Routes

Shipping from China to South Africa

We're a Chinese freight forwarder operating from the origin, where your goods are made and loaded. Importing directly from China brings barriers —the language, the distance, who to turn to— and our job is to make them a non-issue. South Africa is the great gateway to the south of the continent: we handle your shipment end to end —transport, documentation and customs—, with the prices you only get by working from the origin itself.

Why work with a forwarder at origin

Better price, no middlemen

You work with the people at the port of departure in China, not a middleman in South Africa that subcontracts. Fewer links, better price.

Control from the factory

We're where your goods are made and loaded: we coordinate pickup, consolidation and shipping from the very first metre.

We know the routes to Africa

We know Chinese carriers, ports and export formalities inside out. We pick the best combination of factory, Chinese port and destination port in South Africa.

We assist you in English

We work in writing and keep everything documented in English, the common standard in international shipping, and in Spanish when you need it. No language barrier with the origin.

Entry ports in South Africa

The best port depends on where your final destination in South Africa is. We pick the one that connects best to cut inland transport cost and time.

Durban

The busiest port in sub-Saharan Africa and the largest container terminal in the south of the continent. It handles most of the country's traffic and is the natural gateway for Johannesburg and the industrial interior. The great entry from China.

Cape Town

The major southwestern port, important for the Western Cape region and export fruit. A good entry for the southwest of the country.

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) / Ngqura

The Algoa Bay ports, strong in automotive and container (Ngqura/Coega is a deep-water port and economic zone). Useful for the centre-south.

Richards Bay

A large bulk port in the northeast, specialised in coal and bulk cargo. An alternative for heavy industrial cargo.

We also operate with other South African points: Johannesburg (airport JNB · City Deep dry port) · Cape Town (CPT) · Durban (DUR)

Transit times and transport modes

Sea · 25–35 days

The most cost-effective option. FCL (full container) or LCL (groupage) depending on your volume, to Durban or Cape Town, with services from the major Chinese ports via the Indian Ocean.

Air · 7–10 days

For urgent or high-value cargo, via Johannesburg (JNB). Fast and tracked in real time.

Door to door (DDP)

We handle everything, including duty and import VAT, and deliver to your address (often via the City Deep dry port in Johannesburg). You just receive the goods.

Customs and taxes when importing into South Africa

We take care of clearance. In South Africa, customs is run by SARS (South African Revenue Service): to import you need to be registered as an importer (importer number) and a declaration is filed. Customs duty is settled under the product's classification along with import VAT, at 15%, calculated in a particular way on the customs value plus 10% plus duties. South Africa is part of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and SADC, which makes redistribution to neighbouring countries easier. We help with classification and coordinate clearance with a local customs agent, so your cargo enters without surprises.

How it works, step by step

  1. We collect at the factory in China and review the paperwork.
  2. Export clearance at origin and loading via the best Chinese port.
  3. International transport (sea or air) with tracking.
  4. Import clearance in South Africa: duty, 15% VAT and SARS formalities.
  5. Final delivery to your warehouse or address, anywhere in the country.

Importing from China to South Africa?

Tell us what you need to move and where in South Africa. We'll give you a clear quote, with every cost broken down and no surprises. No commitment.