Step by Step Guide to Shipping Parcels to China: Affordable Solutions

China is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in the world. Fashion and beauty products are some of the most popular in the region. For this reason, businesses looking to cater to an international customer base have plenty of opportunities to explore. Shipping goods to China is a crucial consideration if you want to serve your customers properly. Sending parcels to the Asian nation means factoring in certain rules. Find tips on how to ship to China in this guide and ideas on how to find the best rates.

What to Consider

You should know the specific regulations to observe when shipping to avoid any issues, especially with customs. Start by learning the right packaging to send parcel to China without damage. Carriers provide packaging requirements, such as size and thickness, which you must adhere to. Protect goods by using anchoring material on the inside. If you are shipping a fragile item, then pack it individually.

China prohibits the shipping of particular products into the country. These include fur, artwork and jewellery, like costume jewellery and precious gems. Find a complete list of the items that are not allowed into the country before you even start searching for a courier. Also, consider that:

• A custom registration (CR) code is required on the invoice for any product entering China.

• Cosmetics, textiles and toys, among other products, must pass a safety test – the GB standard.

• A 17% VAT applies to most goods, while customs duties depend on the product.

• You need a properly filled packaging slip, a commercial invoice in triplicate (in English) and proof of dispatch.

Affordable Services for Shipping to China

Shipping costs vary broadly because they depend on several factors. You must consider these variables beforehand to help you find the cheapest rates. The size is one. Bigger parcels cost more to ship than smaller ones. The same goes for weight. Therefore, you must package your parcels optimally. However, be careful not to compromise the parcel’s safety to save money. Note that an irregularly shaped package typically attracts higher rates than a regular one. Another factor to keep in mind is the shipping mode. Whether the parcel goes by sea or air determines the rates. Air freight is more expensive than sea freight. How much a courier charges also depends on the destination. The longer the distance, the costlier it is. Shipping companies consider extra services when setting rates. For example, whether the package needs tracking, transport insurance and priority shipping.

Prices can start from £9 for a 500 g package to £32 for a 5 Kg parcel. The carrier is one of the biggest aspects that affects cost. Companies charge differently depending on the quality of their services and their reputation. Some courier services offer discounts, which help slash your shipping costs. Take the time to compare rates from various carriers. You don’t have to do this manually. Use online calculators to see which companies have the best deals. While more experienced and reputable carriers offer assurances, a small, relatively young company might have enticing deals to attract clients. Therefore, dedicate enough time to researching the top shipping services to China.

Sending a parcel to China involves various requirements that can make the process overwhelming. Hence, learning some of the basics is critical. You should know the regulations for shipping to your intended destination. As for the cost, get quotes from several companies to find the most affordable. Additionally, look for ways to cut shipping rates without short-changing the recipient or compromising the package.

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