Asia PacificShipping Heavy Equipment to China
China is the world's largest market for heavy equipment with massive infrastructure, mining, and construction sectors. World-class ports along the coast provide efficient access to all regions of this enormous market.
Main Ports
- Port of Shanghai
- Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
- Port of Tianjin
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- China Compulsory Certification (CCC)
- GACC Registration
- Entry-Exit Inspection
Common Cargo
- Mining Equipment
- Construction Machinery
- Industrial Equipment
Main Ports in China
Port of Shanghai
Major Seaport
Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
Major Seaport
Port of Tianjin
Major Seaport
Port of Qingdao
Major Seaport
Port of Shenzhen
Major Seaport
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to China
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles / Long Beach | Shanghai / Ningbo | Container / RoRo | 18–30 days |
| Houston, TX | Shanghai / Tianjin | Breakbulk / Container | 30–45 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to China
We ship to China (Port of Shanghai) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 18-28 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for China
Imported vehicles carry a 25% customs duty plus a consumption tax (1–40% by engine displacement) and 13% VAT. Qualifying RCEP-origin goods may receive a duty reduction. Machinery and project-cargo duties vary by HS code.
- Import Duty
- 25% of CIF (RCEP reductions may apply)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- 13%
- Other Taxes & Fees
- Consumption tax 1–40% by engine size; machinery duty varies by HS code
Source: General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
Used-vehicle imports are highly restricted — generally only by qualified enterprises (parallel-import licensees) or returning residents, and vehicles must hold CCC certification (or a valid exemption) and meet China 6 emissions. Machinery and project cargo follow HS-based import licensing.
Source: GACC / CCC (China Compulsory Certification) · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
China Compulsory Certification (CCC)
Certain equipment categories require CCC certification before import.
GACC Registration
General Administration of Customs requirements apply to all imports.
Entry-Exit Inspection
Equipment may be subject to inspection by China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ).
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for China
What makes China tricky
- CCC certification and China 6 emissions compliance are strict gatekeepers.
- Used-vehicle import is limited to licensed entities; classification/licensing for used machinery is exacting.
- CCC certification (or an exemption letter) is mandatory for vehicles — uncertified units are impounded.
- Check the 2026 Import Licensing Catalogue (HS 87.03 restructured to 10-digit codes); used equipment and project cargo can require licensing.
Seasonality & Scheduling
Chinese New Year (late January–February) and Golden Week (early October) sharply reduce port and clearance throughput — plan around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your shipment to China
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