Shipping freight internationally—especially over long distances like the route from China to Iran—can be a complex process with many moving parts. One of the most common questions people ask is: How long will it take?
The answer isn’t always simple. Transit time can vary widely depending on the mode of transportation, the specific origin and destination, the time of year, and how long customs clearance takes. Understanding these factors is key to effective planning and managing expectations throughout the shipping process.
Shipping Time from China to Iran
To work out how long it will take to get a shipment from China to Iran, you need to think about a lot of different things. Sea freight generally takes 30-40 days, air freight takes roughly 5-12 days. These are just estimates, and the actual times can be different. Choosing the right option depends on balancing how important it is, how much it costs, and what the goods are like. Talk to experienced freight forwarders to get accurate quotes and understand international shipping.
Sea Freight Time from China to Iran
The shipping route from China to Iran typically takes 30 – 40 days, depending on the port of origin. Major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Qingdao usually ship to Iran’s primary port, Bandar Abbas.
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | Transport time (days) |
| Shenzhen Port | Hormuz Port | 30-38 days |
| Shanghai Port | Hormuz Port | 32-39 days |
| Ningbo Port | Hormuz Port | 33-38 days |
| Guangzhou Port | Hormuz Port | 33-37 days |
| Shanghai Port | Bandar Abbas Port | 30-38 days |
| Shenzhen Port | Bandar Abbas Port | 30-40 days |
| Ningbo Port | Bandar Abbas Port | 30-38 days |
| Guangzhou Port | Bandar Abbas Port | 31-38 days |
This timeframe is an estimate, and the actual duration may vary due to several factors, including:
- Port of departure and destination: The specific origin port in China and the arrival port in Iran can impact transit time.
- Shipping company and route: Transit times differ depending on the carrier’s route (direct vs. transshipment) and sailing schedules. Direct routes tend to be faster.
- Weather conditions: Adverse weather can disrupt vessel schedules and delay port operations.
- Port congestion: Heavy congestion at the origin or destination port can slow down loading, unloading, and customs processing.
- Transshipment: Additional handling and waiting time may be involved if the shipment requires a stop at an intermediate port.
- Customs inspection: Clearance procedures in both countries may cause delays, especially if the shipment is subject to inspection or if documentation is incomplete.
Air Freight Time from China to Iran
Air freight from China to Iran typically takes around 3 to 7 days. Goods are shipped from major Chinese international airports—such as Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), and Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX)—to Iran’s main air gateway, Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Transport time (days) |
| Beijing Capital | Murtala Muhammad | 3-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Murtala Muhammad | 3-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Murtala Muhammad | 3-5 days |
| Beijing Capital | Tehran Imam Khomeini | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Tehran Imam Khomeini | 3-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Tehran Imam Khomeini | 4-7 days |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Iran
Container shipping costs fluctuate based on market demand, fuel prices, season, and specific ports. However, recent estimates suggest the following for sea freight to major Turkish ports like Istanbul:
| Container shipping service from China to Nigeria | Type of container | Ocean freight rates from China to Nigeria: |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2550 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $3550 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $3550 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2650 20FT average price from: $3550 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2650 20FT average price from: $3650 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2650 20FT average price from: $3650 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $4150 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $4050 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to Nigeria | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3250 20FT average price from: $4250 40FT |
Documents Required for Importing into Iran from China
Importing goods into Nigeria involves strict documentation requirements to ensure compliance with customs regulations. The key documents typically include:
- Commercial Invoice: This invoice details the transaction, including product descriptions, quantities, unit prices, total value, and buyer/seller information.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): Serves as a receipt of goods, contract of carriage, and title document. B/L is used for sea freight; AWB is used for air freight.
- Packing List: Provides a detailed breakdown of the shipment, including the contents, weight, volume, and packaging details of each item.
- Form M: A mandatory pre-shipment document issued through an Authorized Dealer Bank (ADB) in Nigeria and approved by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). It is required for tracking imports and foreign exchange usage.
- Certificate of Origin (CoO) / Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO): This confirms the country of origin and declared value of the goods. In most cases today, the CoO replaces the older CCVO format.
- Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR): Issued via the Nigeria Single Window Trade Portal, this report is used by Nigerian Customs to assess duties and taxes before the goods arrive.
- Insurance Certificate: Proof that the shipment is insured during transit.
- Single Goods Declaration (SGD): The primary import declaration submitted to Nigerian Customs for processing and clearance.
- Tax Identification Number (TIN): A valid TIN registered in Nigeria is required for the importer.
- SONCAP Certificate (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme): Required for certain regulated products to confirm compliance with Nigerian quality and safety standards.
- Other Permits and Licenses: Depending on the nature of the goods, additional approvals may be necessary (e.g., NAFDAC permits for food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals).
How Freight Forwarders Optimize Shipping from China to Iran
Freight forwarders play a vital role in simplifying and optimizing international shipments. Here’s how they help streamline the transportation process from China to Iran:
- Mode Selection: Recommending the most suitable transport method—sea, air, rail, road, or multimodal—based on your cargo type, budget, and required delivery timeline.
- Consolidation Services: Offering Less than Container Load (LCL) solutions by combining shipments from multiple clients into a single container, helping reduce costs for those not needing Full Container Load (FCL) service.
- Carrier Booking & Rate Negotiation: Using established relationships with carriers to secure shipping space and negotiate competitive freight rates on your behalf.
- Documentation & Customs Clearance: Managing all required documentation—such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin—and handling customs procedures in China and Turkey.
- End-to-End Logistics Management: We provide complete door-to-door service, including cargo pickup, packaging, international transport, customs clearance, and final delivery, resulting in a more seamless experience and greater cost predictability.
- Route Optimization: Selecting efficient shipping routes and less congested ports reduces delays and improves delivery times.
- Real-Time Tracking: Offering shipment tracking systems for greater visibility and peace of mind throughout shipping.
- Insurance Arrangements: Help secure cargo insurance to protect your goods against damage, loss, or other unforeseen risks during transit.
