Unipac Shipping is an experienced China Shipment Company
WE CAN ARRANGE SHIPMENTS TO ALL PARTS OF CHINA.
As exporters to China we arrange shipments to all parts of the country. We have partner offices located at all major ports and airports in China which allows an efficient export service to all of our customers.
Unipac are experts with the legalities and ‘paperwork’ compliance of exporting to China and also potential issues that can crop up.
MOST ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED, BUT THERE ARE A FEW RESTRICTIONS:
Items which are considered ‘dual use’ may require an export licence before they can be shipped. The specific reason being that such items may have a potential military use. See below for more information on licences.
Regulations governing hazardous goods can prevent movement by passenger aircraft. Either the nature of the goods, or the quantity require some goods only to be allowed on freighter aircraft.
Batteries are currently controversial – there are many regulations regarding the movement of batteries by air, implemented differently in different countries and by different airlines.
We can deal with all issues regarding shipment and provide advice.
THE PROCESS
When you have a potential order from a customer in China, let us know the destination and the packing details (number of cases/cartons/pallets dimensions and weight), so you can receive details of the available routings and costs.
Forms to complete
For most shipments the paperwork required for export is the commercial invoice and packing list.
If there is a possibility that your goods may be “dual use” and because of this may require an export license from BIS (Department of Business Innovation and Skills) – formerly known as the Department of Trade and Industry – then please check with BIS if a license is required.
They will require full product details, and will confirm if a license is required or not.
It can be important to go through this procedure even if you know a license is not required, as HM Customs can hold up shipments they suspect them of needing a license (even after export customs clearance has been done). If you do not have a letter from BIS saying a license is not required, the goods will be delayed until you provide product details and BIS scrutinize them.
FORMALITIES – CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FOR SHIPPING TO CHINA
UK export customs clearance – All goods exported from the UK have to be declared to HM Customs. This is part of our normal service. It is straightforward and only attracts HM Customs attention if they feel an export licence may be required.
Chinese import formalities however can be difficult. Customs clearance can be a lengthy procedure, and may result in extra costs for storage at the port or airport. Your customer in China should be aware of the regulations prior to shipment, and may require detailed specifications of your product to check these.
SEA OR AIR SHIPMENT TO CHINA – WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Choice of routing by sea air or courier service depends on the cargo.
The considerations are cost – air freight is more expensive than sea freight; the time – transit time by air is typically from one to five days, by sea four to six weeks; the size and weight of shipment – smaller shipments can have a lower cost by air than by sea; urgency – if goods are required quickly there may not be time to ship by sea. Let us know your trading strategy to find you the routing that gets your products to market at the right price and at the right time.
| Sea | Air |
| Cheaper than air | More expensive than sea |
| Slower – between 4 to 6 weeks | Quicker – between 1 to 5 days |
| Smaller shipments cost less cost less by air |
Unipac Shipping will advise on the best method of shipment according to your requirements.
As you might expect shipment by air tends to be more expensive than shipment by sea. However for smaller shipments air shipment can be the lower cost, as the structure of sea freight pricing includes many charges that are the same no matter the size of shipment, and the minimum pricing is for a tonne or for a cubic metre.
RESTRICTIONS ON AIR SHIPMENT TO CHINA
Hazardous goods
Regulations governing hazardous goods can prevent movement by passenger aircraft. Either the nature of the goods, or the quantity require some goods only to be allowed on freighter aircraft.
Batteries are currently controversial – there are many regulations regarding the movement of batteries by air, implemented differently in different countries and by different airlines.
PREPARING GOODS FOR SHIPMENT
Packing of goods is very important. Packaging must be suitable to protect the goods shipped so that they arrive undamaged to your customer. Most goods are packed in cardboard cartons. This is cost effective and provides good protection. However, there are many items that require wooden cases and other specialist packaging. Please ask us for your particular requirement.
Please note that to avoid the spread of pests and diseases, many countries require all wooden packaging to be heat treated and accordingly stamped with the government authority stamp. In the UK it is the Forestry Commission stamp.
We can arrange packing, and collection from your premises.
TRACKING OF SHIPMENT
Tracking services are available on our website, so you can keep your eye on progress. Also the shipping line and airline websites have tracking facilities.
GOODS ARRIVING LATE
Most cargo moves on time – however the nature of transport is that delays are possible for many reasons.
In such cases your most valuable asset can be a knowledgeable and experienced freight forwarding company to keep you informed and to take action on your behalf.
GOODS DAMAGED
Marine Insurance is a small expense for good protection. The expense is small because most goods are transported without loss or damage. So the risk for the insurance company is small.
However, when loss or damage occurs it can have a big impact.
Without insurance the cargo owner can be out of pocket, as all carriers have limited liability for the cargo they carry. These limits are set by national or international convention and vary between modes of transport. These limits of liability can often be lower than the value of the goods. So uninsured shippers or consignees will often not receive full compensation from carriers. Insured shippers and consignees will be reimbursed up to the full value of the goods.
Protection is also given against General Average – if a ship or cargo on a ship is lost or damaged on a voyage all owners of cargo on that ship can be required to share in the loss. If cargo is insured this loss is covered. If cargo is not insured the shipping line will hold the cargo until the required contribution is paid.