Shipping From China to UAE
The trade relationship between China and the UAE is becoming increasingly close. As an important commercial center in the Middle East, the UAE is not only home to one of the world’s busiest ports, the Port of Dubai, but also a key logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. Whether exporting to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other cities, the transportation demand of the UAE is huge worldwide.
As an important trading partner of the UAE, China exports a large number of goods to this region every year. Through the UAE’s seaports (such as Dubai Port and Fujairah Port) and air transport hubs (such as Dubai International Airport), the transportation of goods from China to the UAE is efficient and convenient. Bestlink Logistics provides flexible logistics solutions, including sea, air and door-to-door transportation, to help customers deliver goods to the UAE safely and on time.
Bestlink Logistics has become an ideal partner for customers to transport from China to the UAE with professional, reliable and efficient services. We are well aware of the importance of logistics details, so we tailor the most suitable transportation plan for each customer to ensure that your goods arrive on time and safely.
What can we do when shipping from China to UAE?
Sea Freight FCL from China to UAE
- Shipping from China to Dubai Port, Abu Dhabi to UAE
- We provide 20ft, 40ft and 40HQ standard container transportation, suitable for bulk goods.
- Professional team assists with customs clearance and document processing to reduce uncertainty during transportation.
Sea Freight LCL from China to UAE
- Providing LCL services for small batches of cargo to effectively reduce transportation costs.
- Flexible shipping plans for a variety of cargo types.
- Professional cargo consolidation services to ensure that goods arrive at their destination safely and efficiently.
Air Freight from China to UAE
- A fast and efficient mode of transport suitable for time-sensitive goods, with air freight time of 2 to 7 days.
- Covering major airports from China to UAE, with flexible flight options.
- Provide cargo tracking services to understand the progress of transportation in real time.
Express Delivery from China to UAE
- Suitable for fast delivery of small goods, providing door-to-door service.
- Cooperate with well-known express companies such as DHL and FedEx to ensure reliability.
- Handle customs clearance procedures throughout the process to simplify cross-border logistics processes.
Door to Door Shipping from China to UAE
- One-stop service from China to the customer’s designated address in UAE.
- Covering the entire process of cargo transportation, customs clearance, and distribution.
- Save time and energy, customers do not need to worry about complex logistics links.
DDP Shipping from China to UAE
- Provide a “delivery after duty paid” model, the seller bears all transportation and taxes from China to UAE.
- Including customs clearance and tax payment, ensure that customers can easily receive the goods.
- Professional team supervises the whole process to reduce potential risks in transportation.
Table of Contents
Guide to Shipping from China to UAE
There are many options for shipping from China to the UAE, and customers can choose the most suitable mode of transportation based on the needs and budget of the goods. Sea freight, air freight and door-to-door services are the most common options. The specific mode to choose depends on the volume, weight, value and timeliness requirements of the goods.
Choose the right Shipping method from China to UAE
- Sea freight: suitable for bulk goods or long-term stable transportation needs. For sea freight, you can choose less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL) transportation from China to the UAE according to the volume of goods.
- Air freight: suitable for goods that need to arrive quickly and have a higher value. Compared with sea freight, air freight usually has a shorter transportation time and arrives in the UAE within 5 days.
- Door-to-door service: If you want to save the trouble of customs clearance and delivery, door-to-door transportation is the best choice.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, the transportation process from China to the UAE requires steps such as pickup, transportation, customs clearance and last-mile delivery. To ensure smooth transportation, it is recommended to choose an experienced freight forwarder to handle logistics matters.
Sea Freight from China to UAE
Sea freight is the most economical mode of transportation from China to the UAE, especially for bulk commodities or large equipment. The main ports in the UAE include Dubai Port and Fujairah Port, which have efficient unloading and transshipment capabilities and can quickly handle all kinds of goods.
How to choose between FCL and LCL transportation:
- Full container (FCL) transportation: suitable for larger quantities of goods. Each customer occupies a full container, and the transportation efficiency is high.
- Less than container load (LCL) transportation: suitable for customers with smaller cargo volumes, you can share containers with other customers to save transportation costs.
The sea freight time from major ports in China to the UAE is usually 15 to 30 days, depending on the port of departure, the port of destination and the shipping season. Sea freight is usually calculated based on the volume or weight of the goods, and FCL transportation is cheaper than LCL.
Although sea freight is the most cost-effective option, there are also certain risks, such as weather changes, maritime theft, etc. These risks can be effectively reduced by choosing a reliable logistics company and purchasing insurance for the goods.
How to Sea Freight from China to UAE
Operational Process of Sea Freight from China to UAE:
- Booking and Pickup with Carrier
After confirming the shipment details and booking, the logistics provider arranges to pick up the goods from the supplier’s location in China. - Loading and Export Customs Clearance in China
The goods arrive at the port of departure (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen) and are loaded into containers. Export documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc. are submitted to the Chinese customs for customs clearance. - Shipping to UAE
The container is loaded on the ship and begins to be shipped to the UAE. The transportation time is usually 20 to 30 days, depending on the departure and arrival ports. - Arrival in UAE and Import Customs Clearance
After arriving at the destination port (such as Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi), the transportation provider submits the documents required for customs clearance. Import duties and taxes are paid to clear the goods. - Final Delivery
After customs clearance, the goods are collected by the consignee or delivered to his address in the UAE.
Major Shipping Ports in the UAE
Jebel Ali Port
Located in Dubai, Jebel Ali is the largest port in the UAE and the ninth busiest port in the world, with a throughput of 19.3 million TEUs.
Khalifa Port
Located in Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Port handles approximately 7.8 million TEUs per year. Strategically located halfway between Dubai and the Saudi Arabian border, the port is becoming a regional hub.
Zayed Port
Located in the city of Abu Dhabi, Zayed Port is one of the main maritime gateways in the UAE. Although its throughput is lower compared to Jebel Ali Port and Khalifa Port, handling approximately 1 million tons of cargo per year, it plays a vital role in the UAE’s shipping sector.
Fujairah Port
Located on the east coast of the UAE, Fujairah Port handles more than 720,000 TEUs per year and more than 60 million tons of general cargo and bulk cargo.
Rashid Port
Located in the heart of Dubai, Rashid Port is a premier gateway with more than 1.5 million TEUs per year, serving both cargo and passenger ships.
Sharjah Container Terminal
Sharjah SCT is the first container terminal in the UAE and is located in Sharjah. Although smaller in size compared to terminals such as Jebel Ali, its throughput in 2020 easily exceeded 400,000 TEU.
Air Freight from China to UAE
Air freight is another common mode of transport from China to the UAE, especially for time-sensitive goods. The main air transport hub in the UAE is Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is one of the busiest airports in the world and provides efficient air cargo handling services.
Air freight is relatively fast and can usually deliver goods from China to the UAE within 3-7 days, which is suitable for urgent goods. The cost is usually high and depends on the weight and volume of the goods. The cost of air freight is calculated based on the actual weight or volume weight of the goods. The choice should be made based on the nature of the goods.
The main advantage of air freight is its speed, which is suitable for high-value and time-sensitive goods such as electronic products and pharmaceuticals. The risk during air freight is relatively small, but due to its high cost, this method is usually suitable for smaller batches.
Customs clearance for air freight is relatively fast. The UAE has a complete air freight customs clearance system. Choosing an experienced freight forwarding company can ensure a smooth customs clearance process. After the goods arrive, they can be quickly delivered to the destination through the local distribution network.
Air Freight from China to UAE Airports
| Major China Airports | Major UAE Airports |
| Shanghai Pudong International Airport | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
| Beijing Capital International Airport | Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) |
| Shenzhen Baoan International Airport | Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) |
| Hong Kong International Airport | |
| Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport |
Cost of Shipping from China to UAE
Shipping costs from China to UAE vary depending on factors such as the mode of transportation, the volume and weight of the cargo, the port of departure, and the port of destination. Air freight costs are usually $4 to $9 per kilogram, while ocean freight costs are $1,500 to $3,200 for a 20-foot container. Below is an estimated range of freight costs to UAE, which may change slightly depending on the location of the departure and arrival ports and the increase in fuel costs, for your reference.
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to UAE (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | $1500 to $3200 |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | $2500 to $4200 |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $50 to $150 per cubic meter |
| Air Freight | $4 to $9 per kg |
| Door to Door Shipping | $80 to $180 per cubic meter $6 to $12 per kg |
| DDP Air Freight | $6 to $15 per kg |
| DDP Sea Freight | $100 to $200 per cubic meter |
| Express Shipping | $10 to $15 per kg |
Cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to UAE
The cost of shipping containers from China to UAE depends on a variety of factors, including the type of FCL you use (20ft, 40ft, 40HQ container) and fluctuating shipping costs in the market. Below is a list of the cheapest prices for shipping various goods from major Chinese ports to UAE using 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL).
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to UAE |
| Shanghai, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2850 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2550 40FT | |
| Ningbo, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2650 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1600 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2800 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2750 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2850 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2100 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3100 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – UAE | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2050 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3050 40FT |
Additional costs for shipping from China to UAE
- Customs clearance fees:
China export clearance fees: 50 – 150 USD.
UAE import clearance fees: 60 – 200 USD, depending on the type of goods. - Insurance:
Optional but recommended, costs 0.15% – 0.25% of the value of the goods. - Port handling fees:
UAE’s arrival port handling fees are usually 80 to 150 USD per container. - Documentation fees:
Preparing bills of lading and other documents usually costs 20 to 40 USD.
LCL shipping costs from China to the UAE
LCL shipping costs are generally calculated by volume, with the standard unit being cubic meters (CBM). If the goods are light but large in volume, the cost will be calculated by volume. The basic price of LCL shipping from China to the UAE is around $50-$150/CBM, and the specific price will vary depending on the port and market fluctuations.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL Shipping cost |
| Shanghai | Jebel Ali | $60-$100/CBM |
| Shenzhen | Jebel Ali | $55-$95/CBM |
| Qingdao | Jebel Ali | $70-$120/CBM |
| Ningbo | Jebel Ali | $65-$110/CBM |
Air Freight Cost Per Kilogram from China to UAE
Air freight cost is an important consideration when shipping goods from China to UAE. Freight costs generally range from $4 to $9. You can refer to the table below to understand the cost of shipping 100 kg of goods from major cities in China to UAE.
| Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in UAE | Estimated Cost (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) | Dubai (DXB) | $5.5 – $7.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) | Dubai (DXB) | $5.0 – $7.5 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) | Dubai (DXB) | $5.0 – $7.5 |
| Beijing Capital International (PEK) | Dubai (DXB) | $4.8 – $6.8 |
| Hong Kong International (HKG) | Dubai (DXB) | $5.0 – $7.5 |
| Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | $5.8 – $7.8 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | $5.5 – $7.7 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | $5.2 – $7.6 |
| Beijing Capital International (PEK) | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | $5.0 – $7.0 |
Additional costs for air freight from China to UAE
- Airport clearance costs:
Airport clearance costs in UAE are usually between $50 and $150, depending on the type and value of the cargo. - Insurance:
Optional but recommended, costs 0.1% – 0.2% of the cargo value. - Documentation costs:
Preparing an Air Waybill (AWB) and other export documents usually costs $20 to $40.
How long does it take to ship from China to UAE?
Shipping time from China to UAE varies according to different modes of transportation.
Sea Freight Time
The shipping time from major ports in China to UAE is about 15-30 days, and the specific time is affected by factors such as weather, port handling and routes.
| Departure Port | Destination Port | Estimated Transit Time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Jebel Ali | 21 |
| Shanghai | Abu Dhabi | 25 |
| Shanghai | Sharjah | 28 |
| Shenzhen | Jebel Ali | 16 |
| Shenzhen | Abu Dhabi | 21 |
| Shenzhen | Sharjah | 25 |
| NINGBO | Jebel Ali | 21 |
| NINGBO | Abu Dhabi | 25 |
| NINGBO | Sharjah | 30 |
Air freight time
Air freight is the fastest option for shipping from China to UAE, usually taking 3-7 days, suitable for goods with high timeliness requirements.
| Departure City | Destination Airport | Estimated Transit Time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Dubai (DXB) | 2-5 |
| Shanghai | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 3-6 |
| Guangzhou | Dubai (DXB) | 2-6 |
| Guangzhou | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 3-7 |
| Ningbo | Dubai (DXB) | 3-6 |
| Ningbo | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 4-7 |
Customs clearance and delivery time
Customs clearance time is usually short, the UAE’s logistics system is efficient, and the delivery time after transportation is relatively fast, usually completed within 2-3 days.
Door to Door Shipping from China to UAE
Door to Door Shipping service is one of the convenient options from China to UAE, especially for customers who do not want to deal with cumbersome customs clearance procedures. This service covers all aspects from pickup to delivery, allowing customers to receive the goods easily.
There are 2 forms of door to door shipping, including:
- DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid): Under the DDU terms, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the destination in UAE, but the buyer must deal with import duties and taxes.
- DDP (Delivery Duty Paid): Under the DDP method, the seller bears all costs, including import duties and taxes, ensuring that the buyer does not have to pay additional customs fees when receiving the goods.
Door to Door Shipping from China to UAE service usually includes the following links:
- Pickup: Pick up the goods from the warehouse or factory in China.
- Transportation: Deliver the goods to the UAE by sea or air.
- Customs Clearance and Tax Handling: Help customers deal with customs clearance procedures to ensure the smooth entry of goods.
- Delivery: Deliver the goods to the designated destination address.
Door to Door Shipping from China to UAE can save customers most of the logistics management work, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises or individual buyers who need fast and worry-free transportation. Although the cost is higher, its simplicity and timeliness make it the first choice for many customers.
DDP Shipping from China to UAE
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping is a mode of transportation where the seller bears all costs and responsibilities. For customers who want to simplify the process, choosing DDP service is an ideal choice.
With DDP Shipping from China to UAE, the seller is responsible for all shipping costs, including transportation, customs clearance, tariffs, and taxes at the destination. The buyer only needs to receive the goods and does not need to deal with any tedious customs clearance or payment of tariffs.
For importers, choosing DDP can avoid the uncertainty of tariffs and fees, and also eliminate the trouble of customs clearance. For sellers, although the cost is higher, this method can enhance customer trust and increase sales.
When choosing DDP Shipping from China to UAE, the seller needs to make sure that they understand the import tax rate, tariff policy and customs clearance process in the UAE. Choosing an experienced logistics company is the key to ensuring smooth transportation.
DDP Shipping Process from China to UAE:
- Contract Signing: The buyer and seller confirm the use of DDP terms and sign the contract.
- Shipping Arrangement: The seller chooses an appropriate mode of transportation (such as sea or air) and bears all transportation costs and risks.
- Export customs clearance: The seller handles export customs clearance in China.
- International transportation: The goods are transported to the UAE by sea or air.
- Import customs clearance: The seller handles import customs clearance in the UAE and pays all duties and VAT.
- Domestic delivery: The seller delivers the goods to the final destination specified by the buyer.
Customs clearance process for goods imported from China to UAE
Once your goods arrive in the UAE from China, your goods will go through the following import customs process:
- Submission of documents: Submit all relevant documents mentioned above to UAE Customs. Also includes import license and any other specific documents required by UAE law.
- Inspection and valuation: Customs officials will inspect the goods and determine their value to assess duties and taxes.
- Payment of duties and taxes: You are responsible for paying the calculated duties and taxes. The Harmonized System (HS) code of the product determines the applicable tariff rate.
- Release of goods: Once all duties are settled and compliant, your goods will be released for onward transportation within the UAE.
To avoid delays, it is important to work with a trusted freight forwarder who is familiar with the details of UAE import regulations.
Customs clearance documents and tariffs in UAE
Customs clearance documents in UAE:
- Commercial invoice: Includes the name and address of the buyer and seller, a description of the goods being shipped, and the price of the goods.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): A contract between the shipper and the carrier regarding the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being shipped.
- Packing List: A list of all items being shipped, including the quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item.
- Certificate of Origin: Used to verify that the goods were manufactured in China.
Duties and Taxes in the UAE:
The UAE generally has low or no duties on many goods, and if the value of the goods you import is less than AED 1,000, you will not have to pay any duties or taxes.
- Import Duties:
The UAE has a standard import duty rate of 5% on most goods. - Value Added Tax (VAT):
In the UAE, a standard VAT rate of 5% applies to most goods and services. For example, if you import electronics with a total customs value of $10,000, a 5% VAT will be charged, which is equivalent to $500.
Freight Forwarding from China to UAE
Freight forwarders are important partners from China to UAE, helping customers manage the entire logistics process, including transportation, customs clearance and final delivery. Professional freight forwarders can provide customized logistics solutions according to customer needs.
Freight forwarding services include:
- Development of transportation plans.
- Packaging, loading and transportation of goods.
- Handling customs clearance and handling necessary paperwork.
- Delivery to the destination address.
By cooperating with a Chinese freight forwarder, you can not only save time, but also get more professional support during transportation and customs clearance, ensuring efficient and smooth logistics processes.
It is crucial to choose a reputable and experienced freight forwarding company. Bestlink Logistics can provide you with full logistics services from China to UAE, ensuring that your goods arrive safely and on time.
FAQ for shipping from China to UAE
Shipping methods from China to the UAE mainly include sea, air and express services. Sea shipping is suitable for bulk goods or items that are not in a hurry to deliver, air shipping is suitable for time-sensitive goods, and express services are usually used for small quantities of goods that need to be delivered quickly.
Sea freight is mainly suitable for bulk goods or large quantities of goods, with relatively low costs, but the transportation time is longer. It usually takes 15-30 days from China to the UAE by sea. Air freight is faster and suitable for small quantities of goods that need to be delivered quickly. It usually arrives in 3-7 days, but the cost is relatively high.
Door to door service includes picking up goods from the Chinese supplier’s factory or warehouse, transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery at the UAE destination. This service can save customers’ time and energy, especially for buyers who have no experience in logistics management.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means that the seller bears all costs, including transportation, tariffs and destination taxes, until the goods are delivered to the customer’s designated location. It is suitable for buyers who want to simplify the import process and ensure worry-free delivery.
Sea freight costs are usually calculated based on the weight or volume of the goods. Full container load (FCL) is usually cheaper than less than container load (LCL), but requires customers to ship larger quantities of goods. LCL cargo costs more, but is suitable for small quantities of goods.
The shipping time depends on the selected mode of transportation. Sea freight usually takes 15-20 days, while air freight generally takes 3-7 days. Door-to-door service is usually slightly slower than air freight, but more efficient than sea freight.
The main import ports in the UAE include Dubai Port, Abu Dhabi Port and Fujairah Port. The main international airport is Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is one of the important hubs for global cargo transportation.
In order to ensure the safety of goods, it is very important to choose a reputable Chinese freight forwarding company. You can insure your goods and choose a transportation service provider that provides cargo insurance to reduce potential risks during transportation.