With the Internet being so helpful nowadays, trading and online shopping have been a huge part of our daily lives. China, just like Saudi Arabia, is one of the leaders when it comes to this type of trading, so shipping items in both directions is pretty common. However, not everyone wants to ship items just because they are buying or selling them. In case you are moving or expanding your business, this will be an absolute necessity. And since all great things require some time, it is not bad to start getting to know the matter. From preparing your items, all the way to picking them up, we will provide the most useful tips. Let us show you a comprehensive guide on shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, and how to do it like a real pro!
Do research for better results
Simply gathering all the items and scheduling a shipment won’t do it. You will have to do proper research so that you could avoid some issues that may pop up along the way. Companies like Four Winds Saudi Arabia can be trustworthy partners the entire time, so don’t think you must do it all by yourself. It all begins by setting a couple of things straight. You must know exactly how the process will work, what to focus on, and how much time and money you have on your hands. From there, it will be much easier to deal with certain matters, until you reach the goal.
While you deal with all that, you must also leave enough time to get to know the laws of both countries. China and Saudi Arabia differ in many ways and it will be much better to know them right away. And considering you will keep good and professional companies by your side, you will be ready to begin in no time. Once everything is set, you will not have to wait longer, pay more, and completely postpone the shipping.
Paperwork you will need when shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
The most essential part of this entire process will be to gather the documents needed for shipping. The last thing you need is for your shipment to be delayed simply because you lack one paper. You should begin gathering them as soon s you decide to ship your items, as some will take longer than others to be issued. Of course, if you are shipping with the help of some partners, they will guide you through the entire process. However, double-check if you have:
- Invoice
- Packing list
- Insurance certificate
- Certificate of conformity (CoC)SASO certificate
- Certificate of the country of origin
- SFDA Saudi Arabia
Some agencies will ask you for your personal documents as well, so they should be close as well. Before and after issuing these, keep your ID and passport close. In case you are transporting items that don’t have original packaging or invoice, you must provide an insurance certificate! In general, every establishment that should issue these documents will not take longer than a week, but just in case, do it on time.
A comprehensive guide on shipping from China to Saudi Arabia must include the method of shipping
Another step that requires your total attention is choosing the method of shipping your items. For some people, air cargo Bahrain will be the best option, especially if you are short on time. Pros of this method surely include the estimated time for your items to be delivered, as it will take much faster than others. However, air shipping has a couple of flaws you must be aware of. Keep in mind that faster usually means more expensive, so don’t be surprised if air shipping turns out to cost more than sea freight. of course, sometimes time is the only issue and you will soon find out that shipping your items this way was the best outcome possible. Inform yourself about their weight policy as not every large item can be shipped this way.
There is also sea freight you can choose for your shipping needs. Your freight forwarder China to Saudi Arabia will turn out to be a good choice as well, and plus, it will fit your pocket much better. The more professional the company is, the fewer delays there will be, so you can expect your items to arrive on time. Probably the best thing about sea freight is that you don’t have to worry about shipping large items. Feel free to prepare those furniture items for your relocation or any other items that are too big for air shipping.
How long will it take for your items to arrive and what is the average price?
When people are looking for a comprehensive guide on shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, they usually want to know about the price and time right away. And since this is completely understandable, try to gather useful information as soon as possible. As a result, you will be able to make some minor changes that will suit you better. In general, it takes from 20-40 days for your shipment to arrive. Even if this sounds too long, keep in mind that there are several factors affecting the process. Your items must go through the loading and unloading process, custom process, and agency policy. but, for this specific destination, even 40 days is not too long. As long as your items arrive safely, waiting is totally worth it!
And when it comes to price, you will be happy to know that there is an average cost for this route as well. On average, shipping items from China to Saudi Arabia will cost you around $7 per KG, although some companies will do it for $2. Sea freight will be around $150 per CBM so it is up to you to decide which one suits you better. Don’t forget that different companies have different prices as well as policies, and always double-check with them before you make a final decision.
Packing is an important part of a comprehensive guide on shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
If you are going to pack all the items you plan on shipping yourself, you must do it like a pro. Considering that these items will be traveling for some time, everything must be perfectly safe. Of course, freight forwarding companies in Bahrain will do their part and protect your items, but there will still be a lot of things you must do. Begin by separating regular items from those that are delicate and fragile. This category will need a different approach and you must be focused on packing it properly. Find suitable packing supplies including boxes and good wrapping materials. Always label your boxes or bags, as that will be helpful to you and freight employees as well.
And in case you come across some items that are super difficult to disassemble or pack, feel free to ask professionals to help you. Both China and Saudi Arabia have great packing and moving companies that will do it for a good price. The safety of your items is an absolute priority and it is best you keep looking at them that way from the start!
And if you feel like this is too much for you, there is another way. International movers and packers in Riyadh will release you from all that hard work as soon as you let them know. They can pack even the largest and most complicated items for a very short time. Even if you are a fan of packing for this type of transportation, maybe you should consider them doing it for you. This will save you a lot of time and yes, a lot of nerves as well.
Tracking your items from China to Saudi Arabia
When people track their items that will not only make them feel less anxious but will help them organize their time better. As soon as your items are on the move, your freight company will provide tracking for everything. Usually, you can do it on your phone or any other device with the right code for the shipment. Keep in mind that you may see your items in the same spot for some time. This is not a red flag at all, as your items are probably just being loaded again, or are entering customs. The real red flag is seeing your item not moving for more than 15 days without being informed about the reason. You should contact the agency as soon as possible and let them tell you what your next step should be. However, with a good freight forwarder in Saudi Arabia these situations are very rare.
The great news is that tracking is completely free. Every agency and logistics company will give you a code and access to the app you can use until your items arrive. You will even be informed by their employees about minor changes including weather and port delays.
China vs Saudi Arabia import and export regulations
China is one of the biggest exporters in the world, and a lot of people are shipping all kinds of items from this country on a daily basis. However, since the Global Pandemic began, China changed some regulations that are now affecting the entire world. One of the changes worth mentioning is definitely the lifting of the tariffs for items like:
- Coolers
- Freezers
- Face masks
- Plastic cups and straws
Since these are crucial items for a couple of businesses and fields, the entire export has been growing constantly. Way before your items reach their final destination, it is good you know the essential costs that you must pay while your shipment is still in China. These include:
- Transportation costs
- Warehouse and inspection fees
- Custom Broker fees
- Agent fees
- Import duties
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia will wait for you with a few different import regulations. You will not be able to bring items such as weapons, alcohol, pork products, and much more. It is crucial that you get to know the full list especially if you don’t live there or have recently moved. Logistics Saudi Arabia companies inform all their clients about these regulations on time, so make sure to ask them if you are not sure.
Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia: What things to avoid
You probably understand so far what your priorities should be. However, this is not an easy thing to do especially if you are shipping your items for the first time. The first thing you should avoid at all costs is stressing out before things even begin happening. This can easily cause more mistakes and you will not be able to make a good and rational decision in case you have to. Surround yourself with professionals both in China in Saudi Arabia, and trust them with their services.
The next thing you should be careful include the boundaries you must set. If China or Saudi Arabia do not allow the export or import of a certain item, there is no need to push it. It is much better to find another solution for the item and a good replacement in Saudi Arabia. Pushing things can cause your entire shipment to be canceled and that is the last thing you need.
And finally, a comprehensive guide on shipping from China to Saudi Arabia must include coming up with solutions quickly. Unexpected situations are very rare during these events, but you will feel much better when being ready for them. Always leave an extra part of your budget in case you need it. Also, keep communicating with both sides as much as you like, as freight companies expect you to do this. The safety of your items is their priority and it is normal if you want to know where are your items most of the time.
