Importing from China: Freight, Cost & Clearance
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Importing electronics from China means choosing between express courier, air freight, LCL, and FCL — and the real cost gap is wider than the per-kg rate suggests once you add the charges first-timers miss. Customs clearance fees, destination port handling, ISF filing, and demurrage routinely add 15–30% on top of the headline freight quote. For a typical pallet of electronics, sea LCL can run a fraction of air freight per kg but adds 30–45 days transit, so the decision is rarely about price alone.
When you import, the trap is comparing only the freight line and ignoring the destination-side charges that the forwarder bills separately. We push for a quote that lists port handling, customs, and delivery so you can compare door-to-door cost rather than port-to-port.
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FAQ
What hidden charges come with importing from China?
Beyond freight, expect destination terminal handling, customs clearance fees, ISF/entry filing, possible demurrage, and last-mile delivery. These can add 15–30% over the headline shipping quote.
When is sea freight worth it over air for electronics?
Sea (LCL or FCL) makes sense once volume exceeds roughly 1–2 cubic meters and you can absorb the 30–45 day transit. Below that, air freight's faster turnaround often wins on total working-capital cost.
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