Import Shipping Cost Calculator: India-China Trade Guide

When I first started importing from China, the biggest shock wasn't the product quality or language barriers—it was the shipping costs that seemed to change every time I got a quote. If you're planning to import from China to India, understanding shipping costs upfront can make or break your profit margins.

Let me walk you through how to calculate these costs accurately, so you're never caught off guard again.

Understanding Your Shipping Options from China

You've got three main shipping methods, each with wildly different cost structures. Sea freight is your cheapest option for large volumes—expect to pay around ₹20-35 per kg for a full container load (FCL). For smaller shipments under 100kg, air freight runs ₹200-400 per kg but gets your goods to India in 5-7 days instead of 25-35 days by sea.

Express courier services like DHL or FedEx cost ₹500-1000 per kg but handle customs clearance for you. This might sound expensive, but for urgent shipments or when you're testing new products, the convenience often justifies the cost.

The sweet spot for most importers? Less than Container Load (LCL) sea freight for shipments between 100kg-5000kg, costing roughly ₹40-70 per kg including basic handling charges.

Breaking Down the Real Costs Beyond Freight

Here's where most new importers get blindsided—freight is just the beginning. Your total landed cost includes customs duty (varies by HS code, typically 7.5-20% for most consumer goods), IGST at 18%, and various handling charges that add up quickly.