paramount at Super International Shipping. We thoroughly inspect your goods post-pickup to ensure they meet your standards before they are shipped out. On request, we also provide photographic evidence of your merchandise to guarantee transparency.

• Flexible Storage Solutions
  If your goods are not immediately ready for dispatch, we offer complimentary warehousing services. This flexibility helps manage any unexpected delays and ensures your items are secure until they are ready to be shipped.
• Repackaging Services
  We provide a free repackaging service to ensure that all items are properly secured for their journey. This service is designed to prevent any damage during transit, maintaining the integrity of your merchandise.
• Customized Shipping Options
  Our services are tailored to meet diverse logistical needs. Whether it’s shipping to a specific address or handling unique shipment requests, we adapt our operations to suit your specific requirements.
• Confidentiality and Security
  We prioritize the confidentiality of your business information. Rest assured, your data is securely handled, and no details are disclosed to your suppliers or unauthorized third parties.
• Handling Unorthodox Shipping Requests
  No matter how complex or unusual your shipping needs are, our team is committed to devising solutions that align with your specific logistical requirements.

If you have any questions about importing from China to Colombia, please contact us. To get started, fill in your shipment’s details on our inquiry formor if you have any questions, please feel free tocontact us.

Conclusion

Shipping from China to Colombia can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with the right information and support from a reliable freight forwarder like Super International Shipping, businesses can successfully import goods and products from China to the Colombian market. By understanding the various aspects of shipping, including different shipping methods, costs, transit times, customs clearance, and more, businesses can make informed decisions and optimize their shipping processes for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.