Everything You Need to Know About Shipping to or From China

Have you started planning to scale your business overseas?

One of the destinations you might be looking at is China. After all, it’s Australia’s largest trading partner. Many ecommerce stores are shipping to or from the country every day.

But with so many different shipping options available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your business. You also need to know the rules, regulations and best practices when shipping to or from China.

Don’t give up if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Use this guide to help you take your business to the next level.

How to Ship Parcels to or From China

One of the most effective ways to ship parcels to or from China is by air. But it does involve several steps to get started.

First, you'll need to choose a reputable courier provider and make arrangements for your shipment. Using a multicarrier shipping solution can help. It provides you with all your options in one single view. It’s also faster than browsing through individual websites and re-entering the details of the parcel over and over again.

You'll also need to package your goods correctly and ensure that they meet the requirements for size and weight. You should also check your products aren’t listed in the restricted or prohibited items.

The Benefits of Shipping Parcels by Air

Shipping parcels by air to and from China offers several benefits for ecommerce businesses. The most obvious advantage is speed. Air shipments can often reach their destination in China much faster than other shipping options. It makes it a good choice for time-sensitive or urgent deliveries. This is especially important given the distance between Australia and China and the potential for delays or disruptions along the way.

Air shipping is also often more reliable than other options. There is a lower risk of delays or lost shipments. Additionally, many air carriers offer direct flights between Australia and China, which can reduce transit times and simplify the shipping process. These advantages can help your business provide better customer service, reduce costs and scale in the important China market.

Requirements to Ship to or From China

Before you book a parcel, there are several essential requirements to keep in mind when shipping to or from China.

How to Ship to China From Australia

If you’re starting to scale globally, these are the steps you will want to take when you ship parcels to China.

1. Obtain the necessary permits or licenses for your goods using the China Customs website, if required. This may include an import or export license, a quarantine certificate, or other documentation.
2. Prepare a commercial invoice and any other required documentation, such as a certificate of origin.
3. Ensure that your goods are adequately packaged and labelled and that they meet any requirements for size, weight and hazardous materials.
4. Pay any customs duties and taxes that may apply to your shipment based on the type and value of your goods.
5. Choose a reputable and experienced courier provider using a multicarrier shipping solution.
6. Track your shipment and monitor its progress.

How to Ship From China to Australia

Importing products from China is common for many ecommerce businesses. The good news is that you can also use a multicarrier shipping solution to send parcels from China to Australia.

Much like shipping parcels to China, it's vital to ensure that your goods comply with all relevant regulations and laws in both countries. The Australian Border Force website is a good reference point. This means obtaining necessary permits or licenses. You’ll also need to provide documentation such as commercial invoices and customs declarations. You may even need to pay customs duties and taxes on your shipment, depending on the type of products you’re importing and the value of your goods.

Tips for Shipping to or From China

Once you’ve found the right courier provider for your business, the next step is to prepare your parcel. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind before your package gets picked up.

• Work closely with your provider to ensure your shipments are handled properly and efficiently. This may involve providing detailed instructions and documentation and staying in communication throughout the process.
• If you’re shipping multi-item orders, use Smart Boxing to pack your parcel. Sending parcels to China can be expensive. Ensure you’ve filled the box efficiently and only pay exactly what you need for shipping.
• Consider purchasing insurance or transit warranty for your shipments to protect against loss or damage. This can provide peace of mind and help mitigate potential losses.
• Use the Branded Tracking portal to monitor your parcels and stay informed about their progress. This can help you respond to any issues or delays that may arise.
• Ship multiple small and lightweight products using the Interparcel International Bulk Solution. Combine small parcels into one box to save money on courier pick-up fees and help you create a presence in one of the largest markets in the world.

How You Can Get Started

As China is the most populated country in the world, it makes sense to scale your ecommerce business to this market. But there is a lot to unpack. You need to understand the different shipping options and requirements. You should also follow the best practices to ensure your parcel arrives safely and on time.

Thankfully, you don’t have to do this on your own. Interparcel provides everything you need to manage shipping to or from China. Whether it’s using the Interparcel International Bulk Solution for small and lightweight products or importing pallets via reputable courier providers, we’ve got you. Sign up for your free account and start scaling your business globally today!