Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia: The Definitive Guide

You are importing from China to Saudi Arabia and are have problem on shipping from China to Saudi Arabia.

If yes, then this guide is right for you.

Why ?

Because this definitive guide will help you solve all your problems on shipping, and you will become on expert when importing from China to Saudi Arabia.

Keep reading:

Quick Overview of Trading between Saudi Arabia & China

Saudi Arabia  is the Arab world’s second largest country.

With a vast oil reserve, it is geographically situated in a desert which makes it import a majority of its goods.

Major imports to Saudi Arabia include machinery, foodstuffs, chemicals, automobiles and textiles.

Here’s a quick overview of bilateral trade between these two countries:

Information source: Global Times

As of 2016, China  was the second largest importer of goods to Saudi Arabia at around 6693 million Riyals.

This makes it an important destination for an importer who wishes to do business with Saudi Arabia.

Chapter 1: How JMS Helps to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia

At JMS, we are a team of dedicated and well organized professionals who are always on call to provide quality logistic solutions for your cargo.

We walk with you each step of the importation procedures and the set government regulations both in China and Saudi Arabia in order to accomplish the shipping requirements that you need.

Look at our network:

This is JMS’s network

Our well networked transport system which we have built through networking with leading transporting agencies helps us to:

• Arrange for trucks and tempos for door to door service delivery.
• Trailers to enable factory loading and unloading of cargo

We continually update our infrastructure to ensure that we are up to date with the latest technology requirements to move your cargo in a secure way.

Our equipment are able to handle any size of the cargo that is entrusted to us by our client.

We have strategically located our offices across major cities in Dubai and China so that our clients can easily have access to us.

At JMS, our customers are at the heart of each and every activity that we undertake.

The trust we have earned over the years has enabled us to stay ahead of our competitors.

As our standard practice, we abide by the following procedures:

• Offer entire clearance process of pre-shipment.
• Scouting for the most effective and cheap air and sea shipment.
• Undertake all documentation on behalf of our client
• Real time monitoring of cargo during shipping.

Now, what options are available at your disposal whenever you want to ship from China to Saudi Arabia?

Chapter 2: Freight Services from China to Saudi Arabia

Two main freight services exist that can transport your cargo safely into Saudi Arabia. The choice of which service to use depends on a number of factors which we are going to discuss later.

These freight services include:

• Air freight service
• Sea freight service

Air Freight from China to Saudi Arabia

Air freight services are suitable for goods that are needed urgently, goods that are light in weight and goods that are of high value and risks like weapons and jewelry.

It is much safe and faster as compared to ocean freight.

However, utilizing this service is expensive and that is why it is advisable to consider ocean freight.

Many factors affect the shipping cost via air like the weight of the cargo, the nature of it and the shipping cost.

Saudi Airline – Information source: The National

Air cargo rate is usually calculated by chargeable weight with the unit of measurement being in kilograms.

The measurement unit of a valuable cargo is 0.1 kg.

If the weight is less than 21kgs, then the minimum chargeable unit is 0.5kgs while if it is more than 21kgs, the minimum chargeable weight is 1kg.

Note: Chargeable weight refers to the heavier one between gross weight and dimensional weight.

Air Cargo Types

They can be classified in to:

• General cargo

They refer to items such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and wrist watches.

These items are normally considered high in value and are normally at a risk of getting lost that is why they need to be transported faster to the point of destination.

Globally these items account for 40% of the entire international air cargo industry.

They need to be transported in good condition that is why air freight is generally used even though the shipping cost is too high as compared to ocean freight services.

The price of the items is usually high compared to the shipping cost.

• Special cargo

They are shipments that include living animals, goods that are dangerous or in need temperature control like sea animals, weapons which need to be transported quickly to their point of destination.

Also some chemicals and perishable goods that require refrigeration and freezing during the entire transportation chain.

Perishable or hazardous goods are subjected to strict regulations as opposed to general goods.

These goods need to meet given the standard and undergo thorough inspection and as such not every airline will be willing to accept these items for shipment.

Handling special goods in Saudi Arabia – Information source: Airborne International Courier

If you are an importer, it is very critical of you to get detailed information about the requirements and the whole process of shipping before you start importing your shipment into Saudi Arabia.

Failure to do so may result in penalties or even being denied entry of your cargo.

It is important to also note that majority of the airlines shipping goods into Saudi Arabia do not allow the following names or description of a commodity:

• Lithium battery
• Toys
• Scooter
• Hoover board,
• Power supply and power bank. Airbags, electric boards etc.

Shipping from China to Dammam Airport King Fahd International Airport

King Fahd international airport  is an airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia 20 kilometers northwest of Dammam.

Major airlines that operate from this port to China include: Air France cargo, Cargolux and Saudia cargo.

Dammam Airport King Fahd International Airport

It takes 10hrs to cover a distance of 6680km from China to King Fahd international airport in Saudi Arabia.

Shipping from China to City Jeddah King Abdul Aziz International Airport

It is located 19 km to the north of Jeddah. It has two major airlines flying between China and Saudi Arabia.

These are Air France and Saudia cargo airlines.

Jeddah King Abdul Aziz International Airport

A shipment will take an average of 10 hours to travel a distance of 7563 kilometers from China to King Abdul Aziz Airport.

Shipping from China to the city of Riyadh King Khalid International Airport

King Khalid international airport  is located 35 kilometers north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The airport is served with only one airline between Saudi Arabia and China.

Riyadh King Khalid International Airport

Covering a distance of 6680 kilometers, it takes an airline 9 hours to travel to Saudi Arabia from China.

Regional Airports that Facilitates Door to Door Shipping

There exist regional airports that facilitate the shipment of your cargo to a given city within Saudi Arabia.

They include:

• Abha regional airport that serves the city of Abha
• Jizan regional airport serves the city of Jizan
• Tabuk regional airport operates to the city of Tabuk

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Sea Freight from China to Saudi Arabia

Seaports in Saudi Arabia are managed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ports Authority .

Shipping from China to Jeddah Islamic Port

The international Port of Jeddah  is designed to handle the largest of the new generation of containership.

Its location at the junction of many international shipping routes between the east and the west make it the busiest port in Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah Islamic Port

It handles over half of the total shipment into the country.

The port has available modern specialized equipment such as:

• Quay container gantry cranes
• Straddle carriers
• Rubber tired gantry cranes
• Yard cranes mobile cranes for handling various types of cargo.

Significant numbers of reefer points to provide reefer containers with electricity.

Various types of forklifts, low and high trailer with different load capacities.

This is in addition to bulk grain discharging equipment.

Complete range of cargo handling equipment for all types of cargo with the adequate reserve of equipment to ensure smooth an expeditious cargo handling operations.

These modern facilities available at the port have proven key in handling the increased shipment at the port and as such the port is always congestion free.

Shipping from China to Fahd Industrial Port, Jubal

The port is located adjacent to Jubal industrial city.

It was designed primarily for importation of raw materials required for the local industries.

The port currently can handle more than 35 million tons of cargo annually while it is expected to increase gradually in the future.

Section of Fahd Industrial Port Jubal

With the distance between China and King Fahd industrial port, Jubal being 6928nm, it averagely takes 28 days for shipment to arrive from China to Saudi Arabia.

Shipping from China to Jubal Commercial Port

Jubal Commercial Port lies on Arabian Gulf in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is 80 Kilometer north of Dammam.

It boasts of modern cargo handling, safety and firefighting equipment.

To facilitate its cargo handling system, Jubal commercial port has the following equipment: Mobile Cranes with capacities of 20 – 100 tones, mobile Cranes with capacities of 40 tones with the automatic motor wheel and hydraulic arm of four parts.

Jubal Commercial Port

Container Cranes with 36 ton capacity automatic motor and on wheels with head arm.

Jubal commercial port is specialized in the handling of the following cargo:

• Ro – Ro cargo
• Dry Chemical Products
• Barges Containers
• Bulk Raw Materials
• Bulk Grain
• Heavy Lifts & Projects Cargo
• Loa (or) Boa expect that maximum allowable Draft is 13.3 Meters at High Water

There is no restriction on the size of the cargo vessel that can dock at Jubal commercial port.

Shipping from China to King Abdul Aziz Port, Dammam

King Abdul Aziz Port  is also known as Dammam port is strategically located between two mass water bodies which enables major landlocked cities to use it.

It has two terminals which operate 24hrs a day.

King Abdul Aziz Port

It is mainly used for importers who want to import goods into the major cities like Riyadh.

The distance covered from China to the port of Dammam is approximately 6922nm hence a shipment leaving China will take roughly 28 days to arrive at the port of Dammam.

The main imports that use this port are food and foodstuffs, construction materials and consumer goods.

Shipping Services to Riyadh Dry Port from China

Established in 1982 Riyadh Dry Port  caters for the major landlocked cities in Saudi Arabia.

It is connected by rail from King Abdul Aziz port in Dammam.

Riyadh Dry Port

As such importers can import goods from China to King Abdul Aziz port then from there, their goods will be transported by rail to Riyadh dry port for collection.

Riyadh dry port accommodates six 6,480 m2 warehouses.

Chapter 3: Shipping Charges from China to Saudi Arabia

Whenever you’re shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, there are some expenses that you’ll incur and they include:

VAT/Custom Levied on Imported Goods from China

The standard tariffs for goods being imported to Saudi Arabia is 5%.

This however excludes those goods that the Saudi Arabia wishes to support the growth of local industries hence need protection from goods being imported.

Such goods are levied at 12-20%.

I have good links where you can learn more about this:

• Saudi Arabia Import Tariffs
• Saudi Customs – Integrated Custom Tariffs
• Exports Tax Rebates in China
• Import-Export Taxes and Duties in China

Chapter 4: Shipping duration from China to Saudi Arabia

It is important to know how long your products will take from any port in China to the final destination in Saudi Arabia.

With this information, you can easily plan for your export-import business to realize better ROI.

Let’s dive right in to see how you can figure out the shipping duration from China to Saudi Arabia.

Factors affecting Shipping Duration from China to Saudi Arabia

There are a couple of factors that may affect the shipping duration of your cargo.

These factors include:

• The urgency of your cargo

If you are in need of your cargo quickly, you may choose to ship it via air.

You will have your shipment within a couple of hours.

• Size of the cargo

The size of your cargo will determine the duration, it will arrive in Saudi Arabia since shipment via air is normally restricted to a given volume.

If it is too large you may consider using ocean freight which will escalate the duration it will take to arrive in Saudi Arabia.

• Required documents

Saudi Arabia is one of the strictest countries when it comes to importation as such, you should always prepare all clearance documents early enough.

This is to avoid your cargo being held at the port hence prolonging the shipping duration.

Remember the more days the cargo delays at the port, the more charges you will pay.

• Shipping cost

Cost matters when it comes to the duration, you will ship your cargo to Saudi Arabia since air freight which is a faster means of shipping tend to be expensive as compared to ocean freight.

If you can cover the cost then air shipment is the best option.

However, if you find it hard then you will have to go for the ocean freight.

What is the Fastest Freight Service from China to Saudi Arabia?

Air freight offers the fastest freight services from China to Saudi Arabia as compared to ocean freight.

However, air freight is expensive and the size of cargo to be transported is also limited.

It is convenient for the shipping of valuable goods, dangerous goods and goods that require special conditions like refrigeration.

Air vs. Sea shipping to Saudi Arabia from China

Ocean freight, on the other hand, is normally preferred due to its ability to carry large volumes of cargo.

As compared to air freight, the transportation cost of this mode is relatively cheaper.

The downside of it is that is slower and takes a couple of days before the shipment arrives at the port of destination.

So if you want to choose which of the two is the fastest mode of shipment is, you have to consider other factors before settling on how you want your cargo shipped to Saudi Arabia.

Chapter 5: Important Documents to have while Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is considered as one of the strictest countries in the world when it comes to importing regulations.

It is therefore important to have the following documents as you are importing goods to Saudi Arabia.

Checking documents before shipping – picture source: FedEx

Some of the most vital documents include the following:

• A proof of origin of the product which is required to be translated into Arabic and authenticated at the Saudi Arabian chamber of commerce.
• 3 copies of a custom invoice.
• Another invoice that mentions the country of origin, name of the one carrying the goods, description of the goods or the products being imported.
• A bill of landing.
• For shipment, original insurance documents are required and they should be translated in Arabic.
• Saudi Arabia Standards Organization Certificate of Conformity (SASOCC).
• This certificate is designed for the following objectives:

1. Protection of public health
2. Consumer safety
3. National security
4. Protection of religious and public morals
5. Protection of environment
6. Prevention of deceptive practice

It is important to note that the Saudi Arabian Customs Regulations require that the following goods require Saudi Food and Drug Authority  (SFDA) approval before being cleared for entry into Saudi Arabia:

• Medications and pharmaceuticals
• Laboratory chemicals and solutions
• Cosmetics and perfumes
• Dietary supplements.

SFDA

The SFDA approval ought to be obtained by the consignee prior to shipping the goods to Saudi Arabia.

Once the goods get approved by the SFDA, the importer needs to attach a copy of the approval on each individual shipment.

In case one imports these products without the SFDA approval, long delays will occur which can be up to 90 days before clearance as the approval is being sorted.

This will result in additional charges for the importer.

These products are also restricted and cannot be imported by a private person.

For agricultural consignment, they are supposed to be referred to Animal and Plant quarantine for examination and authorization before release.

At the same time, consignment that is exempted from custom duty according to an industrial decision shall be examined for conformity.

Chapter 6: Shipping Companies in Saudi Arabia

Locating shipping companies in Saudi Arabia is very easy.

However, finding one that can indeed handle your shipping needs the way you want can sometimes be difficult.

With that in mind, it is best that you go for the top recognized shipping companies in the country to ensure that you get reliable, efficient and affordable services.

Here is a rundown of the top recognizable shipping companies in Saudi Arabia plus their features.

1.  The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (BAHRI)

With its headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, BAHRI is the national shipping company of Saudi Arabia.

The company was founded in 1978 by a royal decree as a public company.

Since its establishment, the company has been providing quality shipping services to people and business across the region and beyond.

It continues to play a major in transforming the global shipping industry through advanced technical innovation and provision of value-added services.

Some of the services offered by BAHRI include the transportation of oil, dry-bulk, chemicals, and multipurpose cargo.

National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia

The company also provides ship management’s services and is also known for being Saudi Arabia pioneering exponent of big data services.

You should know that aside from providing ship management services, BAHRI also owns and operates some of the world largest cargo vessels, VLCCs.

2.  BAFCO International Shipping and Logistics Company Limited

BAFCO international shipping and Logistics Company is a Saudi Arabian leader in global shipping services.

The company brings with it capabilities in transporting packaged goods, warehousing and storing products.

It also offers international freight forwarding services as well as road transportation across Saudi Arabia and GCC countries.

BAFCO International Shipping and Logistics Company Limited

The company which was formed in 1990 has about 20 locations worldwide employing over 1300 workers.

BAFCO has its head offices in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and subsidiary branches in Riyadh, DAMMAN, Rabigh, and Jubail. BAFCO also has a UAE branch in Dubai.

3.  ARABCO

ARABCO is one of the top shipping companies in Saudi Arabia.

They offer integrated solutions to all ground shipping needs like warehousing and distribution, insurance brokerage, export and import documentation, packing, customs clearance and project cargo handling.

The core competence of ARABCO is ground shipping.

ARABCO

The company focuses on not only tradition shipping business, but as mentioned, it also offers warehousing and transportations services to customers.

The company has a good network of associates that enable them to provide integrated solutions for all your shipping needs.

Note that ARABCO was formed in the late 70s.

It is today one of the largest group of companies heading Saudi’s transport and logistics industry.

4.  Wilhelmsen Shipping Services

Wilhelmsen shipping services are among the most popular and well known Saudi Arabia sipping companies.

The company provides a wide range of services including break bulk cargo, warehousing, ex-works, customs clearance, freight forwarding, international and multimodal transportation among others.

Wilhelmsen Shipping Services

Note that Wilhelmsen is a global maritime logistics company.

In Saudi Arabia, it has partnered with Binzagr group Jeddah to ensure the smooth provision of reliable shipping services.

5.  Oriental Commercial and Shipping Company Limited

Oriental commercial and shipping company limited is one of the largest shipping service provider in Saudi Arabia.

It was formed in 1956 as the Oriental commercial establishment and later renamed to Oriental commercial and shipping company.

In 1983, OSCL got ISO certification making it the first shipping agency in Saudi Arabia to achieve such a milestone.

Oriental Commercial and Shipping Company Limited

OSCL is an associate of AL-Zakir group.

It specializes in the provision of shipping, logistics, and tracking services.

On how it provides shipping services OSCL has wide associations with agents representing international shipping lines at major Saudi ports.

The strong network of agents is what enables OSCL to ensure quality and reliable shipping services to customers.

OSCL provides full container load, break-bulk cargo and reefer vessel services to destination across Europe, Asia, and America.

6.  Hapag Lloyd AG Shipping Company

Hapag Lloyd AG is one shipping company with a rich history.

The company was started in 1847, that’s over one and a half centuries ago.

It is not just among the top shipping companies in Saudi Arabia but also in the world.

Hapag Lloyd AG Shipping Company

The company has its headquarters in Hamburg Germany. It has regional offices in Singapore, Dubai, Piscataway, and Valparaiso.

Their Saudi Arabian offices are located in the cities of Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

Hapag Lloyd lives to provide unrivaled services to individuals, business, and companies across the globe.

The company currently employs over 13000 workers in 126 countries.

It has 216 TEU (twenty feet equivalent unit) ships to its name, and according to reports, Hapag Lloyd has a handling capacity of 7.6 million TEU in annually.

Undoubtedly, Hapag Lloyd is a reliable name in the shipping industry and especially among those that are into sea shipping.

7.  Mercantile Shipping Agency

Mercantile shipping agency is located in Dammam Saudi Arabia.

The agency is a subsidiary of the mercantile group of companies, a multinational company from Sri Lanka.

Mercantile Shipping Agency

The group company was founded in 1989.

Its shipping agency has been in operation for over 20 years providing quality air and ocean shipping services across the globe.

The core services of mercantile shipping agency include shipping agency business, container depot operations, and inland haulage and ship management services.

It also handles bulk cargo, as well as offering facilities for offshore bunkering.

8.  Global Container Shipping Company (Dammam)

Global container shipping company provides itself as a global leader in container shipping specializing in dry cargo, reefer cargo, project cargo, intermodal, cross trading, and customs clearance.

Global Container Shipping Company (Dammam)

It also offers warehousing and storage solutions as well as transport resources.

Thanks to its commitment to customers and close teamwork, this shipping company, provides

Ensures that customers get fully bespoke solutions to their global shipping needs.

Global container shipping company operates a close-knit network of over 480 offices in 115 countries.

The company employs over 70,000 workers in these locations.

With an established fleet of 490 container vessels, with a handling capacity of 3.1 million TEUs serving 500 ports in slightly over 200 routes, this company has all the ability and might to deliver cargo anywhere across the globe.

9.  Gulf Agency Company

The gulf agency company in Saudi Arabia was established in the 1970s alongside others in Asia, Nigeria, eastern Mediterranean and the Asia Pacific regions.

Gulf Agency Company

Beginning its operations as a single office in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, GAC has diversified its operations into a top recognizable shipping company in the Middle East.

The company handles dry cargo, bulk cargo, reefer cargo, project cargo, and bunker fuels.

It also engages in ship management, ship supply, weather routing, maritime training, and ship agency.

The company has its Saudi offices in Dammam.

Being a global company, it has other offices in over 50 countries with more than 9000 employees.

10.  Platinum Shipping Services

Platinum shipping services as established in 2010 to provide shipping solutions to clients across the globe.

The company in nearly ten years has achieved the status of the fastest growing shipping company in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It has a global customer base in freight forwarding, supply chain, and customs requirements.

The company is mainly situated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia but has offices in Istanbul, turkey and Damietta, Egypt.

Platinum uses modern information technology and extensive warehousing facilities that aid in the provision of reliable shipping services.

The company also has a strong network of agents and carriers and a team of dedicated professionals.

Both of these groups play a significant role in ensuring that platinum stays at the top of its game in the budding freight forwarding and logistics industry in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

You can always trust in JMS to ship your cargo most conveniently and securely.

Get in touch with us today and let us lift the burden of shipping your cargo.

We’ll make your importing from China much easier!