What is the best way to ship goods from China to Cambodia ?
HongOcean: Your Ultimate Guide to Shipping Goods from China to Cambodia!
Navigating the best way to ship goods from China to Cambodia requires careful planning and understanding. To streamline your export/import process, it’s essential to delve into this topic thoroughly.
Finding comprehensive information in English can be challenging, but after 10 years of dominating the Asian market and dedicating countless hours to research, HongOcean has gathered all the vital insights you need.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro in international freight, or if you’re planning a single shipment or multiple transfers, this guide is packed with proven strategies to kickstart or enhance your import/export operations. With HongOcean by your side, you’re set for success!
Customs clearance in Cambodia
What duties and taxes will I pay for my goods ?
What Duties and Taxes Will I Pay for My Goods?Remark Hong Ocean: This is a common question for anyone involved in international trade.
When it comes to imports, China is Cambodia’s leading trade partner in terms of both volume and value, surpassing Thailand and Vietnam. As part of the ASEAN economic and political community, Cambodia enjoys streamlined customs procedures with China, thanks to the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). This agreement has significantly reduced tariffs, eliminating duties on up to 90% of Chinese goods imported to Cambodia. This means that, in many cases, you won’t have to pay any duties on your Chinese imports to Cambodia.
To check specific tariff barriers and taxes on your goods, Hong Ocean recommends using the official ASEAN–China Free Trade Area Business Portal. You can search for the exact tariff rates applicable to your products.
For example, if you’re importing poultry from China to Cambodia, simply enter “poultry” in the search bar, select “China” as the country of origin and “Cambodia” as the destination. The portal will display the relevant duty rates for your goods.
For more details, feel free to visit Hong Ocean’s resources or the official ASEAN-China Free Trade Area business portal.
Can I be exempted of taxes for goods imported from China?
Remark Hong Ocean: We know you’re eager to lower your overall shipping costs, and tax exemptions can be a great way to do so!
Yes, it’s possible to be exempt from taxes on your imports from China. To achieve this, your supplier needs to provide us with a properly completed FORM E. This document is crucial because even a small mistake could result in you being charged unnecessary taxes. Don’t worry—Hong Ocean will review the form for accuracy before we proceed, ensuring everything is in order.
The Certificate of Origin (CO)
The Certificate of Origin (CO)This essential document proves that your goods are produced in a specific country or region. It must be validated by a government authority or a notary public. Typically, there are three types of Certificates of Origin:
- GSP Certificate of Origin (Form A)
- Regional Preferential Certificates of Origin
- Non-preferential Certificates of Origin
Hong Ocean will ensure that the correct certificate is provided, so you can benefit from tax exemptions where applicable!
ASEAN-China Free Trade Certificate of Origin
ASEAN-China Free Trade Certificate of OriginRemark Hong Ocean: Maximize your tax savings with the right documents!
The China-ASEAN Free Trade Certificate of Origin (FORM E) is a key document for businesses trading between China and ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Brunei. By securing this certificate, your goods can enjoy preferential tariff treatment, with tax rates reduced to an average of 5%—a substantial cost-saving opportunity.
For exports to these ASEAN member countries, the FORM E must comply with the relevant product provisions under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. Once issued, this certificate grants your products preferential access to ASEAN markets, ensuring that your imports benefit from reduced taxes.
The “Trade in Goods Agreement” outlines the necessary format of the Certificate of Origin (CO) that needs to be submitted. In Protocol II, the specifics for the “Trade in Goods Agreement” and the details on the last page of the document are thoroughly explained, ensuring that all the required information is included.
Hong Ocean is here to help you navigate these processes, so you provide the right documents and save on taxes! Now, let’s explore the various freight methods for transferring goods between China and ASEAN countries.
PROHIBITED & RESTRICTED ITEMS
Prohibited & Restricted ItemsRemark Hong Ocean: If you’re shipping any of these items, it’s crucial to consult with our Hong Ocean experts. Some goods are restricted or entirely prohibited, so it’s essential to plan ahead and avoid any potential issues.
Here’s a list of items that may require special attention or are outright banned for international shipment:
- Drug Contraband
- Explosives
- Biohazard Materials
- Chemicals
- Corrosive Substances
- Counterfeit Goods
- Ivory
- Loose Lithium Batteries
- Flammable or Combustible Items
- Firearms
- Prescription Drugs
- Counterfeit Currency
- Poisonous Substances
- Pornographic Material
- Tactical Knives
- Tobacco Products
- Gambling Equipment
- Hazardous Materials
If any of these items are part of your shipment, Hong Ocean will help you navigate the restrictions to ensure smooth and compliant delivery.
SEA FREIGHT FROM/TO CAMBODIA
Remark Hong Ocean: Sea freight is often your best option when shipping between China and Cambodia!
Ocean freight is ideal for your shipment if:
- Your suppliers are near a major Chinese port
- Your goods are larger than 2 CBM
- You’re not in a rush to receive them
While sea freight is the most cost-effective shipping method between China and Cambodia, it’s important to note that Cambodia’s port infrastructure is limited. The main entry point for sea freight is Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia’s only deep-water trade port located along the central coastline.
Below is a table showing estimated transit times from key Chinese ports to Sihanoukville:
hinese Port | Estimated Transit Time to Sihanoukville |
Hong Kong / Guangzhou | 12 days |
Dalian | 15 days |
Tianjin | 16 days |
Qingdao | 15 days |
Ningbo | 13 days |
Shanghai | 14 days |
Please note that these transit times are estimates and may vary.
Hong Ocean Advice: For accurate rates and transit times for sea freight from China to Cambodia, contact our Hong Ocean experts. We’ll provide the precise information you need for smooth and cost-effective shipping.
AIR FREIGHT FROM/TO CAMBODIA
Air Freight from/to CambodiaRemark Hong Ocean: When speed matters, air freight is your go-to option!
Air freight is the most efficient shipping method if:
- Your goods are smaller than 2 CBM and 200 kg
- You need the goods delivered urgently
Cambodia, with its population of 17 million, has three international airports, providing decent air logistics options:
- Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport
- Sihanoukville International Airport
- Phnom Penh International Airport
These airports host several Asian and international airlines, offering weekly flights that connect Cambodia to major cities in China.
Hong Ocean Remark: While direct flights can deliver goods within a day, they are often more expensive. On average, including the export process, air freight transit takes around 2-3 days. However, customs delays may impact delivery times.
solution!
Rail freight provides a great alternative to sea freight for shipments between China and Cambodia. Most rail routes pass through Vietnam and Laos, where the rail networks are reliable. Cambodia’s rail system is still developing, but the government has made significant investments since 2010.
Trains crossing from China into Vietnam do so at two main points:
- The Friendship Pass between Pingxiang (China) and Đồng Đăng (Vietnam)
- The Hekou–Lào Cai bridge between China and Vietnam
From there, trains cross the Indochina peninsula to reach Cambodia.
Below is a table showing the estimated transit times for rail freight between major Chinese and Cambodian cities:
Chinese City | Sihanoukville / Phnom Penh | Battambang / Siem Reap / Sisophon |
Shenzhen / Guangzhou | 6 days | 5 days |
Xi’an | 9 days | 8 days |
Qingdao | 10 days | 9 days |
Ningbo / Shanghai | 9 days | 8 days |
Beijing | 10 days | 9 days |
Chongqing | 7 days | 6 days |
Kunming | 5 days | 4 days |
Harbin | 13 days | 12 days |
Changsha | 7 days | 6 days |
Hong Ocean is here to help you choose the best shipping method based on your needs and budget!
CROSS BORDER FROM/TO CAMBODIA
Cross-Border Freight from/to CambodiaRemark Hong Ocean: When convenience is key, road freight can be an option—but proceed with caution!
Road freight is the most convenient choice if:
- Your supplier is located close to the Cambodian border
- The final destination of your goods is in northern Cambodia
- You’re not in a rush to receive your shipment
However, Hong Ocean advises against road freight for long distances due to the lack of direct borders between China and Cambodia. The vast distances between certain regions can make this method less viable.
If you can’t check off at least two of the criteria listed above, we recommend not using road freight as your primary transport option.
Challenges to Consider:
- Road Conditions: The infrastructure in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam can be poor, making travel slow and difficult.
- Traffic Issues: Expect significant congestion near major cities, which can delay deliveries.
- Cost Factor: Road freight is often more expensive than other shipping options.
Reliable Combinations:Road freight is best utilized in conjunction with other transport methods, such as Rail + Trucking or Air + Trucking.
Hong Ocean Tip: If you have any doubts about the best shipping method for your needs, don’t hesitate to fill out our online form. One of our Hong Ocean Experts will get in touch with you to help you find the right solution!