China and Saudi Arabia share a significant trade alliance, with China being a top trading partner of Saudi Arabia. This robust partnership has fueled the need for effective and dependable shipping solutions, leading many to opt for DDP shipping when transporting goods from China to Saudi Arabia.

In the realm of international commerce, comprehension of trade terms and shipping protocols is vital for both businesses and private entities. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is a prevalent term in international trade, particularly relevant for shipping goods between China and Saudi Arabia.

This guide will delve into the specifics of DDP, outlining its definition, benefits, the step-by-step process of shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, and essential considerations to keep in mind.

What is DDP?

Definition of DDP
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is a term within the lexicon of international trade, signifying that the seller is obligated to deliver the goods to a location specified by the buyer, while assuming complete responsibility for all associated risks and expenses. This encompasses the costs of transportation, insurance, as well as import duties and taxes. With DDP terms in effect, the seller manages the entire logistics process and absorbs all costs from the point of origin, such as China, to the ultimate destination, like Saudi Arabia.

What are the responsibilities of DDP sellers and sellers?

Seller Responsibilities: Packaging and labeling of goods、Inland transportation within China、Export customs clearance、International Transport、Import customs clearance into Saudi Arabia、Pay import duties and taxes、Final delivery to designated location.

Buyer Responsibilities: Receiving goods.

Why choose DDP shipping? What are the advantages

Cost transparency
By opting for DDP shipping terms, buyers gain the advantage of knowing the total cost of their purchase upfront, eliminating any concerns about unexpected additional duties or fees. This transparency enables effective budget management and financial planning.

Convenience and worry-free
Indeed, with the DDP shipping arrangement, the seller takes care of all logistics operations and customs clearance procedures. This convenience allows the buyer to simply receive the goods at the predetermined location, thereby saving considerable time and energy that would otherwise be spent on these complex processes.

Reduce risk
The seller assumes full responsibility for all transportation risks, guaranteeing that the goods will be delivered safely and punctually to the buyer's specified location. This commitment on the part of the seller provides the buyer with peace of mind and a streamlined receiving process.

Learn more: Important Guide To 11 Saudi Arabian Ports

DDP Shipping Process from China to Saudi Arabia

1. Confirm order and contract
   The buyer and seller agree on the terms of the DDP and sign a contract to clarify their respective responsibilities and fees.
2. Prepare goods
   The seller prepares the goods, including appropriate packaging and labeling, to ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s import requirements.
3. China domestic transportation and export customs clearance
   The seller arranges transportation of the goods to a Chinese port or airport and handles all export clearance procedures, including submitting necessary documents and paying relevant fees.
4. International shipping
   Goods are transported from China to Saudi Arabia by sea, air or rail. The seller chooses the most appropriate shipping method to ensure safe and timely arrival of the goods.
5. Saudi Arabia import customs clearance
   After the goods arrive in Saudi Arabia, the seller is responsible for the import customs clearance procedures. This includes submitting the necessary documentation, paying import duties and taxes, and ensuring the shipment complies with Saudi Arabian regulations.
6. Final delivery
   After customs clearance is completed, the seller arranges for the transportation of the goods to the buyer’s designated location, usually a warehouse, factory or store.

Process of Sea freight from China to Saudi Arabia

We will begin by delineating the process of shipment in the following steps：

Packing: Once production is complete or if production is not involved, the process of packing begins following the procurement of the goods. The items are packaged in standard export-quality packaging or as specified by the buyer.

Pickup: After packing, the cargo is collected by the authorized forwarder from the supplier's warehouse and is then transported to the seaport or airport, depending on the mode of transport.

Delivery: Upon reaching the port, the cargo is delivered and stored in a warehouse, where it awaits pickup by the designated vessel, which could be a ship or an airplane.

Free Warehousing: The cargo is stored in the port's warehouse at no cost. The free storage period typically lasts for 30 days, and the goods are loaded onto the vessel before this period expires.

Customs Clearance: At the port, the goods undergo customs clearance by the customs officials. They inspect the goods and verify the accuracy of the shipping documents accompanying the cargo. After the relevant tariffs are levied, the goods are cleared for shipment.

Cargo Insurance: At this stage, the goods are insured against unforeseen perils. This is usually done for the invoice value of the cargo.

Cargo Supervision: At the port, the cargo is supervised by the port authorities to prevent theft, mishandling, damage, and misuse. It is kept in a secure location under close surveillance.

Unloading and Distribution: After all procedures are completed, the goods are eventually loaded onto the vessel for their final destination. The goods are carefully placed in their designated areas and dispatched.

A Comprehensive guide Sea freight from China to Saudi Arabia

Discover everything you need to know about sea freight shipping from China to Saudi Arabia with this in-depth guide.

For imports from China, it's crucial to label all products with the 'Made in China' origin mark. Neglecting this requirement could lead to the seizure of your goods.

Shipping times between China and Saudi Arabia can vary, but you'll find a broad spectrum of cost-effective shipping options.

With DFH, you're guaranteed sufficient cargo space during peak times, whether you're shipping by air or sea. We offer flexible shipping solutions to Saudi Arabia, including FCL, LCL, and RoRo, depending on your cargo needs.

Sea shipping usually takes about 4 to 5 weeks. For faster service, DFH can organize cargo pickup from any Chinese city and provide air shipping at competitive rates, with a delivery window of just 3 to 5 days. China's airports are state-of-the-art, offering direct routes and international connectivity from cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing.

In Saudi Arabia, key destinations include Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Madinah. You have the option to ship by air to the airport, by sea to the port, or select express delivery to your doorstep at no extra cost.

Presou offers comprehensive shipping services, including packing, documentation, loading/unloading, and insurance. Get a quick quote now to lower your shipping expenses.

With a strong global network, Presou is well-equipped to provide superior logistics support for your shipment, ensuring a smooth journey to its final destination.

DDP Shipping major ports and routes from China to Saudi Arabia

Sea freight transportation from China to Saudi Arabia is a well-established trade route, utilizing a comprehensive network of ports and shipping lanes. Here’s an overview of the primary ports and shipping routes typically employed for this international shipping journey:

Main Ports in China:

• Shanghai Port: As one of the world’s busiest container ports, Shanghai offers frequent sailings to Saudi Arabia.
• Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: This port is also a major hub for exports to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia.
• Guangzhou Port: Located in the Pearl River Delta, it serves as a significant gateway for goods heading to Saudi Arabia.
• Shenzhen Port: Known for its modern facilities and high capacity, Shenzhen is a key departure point for shipments to Saudi Arabia.

Main Ports in Saudi Arabia:

• Jeddah Islamic Port: The primary gateway for sea freight entering Saudi Arabia, handling a large volume of cargo.
• King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam: Another major port, it is well-equipped to handle a wide range of cargo types.
• King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail: Specializing in industrial and petrochemical cargo, this port is an important entry point for certain types of goods.

Common Shipping Routes:

• The China-East Asia-Middle East route is a popular choice, with ships often transiting through the South China Sea, Strait of Malacca, and Indian Ocean before reaching the Red Sea and Saudi Arabian ports.
• Some vessels may choose a more direct route through the Pacific Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope, and then up the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia, depending on the specific port of origin and destination.
• These shipping routes and ports are selected based on the type of cargo, shipping schedules, and the most cost-effective and efficient path for transporting goods from China to Saudi Arabia.

When shipping goods from China to Saudi Arabia, it is crucial to adhere to the country's import regulations to ensure a smooth customs clearance process. Here are some key points to consider regarding packing lists, labeling, and customs clearance:

Packing Lists: A detailed packing list must be affixed to the exterior of all shipping containers. This list should clearly indicate the contents of the container, including the quantity, description, and weight of the items. Additionally, it should feature the name and address of the importer in Saudi Arabia. This information is vital for customs officials to conduct their inspections.

Inspection Without Packing List: If a packing list is not prominently displayed on the container, customs authorities are likely to conduct a thorough inspection of the goods. This can lead to delays and potential additional charges.

Country of Origin Marking: All goods must have a clear label indicating the country of origin, typically "Made in China." Failure to mark the country of origin on the goods can result in confiscation by Saudi customs.

Customs Clearance for Specific Items: Certain goods, such as those that are sensitive, hazardous, or subject to specific trade regulations, may require additional clearance from relevant Saudi government departments or ministries. This process involves a detailed inspection and quality checks to ensure compliance with Saudi standards and regulations. Importers must obtain any necessary permits or licenses before the goods arrive in Saudi Arabia to avoid delays or seizures.

It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that all documentation is in order and that the goods meet the import requirements of Saudi Arabia. Working with a knowledgeable logistics provider can help navigate these regulations and facilitate a smoother customs process.

Custom duty in Saudi Arabia:

• Most of the basic food and consumer items have no custom duty in Saudi Arabia. This includes items like wheat, rice, meat, sugar, tea, barley, unroasted coffee, cardamom, etc.
• An average custom duty of 4.85% (excluding agricultural products) is imposed on most of the items.
• To support the local industry, a customs duty of 20% is imposed on some items that are produced locally.
• The custom duties are generally valued Ad Valorem on the CIF value. For certain items, custom duty is imposed based on weight and measurements.
• Certain Arab and GCC member states with whom Saudi Arabia has signed bilateral trade agreements are given preferential and low tariffs to encourage regional trade.

HS Code in Saudi Arabia:

HS code system is prevalent all over the world. It stands for harmonized commodity description and coding system. It is an internationally recognized product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization. Saudi Arabia too recognizes this system and applies it.

How Long does it take to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia

The transit time for sea freight from China to Saudi Arabia can vary depending on several factors, including the specific ports of departure and arrival, the shipping route taken, the shipping company, weather conditions, and other logistical considerations. Here are some approximate transit times for common routes:

• Shanghai to Jeddah (via Suez Canal): This is one of the most common routes for sea freight from China to Saudi Arabia. The transit time for this route is typically around 20 to 30 days, depending on various factors.
• Shenzhen to Jeddah (via Suez Canal): Similar to the Shanghai to Jeddah route, the transit time for shipments from Shenzhen to Jeddah via the Suez Canal is also around 20 to 30 days.
• Shanghai to Dammam (via Suez Canal): For shipments destined for Dammam on the Arabian Gulf, the transit time can be slightly shorter, typically around 18 to 28 days.
• Shenzhen to Dammam (via Suez Canal): The transit time for shipments from Shenzhen to Dammam via the Suez Canal is also around 18 to 28 days.
• Shanghai to Yanbu (via Red Sea): For shipments traveling to Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, the transit time can be roughly 25 to 35 days, as this route involves sailing around the southern tip of India.
• Shenzhen to Yanbu (via Red Sea): Similar to the Shanghai to Yanbu route, shipments from Shenzhen to Yanbu via the Red Sea can also take around 25 to 35 days.

Ocean shipping from China to Saudi Arabia may experience delays due to various factors, including adverse weather, port congestion, customs procedures, and the scheduling practices of shipping lines. For the latest updates, get in touch with Presou Ocean Freight Company. Moreover, businesses should account for extra time required for customs clearance and the subsequent overland transport to the final destination within Saudi Arabia.

DDP Sea Freight Cost From China To Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Here is a table summarizing the estimated sea freight rates from major ports in China to Saudi Arabia:

DDP Air Freight Prices From China To Saudi Arabia

When calculating the cost of air freight, charges are based on the higher of the actual weight or the dimensional weight of the cargo. Dimensional weight considers the size of the shipment in addition to its actual weight, and for large but lightweight packages, air freight can become quite costly. Typically, the cost of air freight from China to Saudi Arabia ranges from $4 to $9 per kilogram.

Rates may fluctuate during special events, holidays, or at certain times like the Hajj season. These variations in cost are influenced by several factors, including shifts in the supply and demand for logistics services, weather-related issues, and changes in trade policies and tariffs.