Shenzhen, one of China’s main export hubs, has world-class container ports such as Yantian and Shekou. Argentina is an essential economy in South America, and its main ports (such as Buenos Aires) are a necessary gateway for receiving goods from China. Sea freight from Shenzhen to Argentina is the most common and cost-effective way to transport bulky and heavy goods in the trade between the two countries. It mainly involves full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) transport.
Shenzhen to Argentina Shipping Method
Sea Freight
- FCL (Full Container Load): The shipper books one or more entire containers (such as 20-foot or 40-foot standard dry containers, high-cube containers, refrigerated containers, etc.). This is suitable for situations with a large amount of cargo, usually with a lower unit cost, fewer transit links, and a relatively fixed transit time.
- Less-than-Container Load (LCL): Shippers whose goods do not fill a container will have their goods loaded into the same container as other shippers’ goods. This method is suitable for small batches of goods, and the cost is calculated based on volume or weight. However, there are more operational links, and the transit time may be slightly longer than FCL.
Air Freight
It is much faster, usually arriving within a few days, but the cost is much higher than sea freight. Suitable for high-value, small-volume goods or goods with time-sensitive requirements.
Multimodal Transport
Depending on the final destination and logistics plan, this may involve a combination of sea and land transport (truck/rail).
Shipping costs from Shenzhen to Argentina
Shipping costs are affected by many factors and are, therefore, volatile. There is no fixed price. The main factors affecting shipping costs include
- Shipping method: FCL and LCL are charged differently. FCL is charged per container, while LCL is charged per cubic meter or ton (whichever is higher).
- Type and quantity of goods: The size, weight and nature of the goods (general cargo, dangerous goods, refrigerated goods) will all affect the price.
- Container type: Standard dry containers, refrigerated containers, open-top containers, etc., have different prices.
- Shipping company and route: Different shipping companies have different pricing strategies, and direct or indirect routes will also affect costs and time.
- Market supply, demand, and seasonality: Freight rates usually rise during peak seasons (such as before holidays).
- Fuel surcharges (BAF/FAF) and other surcharges: Port congestion fees, currency devaluation surcharges, etc.
- Incoterms (international trade terms): Determine the responsibilities and costs of the seller and buyer regarding transportation, insurance, customs clearance, etc. (e.g., FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.).
- Terminal handling charges: e.g. terminal handling charges (THC), documentation fees, customs clearance fees, inland transportation fees, etc.
Recommendation: The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact multiple freight forwarders and provide detailed cargo information (product name, volume, weight, port of origin, port of destination, desired transit time, trade terms, etc.) for a quote.
Choose a reliable freight forwarder for your goods
Choosing a good freight forwarder is crucial, as it can simplify the process and reduce risks. Factors to consider:
- Experience and expertise: Does the freight forwarder have extensive experience operating China-Argentina (South America) routes?
- Network and resources: Does the freight forwarder have good cooperative relationships with major shipping companies and reliable cooperative agents in Argentina responsible for customs clearance and delivery?
- Qualifications and reputation: Does the freight forwarder have legal operating qualifications (such as China’s NVOCC qualification), and what is its reputation in the industry?
- Scope of services: whether they can provide door-to-door services, customs clearance, insurance, warehousing and other value-added services.
- Communication and responsiveness: whether they can communicate, respond on time, and handle problems.
- Price transparency refers to whether the quotation is clear, what costs are included, and whether there are any hidden costs.
Advice: compare the quotations and service plans of at least 2-3 freight forwarders.
Argentina: Goods clearance process
Argentina’s customs process is known for being strict and bureaucratic, and policies may change occasionally. General process and key points:
- Import license/registration (SIRA system): Argentina currently implements the import monitoring system (SIRA—Sistema de Importaciones de la República Argentina). Before the goods are shipped, importers need to apply for an import license through this system, and only after approval can they arrange shipment and payment. This is a critical step.
- Prepare documents:
- Commercial Invoice: must contain detailed and accurate information about the goods and their value.
- Packing List: lists the contents of each box, including quantity, gross weight, and net weight.
- Bill of Lading (B/L): is a document of title.
- Certificate of Origin: usually required.
- Certificate of Conformity/Test Report: may be required for certain products (e.g. electronics, toys, etc.).
- Insurance Policy: if CIF terms.
- Other specific documents: depending on the product type and Argentine regulatory requirements.
- Goods arrival and customs clearance: After the goods arrive at the Argentine port, the importer or its designated customs broker submits complete customs clearance documents to customs for declaration.
- Payment of duties and taxes: Customs calculates import duties, VAT and other possible taxes based on the declared value and tax rate. The importer is required to pay promptly.
- Customs inspection: Argentina has a relatively high customs inspection rate and may conduct document audits or physical inspections.
- Release for collection: Once the customs authorities have verified that the goods are correct, all taxes and duties have been paid, and the inspection has passed, the goods will be released for collection. The importer will then collect the goods at the port with the collection note.
Important: It is essential to work closely with the Argentine importer or its appointed, experienced customs broker to ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate and that the latest customs regulations and SIRA system requirements are understood. Any errors in documentation or procedures can lead to severe delays and additional costs.
Tracking goods from Shenzhen to Argentina
- Shipping company official website tracking: You can use the bill of lading number (B/L Number) or container number (Container Number) provided by the freight forwarder to check the movement of the ship and the estimated time of arrival on the shipping company’s official website.
- Freight forwarder tracking system/updates: Your freight forwarder usually provides cargo status updates, and some agents have online tracking platforms.
- Note: Maritime tracking usually provides key node information (departure, arrival at transit port, arrival at destination port, etc.), not real-time GPS positioning throughout the entire journey.
Common challenges of shipping from Shenzhen to Argentina
- Long transit time: Long distances are given with maritime shipping.
- Argentina’s customs clearance is complex and changeable. Delays can be caused by SIRA system approvals, strict regulations, high inspection rates, and bureaucracy. Preparing in advance and working closely with the local importer/customs broker is essential.
- Economic and policy uncertainty: Argentina’s economic situation (e.g. foreign exchange controls, inflation) may affect the import process and payments.
- Port efficiency and congestion: The operational efficiency and potential congestion at the ports at both ends may affect the overall time.
- Strict documentation requirements: Documents must be completely accurate; otherwise, customs clearance may be delayed.
- Language and communication: Although English is commonly used in international trade, Spanish skills are helpful when dealing with local matters in Argentina.
- Cost fluctuations: Shipping costs, surcharges, exchange rates, etc., may fluctuate.
Summary: Shipping from Shenzhen to Argentina is a complex process involving multiple links. The keys to ensuring the smooth transportation of goods are choosing an experienced freight forwarder with smooth communication and maintaining close communication with partners in Argentina (importers, customs brokers), as well as planning in advance and fully understanding Argentina’s import regulations.
