Shipping from Dubai to ChinaShipping from Dubai to China, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Dubai to China for businesses. We fly air cargo from DXB to Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, and ship FCL and LCL sea freight from Jebel Ali to Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Qingdao. We prepare export papers and check China Customs (GACC) requirements, such as CCC certification and food facility registration.
Business cargo only. Airlift Logistics ships commercial goods for importers, exporters, traders and manufacturers, with a commercial invoice and a registered consignee. We do not handle personal boxes, household effects or door-to-door parcels.
Dubai to China at a glance
China is the UAE's largest trading partner. Most freight runs from China to Dubai, so cargo the other way often finds good space on returning vessels and aircraft.
- Flight time
- About 8 h DXB to Shanghai
- Sea transit
- About 3 to 4 weeks to Shanghai
- Customs
- GACC, via Single Window
- Import VAT
- 13% standard, 9% some goods
Airports and seaports in China we ship to
Pick the port nearest the buyer's factory or warehouse to save on inland trucking in China.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | PVG | Pudong International, China's largest air cargo hub | |
| Airport | CAN | Baiyun International, for southern China | |
| Airport | PEK | Capital International, for the north | |
| Seaport | CNSHA | The world's busiest container port | |
| Seaport | CNNGB | Major port south of Shanghai | |
| Seaports | CNSZX · CNTAO | For the Pearl River Delta and the north |
Air, sea to China
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXB to PVG, CAN or PEK | About 1 to 3 days, plus clearance | Samples, parts, high-value goods | |
| Sea freight FCL | Jebel Ali to Shanghai, Ningbo or Shenzhen | About 3 to 4 weeks port to port | Polymers, aluminium, volume stock |
| Sea freight LCL | Jebel Ali consolidation to Shanghai | Longer than FCL | Smaller loads |
Airlines flying direct from Dubai to China
- Emirates SkyCargo
- China Southern Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Air China
Timing varies by service and port; we confirm current sailings for each booking. Work out the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Customs in China: what the importer needs
The Chinese consignee must be registered with China Customs. Declarations go through the China International Trade Single Window.
| Item | In China |
|---|---|
| Customs authority | General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) |
| Declaration | Import declaration through the China International Trade Single Window |
| Importer registration | Consignee registered with China Customs; food exporters' facilities registered with GACC |
| Duty and tax | Duty on the CIF value, plus import VAT (13% standard, 9% for some goods) and consumption tax on some items |
| Trade agreement | No UAE-China free trade agreement in force; GCC-China talks have run for years |
Duty rates depend on the Chinese tariff code. The consignee's broker confirms them.
Approvals to check before booking
China checks product certification and inspection at the border. Food and agricultural goods face the strictest rules.
- 01
Products in the China Compulsory Certification catalogue need the CCC mark.
- 02
Overseas food manufacturers must be registered with GACC before export.
- 03
Inspection and quarantine
Goods on the inspection list need checks and certificates at entry.
- 04
Chinese labels
Food and many consumer goods need Chinese-language labels.
- 05
Used equipment
Used mechanical and electrical products face extra inspection.
- 06
Solid waste ban
China bans imports of solid waste, including many scrap materials.
Documents for shipping to China
Send these with your booking. Chinese Customs compares the invoice, packing list and HS codes closely.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Customs value, origin and HS codes |
| Packing list | Pieces, weights and marks for inspection |
| Transport contract and cargo release | |
| Exit clearance from the UAE, filed by us | |
| States where the goods were made | |
| CCC, GACC registration or health certificates |
Restricted or banned in China
- Solid waste and scrap
- Food from unregistered facilities
- CCC goods without certification
- Used goods without approval
- Goods needing an import licence
Check the HS code against China's import catalogues before shipping.
What UAE businesses ship to China
China is the UAE's largest trading partner. It supplied about US$84 billion of UAE imports in 2024 (Trading Economics, UN Comtrade).
- 01
Aluminium and metals
UAE-made aluminium and metal products by sea.
- 02
Polymers and petrochemicals
Plastics and chemicals, with SDS where needed.
- 03
Samples and returns
Product samples and warranty returns by air.
Dubai to China shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneSea freight usually takes about three to four weeks. Direct services link Jebel Ali with Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen, while others call at more ports or transship. Air cargo from DXB to Shanghai Pudong takes about eight hours in the air and usually arrives within one to three days.
- Ask for direct sailings when timing matters.
- Clearance time depends on inspection.
CCC is China's compulsory product safety certification. Products in the CCC catalogue, such as many electrical appliances, IT products and toys, must be certified and marked before they can be imported or sold. Goods without it can be refused at the border. Check the catalogue for your HS code early.
- The mark must be on the product.
- Certification can take months.
Yes, but the maker must be registered with China Customs. Overseas food manufacturers need GACC registration before their products can enter China. Labels must be in Chinese, and some foods need health certificates. Food made outside the UAE and re-exported from Dubai needs the original maker's registration.
- Check the registration status first.
- Inspection is likely on arrival.
Most freight on this lane runs from China to the UAE. Vessels and aircraft returning to China often have spare space, which can help shippers moving cargo eastbound. Rates still change with the market. We compare carriers and sailings for each booking to find the best schedule.
- Book early around Chinese New Year.
- LCL suits small loads.