China is one of the most profitable partners for the purchase of commercial and non-commercial goods. The leader among countries in the production of all types of products offers not only an extensive range, but also reasonable prices, competitive quality. To establish a profitable partnership and organize a profitable business, you will need to deliver goods from China to Ukraine in a short time, in the right amount, on favorable terms, with a guarantee of cargo safety.

Transportation of goods from China: by sky or by sea?

When transporting cargo, the key role is played by: terms, dimensions, weight, cost. The priority choice of one or another method of cargo transportation from China depends on these factors.

Cargo from China by sea

Sea delivery is considered absolutely safe and the cheapest, has no limits on the weight and size of the cargo, which attracts the majority of entrepreneurs who purchase bulky and heavy goods. One container holds 26 tons (76m3).

A significant disadvantage of sea transportation is a long time (more than 1 month). Shipping delivery does not have exact dates for the arrival of the goods. Weather conditions can shift the approximate date by 2-3 weeks.

Sea transportation scheme:

1. From a warehouse in China, the goods are loaded into a container and sent to the ship.
2. Sea transport follows from the port of departure to the transit port of Poland.
3. After unloading and customs, the cargo is moved to the warehouse.
4. Transport delivery to the customer is carried out (addressed or to the carrier’s warehouse).

When buying a trial batch or a small amount of goods, it is advisable to use the “groupage cargo” service. One container includes the goods of different recipients, while each participant pays only for his own volume and weight. Sending the container by sea occurs only after full filling, which can delay the goods for a long time.

Cargo from China across the sky

When speed is important, air delivery is the best choice. The option is indispensable for the purchase of urgent goods, fashionable novelties or small batches (minimum weight – 10 kg). Such deliveries always have precise schedules and delivery times up to 2 weeks.

Air transportation scheme:

• From the Chinese warehouse, the cargo is delivered to the airport.
• The item is on its way.
• At the airport in Poland, the clearance of goods is carried out in the transit mode, after which it is placed in a warehouse.
• Loading into vehicles with shipment to Ukraine.

With air delivery, you can easily track how goods are delivered from China to Ukraine. In cooperation with LEGAS Logistics, the client receives accurate information about the location of the cargo, the time of dispatch from China, the date of arrival in Poland at its own warehouse, the time of arrival of the goods at the specified address.

Packaging and labeling of goods from China: safe transportation standards

With consolidated cargo transportation, it is important to ensure the safety of the goods until the moment of loading and sending to the recipient. Legas Logistics has its own warehouse centers, where it is carried out:

• packaging (wrapping with adhesive tape, placing in cardboard or wooden boxes, protection from moisture), in order to prevent damage to the goods, depending on its type;
• control of marking according to the standards of the customs authorities.

Properly executed packaging and labeling will avoid difficulties in identifying the cargo and customs clearance.

Customs procedures and documentation

When importing goods from China for business purposes, error-free logistics and competent customs support are important. Declaration at customs allows for unhindered importation of goods into Ukraine with subsequent business activities (sale, use in production, repair).

How goods are delivered from China to Ukraine at customs

The customs clearance that the cargo owner faces includes:

• collection of documents for imported goods (packing list, invoice, foreign trade contract, certificates, waybills for each product, invoice);
• selection of a customs code and evaluation of goods according to the FEACN;
• drawing up a declaration;
• calculation of customs duty;
• payment of duty, VAT.

Customs brokerage service allows you to speed up the customs clearance of goods from China and save money for the entrepreneur.

Cost of customs clearance

The final settlement during customs clearance is affected by the declared prices for imported goods. Duties are paid depending on the product range and range from 0 to 20% of the invoice price. The customs tariff is determined according to the specified number code of the cargo. The amount of customs clearance is also affected by the method of delivery: by sea or by air. Only a qualified and experienced broker can correctly calculate VAT and customs duty rates.

Terms and cost of delivery of Goods from China

The price of transportation depends directly on how the goods are delivered from China to Ukraine: by sea or by air.
Sea freight covers up to 80% of all commodity imports from China to Ukraine. FCL (full load of one entrepreneur) and LCL (groupage cargo) containers are delivered:

• from 55 to 60 days;
• weighing from 20 kg;
• sending frequency – 2 times a week.

The average shipping cost is $3 per 1 kg.

Air transportation is carried out:

• within 12-14 daysth;
• weighing from 10 kg;
• sending frequency – 5 times a week.

Estimated cost of air from China on a turnkey basis – from $ 9.5 per 1 kg. Transportation includes transportation of cargo by aircraft, delivery to a warehouse in Kyiv. Further transportation to the customer’s address is carried out by Nova Poshta (at the carrier’s current rates) at the expense of the client.

Factors affecting the cost of shipping from China

The cost of delivery of goods from China to Ukraine is influenced by fundamental factors:

• Volume, weight, dimensions – the larger the product, the more space it requires in the cargo hold of the aircraft or in the container, which is reflected in the overpricing.
• The amount of the invoice is the basis for calculating the tax and duty in the customs collection.
• Type of cargo – some categories require additional equipment during transportation, which increases the cost of delivery.
• Worldwide freight rates, as well as seasonal fluctuations in freight prices – the marginal increase in cost during the holidays.

When buying cargo from China, an entrepreneur bears additional costs for logistics services, a customs broker, and insurance of goods.

Location of shipment from China: package tracking

Cargo from China with a personal manager is an ideal way to have true, up-to-date information about the location of the goods. A photo report on the status of trusted products, exact dates, full information content, monitoring through the tracking system and feedback allow LEGAS Logistics customers to sleep peacefully.
The online service by track number also allows you to track the parcel. Also, the location with a geo-position on the map, with estimated arrival times are tracked by a linear bill of lading or container number.

Possible tracking issues and how to solve them

The lack of a tracking update often occurs at the stage between export and import. At this time, cargo is re-sorted, transferred to the transit party and the main cargo carrier. At the same time, there is no time limit for this stage, but the duration of the process usually does not exceed 14 days.

An incorrect track number can be a cause for concern. An erroneous track is the lot of cheap goods in the amount of several units. The probability that the package will be delivered is high. You can be afraid for unsent goods only in the case of cooperation with an unverified supplier.

Difficulties with updating information may also arise due to a technical failure of the system. Once the issue is resolved, tracking resumes.

How to protect your cargo when shipping from China?

To organize a profitable trade, it is important not only to know how goods are delivered from China, but also the pitfalls of this process. What entrepreneurs and individuals face when organizing the purchase of goods on their own:

• Overpriced

For foreign buyers, high prices are set in comparison with the cost of goods for buyers in the domestic Chinese market.

• Unsecured cooperation with the supplier

Incomplete order picking, untimely shipment, erroneous batch, lack of feedback, non-compliance with guarantees on the part of the sender are the most common problems that result in losses.

• Lack of consumer protection

Unscrupulous sellers often send a defective batch of goods or not corresponding to the declared quality, type, size (dimensions).

• Complex system of payment and customs procedures

From the implementation of an international payment with a narrow list of payment systems to the bureaucracy of export-import relations at customs, the process does not tolerate mistakes.
To secure the goods and the money of the consignee, it is necessary to choose a reliable international logistics company.

How to choose an expert logistics partner?

In order to accurately choose a reliable supplier and logistics partner when purchasing and delivering cargo from China to Ukraine, you need to consider:

• Range of services – specialization in procurement management, delivery of all types of goods by sea and air transport with warehousing is desirable.
• Reputation – long experience without complaints from customers, positive reviews.
• Rates – Competitive rates are welcome, which can be determined by benchmarking multiple logistics companies.
• Customs clearance cycle – providing support at all stages of customs clearance.

An important characteristic of a logistics partner is the availability of communication with customers and the unhindered receipt of information about the stage and quality of delivery.

Support of a personal partner in international trade is the key to fast and safe delivery of goods from China

The logistics company LEGAS Logistics offers a full range of organizational services that will reduce the risks and financial losses of the client to zero:

• search for suppliers, negotiating, online business tour;
• verification of the supplier before purchasing the goods;
• redemption of goods on Chinese trading floors;
• cargo consolidation in cooperation with several suppliers;
• storage of goods in our own warehouse until shipment;
• documentary support (customs portfolio, certification).

With LEGAS Logistics as your personal contact on the Chinese market, you can conduct your business activities safely, secure your investments and expand your business.