Shipping from China to Singapore

In 2024, trade between China and Singapore is expected to stay strong, with total trade likely to reach between USD 90 billion and USD 100 billion. Of this, China’s exports to Singapore are expected to be about USD 7.9 billion. Most of these exports are higher-priced products like electronics, electrical equipment, computer chips, communication devices, machines, and vehicle parts. In such a busy trade relationship, dependable transportation is crucial for keeping business running smoothly between the two countries.

However, setting up shipping from China to Singapore can be challenging without expert assistance. That’s why we’ve put together this complete shipping guide for you. Our goal is to help you through every step, making sure your shipping experience is easy and worry-free. You’ll find tips on the best ways to ship, how to save money, and advice on choosing the right shipping company—all to make sure your goods arrive safely and on time.

Types of shipping from China to Singapore

Air Freight from China to Singapore

Air freight is usually faster, making it an excellent shipping option for time-sensitive and temperature-controlled cargo. Air freight services offer more flexibility in choosing shipping routes and destinations, even reaching remote or landlocked areas. This flexibility allows companies to diversify their supply chains, including importing goods from places without direct waterway access.

However, please note that air freight can be more expensive than ocean freight. Additionally, there are more restrictions on shipment size and weight when using air freight.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might want to consider ocean transport, since air freight isn’t always the cheapest way to ship from China to Singapore. Your final air shipping cost will depend on the size, weight, and urgency of your cargo’s arrival.

Sea Freight from China to Singapore

Ocean freight transport is a cost-effective method for shipping large volumes from China to Singapore. It’s an excellent choice for bulk cargo and large shipments that don’t require urgent delivery. If you’re looking to save on shipping costs and don’t mind waiting a bit longer for your goods, China-Singapore ocean transport could be the perfect fit for you!

You have the flexibility to choose between Full-Container Load (FCL) or Less-Than-Container Load (LCL) shipping options. While sea transport is usually the most budget-friendly way to ship cargo, your final costs may vary depending on shipping schedules, fuel prices, and the time of year. Please note that higher demand during peak seasons may result in slightly higher fees.

There are several risks to consider, including potential shipping lane disruptions caused by unexpected events or natural disasters. These can sometimes cause delays or, in rare cases, damage to cargo. Planning ahead and selecting the right insurance can help provide you with peace of mind along the way.

Cost of Shipping from China to Singapore (July 2025 update)

Shipping from China to Singapore involves several factors that can affect the cost. These include factors such as fuel prices, cargo weight or volume, shipping distance, market demand, the time of year, and the urgency of your shipment. Here’s an overview of the costs for different shipping methods.

Shipping Method	From China to Malaysia (Cost)
Sea Freight (20ft Container)	Approx. USD 600 for a 20ft container
Sea Freight (40ft Container)	Approx. USD 1000 for a 40ft container
LCL Sea Shipping	Approx. USD 30 to 80 per cubic meters (m3)
Door-to-door DDP Shipping	Approx. USD 150 per cbm or USD 5.5 per kg
Air Freight	Approx. USD 350 for 100kg (Approx. USD 3.50 per kilo)
Express Shipping	Approx. USD 8.5 per Kgs

Shipping from China to Singapore Transit Time

Shipping to Singapore by sea from China is typically straightforward and usually takes 14 to 20 days for Full Container Load (FCL) shipments from major ports, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo, to destinations like Singapore or Jurong. If you’re shipping a Less-than-Container Load (LCL), it generally takes 16 to 22 days, as a little extra time is needed for cargo consolidation and handling. Please note that transit times may vary due to port, weather, and unforeseen delays. Rest assured, we’re here to support you every step of the way and will do our best to keep everything on track for you. Air freight is a great option when you need to deliver your shipment quickly. While it’s a bit more expensive than sea freight, it offers much faster delivery times. Direct flights from major Chinese airports—such as Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), or Guangzhou (CAN)—to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) usually take just 5 to 6 hours. Once you factor in cargo handling and customs clearance, your shipment typically arrives within 3 to 5 days.

Factors affecting transit time

Shipping Mode	Transit Time	Notes
Sea Freight (LCL)	16 to 22 days	Takes longer due to consolidation/deconsolidation processes
Sea Freight (FCL)	14 to 20 days	More direct, suitable for larger shipments that fill a container
Air Freight	3 to 5 days	Ideal for urgent or high-value shipments
Express Shipping	1 to 3 days	Quickest for door-to-door service

Getting your goods from China to Singapore on time depends not only on the mode of transport you choose, but also on a few other important factors:

Customs clearance efficiency: Singapore customs typically process shipments within 2 to 5 days; however, it’s best to ensure your documents are complete to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Seasonal factors: Peak seasons—like Chinese New Year, Black Friday, and Christmas—can lead to congestion, so planning is always a good idea.
Transportation routes: Shipping directly is often quicker than using routes with transfers, though it might cost a bit more.
Cargo type: Special goods—such as hazardous materials or food—require extra inspection, which can add a little more time to the delivery process.

Import taxes and tariffs in Singapore

Singapore welcomes most goods with zero tariffs, making imports affordable and straightforward. However, a few items—like tobacco, alcohol, and automobiles—do have tariffs. To help with your budgeting, be sure to check the HS code for your products. Please also note that all imports are subject to an 8% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Product Category	GST Rate	Typical Duty Rate
Electronics	8%	0%
Clothing & Apparel	8%	0%
Alcoholic Beverages	8%	Variable (excise applies)
Machinery	8%	0%
Vehicles	8%	Excise (variable)

Documents for customs clearance from China to Singapore

Are you planning to export goods from China to Singapore? Here’s a friendly guide to the key documents you’ll need for smooth customs clearance:

Commercial Invoice: This handy document lists the name, quantity, unit price, total price, country of origin, and trade terms for your shipment.
Packing List: This helps customs by showing the number of packages, their weight, volume, and a description of the items being shipped.
Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the shipping company, this document confirms your goods have been received and are on their way. It’s important for customs clearance.
Certificate of Origin: This document helps you qualify for special tariff rates. It’s provided by an authorized party or declared by the exporter, and should match the details on your invoice and bill of lading.
Import Permit: If you’re shipping regulated items like food or chemicals, you’ll need this permit.

What items are restricted or prohibited from import into Singapore?

Singapore imposes import restrictions or bans on certain goods, primarily for reasons of national security, public health, animal and plant quarantine, and environmental protection. The following is a list of the main categories of goods currently subject to import restrictions or bans in Singapore, along with a brief description of each category:

Prohibited Items:

Chewing Gum: Most forms of chewing gum, including nicotine gum, are prohibited.
Certain Tobacco Products: This includes chewing tobacco, shisha, and imitation tobacco products like e-cigarettes.
Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons, such as swords and knives, are generally prohibited unless specific permits are obtained.
Pornography: Obscene or immoral materials are prohibited.
Certain Publications: Seditious or treasonable materials are prohibited.
Counterfeit Goods: Counterfeit currency, toy coins, and toy currency notes are prohibited.
Radio Transmitters: Certain radio transmitting devices are prohibited.

Controlled Items:

Medicines/Pharmaceuticals: Importing medications and pharmaceuticals may require an import permit or inspection.
Plants: Certain plants and plant products require an import permit.
Meat and Seafood: The importation of meat, seafood, and certain related products is restricted.
Alcohol and Tobacco: Certain alcohol and tobacco products may be subject to import restrictions.
Telecommunication Equipment: Certain types of telecommunication equipment require permits for import.
Poisons: Certain poisonous substances require import permits.
Firearms and Explosives: Importation requires specific licenses and permits.
Animals: Certain animals, particularly those on the Endangered Species List, are prohibited or require permits.

Key Ports in China and Singapore for Shipping

Major Chinese Ports

Shanghai Port: China’s largest container port and a core hub connecting major Japanese ports.
Shenzhen Port: A key gateway for exporting electronic products and manufactured goods from southern China.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: With its enormous throughput capacity, it is suitable for the transport of heavy equipment and bulk cargo.
Qingdao Port: An important northern port, often used for freight routes to northern Japan.
Guangzhou Port: A key port for manufacturing exports in the Pearl River Delta, serving southern China.

Major Singapore Ports

Singapore Port: One of the world’s busiest container transshipment ports, it connects more than 600 ports worldwide, making it Singapore’s core sea freight hub.
Jurong Port: A multi-purpose cargo port in Singapore, handling bulk cargo, industrial goods, and construction materials, and serving the western industrial zone.
Pulau Bukom Port: A petrochemical port used exclusively by Shell, handling the import and export of crude oil and refined petroleum products.
Sembawang Port: A port with military and civilian functions, featuring shipbuilding and repair facilities, and serving large vessels and government purposes.
Tanjong Penjuru Port: handles special project cargo and warehousing logistics, serving as a supplementary port for freight operations that support small and medium-sized enterprises.

Freight Forwarders from China to Singapore

Freight forwarders are your helpful partners in international logistics, making the shipping process smoother by connecting shippers and transportation service providers. Here’s how they can support you when shipping from China to Singapore:

Help you find and hire the best transportation carriers for your cargo.
Take care of coordinating the transportation of your cargo, including pickup and delivery.
Prepare all the necessary documentation to ensure your cargo clears customs quickly and easily.
Discover the optimal routes for delivering your goods quickly and efficiently.
Spot and solve any issues along the way to prevent delays.
Ensure that all regulatory matters are addressed to ensure your goods meet the necessary requirements.
Handle the payment of duties, taxes, and fees for you.
Keep you updated in real time on the status of your shipment.

By consolidating all these services, freight forwarders simplify and enhance the shipping process, enabling your international trade to run smoothly and with greater peace of mind.

How to Import from China to Singapore: Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Partner with a freight forwarder

To ensure a smooth international shipping process, hire a reliable and experienced freight forwarder. They will handle logistics from your factory to the final destination, simplifying the complex shipping process.

Step 2: Choose the right shipping method

Select the most suitable shipping method based on the type, weight, and quantity of your goods. If you have any questions, consult an expert.

Step 3: Find reliable suppliers

Establish strong partnerships with Chinese suppliers who can provide the products you need. You can find reliable suppliers through various means, such as online B2B platforms, trade shows, and reputable freight forwarders or purchasing companies.

Step 4: Understand taxes

From 2025 onwards, Singapore will introduce an 8% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all commercial goods based on their CIF value. Most goods will continue to be exempt from customs duties, except for certain items, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco, motor vehicles, and petroleum products, which are subject to specific tariffs. All taxes and duties will be calculated using the declared CIF value. To help you estimate costs more accurately, it’s a good idea to confirm the HS code in advance.

Step 5: Define international trade terms

Familiarize yourself with the Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), which are internationally recognized rules governing the responsibilities and obligations of international trade. Clearly define the Incoterms applicable to your goods to clarify the responsibilities of both the buyer and seller.

Step 6: Handle Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is a critical step managed by the shipper or their authorized representative. This process involves data entry, document preparation, cargo assessment, obtaining permits, paying fees, warehousing, and final release.

Step 7: Arrange Final Delivery

After customs clearance, arrange the last-mile delivery to the final destination—whether it’s a company address, warehouse, or customer location. Your freight forwarder or local logistics provider can assist with this step.

Door to Door Shipping from China to Singapore

Door-to-door transportation from China to Singapore provides a convenient and hassle-free logistics solution, delivering your goods directly from the shipper’s location to your chosen address. By choosing door-to-door transportation, you can skip the middlemen and enjoy a simpler, more efficient sea freight experience.

Our door-to-door shipping service covers all the steps required for shipping cargo from origin to destination:

Pick-up: Goods collection from an indicated address to delivery at the port of origin.
Shipment: Ocean freight shipping from the port of origin to the port of destination.
Customs: Customs clearance at both the port of origin and the port of destination.
Delivery: Cargo delivery from the destination port to the indicated final address.
Ground transport: All ground transportation expenses at the origin and destination.
Handling costs: Local and cargo handling costs at both origin and destination ports.
Surcharges: Ocean freight and surcharges.
Customs clearance fees: All customs clearance fees (excluding applicable duties and taxes).
Documentation: Costs of documentation management and delivery.

Advantages of Door-to-Door Services

Choosing door-to-door shipping services for transporting goods from China to Malaysia makes the entire process much smoother and more convenient. Let’s take a look at some of the great benefits you can enjoy:

Simplified Logistics: With door-to-door shipping, you don’t have to worry about any complicated steps—everything is taken care of, from picking up your goods in China to delivering them right to your doorstep in Malaysia. This means fewer middlemen, less hassle, and a lower chance of anything going wrong.
Reduced Handling of Goods: Since your shipment isn’t passed around as much, there’s less chance of damage or loss along the way. This is especially helpful if you’re shipping fragile or valuable items.
Potential Cost Savings: Door-to-door services might look a little pricier upfront, but they often save you money in the end. By avoiding surprise costs, such as storage and demurrage fees, that can arise with other shipping methods, you keep your budget in check.

Cost of door-to-door shipping from China to Singapore

Door-to-door sea freight services are a great option for shipping bulk items and goods that aren’t time-sensitive, making them a budget-friendly choice. To give you an idea, sending a 20-foot container from China to Singapore usually costs between $300 and $500. If you require a 40-foot container, the price typically ranges from $700 to $900. There are additional charges—such as port fees, customs clearance, and final delivery—that typically add around $300 to $500 per container. So, altogether, you can expect the total door-to-door cost for a 20-foot container to Singapore to fall in the range of about $800 to $1,000.

Top shipping routes from China to Singapore

Sea freight from China to Singapore usually passes through the Strait of Malacca. Specifically, the main shipping routes depart from major Chinese ports, cross the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca, and finally arrive at Singapore ports such as Port Singapore and Port Tanjung Pelepas. These routes mainly use container ships, bulk carriers, and roll-on/roll-off ships.

Sea freight routes

Item	Details
Departure Ports (China)	Shanghai Port, Ningbo Port, Shenzhen Port, Guangzhou Port, Xiamen Port, Qingdao Port
Destination Port (Singapore)	Port of Singapore
Route	Chinese coastal ports → South China Sea → Strait of Malacca → Port of Singapore
Transit Time	3–7 days (southern ports like Shenzhen/Guangzhou are faster)
Suitable Cargo Types	Bulk goods, home appliances, construction materials, machinery, furniture, daily necessities
Shipping Methods	FCL (Full Container Load), LCL (Less than Container Load)
Highlights	Cost-effective, large capacity, ideal for bulk exports

Air freight routes

Item	Details
Departure Airports (China)	Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX)
Arrival Airport (Singapore)	Changi International Airport (SIN)
Flight Time	Direct flight takes about 5–6 hours; total transit time: 1–3 days
Suitable Cargo Types	Urgent shipments, electronic components, samples, medical equipment, high-value goods
Shipping Methods	Mainly direct flights; some transshipments via Hong Kong or Singapore
Highlights	Fast and reliable; ideal for small, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments, but higher in cost

Tips for Keeping Down Costs and Shipping Time from China to Singapore

Book in advance: Sea shipping is the most affordable option, but it can take a while. Booking ahead helps you save money and avoid last-minute stress if any delays come up.
Ship off-peak: Shipping during less busy times usually means lower prices and faster deliveries. Try to send your shipments during off-peak seasons.
Get your documentation in order: Having all your paperwork ready makes clearing customs much smoother and quicker!
Know your HS Codes: Customs fees can sometimes be a surprise, so it’s helpful to look up your HS Codes in advance. This way, you can plan your budget with confidence!
Compare quotes from different providers: Prices can differ quite a bit, so it’s a great idea to compare a few offers before you choose.
Understand what’s included in your quote: Is your quote for port-to-port or door-to-door service? Double-check what’s covered to avoid any unexpected fees later on.

Why is Hongocean the Best Freight Forwarder for the China to Singapore Route?

Many SMEs often face challenges getting the shipping services they need, sometimes receiving less-than-ideal allocations and pricing, and waiting longer than they’d like for a quote.

When you work with us, your needs are our top priority. We make sure you receive outstanding service, reliable space allocation, and competitive shipping rates to help your business thrive.

Comprehensive services: We’re here to support you with air freight, LCL and FCL ocean freight, customs clearance, pre-shipment inspection, cargo insurance, and lines!
24/7 human customer support: Reach out anytime—our team is always here to help you with your shipping needs.
Pricing transparency: Our pricing is straightforward and honest, with no hidden fees—so you always know what to expect.
Inclusivity: Regardless of the size of your import volumes, you’ll always receive guaranteed allocations and competitive rates from us.