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Shipping From China to Kenya: Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping from China to Kenya is becoming more and more popular as businesses in Kenya seek to import goods for the Kenyan market.

However, if you’re a new importer or just someone who wants to know more, it pays to keep yourself informed so you can know exactly what you need to do to make your business economically viable.

Our FAQ compiles the most pertinent questions for first-time importers as well as helping existing importers brush up on their knowledge of China to Kenya goods transportation.

What do I need to do first when starting an importing business from China to Kenya?

All successful businesses, no matter where they are in the world, need to be aware of the market they are selling in. If you’re looking to sell your goods then you need to know what you’re selling.

Furthermore, you need to be aware of the level of demand.

You may have found a product that you like, but is it sustainable as a business, and are there enough people who want it?

Market research also helps you to understand the demographics of who the buyers are for certain products; when you start an importing business you need to be sure that you can connect to those populations.

You also need to consider the variations and modes of the goods you are importing. If you’re importing bicycles for instance, then you need to consider that bicycles come in many different ranges, brand names and qualities.

By doing sufficient market research, you’ll be able to properly assess which type of the chosen good you want to import. This will also help you choose the factory/retailer in China that can best serve your needs too.

You’ll also need to devise a strategy to sell the product in a time that makes sense for your overheads. You don’t want to import a product that sells too slowly.

How do I source a product from China?

Sourcing products in China:

Once you’ve decided on the type of product you want to import, the next step is to locate the supplier of your goods in China. This can be an exciting process as you’ll be able to explore what’s on offer. When you’re looking, keep in mind prices and what you need to buy in order to make a profit in Kenya.

Take into account both the sales price and the estimated price of shipping. Remember, in general, heavier things cost more to ship.

Keep in mind too that even when you’ve found the right supplier for you, you’ll need to make sure they can supply the goods you need in sufficient quantities. It’s not good having a supplier if they can keep up with your demand.

You may also want to consult with your logistics company. Many of these companies have a deep network of contacts and they may be able to point you in the right direction or even introduce you to trusted suppliers they’ve worked with before.

You can also check some of the most popular online portals for goods from China such as Canton Fair, Alibaba, Hongkong Fair, made-in-china.com.

When you talk to suppliers, you’ll need to keep a checklist of all the things that can affect the final price: The price per unit, the factory of origin, relevant customs fees, transportation and logistics costs. You may also want to ask if there are any discounts available too.

When you’re making a sales contract you’ll need to get certain pieces of information from the factory such as name and address of the manufacturer, Seller’s name and address, business license number, and product specification.

As well as online sourcing, trade fairs can be a very useful way to source products. The obvious advantage to trade fairs is that you get to see the products close up and in-person. This allows you to get your hands on the goods you will be selling and assess them for quality.

Of course you could do the same by requesting a sample to be sent to you, but trade fairs also bring the advantage of in-person interaction and the potential to make better personal connections with suppliers.

You may even be able to use your experience at the trade fair to visit the factory where the goods are made. Trade fairs of course take a bit more planning, as they’ll generally involve a trip to China, but can pay off in the long run when sourcing products.

Many industries host their own specific trade fairs or you can find larger general events with each industry assigned an area. While the past few years have been slow due to global events, things are picking up again.

Is shipping permitted between China and Kenya?

Yes, millions of dollars of goods are traded between China and Kenya each day and the two countries enjoy a stable trading relationship. Imports from China into Kenya have contributed to the growth in the Kenyan economy.

How much does it cost to ship from China to Kenya and what are the transportation options?

If you’re importing goods from China to Kenya, there are three main options when it comes to transport: express, air freight and sea freight.

Cost is the all important question for importing businesses and there is no easy answer.

The cost of importing goods relies on a variety of different factors such as the means of transportation, the weight and bulk of your goods and even the time of year you are importing.

However, it is possible to calculate the overall cost of your goods.

In general, with sea freight the cost of one cubic meter of space in a container is around $350-500.

For air freight the price will be more expensive and will normally be measured by weight, so it may cost you around

$5-7 per Kg. Express services, as the name suggests will be quicker, but will also cost more than regular air freight.

If you’re looking for the cheapest and most professional service when it comes to shipping goods from China to Kenya, then Sino Shipping is the company for you.

We can transport your goods by Express, Air Freight, Sea Freight or Train Freight and we’ll work with you to make sure you have the best strategy for your needs.

Can I ship from China to Kenya using companies such as DHL, TNT, UPS, etc?

Yes it is possible to ship your goods via these well known courier companies which operate worldwide, including China and Kenya.

These services are the quickest services available and are generally reliable too. However, they are also the most expensive, so it makes sense to use them only if you really need items quickly.

With most courier companies, it’s common to send relatively small packages when using services such as UPS, as prices will add up the more you send.

A door-to-door service means you’ll get the goods shipped from the point of origin in China all the way to your business address.

Express delivery refers to delivery via air by specialised courier companies. Of course, this speed and service comes with a higher price and express is not suitable for larger, bulkier goods.

If you’re not sure whether your goods qualify for express then get in touch.

How much does international express delivery from China to Kenya cost?

If you’re sending documents via DHL, then a 0.5 KG parcel from China to Kenya will cost around $93. whereas a parcel of 1kg from China to Kenya will cost around $124. A 2kg parcel will cost around $187. So as you can see, the greater the weight, the more you can save per kg.

For parcels, a 0.5 kg parcel from China to Kenya will be around $140, whereas a 20kg parcel would cost $1226 and a 60kg parcel would be $3450. For DHL, 70KG is normally the highest standard parcel size, however, if you require something heavier they can provide this option for a special price.

With FedEx, documents cost around $63 for 0.5kg and $167 for 2kg. A 20kg parcel will cost around $890. Please note that these prices are correct at time of printing and may be subject to change.

As you can see there is a variety in the prices of express delivery according to a number of factors such as courier company, time of year or various unplanned events that upset travel schedules.

Sino Shipping brings years of expertise and knowledge to our role as logistics agents and if your business is planning on using a courier service, we may be able to advise you on the best possible choice for your needs.

Get in contact with us to discuss this today and we’ll ensure you can make an informed choice about your express delivery.

How long does transportation take from China to Kenya?

Express delivery is the quickest option when it comes to transporting goods from China to Kenya. It will normally take around 1-4 days to reach you via express delivery.

With regular air freight your goods will take around 6-8 days or one week, and with sea freight via ocean shipping , your goods will take around 30 days or one month to arrive.

With sea freight, the transit time can vary according to the points of departure and arrival. The Table below shows some of the differences in this respect.

What are the advantages of air freight from China to Kenya?

Air freight brings many advantages for importers. Firstly, the speed of air freight is much quicker than shipping by sea.

This is not just a question of getting goods quicker, but it’s also near-essential if you’re shipping certain goods that may spoil if transported for lengthy periods of goods.

Another advantage is that air transport is normally a more safer and stable mode of transport for fragile or goods that could break. This is due both to the reduced time in handling and to the means of transportation itself. With both rail and sea, there is a small risk of water or damage due to bumps, etc. 

Air freight also allows much more precision when it comes to scheduling your transport logistics. Air travel is rarely delayed meaning your goods will mostly arrive when they are scheduled to. Furthermore, with the higher frequency of flights, you have a much wider choice when it comes to shipping at your convenience.

Another reason for favouring air freight is that it could mean lower insurance premiums as the transportation time is quicker than other methods and thus there is less overall risk of goods being damaged.

A final benefit is that with air freight you don’t need to package the goods as thoroughly as you would have to with sea freight.

How is air freight calculated?

Air travel is a sophisticated means of transportation but it also costs a lot to maintain, thus the costs of air freight are high compared to ground and ocean transport. When transporting goods by air, you need to be aware of two concepts: Actual Weight and Volumetric weight. 

The price of air freight is calculated based on either the actual/natural weight or the volumetric weight. Actual weight of your product is calculated from the gross and net weight. This is then compared to the volumetric weight to determine the fees. The charge is by whichever one is greater.

The reason for this is that if you have something that is large but relatively light, the transportation companies would want to charge you by the space it takes up rather than the weight, otherwise they would end up not being able to make sustainable income.

It pays to understand the difference between actual weight and volume weight, as it may be a shock if you get charged by volumetric weight if you aren’t aware that this is a possibility.

To find out the volumetric weight, the ratio is normally around 1:167 for air and 1:200 for express delivery. This means that a cubic meter is calculated to be equivalent to around 167 kilograms for air freight and 200 kilograms for express delivery.

In short, if you are shipping something large and bulky then it is likely that it will be charged according to the size not the weight. If you would like a more in-depth explanation of this with added detail and calculations, we will be happy to help you.

Just get in contact with our expert team and we’ll talk you through the process and make some estimates as to whether your goods will be charged according to volume or actual weight.

How much does Air freight from China to Kenya cost?

Air freight from China to Kenya costs around $5-7 per kg.

How long does international air freight from China to Kenya cost?

If you would like to transport your goods by air, then express delivery services normally take around 1-4 days and regular air freight takes around 6-8 days or one week.

What is the maximum allowed weight for shipping via air freights?

Courier companies such as DHL or FedEx tend to set a maximum weight allowance of around 70kg. However regular air freight services could extend to around 1000kg.

Keep in mind that air freight is already expensive and if you are shipping large quantities then sea freight could be a better option for you.

What is not permitted to be shipped from China to Kenya?

All countries have specific restrictions and Kenya is no different. When it comes to air cargo, there are even more specific restrictions. Goods that are not allowed to be shipped are

Lithium batteries, dangerous chemicals, drugs, counterfeit currency, pornography, living creatures, weapons, explosives.

If you are unsure of whether your goods can be imported or not, by air or by sea then please consult with authorities or your freight forwarder.

How long does sea shipping take from China to Kenya?

Sea freight by ocean liner takes a longer time than air freight, but it can be much more economical for your business. Generally speaking, ocean transportation will take around 1 month to reach your destination in Kenya from China.

This time will be affected by the specific port of origin in China as well as the port of arrival in Kenya. Other factors, such as time of year, will also factor into the time.

In terms of receiving your goods, your choice of shipping container packing, whether LCL or FCL, will also affect the time.

FCL shipping will generally be quicker, as there is no need to consolidate and deconsolidate your goods at either port.

What are the major differences between sea and air freight?

The first major difference is the time it takes for transportation. Air freight takes around one third to one quarter of the time it takes sea freight, with around 8 days for air freight compared to up to a month for sea freight.

Secondly, the price difference. Air freight will cost more than sea freight per KG.This difference, of around 3-4 dollars per kg will certainly add up if you are shipping large quantities of goods.

A third major difference is insurance premiums, which relate, among other things, to the time taken for transportation.

As air freight takes a shorter time and thus there is less risk of damage, consequently, insurance premiums are lower.

Sea freight can also be more environmentally friendly than air freight.

How can I reduce costs when shipping from China to Kenya?

Your shipping logistics are much more than just the choice of the mode of transport. There are many other factors to consider if you are looking to reduce costs.

Make sure to research thoroughly when it comes to this as being armed with knowledge can bring you big savings in the long term.

Choosing a reliable freight forwarder is one way to reduce costs. Freight forwarders with experience and great customer service can make a big difference.

The best freight forwarders will be able to consult with you to find a strategy that makes sense for your business needs.

They bring not only a wealth of experience but valuable networks that can lead to savings on both an ad-hoc and established basis.

Also make sure to package and label your goods correctly. Failure to do so may result in fines and so it pays to be careful when it comes to this.

We also provide a service in professional packing to make sure goods meet the highest standards.

Who is responsible for clearing customs when shipping from China to Kenya?

Generally speaking it is the responsibility of the importer to pay the customs fees and ensure that goods are properly labelled and documents are in order.

If you are importing small amounts via an express delivery service, they may take care of this for you.

Do I have to pay customs charges and import duty for shipments from China to Kenya?

Yes, all cargo, goods and packages coming from China to Kenya must go through customs. Customs ensure that goods being imported into the country are permitted and that the means of importing them is legal.

This means that businesses must be prepared and have the correct documents in order when importing.

When you work with a trusted logistics company such as ourselves we endeavour to make sure that your goods pass through customs as smoothly as possible.

The time it takes for goods to pass through customs can vary from one shipment to the next and can also depend on certain times of year which may be more busy than usual.

With Import duty, you are also responsible for this. If you have a freight forwarder, generally they will pay this and handle the documentation as part of the service.

It may be the case that certain goods have reduced or even zero customs fees or duties to be paid. All goods are different so make sure you understand the particular rules for your goods.