Shipping from China to South Africa
We ship from Shenzhen to South Africa by express, special line, postal packet, air freight and sea freight. Express parcels reach most addresses in 2 to 5 working days. We also combine goods from several suppliers and ship bulk orders.
Get a price to South AfricaWays to ship from China to South Africa
| Method | Typical time | Best for | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | 2 to 5 working days | Samples and urgent parcels | Door to door, 0.5 to 500 kg |
| Special line | Ask us | Parcels that can wait a week, and sensitive goods | Ask us if a line serves South Africa |
| Postal packet | 10 to 20 days | Parcels under 2 kg | The receiver pays any duty |
| Air freight | 5 to 10 days | Bulk cargo from 21 kg | Airport to door, through Johannesburg (JNB) |
| Sea freight | By quote | Large or heavy cargo, from 1 cubic metre | Through Durban or Cape Town |
Times are our published ranges, checked October 2026. Customs can add days.
Where your goods arrive
- Air cargo
- Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT)
- Sea cargo
- Durban, Cape Town and Ngqura (Gqeberha)
Customs in South Africa
South African Revenue Service (SARS) clears imports into South Africa. Imports pay customs duty and VAT. The rates depend on the product.
- A business that imports into South Africa registers with SARS for an importer code.
Ask for DDP and we clear customs and pay the duty for you. Without DDP, you or your broker clear the goods, and we send the documents.
Bulk orders and combined orders
- Bulk orders
One large order from one factory, shipped by air or sea.
- Consolidation
Goods from several suppliers, sent as one shipment.
- Storage
Hold stock in Shenzhen and ship it in batches.
Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to South Africa?
For a parcel under 2 kg, a postal packet costs the least. For large or heavy cargo, sea freight costs the least per kilogram.
What is the fastest way to ship from China to South Africa?
Express. Most parcels arrive in 2 to 5 working days. For bulk cargo over 21 kg, air freight takes 5 to 10 days.
Who pays the import duty in South Africa?
With DDP, we pay it and you pay one price to the door. Without DDP, the importer pays South African Revenue Service (SARS) when the goods arrive.
Can you combine goods from several suppliers before shipping to South Africa?
Yes. Your suppliers deliver to our Shenzhen warehouse. We count and check each delivery, then send everything to South Africa as one shipment.
Can you ship a bulk order to South Africa?
Yes. Your factory delivers to our warehouse. We check the cartons, build pallets if you need them, and ship by air freight from 21 kg or by sea freight from 1 cubic metre.
How do I get a price for shipping from China to South Africa?
Send the weight, the box sizes and the delivery postcode on the quote form. We reply with a price for each method that fits.
Carriers
Quote
Get a price to South Africa
Tell us what you ship and where it goes. We reply with a price.