Shipping from China to Kuwait

How Long When Shipping from China to Kuwait by Sea Freight and Air Freight

Port of Loading	Port of Arrive	Transit Time
Shanghai	Kuwait	25
Shenzhen	Kuwait	21
Guangzhou	Kuwait	24
Ningbo	Kuwait	24
Qingdao	Kuwait	31
Tianjin	Kuwait	35
Xiamen	Kuwait	27
Dalian	Kuwait	29
China	Kuwait	1-3 days by air

 

Shipping from China to Kuwait: The Ultimate Guide

Importing from China to Kuwait is a lucrative business.

But, once you get your products in China, how can you ship to Kuwait?

Also, how do you ensure the imports arrive in Kuwait faster and at a reasonable price?

Who can you trust for logistics operations from China to Kuwait?

Well, I am going to answer all those questions in this guide.

Well, let’s get right into our main subject of discussion:

Transit Time from China to Kuwait

Transit time is one of the major aspects in freight logistics since the goods delivery to your destination should be done at the right time.

The overall time consumed from pick until goods delivery thus impacts significantly on the transaction.

Transit time affects the shipping costs that you will incur.

Longer times taken in shipping your cargo will always result in high logistics costs.

 China to Kuwait Transit Time

For this reason, you should know the aspects of the particular cargo.

This will help you to accurately work out expected transit time.

Depending on your means of shipping and point of delivery, the transit time from China to Kuwait can be between 5-30 days.

Kuwait Custom Clearance Process and Regulations

Under customs classification, Kuwait bases its trade tariffs on the Harmonized International System (HIS) Code for categorization of exports and imports.

When importing products into Kuwait, you will pay no taxes other than import duty.

The country’s customs charges no sales tax and there exists no minimum threshold.

Therefore, you will pay customs duty on the goods you are shipping from China to Kuwait irrespective of their value.

 Customs clearance

Nevertheless, you can import most of the goods duty-free, comprising:

• Food products, medicines, bullion, printed matter, live animals, essential consumer goods etc, save for where these (like bread) are produced locally;
• Semi-processed goods, Raw materials, equipment and spare components for new industrial facilities so long as you have obtained an exemption.

Kuwait Import Duties

You will have to pay import duty when importing products into Kuwait whether as a private individual or business entity.

The method of valuation is CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight).

This implies that you calculate the import duty payable on the total shipping cost which consists of:

• Price of the imported products
• Cost of insurance
• Cost of freight

The CIF value of the cargo excludes unloading in Kuwait.

You must pay the customs duty in Kuwaiti Dinar (KD).

 Kuwait Dinar

Where your invoice is in foreign currencies, the customs authority utilizes a list of “standard” exchange rates to convert the CIF amount into KD.

Since these rates change often, I recommend you get a list in Arabic which the customs sells at 250 fils.

The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) set up a customs union when it promulgated and enforced the Single Customs Tariff and Unified Customs Law.

This lead to a common external tariff of 5% for the majority of imported goods.

Kuwait and other GCC nations reserve the authority to analyze specific exceptions till a consistent list of products exempt from tariffs is ratified by all GCC member countries.

Kuwait formally ratified the Single Customs Tariff on April 1, 2003, with duty rates in the country ranging from 0% to 5% with 4.56% as the average duty rate.

 Members of Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf

Kuwaiti has the lowest customs duties in the Gulf region, though it has placed protective tariffs on some products.

However, you are free to bring commercial samples costing up to KD 5,000 in the country temporarily.

You will be charged 100% duty if importing hydrocarbon products that are also produced within the country like lubricating oils.

Cigarettes and tobacco also attract a 100% import duty.

Non-Tariff Measures When Shipping from China to Kuwait

There are numerous steps needed for approval of shipping paperwork, which if carried out incorrectly could end up being a trade barrier.

There exist several bureaucratic barriers and approvals required to conduct business in Kuwait.

Import Restrictions

Whether a private or business entity importer, you will need to get import licenses from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

However, the majority of fresh foodstuffs are excluded.

Only Kuwaiti nationals enlisted with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and holders of a general import license can ship goods from China to Kuwait.

 Commercial License

Customs clearance is fast and takes approximately 3 hours for perishable shipments arriving by sea, land, and air.

As the importer, you need to issue the customs with the quality test certificate and the import license.

You do not need to acquire the import license every time you are importing into Kuwait.

Nevertheless, you will have to renew your import license with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry annually if involved in continual shipping.

Imports lacking the set standards may be granted a three-month entrance against storage charges.

Cargo coming in for transshipment may be granted temporary entry.

Here are the goods not prohibited into Kuwait:

• Pork and pork products
• Gambling machines
• Alcoholic drinks and products comprising  alcoholic drinks
• Items considered pornographic
• All imports from Israel.

Product Certification, Labeling, and Packing

When it comes to this, you should pay attention to the following:

· Labeling

Kuwait labeling specifications have been endorsed as the GCC standard, you should label all imported goods with the country of origin clearly.

All foodstuffs must have Arabic language label.

Exterior containers should exhibit distinguishing mark which comprises of a triangle having:

• package number
• country of origin
• cable address of the importer or importing agent (depending on who possessed the applicable import license)

 Labelling

You may add your importing mark or that of the importing agent outside the triangle.

However, goods such as iron, pipes, timber, etc, are exempted from this rule.

Exterior packaging should have a description of the good in Arabic, and you are permitted to use other languages (like English) in addition.

Let’s look at the basic information that you must include in the packing list you present to the customs:

• Invoice number
• Marks and number
• The total package of every type
• Gross weight of the total consignment
• Type of packing of each kind
• Value (CIF or FOB) of each type.
• description of the kind and type of contents
• Total units and net/gross weight of each type
• Goods statistical code (available in Harmonic System code)

You should take note of the following factors when preparing the packing list:

• You must describe the packaging used for each type of products in the appropriate part of the packing list.
• You should make sure that the description of the consignment is clear and detailed and explain the nature of the products.

Kuwaiti Customs Department will describe your transaction as lacking documents if you do not furnish them with the aforementioned information.

 Kuwait customs officers

The authority will require an undertaking letter accompanied by a deposit, with the exception of freight of the same type and break-bulk.

If the invoice has all the information needed on the packing list, the customs will not require a packing list.

You must indicate the country of origin on each product in such a way that it is not possible to alter or remove it.

This information should match with the details provided in all other documentation.

You may attach a sticker or label the packaging of goods that you cannot label individually such as fresh fruits.

Information needs to be a fundamental part of the label (Kuwait prohibits stick-on labels).

Food labeling should consist of the following:

• Name of the food
• Ingredients of the food in descending order of either volume or weight
• Production or manufacturing date
• Date of expiry
• Gross and net weights
• Country of origin.

Kuwait has introduced stringent labeling laws on certain pre-packed foodstuffs.

You should confirm specifications before you ship foodstuff from China to Kuwait.

Cigar and cigarette packets must have specific labeling concerning health warning.

· Packaging

Your products packaging needs to be tough and should protect against extreme humidity in winter, heat in summer and potential storage in the open.

· Special certificates

You should accompany animals and animal products with health certificates provided by the relevant authority in China.

When shipping meat and meat products you must accompany the consignment with an original Halal slaughter certificate or Halal certificate.

 HALAL Certificate

The documents should be issued either by the Islamic Association, or county/city level Government Ethnic Affairs Office in China.

The certificate should state that the animals were butchered in compliance with Islamic Sharia rites.

When filing food products, the Ministry of Public Health requires a certificate showing that the food is free from any kind of cyclamate compound.

· Public health requirements

Specific health and quarantine rules apply thus you should confirm before shipping into Kuwait.

Sheep and cattle should undergo vaccination against several diseases and will need certification provided by the mandated authority in China.

Animal provides need a health certificate provided by the licensed in China.

The Kuwait Ministry of Health must sample test and approve food before you can bring them into the country.

The country prohibits the application of cyclamates in beverages or food.

For this reason, you must provide the Ministry of Public Health (in triplicate) with a certificate indicating that the import does not contain any kind of cyclamates.

You must state on the exterior of the container the percentage of and ground for utilizing any other synthetic sweeteners in preserved foods.

You need to register Pharmaceutical products with the Kuwait Ministry of Health.

This basically needs the provision of a certificate of free sale provided by the mandated authority in China.

The certificate proves that China allows the circulation of the drug within her territory.

Documentary Requirements when Shipping from China to Kuwait

When importing goods from China to Kuwait, you should have an import license issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and must be Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) registered.

 Kuwait Commercial License

The licenses are effective for a year, renewable, and permit for multiple shipping.

You also require import licenses for industrial spare parts and machinery.

The Industrial Development Commission of Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry issues the licenses.

Different agencies and ministries also provide licenses for goods, such as wild or exotic animals, pharmaceuticals, explosives, and firearms.

Only the domestic agent is permitted to conduct customs clearance.

To clear your shipment from China to Kuwait, the Customs require a minimum of 4 documentation:

1. Commercial Invoice
2. Air waybill or the bill of lading
3. Certificate of Origin
4. Packing List

i. Commercial invoice

The Customs requires a minimum of 1 original and 3 copies which must show:

• country of origin
• full details of goods
• marks and numbers
• gross and net weights in metric amounts
• unit and total price
• name of the shipping vessel
• Names and addresses of the consignee, shipper, and producer.

You must sign and state on the declaration of the invoice that,  ‘We hereby certify that the goods enumerated in this invoice are neither of Israeli origin nor do they contain Israeli materials and are not to be exported from Israel.’

Ensure that a licensed chamber of commerce and certifies your Invoices.

The chamber of commerce must be one validated by an Arab embassy or consulate.

ii. Legalization

The Kuwait Consulate or Embassy must validate the original certificate of origin, original commercial invoice, and original packing list.

Also, the local chamber of commerce must attest the above mentioned documents.

In case there is no Kuwait embassy or Consulate, you can get the validation from any Gulf or Arab country embassy.

You should send all original shipping documentations along with the cargo.

Immediately after packing the container, make sure you furnish the origin station with the:

• Number of packages
• Details of container number
• Bill of lading, among other details related to the shipment
• Other information regarding shipper, buyer, and copies of the Affidavit of Support (AOS).
• The bill of lading manifest need to reach the local customs clearance agent within 7 working days before the vessel arrives at the Kuwaiti port of entry.

iii. Pro-forma invoices

The authority may request for Pro-forma invoices to enable the verification of the letter of credit.

iv. Bill of lading/airway bill

No particular requirements, though you should indicate the usual details in conformity with the manifest.

You will submit 2 originals of the document, and they must also show whether the consignment is pre-paid or payable.

v. Certificate of origin

When shipping from China to Kuwait, you will require a certificate of origin that needs to be validated by an approved agency before consular legalization.

You should present a minimum of 3 copies which must show:

• country of origin of processor or producer
• value
• gross and net weights
• type of packing
• recorded trademark indicated in the manifest
• Mode of Transportation.

Remember, you must sign and state in the certificate of origin the following declaration: ‘We hereby certify that the goods enumerated in the invoice are not of Israeli origin.’

vi. Packing list

You will need to present the document together with net/gross weight, and Harmonic code.

It is important to note that for every cargo (regardless of weight or value) you will require an original certificate of origin.

 Packing List

And the same procedure must be followed, the Kuwait embassy or consulate should legalize and the chamber of commerce attesting that it is original.

The Cost of Shipping from China to Kuwait

When shipping goods from China to Kuwait, you will need to pay Import duty and any associated taxes.

The method of valuation is CIF.

The customs calculate the amount of import duty you will pay based on the total shipping cost.

The value comprises the cost of the products, the cost of insurance, and the cost of freight.

Establish the 10-digit tariff classification number for every product you are shipping from China.

These numbers together with the certificate of origin will help in determining the rate of duty you should pay when bringing goods into Kuwait.

Then calculate your landing cost.

Kuwait assesses a duty of 5% on most goods imported from any non-GCC member state.

You should include this in any pricing calculation. The country presently charges no Value Added Tax (VAT).

Choose the Right Incoterm for Cheap Shipping to Kuwait

Be keen on the Incoterms you apply, and work out the total landed cost prior to placing your order.

Make sure you under the terms of the Incoterms 2010  you have selected since the correct use of the trade term is critical in freight cost savings.

https://youtu.be/NEY60B8Ocg4

For a dependable and stress-free shipping from China to Kuwait, ensure to choose an Incoterms that covers almost the entire shipment.

It is advisable for you to settle on terms like FOB or EXW, where a team of committed professionals will handle and supervise almost the whole shipment.

These two Incoterms guarantees pick-up from the port of origin (FOB). Or from the supplier’s premises/warehouse (EXW), which relieves you from quite a big obligation during the shipping process.

Managing Shipment from China to Kuwait

When you want to manage shipping from Kuwait, it is important that you focus on the following:

Freight forwarders from China to Kuwait

Getting a local freight forwarding agent in China can come in handy when importing goods from China to Kuwait.

 JMS Freight Forwarder

Not only can a Chinese freight forwarder be less expensive, but equally swift and adaptable in mitigating shipment problems.

Additionally, local freight forwarding agents can handle the customs, legal prerequisites, licenses, and deal with the communication barrier commonly experienced when shipping from China.

Local agents can assist you in determining the most efficient carrier, route, and pricing which assists you to minimize costs.

Factors you should put into consideration when engaging a local freight forwarder in China

Freight forwarder

 

· Examine the freight forwarding firm

Find out how reliable and big their operations.

Request for clients references and conduct an extensive background check.

Investigate as well on the types of freight the company can manage.

Apart from by sea, find out whether the agent can offer air shipment, RO-RO, or break bulk that you may require in future.

· Check on the experience

Inquire with the firm if they have handled freights similar to yours.

As we have seen already, customs rules may vary depending on the type of shipment.

Knowing how they managed different shipments in the past will assist you in deciding whether they are capable of satisfying your requirements or not.

· Licenses and memberships

When the freight forwarder has a membership of reputable associations such as WCA, it can signify a certain standard.

Being a member of prestigious Associations calls for financial strength, operational excellence record, and efficiency.

· Point of contact

Confirm if the freight forwarding company has a network of representatives in Kuwait and can partner seamlessly with them.

Find out the location of the point of contact for submission of documents and shipment coordination.

· Deadlines

Establish whether the forwarding agent can meet your pricing, terms of sale, packing and storing requirements, and timelines.

Ascertain also on seasonal changes in rates since months before Chinese New Year can be relatively costly than others.

Custom brokers

Import shipping from China to Kuwait is a busy and complicated process that you need to manage effectively from numerous perspectives to attain import customs clearance success.

 Customs broker – Photo courtesy: Canadian Society of Customs Brokers

Most successful Kuwaiti importers decide to employ the services of Customs brokers so that they import their goods appropriately without delays.

Partnering with a Licensed Customs Broker is the surest technique of having your import documents filed properly and avoiding penalties.

Customs brokers can assist in ensuring the safe arrival of your imports and filing of documents and customs entries with the Kuwaiti Customs officials.

Customs Brokers give you peace of mind at the same time you stay away from import procedure obstacles.

However, Kuwait permits only local agents to clear goods at the Customs by presenting an official letter of representation together with a letter by the importer.

Logistics is an integral part of the current shipping business.

Shipping costs comprise both the indirect and direct charges of transporting goods from the country of origin to the final market.

If you get it right and select a competent logistics provider, you are guaranteed manageable costs, continuous cash flow, and smooth operations.

If you get it wrong, you could experience increasing expenses and wastage, to say the least.

In the worst case scenario, you could experience a failing business approach that you have to ultimately shut down.

You will continue to incur losses if your logistics is not well managed.

Shipping companies from China to Kuwait

Kuwait, locating at the tip of the Persian Gulf, has several major harbors and ports such as Mina’ Sa’ ud, Mina’ ‘Abd Allah, and Ash Shuwaikh which is the leading commercial port.

Kuwait Sea Port

The Mina’ al Ahmadiand Ash Shu’aybah are the other Kuwait ports.

The location of all these ports is the banks of the Persian Gulf.

Kuwait shipping is present in several countries, majorly the Arab nations and Iran is the only external state that has fleet activities in Kuwait.

The shipping covers several routes to enable the transportation of cargo to and from the country.

Most of the routes are via the Persian Gulf and connect with the other shipping

Sea route from China to Kuwait

With numerous shipping lines present in Kuwait, it is very easy to engage one of them for your shipping requirements.

The shipping companies possess very impressive websites which you can view to find out their tariffs.

The websites explain the tariff and majority of them have comparatively affordable shipping costs.

The extra charges are for compliance with the rules and regulations on levies and taxes on importation of products.

The websites also have tracking services which enable you to trace and trace your cargo till they reach your designated destination.

1. Kuwait Oil Tanker Co SAK (KOTC)

A State-owned company whose operations consist of gas filling plant (distribution and marketing of liquefied gas), marine agency (maintenance and engineering service among others to oil tankers), and sea transportation (30-odd tankers fleet, tugboats, etc).

Kuwait Oil Tanker Company

2. United Arab Shipping Company (S.A.G)

S.A.G is a shipping company founded together by the six shareholding states from the Arabian Gulf.

 UASC

It is a sea transporter of dry consignment to the Middle East. S.A.G provides break-bulk and containerized services and it is headquartered in Kuwait.

3. Maersk Line

This is Kuwait branch of one of the major shipping lines in the world, which deals in inland haulage, imports, exports, among other shipping services.

4. Mediterranean Shipping Company

This is Kuwait branch of the shipping line involved in global container transport with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

 MSC

Other shipping companies from China to Kuwait include COSCO, A.P., CMA CGM, Evergreen Marine, Hapag-Lloyd, Hamburg Süd Group, etc.

Choosing Freight Services from China to Kuwait

Common with most trades, the cost cannot be the only concern though it is normally a fundamental determining aspect.

Essentially, we are all in this and reaching every decision to aid our clients and ourselves to make or save on cash.

Different methods of logistics can have a significant difference both in freight charges and transit time.

For this reason, we should always establish which means will be the most economical one.

The two main modes of shipping cargo from China to Kuwait safely include:

• Air Freight
• Sea Freight

Air Shipping Service from China to Kuwait

Air freight rates from China are comparatively higher than sea freight.

Nonetheless, shipping by air provides the swiftest, most secure and most cost-efficient means of transporting consignment.

Particularly for smaller products having a volume less than 2 cubic meters or weighing below 300 Kg.

Air freight from China is fit for not so heavy freight, and there exists tight security control or tight deadlines.

This way is for not so heavy cargo, and there are tight deadlines or a tighter control on the security.

Air shipping Transit time differs depending on your airline’s schedule, but in general, it varies between 2-15 days.

Shipping from China to Kuwait International Airport

Kuwait International Airport is an international airport situated in Farwaniya, Kuwait.

The airport is 15.5 kilometers south of Kuwait City and covers an area of 37.7 square kilometers.

It acts as the main hub for Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways.

Cargo Planes from China to Kuwait

Some of the main cargo planes you can depend on shipping from China

Kuwait Airways Cargo Terminal (both import and export) at the Kuwait International Airport operates 24 hours.

 

Kuwait Airways

You will be served at any hour of the day even during public holidays. Other cargo planes from China to Kuwait include:

• Qatar Airways cargo
• Cargolux
• Emirates SkyCargo
• Lufthansa Cargo

Types of cargo to ship by air freight from China to Kuwait

Because air shipment is prohibitively costly, it is normally restricted to smaller, time-sensitive items, or high-value products like:

• Electronics. Steve Jobs popularly bought all available air freight space along major Asia-US routes transport the first iMac before festivity season.
• Apparel. Seasonal fashion in clothing can change swiftly.
• For this reason, manufacturers need to deliver clothing from point of production to stores as fast as possible.
• In addition, the high value and small size of clothing make it a good trade off.
• Pharmaceuticals. Considering their value and small size, shipping of medical goods is often through air freight.
• Seasonal shipments. Whatever the good is, when there is high demand for your goods and they need boosting, you will generally ship using air freight.

Sea freight from China to Kuwait

Shipping by sea can consume a lot of time but can transport a large quantity of cargo, which reduces the costs.

The variety of goods that you can transport is also a major advantage of this means.

That is why it is a famous and widely applied mode in logistics.

 

Kuwait Ports

Even with the very long delivery time, if you plan ahead, and got ample time to wait, sea shipment will be your first option.

Depending on your location, the transit time of ocean freight from China to Kuwait will be between 15-30 days.

Generally, ocean freight is the most favored option for overseas cargo transportation.

Shipping of tens of thousands of tons of goods takes place via sea every day because of its flexibility and affordability.

Sea routes from China to Kuwait

Generally, there exist three different ocean shipping routes from China.

Shipping lines can use the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic.

Most carriers from China to Kuwait will use the Atlantic route.

In this scenario, the vessels will travel in a southern direction from China and go through the Indian Ocean and the Cape of Good Hope.

Consequently, the carrier sails to the Gulf.

Shipping from China to Port of Shuwaikh

The Shuwaikh Port is the main commercial port in Kuwait.

It has the ability to receive ships of drafts as far as 32 feet at high tide, and ships of drafts as far as 25 feet at any tide.

The port comprises of 21 berths, with three having a depth of about 22 feet (berths 15, 16, and 17), four have a depth of about 28 feet (berths 18 to 21), and 14 having the depth of approximately 33 feet (berths 1 to 14).

The overall berth length exceeds 13,000 feet.

Shipping from China to Port of Shuaiba

The Port of Shuaiba is approximately 28 miles southeast of Kuwait City, situated on the northeastern seashores of the Persian Gulf in southeastern Kuwait.

It contains a petrochemical plant, an oil refinery, and a seafood-packing plant.

The port is Kuwait’s second most essential commercial port which was established to support the industries in Kuwait City.

It features a chemical tanker berth, dry cargo berths, and a barger and small craft harbor.

The Port of Shuaiba has 20 berths with total berth length over 13,000 feet, having depths varying from 32 to 45 feet, for commercial and container traffic.

LCL shipping from China to Kuwait

When choosing LCL shipping of imports from China, the shipping line will consolidate your cargo with other importers’ consignment to fill a container.

The weight and volume of your goods determine the LCL shipping rate from China.

You pay only for the space occupied by your cargo in the container.

 

 LCL Vs. FCL Shipping

When booking your LCL shipment, ensure to calculate the LCL volume since you will have to furnish your freight forwarder with this so as to acquire an LCL shipping quote.

Preparing LCL shipment

The most common source of LCL cargo damage is insufficient packaging.

Ensure to prepare your LCL shipment appropriately to protect your consignment.

In LCL shipping, you must palletize all the goods.

If you are shipping loose, crated, or boxed cargo, make sure you place them on pallets.

LCL shipping rates from China to Kuwait

The shipping line will calculate your LCL shipment cost based on the destination, weight, and volume of your freight.

 

 Shipping container

The volume is above 353 cubic feet, I advise you look at the price difference between LCL and FCL shipping to Kuwait.

It is usually economical to ship FCL when the volume is more than 530 cubic feet.

FCL shipping from China to Kuwait

FCL shipping to Kuwait implies that the whole container space belongs to you unlike in LCL shipping.

You will not share the container with other importers however, it does not imply that you have to fill the whole container.

You can pack the container only partly, which is a popular practice in the sea freight industry.

FCL shipping cost

A partly full FCL container is usually more economical to ship since there is no handling and consolidating charges related with loose freight like in an LCL shipment.

UnderFCL shipping, you are able to ship in a 40 foot high cube container, 40-foot container, or 20-foot container.

Generally, when you intend to ship 12 ordinary pallets or more using a 40-foot container.

Or 6 ordinary pallets using a 20-foot container, then it might be more economical to ship your goods from China to Kuwait through FCL shipping rather than LCL shipping.

Majority of FCL shipping are door-to-port, though you can ship FCL door-to-door, port-to-door, or port-to-port.

In ordinary cases, the shipping line is liable for the door-to-port part and you assume responsibility for the rest of transportation from the destination port to your premises.

Nevertheless, you need to refer to the Incoterm used for clarification on responsibilities and financial obligations and how you share the responsibilities with the Chinese supplier.

Out of Gauge Shipping from China to Kuwait

A load broader or taller than an ordinary shipping container is always taken to be out of gauge cargo.

 

Out of Gauge Shipping

This consignment will need unique shipping services to make sure it reaches your designated destination completely intact.

It is important for you to know your container choices when it pertains to shipping out of gauge freight.

Some of your alternatives for transporting out f gauge consignment include flat rack, platform, or open-top container.

RoRo Shipping from China to Kuwait

RO-RO shipping method is an option to transporting motor vehicles is capable of fitting into ocean freight containers: cars, smaller wheeled construction equipment, boats on trailers, among other machines.

 

Ro Ro Shipping

However, RO-RO is your best option for sea freight shipping if you plan to ship over sized wheeled consignment including:

• trailers
• heavy trucks
• cranes
• railway carriages
• excavators

This is the most economical method for shipping cars from China to Kuwait.

A Ro/Ro carrier has a ramp which opens up to permit the vehicles to be steered into the vessel.

Cargo tracking from China to Kuwait

In the present age, being capable of tracking any consignment, be it on an e-commerce store or courier parcel you are waiting for, is mandatory.

The case is similar to the shipping industry.

A greater percentage of freight forwarding agents are going digital and providing round the clock track and trace service for your freight needs to be a primary feature.

 

 Cargo tracking – Photo courtesy: Marine Buzz

To efficiently track your cargo you need:

• The shipping company transporting your consignment
• The booking number, container number, or document number

You can get all these information on the Bill of Lading.

Having a tracking service in place, you can program your logistical requirements better and offers you an advantage for an optional plan should problems emerge.

This offers you a peace of mind and makes sure that you satisfy your obligation to clients and providers within your supply chain.

How to Import from Alibaba to Kuwait

You can as well buy your products from China to Kuwait via Alibaba – a marketplace for individuals or business entities to purchase goods at wholesale prices straight from producers.

Let’s go straight to the step by step process of shipping from Alibaba to Kuwait.

 

Alibaba

Create an Alibaba account

Follow these steps of creating an account with Alibaba without a company:

1. Go to Alibaba and select  “Join Free”

2. Key in your Email address

You will receive an email which you will use for verification.

Avoid using your personal or main email if you do not want suppliers to clog up your inbox with emails.

3. Enter your basic information

You need to key in your first name, last name, location, telephone number, and password.

Do not tense when Alibaba requests for “Company name.”

You can fill the name with anything as Alibaba will never follow up.

4. Confirm your personal data and finish the creation of your Alibaba account

It is that simple! You can now purchase goods and negotiate with sellers on Alibaba.

5. Search for the product

There are several techniques of searching for your products on Alibaba.

The most basic method is by typing the phrases or keywords into the products search bar found on the home page.

Click the “Products” tab, type your search phrase in the search bar, choose your country utilizing the drop-down menu, and enter the “search” button.

You can as well search for goods utilizing the categories on the left side of the main page.

Hover over a category then select a subcategory to view products.

6. Choose a supplier

Many suppliers provide a myriad of products on Alibaba thus it is wise to have one or two main suppliers.

To boost your business relationship, make sure you have a dependable supplier.

Follow these steps on how to find a reliable supplier on Alibaba.

7. Conduct a suppliers search

Type in the item you are planning to ship

This makes sure that the suppliers have that type of product.

8. Narrow the Search

Furthermore, you can narrow down the suppliers to comprise only Gold Plus and Trade Assurance suppliers.

In addition, under ‘Sort By’ you may choose to either leave it as ‘Best match’or modify it to ‘Response Rate’ or ‘Transaction Level’.

Response Rate is the right choice when you are looking to create a relationship with a seller.

It is all based on what your requirements are in engaging with the supplier.

Transaction Level is a good alternative when you are searching for a supplier who has processed numerous orders.

Therefore, you will have to do extensive work searching for the suppliers that appear to offer the kinds of products you are considering shipping from China to Kuwait.

9. Contact Suppliers from Alibaba

When you open a product page, you will see a broad, orange button marked ‘Contact Supplier’ which enables you to communicate with the seller prior to submitting your order.

It is not mandatory reaching out to the supplier before submitting the order.

However, it is a wise thing to ask certain questions to get additional clarification on the goods.

10. Negotiate and order for your products

When it reaches the turn of brokering prices, be patient till the supplier furnishes you with the total cost.

For instance, if the total order adds up to $518.89, you can convince the seller to round off the cost to $500 for the total order.

Or when you want to lower your price per item, you can choose to order more goods in return for a reduced per product price.

11. Examine Arrived Products

After completing the products shipping from China to Kuwait, you should assess their quality to ensure they meet your expectations.

FAQs on Shipping from China to Kuwait

I know you could be having some questions about shipping from China to Alibaba.

Well, I have some questions and answers here for you:

1) Will there be any additional sea freight charges I should consider?

Well, you should always anticipate delay costs like demur-rage and detention and levies from customs inspections.

Shipping lines usually do not include such fees in your cargo transportation rates.

But, they can substantially impact on your general cost of shipping.

Even though these fees are generally beyond your control, there are some things you can do to avoid the possibilities of sustaining them.

These consist of having all paperwork right and presented on time.

The slightest discrepancies in your documents may raise alarms, prompting customs to resolve to inspect your consignment.

This may take place both at origin and destination.

Cross-check your documents to ensure that all your ‘i’s are dotted and‘t’s crossed.

Exercising such due diligence can significantly reduce the chance of your cargo getting detained by customs for inspection and incurring delay fees.

Planning your shipping upfront is another measure of avoiding incurring these additional expenses since it allows you adequate time to appropriately prepare your goods.

In addition, you have ample cushion time to be adaptable with your shipment dates.

This assists in avoiding the aforementioned concerns such trucking shortage and high season problems.

2) How does GRI affect my shipping from China to Kuwait?

The General Rate Increase (GRI) is the modification of sea freight prices by shipping companies.

Implementation of GRI helps carriers recoup from low market shifts as part of seasonal sequence.

GRI is normally implemented once on a comparatively stable year.

However, there have been incidences where it was implemented numerous times per year.

In theory, shipping lines can apply the GRI to any sea freight rate.

But in the present years, we have observed it affecting the majority of imports, particularly those originating from the Far East.

The choice to apply the GRI, the routes it will impact on and by how much, rests squarely with the shipping line.

3) How does Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS) impact shipping from China to Kuwait?

Shipping companies have several surcharges that they can apply when they presume it is worth doing so.

An example of such surcharge is Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS), which takes care of the increase in fuel prices.

Nonetheless, do not mistake EBS with Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF).

The second is applied to cushion from the fluctuating costs of fuel caused by natural market variations.

The BAF is always communicated in advance different from EBS, which shipping lines apply as an emergency step at the last minute.

This results in drastic imbalances in cost in importers logistics budgets.

4) How can I minimize the effects of GRIs?

Because most General Rate Increase comes into force during the opening week of the month, you can steer clear of the impacts of GRI by invoicing on the final week.

Another alternative is to negotiate with your freight forwarding agent for a less favorable rate not impacted on by the GRI.

5) If I want to ship by a specific date or need goods to arrive by a specific date, what are my best alternatives?

If you have a top-priority consignment, make your forwarding agent aware forthwith so they may schedule for it.

However, you should be aware that having your freight onto the first-available sail date and carrier may at times attract higher prices.

In some situations, it may be necessary to pay a little more to have direct service or quicker transit for better reliability.

Some importers prefer to transport their goods to the destination as fast as possible, while others favor the more affordable alternative.

Ensure to make your freight forwarder aware of your priorities.

6) How does shipping high seasons impact importing from China to Kuwait?

Like all other fields, the shipping industry also has its high season, the peaks of sea freight services demand.

These will not only impact on carrier capacities and overseas supply chain but equally the prices of freight.

The high season commences from July to November/December as businesses around the globe start readying their goods for the holiday season.

Shipping companies increase freight rates at the start of the season as a reaction to rise in their services demand.

In some situations, you may be levied a peak season surcharge to take care of the additional logistical task required to cater for the increase in demand.

Other high seasons in sea freight to be conscious of are distinct to China.

The week during which the Chinese New Year and National Day Golden Week fall are specifically problematic. It is because all manufacturing and sales operations in the nation come to a total standstill.

This will have significant effects on your shipping to Kuwait.

The weeks preceding to these two Chinese festival seasons are when buyers are harrying to have their goods shipped.

It leads to an increase in demand and consequently, freight costs.

Considering the logistical clogging during these holiday seasons, even trying to secure a container may become a cumbersome task.

7)How can I avoid delays in case of trucking shortages?

Trucker’s shortage is not an unusual logistical problem for importers, to express it lightly.

And a situation they cannot control.

When a shortage of truckers happens, ocean shipping costs rise due to the market natural reaction.

Capacity falls and demand rises in relation to that, resulting in a rate increase.

As an importer, you will either have to incur a high price in getting a trucker or encounter disruption in your shipping from China to Kuwait.

Planning your shipping much earlier than you usually do, redirecting shipment through optional routes and/or ports.

And putting in place a contingency measure are some techniques of avoiding delays in case of trucking shortage.

8) Which is the best Incoterm to apply when shipping from China to Kuwait?

I would suggest shipping under the FOB Incoterm.

Always transact using FOB prices to stay away from the shockers that commonly come with CIF prices.

With FOB terms, you are in charge of the whole shipping process from the outbound port until your final destination.

By this, you steer clear of any unprecedented costs and have everything taken care of before the import process even commences.

9) How do I choose container type for shipping from China to Kuwait?

Generally, there exist 4 choices pertaining to shipping containers.

• FCL 20 feet
• FCL 40 feet
• FCL 40 feet HQ
• FCL 45 feet HQ

20’ is designed for transporting more weight than voluminous consignment, for example, minerals, machinery, and metals, among others all of which are weighty cargo.

40’ is designed for transporting voluminous consignment rather than weighty goods.

For example tires, furniture, clothes, among others all of which are capacious products.

If you are capable of shaping your order relying on the number of units that will fit in a particular container size, you can save a considerable amount of money.

10) Which is the best shipping method for small items from China to Kuwait?

Courier service is the best option for shipping small items.

It is swift, and more essentially, most of them are offering door to door delivery.

Through this, you may save on time on customs clearance and other complex import and export processes.

You can select the expresses straight from China mainland or through Hong Kong.

The cost is cheaper via Hong Kong even though customs there at times will check a bigger percentage of consignments before permitting them to leave the nation.

11) How is does the packing and loading of the container affect the cost of shipping?

The ability of the shipper to pack and load container efficiently can lower the costs of shipping substantially.

There exist specialty packing companies that manage the palletizing or fabrication of wood boxes.

You can choose to pack your container by yourself, known as a live load.

The container will come at your premises on a lorry and you will be accorded 2 hours to load your goods.

In case you will require more than 2 hours, ensure to lodge your request beforehand.

Any extra time will attract a fee per hour.

You will have to get and place your cargo onto pallets.

A 20-foot container requires 12 Euro pallets or 10 ordinary pallets on the container’s floor, untracked.

While a 40-foot container requires 24 Euro pallets or 20 ordinary pallets, untracked.

12)  Can I purchase one item from Alibaba?

You can buy a sample of a product though you will end up incurring more since Alibaba suppliers prefer to sell on wholesale rather than retail.

However, the best alternative is getting your product from Ali express.

This is the retail model of Alibaba where you can purchase a single product from manufacturers, though at a higher fee.

13) How much should I expect to pay for an item sample?

The cost varies based on the sample type, and whether the manufacturer will require new tooling for the production of its components.

Generally, you only need to pay for the shipping when ordering a factory sample.

Nevertheless, when requesting customized product samples, the supplier might charge you any price from $10 to thousands of dollars – all are dependent on the tooling cost (if any).

14)  What are some ways on reducing transportation costs when shipping from China to Kuwait?

Consolidation – If you are shipping goods from several manufacturers, depending on the distance between them, you can combine the separate consignments into one.

This implies that rather than paying for multiples of everything (freight, delivery, customs etc.) you only pay for these costs on a single cargo.

Increase your order.

As I have already stated, filling a container (FCL) is more economical than partial container loads (LCL). Expanding your order often helps reduce the costs of shipping.

Avoid shipping during peak times or holidays.

There will be more delays, more congestion, and unfortunately, more price increase around these dates of the year.

Rush hour shipping is disadvantageous for this reason.

If you plan well, you can avoid the holiday congestion and peak times.

15)  I have agreed on FOB terms with my Chinese supplier.

Do I require a freight forwarding agent or just a customs broker?

It depends on how experienced you are with the international shipping procedure.

I will always recommend using a freight forwarder because they will be responsible for the entire process door to door on your behalf.

For people doing overseas shipping for the first time, this is crucial since they have no clue what the process involves.

When you are shipping from China to Kuwait using FOB terms, you should pay for freight – do you understand how to go about that?

What about marine insurance coverage?

Or you are not in a position to collect your cargo from customs and you will begin to incur painfully big fees.

Who informs you to do that or assists you with the process?

All of these considerations and much more are reasons why you need to work with a freight forwarder.

Conclusion

Shipping goods from China has demonstrated a successful strategy of international sourcing for many business entities.

To have a share of these benefits, partner with a reliable and experienced logistics manager for your shipping from China to Kuwait.

And at JMS, we offer some of the best rates when shipping from China to Kuwait.

Talk to us today, and we’ll make your shipping from China to Kuwait a simple and straight forward process.