Shipping from Singapore to China: A Comprehensive Guide

Trade between Singapore and China remains strong, with bilateral commerce reaching more than US$11 billion in April 2025 alone, according to China Customs.1 For businesses, China represents both immense opportunity and significant complexity.

Singapore’s strategic location, strong trade agreements, and reputation for reliability make it a natural launchpad into the Chinese market. From consumer goods to B2B components, demand across China is vast. But tapping into this demand requires more than simply booking a courier — it means navigating one of the most stringent customs environments in the world.

That’s where DHL Express comes in.

More than a shipping provider, DHL Express is a trusted partner with the expertise and resources to help Singaporean businesses unlock the Chinese market with confidence.

That expertise matters because China’s customs landscape is one of the most complex in the world. From paperwork that must be perfectly accurate to product certifications that take months to secure, even minor mistakes can lead to costly delays.

Here are some of the key challenges you’ll need to navigate when exporting from Singapore to China.

What are the main challenges of shipping to China?

Shipping to China isn’t always straightforward. The General Administration of Customs China (GACC) enforces strict regulations, and errors can mean long delays or even confiscated goods.

Key challenges include:

• Complex documentation: Businesses need accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin. Even small discrepancies may trigger delays.
• HS codes: Misclassification of products under the Harmonised System (HS) Code is one of the most common mistakes, leading to incorrect duties, penalties, or rejection.
• China Compulsory Certification (CCC): Products such as electronics, toys, and automotive parts often require CCC certification, a mandatory and often lengthy process.
• Unpredictable clearance delays: Missing or incomplete documents can result in sudden rejections, which disrupt delivery schedules.

In short, getting customs right is critical to a smooth delivery.

Customs requirements checklist when shipping to China

False or incomplete declarations trigger penalties and clearance delays. Required documents can also vary depending on the shipment.

General requirement checklist:

• Waybill, commercial invoice, packing list, sales contract (if applicable)
• Details must include Incoterms, country of origin, actual value, and precise item descriptions
• Invoice/packing list must be typewritten (no manual amendments)
• Receiver’s phone number is mandatory

Specific challenges & requirements by product

Advertising brochures/ books (non-commercial use), magazines, periodicals & journals

Key challenge: Commercial print materials are tightly controlled.

Requirement checklist:

• Import of commercial brochures and periodicals allowed only by government-authorised importers
• For personal use: max 10 sets or 50 pieces
• Books and similar items with commercial value cannot be declared as documents

Food stuffs and plant products

Key challenge: High risk of rejection without prior registration and certificates.

Requirement checklist:

• Exporter and importer must register with China Customs for all food imports
• Quarantine certificate and Chinese label registration mandatory for food and cosmetics
• Personal shipments exempt only if quantity is clearly for individual use (e.g., max 5 kg milk powder)
• Plant products require sanitary/veterinary certificates, contracts, COO, and sometimes CITES permits

Personal effects

Key challenge: Strict identity and documentation requirements.

Requirement checklist:

• Consignee must be a private individual (full name, not company)
• Unaccompanied baggage: passport, valid visa, entry/exit stamp, and baggage declaration form stamped by customs
• Gifts to individuals: consignee ID, detailed list, and proforma invoice
• Animal-derived foods (e.g., dairy, seafood, meat) prohibited in B2C or C2C

Jewellery

Key challenge: Precious items restricted.

Requirement checklist: Only costume jewellery is accepted for both import and export.

Chemicals, non-hazardous

Key challenge: Safety disclosure required.

Requirement checklist: Molecular formula and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in English and Chinese

Cosmetics

Key challenge: Stringent labelling and registration.

Requirement checklist:

• Importer/exporter must register with China Customs
• Sanitary certificate from the country of origin
• Quarantine certificate (mandatory for many categories including skincare and cosmetics)
• Certificate of origin (COO)
• Sales contract
• Original label with Chinese translation
• For personal shipments, registration and labelling can be exempted if the quantity is clearly for personal use only

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products

Key challenge: Permits required for all alcohol shipments.

Requirement checklist: Import licence for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and cigarettes

Telecommunication equipment, mobile phones, accessories & component, toys

Key challenge: Regulated as sensitive goods.

Requirement checklist: Import licence from Ministry of Commerce may be required

Lithium batteries: Only Section II (except PI965 & PI968) accepted; samples must be tested at an authorised centre to obtain an appraisal certificate

Drugs: prescription

Key challenge: Medical regulation.

Requirement checklist: Import licence from the State Food & Drug Administration; for personal shipments, a doctor’s prescription is mandatory

Coal & firewood (including samples)

Key challenge: Requires both registration and special import/export licences.

Requirement checklist:

• Exporter and importer must register with China Customs
• Import/export licence from the Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce (or approved authority)
• Supporting documentation depending on commodity type (e.g., contract, COO)

Textile articles

Key challenge: Labelling and conformity requirements.

Requirement checklist:

• Garment tags must include Chinese illustration
• Certificate of origin may be required
• Declaration of conformity depending on commodity type

Medical/dental supplies and equipment

Key challenge: Strict import restrictions.

Requirement checklist: Import licence from the China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) Bureau; used or defective goods prohibited

Steps to shipping a parcel to China

Step 1: Check if your items are allowed

Certain items such as perishable foods, supplements, or restricted technology may face bans or require permits. Refer to official GACC lists before shipping to avoid penalties.

Step 2: Pack and label your parcel correctly

When preparing your shipment, use sturdy, tamper-proof packaging. Ensure labels show sender and receiver details, plus the receiver’s local Chinese phone number. For batteries, liquids, or fragile goods, follow IATA and China regulations.

Step 3: Prepare your shipping documents

You’ll typically need:

• Commercial invoice (shipping invoice) with detailed descriptions, prepared in English and Chinese if possible, itemised with unit and total values
• Air waybill with full sender/receiver details and accurate description of contents
• Packing list for multi-item shipments
• HS codes listed on the customs declaration (required for all shipments except documents)
• Customs Registration Code (CR Code) of the importer in China, shown on the declaration form (unless shipping documents or personal effects)
• Extra documents for regulated goods (licences, product registrations, Chinese labels)

Step 4: Understand import duties and taxes

China applies import duties, VAT, and consumption tax based on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Correct HS codes ensure accurate duty calculation. To avoid surprise charges, DHL Express offers Duties & Taxes Paid (DTP) services.

Step 5: Book your shipment

Choose an experienced carrier with local customs expertise. Upload your documents digitally and keep hard copies for inspection. DHL Express provides full-service support, from document review to customs pre-clearance.

After packing, you can call us for your shipment collection. This can be simply done by scheduling for your pick-up at DHL’s Customer Service. You can also plan for your shipment collection through MyDHL+ or drop-off the shipment by yourself to any DHL Express retail store near you.

Advantages of using DHL Express

Here are some of the key advantages:

• DHL Express’s network is spread over 220 countries and territories
• Flexible delivery options
• Offers a wide range of door-to-door international shipping services
• Customers are able to get real-time updates of their shipment’s clearance statuses
• Shipment collection time can be decided by you
• The shipping process is made super easy with DHL Express’s various tools such as MyDHL+, MyBill, and ODD (On-Demand Delivery)
• 24/7 customer support