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Are you about to import (or export) products between Sri Lanka and China? You still have a doubt regarding the regulation or transport method? This is because it is very difficult to find decent information among the ton of online advice that SINO Shipping has done its “country guide”. SINO Shipping is the partner you need to move your goods from China to Korea, by Air or Sea Freight. We’re able to book space on vessels or planes for every types of goods, even if they are dangerous or perishable. In a first part we will detail you the customs clearing process, in a second the trade relations between the two countries and finally we will discuss the two existing freight methods.
Table of Contents
What is the best method to ship your goods from China to Sri Lanka?
At SINO Shipping, we facilitate your international business, and assist you with tactical and procedural aspects of exporting such as logistics, packing and labeling. Thanks to our know-how and our decade of experience, we will give the best solution for your conveyance for any means of transport.
Let’s see the best transportation methods according to the nature/volume/weight/class of goods :
SEA FREIGHT TO SRI LANKA
Ocean freight will be the best deal for you if :
- Your suppliers are located near a major Chinese port
- Your goods are bigger than 2 CBM
- You’re not in a hurry to receive them
Contact us now! Your personal SINO advisor will find out customized solution for your import process from China to Sri Lanka.
Remark SINO : Bear in mind, the 3 most important criteria for sea freight are the price, the time of transportation, and the security.
Overview – Ocean cargo from China to Sri Lanka
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island country situated in the ocean Indian, precisely in the Bay of Bengal, separated from India by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. Its long coastline, measures 1,340 km long, and the country is the 25thlargest island of the world.
Thanks to its geographical position in the ocean Indian, Sri Lanka is ideally situated on the sea routes between the Orient and Occident. Regarding to the World Bank, the sea freight reached 8,1 million of container of 20’ in 2015, and the forecast are 10,5 million in 2024.
The strategy of the government was to create the biggest transshipment hub in the region in 2012 at Colombo port.
The major manner of transport of goods are transiting via sea freight, and 70 % of ship traffic from and To Colombo are transshipment cargo.
Historically, the relation of trade between china and Sri Lanka began in 1952 with the Rubber-Rice pact.
Nowadays, the island is part of the Chinese strategy in the Ocean Indian, also called as the Maritime Silk Road or the china’s overall strategy “One Belt, One Road”
Concerning the means of transport by sea, if you are in a hurry to ship your products from China to Sri Lanka, shipping is not relevant.
Ocean freight is optimal for individuals’ customers or smalls enterprises which don’t make the time of transportation a priority. On the other hand, this means of freight is economically interesting. Indeed, the cost and high volume are the principal advantages.
Remark SINO : If you’re interested to know more about sea freight from China, check our dedicated article on the topic: Sea Freight China.
Shipping company offering services from China to Sri Lanka ports
Port of Colombo
The port of Colombo is the only one container terminal of the island and the busiest port which represents in average, 5,7 million TEU of containerized cargo. With its 27 piers, the port is a maritime hub in this region.
Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port
The port was opened at the end of 2010 and it is the second biggest port, after Port of Colombo. It has been funded by the EXIM Bank of the People’s Republic of China. It is ideally located, very close to the major international east-west shipping route.
Should I ship by consolidation or full container from China to Sri Lanka?
LCL – Consolidation
LCL (less than container load), Packages are potted (grouped with other customers) in a container. At destination, the container is unbundled by a service provider. All these operations are not without risk for the goods. Packaging and rigorous palletization are essential. There are two types of groupings. The groupage made by the shipping company and the consolidation of freight forwarder made by the provider.
Info SINO : The billing basis in the maritime groupage is the W/M (Weight/Measurement). The W/M considers the volume or weight to the benefit of the company. The ratio between weight and volume is 1000 Kg / 1 m3.
FCL – Full Container
FCL or Full Container Load it is the most used solution. The goods travel alone, in a closed steel box. It is possible to load the cargo in bulk to optimize the full space of the container.
For China, about sea freight, you will find all you need in our guide.
Remark SINO : We can handle any kind of shipment, whether it be LCL or FCL. Get in touch with us for further information.
How much does it cost to ship a container from China to Sri Lanka?
Regarding to your requirement, the shipment varies in price: storage, packing services, license agreement… we adjust our proposal to your projected spending.
The cost of operation will be inconstant, related to your needs. For instance, door-to port shipment and port-to-port don’t have the same fare.
Remark SINO : Bear in mind, the 3 most important criteria for sea freight are the price, the time of transportation, and the security.
SINO Advice : Contact our SINO Maritime Specialists now, to see what is possible between China and Sri Lanka. We will give you precise rates and transit times after, as we decided to quote each demand individually. It permits to avoid surprises, because the total costs are depending on all the different services you ask us to provide.
Special sea freight services
Reefer container from China to Sri Lanka
Reefer container or refrigerated container is a container capable of maintaining a certain temperature whatever the external conditions.
*At Sino Shipping, we offer temperature-controlled shipments from all mains Chinese ports.
Roro/Bulk/OOG from China to Sri Lanka
For any oversized conveyance, we provide different services such as Roro (Roll on / Roll off) devoted for heavy good vehicles or trailers. Moreover, we offer other service like bulk shipments or OOG (Out of Gauge) for parcel with dimensions exceeding those of the container
AIR FREIGHT TO SRI LANKA
Air freight will be the most efficient solution if :
- Your goods are smaller than 2 CBM and 200 kg
- You’re in a hurry to receive/send the good
Remark SINO : Naturally, if your need to get your goods delivered as fast as possible, air freight is the best option for you.
Overview – Classic vs Express air freight
We propose 2 method of transport air freight shipping and Express air freight. It will depend on if you are in a hurry or not. Classic may include stopovers whereas “Express air freight”, “as its name indicates, it will send as fast as possible. As you might expect, Express air freight is more expensive due to less transit time.
*if you don’t give priority to the transit time, you can flavor your conveyance with one or several stopovers.
Remark SINO : we remind you that the flight duration is not the only element to think about.
What is the difference between volumetric and gross weight?
*Your products will be charged with another method for our express services. The volumetric weight will be calculated with this ratio: 1 CBM = 200 kgs.
As an example, let’s take the following situation :
You need to ship the following parcel: W: 130, H: 88, L, 55, for a total volume of 0.629m3. 0.629 * 167 = 105 kgs. (rounded). The volumetric weight of your parcel is thus 105 kgs. If this weight is higher than the real weight of your shipment, we have to consider this one when quoting for it.
Please, bear in mind that the weight is not the only factor affecting the quotation
Info SINO : Each customer has different requirements, that’s why, at SINO Shipping will determine your quote on a case-by-case method.
What is the difference between volumetric and gross weight?
Which airlines company should you ship with?
FitsAir (formerly known as ExpoAir) is a Sri Lankan airline. The company has cargo flights to several cities in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Info SINO : You want further information about their services ? Check directly the official website: Fits Air Cargo.
Info SINO : You want further information about their services ? Check directly the official website: China Eastern Cargo (website in Chinese).
SINO Plus : Our good partnerships with international cargo airlines enables us to propose you interesting rates for great air freight services between China and Sri Lanka. We can plan both regular and courier air freight and add trucking services to deliver your goods everywhere you are. With SINO Shipping, China and Sri Lanka have never been so close!
How long does it take to ship from China to Sri Lanka by sea freight?
| Colombo | Mattala | |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Shanghai | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Guangzhou | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Hong Kong | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
Remark SINO : It is hard to estimate as it mainly depends of the budget: a direct flight available within a day is possible, but will probably be more expensive. Also, please note that the transit time doesn’t not include the whole process (pick up & delivery, customs clearance…). In average, you can expect 4/6 days (export/import process included).
How much does it cost to ship a container from China to Sri Lanka?
Price for Air freight rely on various criteria. Regarding to your requirement, the shipment varies in price: the arrival and departure, the nature of your goods, customs clearance…
Should I choose an Express Air freight from China to Sri Lanka?
Express service – Perfect solution for small package
Express freights are handled by companies such as DHL, UPS or FedEx. These companies manage the entire shipment lifecycle, with door-to-door service. Most of the time, compared to the normal air freight, these shipments are smaller. In average, they don’t exceed 1 cubic meter and 200 kilograms.
How long does it take for a package to be shipped from China to the Sri Lanka?
The transit times will be more or less the same than for classic air freight. The point that will change will definitely be others process. Indeed, international courrier has dedicated customs department due to their volume of parcels. This advantage allows them to clear goods and finalize the shipment very quickly. While the total (all process included) delay by classic air freight is 4/6 days, you can expect to have your parcel delivered from Door to Door within 3 days.
How much an Express service costs from China to Sri Lanka?
We can’t provide prices for Express service as there are so many factors that influences the prices of your shipment: packing, distance from airport (both departure/arrival), any license needed..
Thanks to our partnership with these companies, we have very attractive fares and will select the best courier option according to your needs.
Major airports to ship in Sri Lanka
In addition to the sea freight, Sri Lanka is linked through its airports. The island has 23 airports but only 3 of them are international.
Remark SINO : In average, concerning the transit time by air, it will take between 1 and 3 days to convey your shipment from the major’s Chinese airport such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong or Beijing.
Pour un transport en DAP ou DDU (hors droit de douane et taxes), le transitaire prend en charge l’ensemble du transport.
Cet incoterm peut s’apparenter à des prestations dites de « porte à porte », où votre expédition sera prise en charge de bout en bout.
Colombo airport
Bandaranaike International Airport, also called Colombo Airport, is the main airport serving Sri Lanka.
Ratmalana Airport
This airport was the only international airport of Colombo until 1967, which coincide with the inauguration of Bandaranaike International Airport. This airport handles around 1,256 cargo tonnage in 2016.
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
This international airport is located in the South of the island, near Hambantota. It is the second busiest airport of the country. In 2017, the airport handled 69 tons of cargo.
Info SINO : As you probably know, air freight is the most efficient way to carry your products. But naturally, this effectiveness has a cost.
DOOR TO DOOR FROM CHINA TO SRI LANKA
Ocean freight will be the best deal for you if :
- Your suppliers are located near a major Chinese port
- Your goods are bigger than 2 CBM
- You’re not in a hurry to receive them
Contact us now! Your personal SINO advisor will find out customized solution for your import process from China to Sri Lanka.
Overview – Door to Door
South Korea is a country located in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. It is bordered by its only neighbour on the north, North Korea. All the rest of the country is surrounded by water, with the Yellow Sea in the east, The East China Sea in the south, and the Sea of Japan in the west. As indirect neighbours China, Japan and Russia are quickly reached by sea from Korea. This situation explains why there is only two freight methods to reach the country, sea and air freight. It influenced Korea to build one of the greatest fleets in the world as well as state of the art port infrastructures.
Because of its isolation, its ground poor in natural resources and arable lands, and its choice to become a major industrial country, the Korean economy is greatly dependent on its importations. Korea has and is still incredibly developing its port cities and water routes. The country is now one of the biggest world maritime power. In the early 2010s, South Korea was the 12th country in terms of ship registration (3000 vessels) and the 7th for the economic control of the fleet. Korea is also on the world podium of the shipbuilding by countries.
Remark SINO : For further information about our Door-to-Door service, take a look to our dedicated page: Door to door service.Otherwise, please feel free to contact us, we will find you the best option for your shipment. Fill our online form in a minutes and get your quote within 48H!
Why door to door service is necessary?
For instance, importer have to pass the customs authority. We can manage this process and prove that all applicable customs duties have been paid. As forwarder, we are able to handle this step among others.
SINO Shipping – Door to Door specialist
Thanks to our know-how and our experience, we’ll provide you the most fitting solution for tour shipment at the best price.
LTL and FTL Trucking
For both countries, China and Sri Lanka, we have at ours’s disposal a fleet of trucks. That’s why, we are able to manage trucking service, LTL as well as FTL.
As container, LTL or less than Truckload, is referred to load stands for less than the capacity of lorries. Naturally, the price will be correlated with the space used.
On the other hand, FTL or Full Truckload shipping refers to when customers has enough goods to fill the truckload. In reality, some clients use it to save time, because the shipment will be delivered faster.
OUR CUSTOMS BROKER INFORM YOU
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN SRI LANKA
Although Sri Lanka has strong relation with India, China and Sri Lanka are cooperating more and more especially due to the fact that there is a huge diaspora of Chinese people in the island.
How much duties and taxes will I pay?
Calculate applicable tariff with the HS code
Sri Lanka uses the Harmonized System (HS) of Tariff Nomenclature for traded goods created by the World Customs Organization. It represents a standardized system of names and number for each product used by more than 200 countries in order to facilitate international trade and Customs regulation.
To obtain it, just refer the Tariff Guide, or if you can’t find it, use the Commodity Classification Branch.
The HS code is the identification number attributed to goods through the HTS. Here is all the information contained in a HS code :
Let’s continue with the “pineapple” as an example, it will provide you these rates :
Different taxes existing for your goods
The importer has to declare their conveyance thought a customs House Agent and submit the de Customs Declaration online, also called the Entry. The entry should be submitted two times, after arrival of products and after obtaining the delivery order from the shipping agent.
According to the Sri Lanka Customs, customs charges are the following:
- Take a look to the tariff Guide of the Sri Lanka customs to be aware about the new customs tariff for your products.
- Furthermore, you will be charged of Rs. 250 for the custom declaration and around Rs. 100 for each containerized cargo and 1000 for full container.
Info SINO : Bear in Mind that The tariff structure is subject to frequent changes.
The payment can me made online or at the Customs Headquarters Banks by Bank Drafts.
Customs Duties on Motor Vehicles
For customers who want to import a vehicle, several documents are required :
- Customs Goods Declaration
- Commercial Invoice
- Letter of Credit
- Bill of Lading or Air Way Bill (in case of air freight)
- Delivery Order issued by the Shipping Agent
- Value Declaration Form
For your information other documents are required for a used vehicle :
- Export Certificate
- English Translation, if above certificate is not in English language
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate issued by an approved inspection agency
*Taxes will depend on the value of the vehicle. First of all, you have to determine the HS code of your vehicle. As we mentioned before, please refer to the Tariff Guide to find it.
Remark SINO : To clarify your situation about the HS code of your vehicle or about custom duties, don’t hesitate to get in touch with SINO Expert! For further information about the procedure of Motor vehicle Unit, you can also check this dedicated page: Customs – Import vehicle.
Does Sino Shipping charge duty?
We won’t charge any further shipping costs to our customers. More accurately, you will be asked to pay only customs duties, taxes and others import charges related to customs clearance in your home country, as per local regulation.
Customs contact in China
Official name: General Administration of Customs of China
Official Website: Chinese Customs Website
Customs contact in Sri Lanka
Official name: Sri Lanka Customs
Official Website: Sri Lanka Customs Website
Custom clearance process
First of all, in order to operate as declarant (new customs house agent), you have to provide several documents. Please check this page for all the requirements.
The second step is that you have to register with Sri Lanka Customs. This automation process is called ASICUDA (automated system for customs data). You will find all registration information at this page: Importer registration in Sri Lanka.
The importer has to declare their conveyance thought a customs House Agent and submit the de Customs Declaration online, also called the Entry.
The entry should be submitted two times, after arrival of products and after obtaining the delivery order from the shipping agent.
What are the Licenses required (import & export) ?
Import license
Regarding the Customs Classification Code, as we mentioned above, it will rely on the types of goods and the origin.
Export license
The process for exporting is almost the same as importing, but If you want to know more about how to start an export, we suggest taking a look at the FAQ guide, made by the customs service of Sri Lanka.
Necessary documents
The Bill of Lading or Airway bill (BL)
The Bill of lading represents the basic contact between importer and shipper which authorizes the shipping company to transport products to the buyer’s destination and also serve as the importer’s receipt and proof of title for purchase of the products.
Here we’re detailing you how is built a BL:
1 = Shipper
2 = Consignee
3 = Notify party
4 = Vessel No.
5 = Port of loading / discharge
6 = Place of receipt / delivery
7 = Containers No.
8 = Goods description
9 = Net weight
10 = Dimensions / volume
A packing list
This document is essential for the customs and should detail the HS code(Harmonized System of Tariff Nomenclature)
A Certificate of Origin (CO)
This document is the official document, given by the government, also called as “birth certificate” of the goods, showing country where the product originated.
A commercial invoice
The commercial invoice is the actual demand for payment issued by the exported when a sale is concluded.
Insurance certificate
It is the document which protects the imported goods against damage, loss and sometimes delay.
Shipper’s export/import declaration
This document refers to the contact information of the exporter and buyer, which contains a full description, declared value, and destination of the products being shipped.
Remark SINO : Now that you know how numerous the required documents can be, you still have the possibility to ask one of our SINO Customs Experts to handle it entirely for you.
OUR CUSTOMS BROKER INFORM YOU
Prohibited & restricted items
Remark SINO : If you have one of the following item, you should check directly with our SINO Experts. Some of those items are restricted or even totally prohibited, it is important to anticipate such shipment to avoid any problem.
Drug Contraband
Explosives
Biohazard
Chemicals
Corrosive
Counterfeit
Ivory
Batteries
Flammable
Firearms
Drugs
Counterfeit Notes
Poison
Pornography
Knife
Tobacco
Gambling
Hazardous
Trade relationship
Regarding the World Bank, China is the number one ranking to which Sri Lanka imported goods in 2016, for a total of US$4,271 million.
In 2018, Sri Lanka is determined to make a free trade agreement with China. This discussion started in 2012, and so far, it is the sixth round of negotiation.
In short, business between China and Sri Lanka is rising year by year. Moreover, this agreement, would be very welcomed for importer/exporter because it will facilitate trade between China and Sri Lanka, and will reduce duties and taxes.
SINO Remark : Because the entire process must be done quickly, and it will be a hell on earth for a beginner, you can fully rely on our proficiency with Indian customs procedures. Our SINO Customs Specialists will guarantee you a smooth process, thanks to their long time experience with our customers.
Additional shipping services
Our warehousing services
Storage service in China
Thanks to our network, we have warehouses in all major cities of the country.
Storage service in Sri Lanka
We can put into storage your products both North and South of the island.
Info SINO : You want further information about our warehousing services ? Check directly our dedicated page: Storage services.
Our packing/unpacking services
Info SINO : Packing is essential for convey products under optimal conditions all along the logistics process.
Packing material
The cheaper option makes by the simplest packing materials.
Benefits of Palletized goods are tremendous, for instance they reduce risk of temperature abuse for fruits or vegetables or increase maneuverability of transport tools. Furthermore, there are different kinds of pallets.
The crate in wood, is a large container used to convey heavy items. the material guarantee security and protection for your goods, and wooden crates can be manufactured locally.
On the other hand, you can opt for wooden boxes which are smaller than wooden crates. They can be used to carry perishable products for example.
Others: bubble wrap, tape, wrapping paper…
According to your requirements and your products, we will provide the perfect packing with the aim to transport them under the best conditions.
Why packing is important for the insurance?
In some cases, the insurance could reject the refund if they consider the packaging was inadequate. For this reason, we urge you to pay attention to the types of materials and the container used.
Freight insurance
As you probably aware, the freight insurance is a document used to cover against risks during the transportation. Regarding to your international commercial agreement, you can know what is covered by it. SINO shipping highly recommends ensuring your load, whatever it is.
How much does a freight insurance cost?
According to the value of your load, take precaution to protect your goods against risks. We advise you to find a happy medium in terms of expenses that you want to devote for it.
SINO Info : You can go deeper, to know what freight insurance will suit the best to your cargo by consulting our dedicated article Freight Insurance.
Supplier management in China
Control quality in China
In order to avoid any issue during the freight, we check all the process in accordance with the international trading standards. Our aim is to ensure that everything goes as planned. We start close relationship with your supplier to retain your load secure.
Relationship with supplier
Among our manpower, we have Chinese’s native speakers, thereby facilitating discussions with suppliers.
PL Services in China
Order fulfillment/Packing & labelling in China
At Sino Shipping, we manage order fulfillment for e-commerce. In this process, we handle all the steps from receiving, until delivering orders to the clients.
Last mile delivery
We are able to provide last mile delivery for our customers, especially for small package.
Free regulation advisor
Bear in mind that you will need a lot of documentation for your shipment. Feel free to get in touch with us, at SINO-shipping we deal with all the documents, refers to the official forms and others paperwork required for shipping and customs services.
More than 10 years of expertise in Asia, enables us to deliver tailor-made freight solutions at hyper competitive prices. Do not hesitate to contact our dedicated staff for more information about your transfer, we’re always happy to serve and spread knowledge!
FAQ – For 1st time importer from China
FAQ – Regulation
Paper work when shipping from China to Sri Lanka
Do i need a license to import goods from China to Sri Lanka ?
Do I need a customs broker in Sri Lanka ?
FAQ – Shipping budget optimization
How can Air Freight be cheaper than Ocean Freight ?
Do I need to pay insurance for my goods from China ?
How do I reduce duty while importing goods from Chine to Sri Lanka ?
Do I need to pay any duties and taxes in China ?
How do i locate the import tariff for my product ?
FAQ – SINO Tips
EXW, FOB or CIF ?
What method of payment is recommended for imports from China to Sri Lanka ?
Goods have arrived at my port in the Sri Lanka, how do I get them delivered to the Final destination ?
Sino Door to Door services from China to Sri Lanka - What we need to know to provide you a quote ?
How can I ensure that I have selected the correct site/supplier/factory to shop on ?
FAQ – How SINO will help you?
I have bought many different items of goods from cities around China, could you gather together to send me ?
What will you do next for customer services once I paid the cost ?
What if I'm not familiar with some shipping terms . Especially short forms.
Do you have a privacy policy ?
Can I change my shipping address after its been shipped ?
Conclusion
At SINO-Shipping, our experience in every stage of the supply chain is an important asset.
We are leveraging our expertise in the field to offer and develop services which are tailored to suit our customers’ requirements and always adaptable according to their specific needs.
WHY CHOOSE US ?
OUR ADVANTAGES
SINO Shipping, we understand perfectly the needs of our customers and establish a win-win collaboration with them.
“respect is earned. honesty is appreciated. trust is gained. loyalty is returned.”
Reactivity
Make a request and you will be contacted within 24 hours maximum
Competitiveness
We guarantee very competitive price, ask us and compare !
Dedicated customs service
Do not hesitate to contact us for customs or administratives information
Multilingual team
We speak English, French and Chinese to avoid any communication issues
Tailored service
Small or big shipment, we can manage every request
Reliability
We ensure and secure all our shipments, safety is our priority !
Recurrent questions regarding the shipping from China to Sri Lanka
What is the shipping cost from China to Sri Lanka?
How long does it take to ship from China to Sri Lanka?
What are the best freight options to send good from China to Sri Lanka?
How much tax will I pay for importing goods from China to Sri Lanka?
Do customs open every package?
How do I avoid custom charges?
How can I reduce my shipping costs?
Interested in our logistics services? Need further assistance & dedicated information?