China is among the major strategic partners of the Russian Federation. Every year, many businesses buy goods from Chinese manufacturers.
So, if you want to fully understand shipping from China to Russia, this article is for you. We will tell you the steps and documents required, methods available, customs clearance, cost and time to import to Russia from China.
Steps For Shipping From China To Russia
When importing to Russia from Chinese suppliers, companies or individuals need to do the following things.
1. Register as a Company in Russia
If you are planning to start an import-export business in Russia and China, you must register with the authorities. Your company should get a trading license from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. This license is valid for one year and it is renewable after this period.
The company must hire a manager, who will be in contact with the authorities on behalf of the company. You should also get registered with the Federal Customs Service. Foreigners can easily get a trading license in Russia and start their trading company to do business in China.
2. Understand the Market Trends of Russian Cities
Before starting the import process from China, it is important to understand the dynamics of the market. If you are going to import any specific product, you should know its final cost at your Russian destination. Without having complete knowledge regarding Customs duties, taxes, and shipping costs, you should avoid it.
Study the market trends, and go for easy products for your consumers in Russia. You can choose the products that have fewer complications regarding customs and documentation. Go for evergreen products, otherwise make a quick decision in case of seasonal products to win the race.
3. Supplier Selection in China
Another important step in the import process. Chinese suppliers play a major role in defining your import journey. If you want to import quality products in Russia at an economical cost, then you should choose your supplier wisely. You can search for suppliers on online platforms like the wholesale platform Alibaba.
Chinese suppliers also take part in different fairs globally. In China, exhibitions are held in the first part of October, where you can find quality suppliers. You should always go for the original supplier because some third-party vendors claim themselves as suppliers.
4. Negotiation Process About Incoterms and Cost
The most vital part is negotiating with your supplier regarding the shipping mode and other conditions. For importing from China to Russia, you need to choose the incoterms that are more protective and safe. If your shipping way is sea freight, then you must have an agreement regarding the insurance and other responsibilities.
Some frequently used incoterms are FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW, FCA, CPT, and CIP. The selection of incoterms plays a major role in defining the final cost of the product.
For example, in the case of FOB shipping from China to Russia, you as a Russian buyer will be responsible after the ship leaves the Chinese seaport. However, in CFR, the seller in China is responsible for paying until it reaches its final city in Russia.
5. Selection of a Chinese Freight Forwarder
Freight forwarders play a crucial role in the safe transportation of your goods from factories in China to your final destination point in Russia. They pick up the goods from the manufacturer’s site and bring it to the final destination. You should choose this company with vast experience in imports to Russia. It should be well aware of the barriers to Russian imports and how to tackle them.
Your freight forwarder must comply with the international rules and regulations. It is important for the safety of your products and pollution reduction. ISM has a set of guides for all shipping companies traveling worldwide.
6. Documents Collection & Customs Clearance in China
Chinese Customs needs some documents to give final clearance to the products before shipping to Russia. For quick clearance, you can hire a customs broker, who can assist you in the whole process. Documentation is a tough job in the import-export business, so always go for professionals to make tasks easy.
Your Chinese supplier is responsible for producing a commercial invoice. It carries all the important details about the products, the cost of the products, and incoterms. A bill of lading is also needed. An export declaration form is submitted by the freight forwarder or Customs broker.
Shipping Methods to Import From China to Russia
You can go for one or multiple options from the following to ship your cargo from China to Russia.
Sea Freight
It is the most common route used for shipping from China to Russia. You can ship any kind of product through this route effectively. China and Russia have huge trade volumes, so it is the most convenient way of importing the products. You can bring products either in the form of FCL, or LCL.
If you want to opt for the cost-effective way, then it is the ideal mode of shipping. Shanghai and Ningbo are the two hubs for exporting products to Russia. While Vladivostok and St. Petersburg are the two main Russian ports to receive goods.
Important Ports in China
- Shanghai Port
- Ningbo Port
- Qingdao Port
- Tianjin Port
- Guangzhou Port
Important Ports in Russia
- Vladivostok Port
- St. Petersburg Port
- Vostochny Port
- Novorossiysk Port
- Murmansk Port
- Kaliningrad Port
Air Freight
Air freight is the most reliable option for shipping between Russia and China. If you want a secure and timely delivery, then air freight must be your choice. Some sensitive and special items are brought through the way only. You can import products through conventional air freights, chartered air freights, or consolidated air freights.
General products are brought through standard air freight. However, in the case of sensitive products, like seafood, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, you can opt for special cargo. In special cargo, the temperature is maintained and the customs process is completed quickly.
List of Important Chinese Airport Locations
- Shanghai to Russia
- Shenzhen to Russia
- Guangzhou to Russia
- Beijing to Russia
- Ningbo to Russia
- Xiamen to Russia
List of Important Russian Airports
- Sheremetyevo Airport
- Pulkovo Airport
- Domodedovo Airport
- Vnukovo Airport
- Kazan Airport
- Pulkovo Airport
Rail Freight
Rail freight is a mid option between sea and air freight. It connects China and Russia via trans-Mongolian and Eurasian railways. In Russia, a vast railway line is constructed to connect different parts of the country with Moscow. In the 19th century trade between these two countries started through rail.
Now the trade volume has increased so much between these two economies through rail. Rail freight is more economical than air freight and faster than sea routes. So it is ideal for mid-level traders, who can’t handle the complexities of sea shipping.
Express Freight
Express freight is the most rapid transit way of importing products from China to Russia. You can import your products quickly in 1-3 days with the help of international courier companies. Some big names provide these services, like FedEx, USP, DHL, and others.
You can utilize this service for emergencies and sensitive products. Although it is used for swift movement. However, it is costly. You have to pay a huge amount to get these services. Different courier companies have their rates.
DDP and its Types
As its name depicts, it is the service from door-to-door shipment. Most people confuse it with express delivery, however, these DDP services are not always used in emergency cases. Express delivery is a type of DDP, you can use it in emergency situations.
- Sea freight DDP
- Air freight DDP
- Rail freight DDP
In this mode of shipment, all the taxes and duties are paid in advance. You just have to wait for your delivery at your desired destination. In this mode of transportation, you will be hassle-free and enjoy doorstep delivery by paying some extra money. Suitable for non-commercial packages.
Cost of Shipping From China to Russia
Cost varies from one mode to the other. Sea freight is the most economical option to get your products in Russia. You should always select the transit mode, depending on your priorities. If you want products in minimum time, then cost should not be your concern.
| Shipping Option | Description | Cost Range |
| Sea Freight – LCL | If you don’t have enough goods to fill a whole container. | $500 – $1000 per cubic meter |
| Sea Freight – FCL (20 ft) | If you have a bulk order. | $2200 – $2800 |
| Sea Freight – FCL (40 ft) | If you have a bulk order. | $3300 – $3800 |
| Air Freight | It is suitable for sensitive products. | $3 to $5 per kg |
| Express Delivery | In case of emergency. | Around $2000 for small packings |
| Rail Freight | A perfect solution for mid-level traders. | $1100 to $2000 per ton |
Average Time To Ship From China To Russia
Although sea freight from Chinese to Russian ports is most commonly used, it takes so much time. On the other hand, air freight is much faster and more reliable in the case of sensitive products. So look at the transit time of different modes of transport.
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time |
| Sea Freight | 15-35 days, more time expected in case of LCL shipping |
| Air Freight | 4-7 days in case of standard air cargo |
| Rail Freight | 20-25 days |
| Express Freight | 1-3 days |
Customs Clearance Documents in Russia
Customs officials of China and Russia need some documents to clear the products.
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
It is a form of ownership. It includes the incoterms between you and the Chinese seller, shipping origin, product information, shipping company information, etc. In the case of air freight, it is known as the airway bill. This bill assists customs with further proceedings.
Commercial Invoice
This is a proper invoice issued by the seller. It contains product information, its cost, agreement between both parties, and currency. A very useful document for the Customs clearance process.
Packing List
It includes detailed information about the nature of products to be imported in Russia, their quantity, and sometimes category is also told in this document.
Certificate of Origin
It is issued by the seller confirming the identity of the product’s origin (China in this case).
Customs Duties and Taxes
Russia put 20% VAT on imported products. Customs duties are based on the HS categories. HS categories are recognized by 207 countries. So it is important to identify the proper category of your product. Your customs broker knows the rules and regulations of Russia to clear products on an earlier basis.
| Product | HS Code | VAT | Customs Duty |
| Machinery items | 84 | 20% | 15% |
| Agricultural Products | 12 | 10% | 0 |
| Electronic Items | 85 | 20% | 5% |
| Textile Products | 63 | 20% | 10% |
Customs department check, either your products are DDP (delivery duty paid) or DDU (delivery duty unpaid). In both cases, your products will be handled differently.
Trade Products and Volume Between China and Russia
China and Russia have a rich trade history. These two giants now have reached a trade volume of more than 240 Billion Dollars. It is a huge amount indeed. Russia is a big exporter of oil and gas. In contrast it imports all kinds of machinery, cars, mobiles, latest technology, and agriculture products from China.
Russia has sanctions due to the Ukraine war, however, in this critical situation, China has helped them. China is sending top-quality products to Russian traders and fulfilling their needs. Russia has signed an agreement with China for facilitation of their products at their ports.
Prohibited Items For Importing From China To Russia
While importing products in Russia from Chinese factories, you should have awareness of laws regarding import-export. You must comply with the rules and regulations for the fast procedures.
List of Restricted Items
- Artwork regarding colonial era and other disputes.
- Drugs are also restricted, but require a special permission to import.
- Some agricultural items, such as Cheese are restricted to import.
- Alcohol products.
- Cosmetics (need special approval).
List of Prohibited Items
- Weapons
- Narcotics items
- Leather products
- Animal skins (stuffed as well)
- Alcohol drinks/beverages
- Counterfeit products
- Food stuff
- Compact discs
Wrapping It Up
We are here to ship your products from China to Russia by sea, rail, air, express or DDP method. Bansarship team will help you in importing from different Chinese locations to any of your Russian cities like Moscow, Kazan, Stavropol, Samara and Blagoveshchensk. Contact us directly for safe and fast shipping services.
