Air Freight Shipping from/to China

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between China and global markets, especially for time-sensitive, high-value, or regulated cargo. With major air cargo flows linked to electronics, automotive parts, machinery, consumer goods, e-commerce shipments, and pharmaceuticals, China relies on predictable capacity and efficient customs processes.

Air freight from/to China is commonly used when speed, reliability, and tight delivery windows matter. Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (the higher of actual vs. volumetric weight). You can estimate costs using the Air Freight Calculator, validate shipment dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator, and check lane-specific lead times using the Transit Time Calculator. Before booking, confirm responsibilities and cost splits using Incoterms.

Standard documentation usually includes an Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. Certain regulated categories may require additional permits or clearances depending on product type and direction of shipment. If cargo is restricted (for example batteries, aerosols, chemicals, or regulated pharma), it may require classification under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), review the Beginner’s Guide to IATA Regulations before tendering cargo.

iContainers lets you compare routes, book air freight online, and manage documentation in one place, helping you ship to and from China faster, with transparent pricing and expert customs support.

Get an Air Freight Quote from/to China

Instant Online Rates

Get real-time quotes for air freight shipments to and from China with just a few clicks. Compare multiple airlines and routes, and book the most convenient option instantly through our digital platform. If you’re still validating weight vs. volume, run a quick scenario in the Freight Cost Calculator and confirm dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator before booking.

How to Book Air Freight with iContainers

1. Request your online quote.
2. Select your preferred route and airline.
3. Upload shipment details and required documents (use our Air Freight Shipping Documents checklist if you’re missing anything).
4. Confirm and pay securely online.

Customs Clearance and Tracking Support

We support air freight customs clearance in China and destination countries. From customs processes to product-dependent compliance documentation for regulated categories, our team helps you stay compliant and reduce clearance delays. For smoother processing, ensure your AWB, commercial invoice, and packing list match shipment contents and values, and review common requirements in Customs Clearance & Duties. You also get end-to-end shipment tracking for complete visibility.

Air Freight Services from/to China

Shipping Large Cargo and Pallets (LCL by Air)

China’s exports often involve large, palletized shipments, such as:

• Consumer electronics and smartphones from Shenzhen/Guangdong.
• Industrial machinery and automotive parts from Shanghai.
• Apparel, textiles, and footwear from Fujian and Zhejiang.
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices from Beijing and Tianjin.
• High-value e-commerce goods through bonded warehouse hubs.

Air Express

If your shipment to/from China requires urgent delivery, our air express service is ideal for small parcels, documents, and time-critical shipments with priority handling via hubs like Shanghai (PVG), Shenzhen (SZX), Guangzhou (CAN), and Beijing (PEK). For heavier cargo and pallets, standard air freight typically offers better cost efficiency, see Air Freight vs Air Express to choose the right service by size, urgency, and customs complexity.

Typical Transit Times for Air Freight China Routes

These are typical transit ranges and can vary by flight frequency, cut-off times, capacity constraints, customs processing, and any additional screening required for restricted cargo. For lane-specific estimates by season, use the Transit Time Calculator.

• Shanghai (PVG) → Los Angeles: ~3–4 business days
• Beijing (PEK) → Frankfurt: ~4–5 business days
• Guangzhou (CAN) → Singapore: <48 hours
• Shenzhen (SZX) → Dubai: ~3 business days
• Shanghai (PVG) → São Paulo: 5–7 business days

Main Airports in China for Air Freight

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): The largest cargo hub in China, handling electronics, machinery, and pharmaceuticals.
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Key for pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value cargo.
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): Major hub for e-commerce and Southern China’s manufacturing exports.
• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Fast-growing hub for electronics and cross-border e-commerce.
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): Although outside mainland customs, a global hub for re-export cargo and logistics consolidation.
• Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO): Specialized in electronics (notably Foxconn/Apple supply chain).

Air Freight Costs from/to China

Weight, Volume, and Cargo Type Factors

Air freight costs are based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric). Use the Cubic Meter Calculator to validate volume, then estimate and compare options using the Air Freight Calculator or the Freight Cost Calculator. Electronics, e-commerce, and consumer goods often require fast airport handling, while batteries and regulated products can trigger additional checks and documentation that affect total pricing.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

China’s export calendar strongly influences air freight demand:

• Pre-Chinese New Year (January–February): Surge in export shipments.
• Golden Week (October): Export volumes spike before the holiday.
• Singles’ Day (11.11) & e-commerce sales events: Huge air freight demand driven by online retail.
• Year-end holiday season (November–December): Global surcharges due to high demand.

Customs Duties, Surcharges, and Local Fees

In addition to freight charges, shipments may include:

• Duties and taxes set by China Customs (GACC).
• Airport handling and screening fees.
• Aviation fuel surcharges.

Documentation & Packaging Requirements

Documents Checklist for Air Freight from/to China

Always required (most shipments):

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

Often required (product-dependent):

• Import/export declarations and local customs documentation
• Certificates of origin (trade agreement–based or buyer requested)
• Permits/licenses for regulated categories (where applicable)
• ISPM-15 compliance for wooden packaging and pallets (where applicable)
• IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR) documentation for restricted cargo (when applicable)

For a full overview of documents commonly required for air shipments, see Air Freight Shipping Documents.

Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice

Every shipment requires:

• Air Waybill (AWB): Contract between shipper and airline.
• Commercial Invoice: Required for customs clearance.
• Packing List: Detailed contents of each shipment.

Packaging Standards for Palletized Cargo

• ISPM-15 certified wooden pallets (mandatory for international shipments).
• Secure cargo with shrink-wrap/strapping.
• Clear labeling for customs checks.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

China follows IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo, along with national customs rules and product-specific controls. Restrictions are often product-dependent, so cargo classification and documentation should be confirmed before booking.

• Prohibited (examples):Explosives, narcotics, undeclared dangerous goods.




• Restricted / may require additional checks (examples):

  • Batteries, aerosols, chemicals: may require DGR classification and airline acceptance under IATA rules.
  
  
  • Pharmaceuticals and medical categories: may require permits or additional compliance documentation depending on product type.
  • Sensitive or controlled items: may require additional customs declarations and clearance depending on category and destination.