Shipping from China to Oman| Price and Time

Presou Logistics Company News 03 Jan 2025

Shipping procedures from China to Oman

The export process from China to Oman encompasses several key steps:

Cargo Processing: The goods are gathered from the supplier's location in China and prepared for shipment.
Transportation to Port: The cargo is transported by truck to the port of departure in China.
Customs Clearance: The goods must undergo customs clearance procedures in China before they can be shipped. This involves ensuring that all necessary documents are in order and that any customs duties owed have been paid.
Loading Goods: Following customs clearance, the goods are transferred from the trucks into the shipping containers.
Shipping: The goods are transported either by sea or air. Sea freight typically takes between 10 to 30 days, whereas air freight can take from 1 to 5 days.
Customs Clearance in Oman: Upon arrival in Oman, the goods must go through the customs clearance process in Oman before they can be distributed.
Delivery of Goods: Once customs clearance is completed, the goods are delivered to the recipient in Oman.

Please be aware that these steps may vary slightly depending on the specific services offered by the shipping company and the customs regulations of each country.

Shipping from China to Oman By sea freight or air freight?

Air freight and sea freight are both effective methods for importing or exporting goods from China to Oman, while door-to-door service provides an additional, convenient option. The decision between these transportation modes is influenced by various factors including the availability of space, the size and volume of the shipment, the speed of transportation, and the cost. Below, we will provide you with comprehensive details about each charging mode and guidance on how to select the most appropriate option for your needs.

Air freight from China to Oman

There are many airports in China that offer air freight service between China and Oman, and the time it takes to transfer also depends on the airport you choose for cargo.

When to choose air freight?

For express delivery: Although the flight time from China to Oman is only a few hours, air freight can take between two to 10 days. This is generally due to the time it takes for other preparatory agents such as:
- The airport in China from where the cargo will be loaded
- Availability and reservation of cargo space in the carrier
- Transportation of goods from warehouse/factory to the designated airport
- Loading and unloading the shipment
- Customs Process
- Security Inspection Process
The type of goods sent from China to Oman plays an important role in determining the shipping status. In cases involving fragile, perishable, high seasonal demand, or need immediate repacking, air freight is the perfect choice.
Cargo handling: We all know that cargo handling points in air freight are much lower compared to sea freight. In cases involving fragile goods, air freight is preferred.
Safer: Stricter security procedures and checks at airports. Goods that are fragile and of high value are usually shipped by air.

Commercial Air Ports of Oman

The Sultanate of Oman has several commercial air ports that receive shipments from China and other countries. The most famous among these ports are three main airports:

Muscat International Airport: It is the main airport in the country and is located in the capital Muscat.
Salalah International Airport: It is located in the south of the country and receives many international flights.
Duqm International Airport: A new airport that was recently opened and located in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.

Time spent on air freight from China to Oman

Air freight from China to Oman usually takes 1 to 5 days. But please note that this time depends on several factors including flight schedule, customs procedures in both countries, and weather conditions.

Air freight rates from China to Oman

Air freight can be used when goods are in quick need, but its cost is greater compared to sea freight. There are many companies that provide air freight services from China to Oman, and prices vary from one to another, but generally the price of air freight from China to Oman ranges between 1 and 4.5 US dollars per kilogram. However, please be aware that these prices are estimates and may change based on various factors such as the type of goods, the weight of the shipment, and the additional services requested. Therefore, it is preferable to contact the shipping company or customs agent for an accurate cost.

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Sea freight from China to Oman

Sea freight from China to Oman requires careful planning and coordination with government agencies and shipping companies.

When to choose sea freight?

When it comes to shipping goods from China to Dubai, there are a few cases where you can choose sea freight as the perfect choice:

Looking for the most economical solution: If your goods weigh more than 100 kilograms, sea freight is the most economical option compared to air freight. Whether you choose Full Container Shipping (FCL) or Bulk Shipping (LCL), you’ll find that the cost is much lower based on the size, type, and total load of goods you want to ship.
You’re in no hurry: If you don’t have a hurry to deliver goods and don’t need immediate shipping, sea freight is the ideal choice. Sea freight from China to Dubai usually takes between 20 to 38 days, depending on the seaport you choose to ship from.
Heavy or oversized goods: If your goods are heavy in weight or bulk, or need bulk shipping, sea freight is the preferred option. Sea freight allows you to transport heavy and large goods efficiently and at a lower cost.

When making a shipping decision, you should consider your specific needs and the conditions of the goods you wish to ship. Be sure to reach out to the shipping company or logistics company to advise and help choose the best option for your shipment.

The most important seaports in the Sultanate of Oman

In the Sultanate of Oman, Salalah Sea Port is the largest container port in the country, located in the southwest of the country on the Arabian Sea. Your shipment is likely to be delivered to this port, especially now that Port Sultan Qaboos (Muscat) is currently non-commercial. Once your container arrives in Omani territory, it will need to pass through customs before it can be transported by truck and/or train to your new home.

Port of Salalah: It is the largest container port in the Sultanate of Oman, located in the southwest of the country on the Arabian Sea. This port is considered the most likely destination for your shipment.
Port of Duqm: Located in the Wilayat of Duqm in central Oman, Port of Duqm is one of the emerging ports that is witnessing rapid development. It has a well-developed infrastructure and offers extensive charging capabilities.
Port of Sohar: Located in the north of the country, it is an important shipping port in the Sultanate of Oman. It is strategically located on the coast of the Sea of Oman and offers modern facilities and various shipping services.
Port of Muscat: It is located in the capital Muscat and is one of the oldest ports in the region. It has an advanced infrastructure and provides comprehensive shipping services for various goods.

When planning your shipment to Oman, it is important to take into account the ports mentioned above and choose the most suitable port according to your needs and destination location. Be sure to contact your shipping or logistics company for more information and necessary shipping arrangements.

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How long does shipping from China to Oman take?

Sea freight from China to Oman is one of the preferred ways to transport goods, but you should know that the time spent on this type of shipping can be long. The exact time depends on many factors including weather conditions, shipping route, vessel schedule, and customs clearance process. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your shipping provider or freight forwarder for more accurate and up-to-date information about how long it will take to ship.

Generally, shipping from China to Oman takes between 30 to 35 days.

Sea freight rates from China to Oman

Sea freight rates from China to Oman vary greatly based on many factors including the type of cargo, shipment size, and additional services required. Therefore, it’s always best to get accurate quotes from shipping companies or freight forwarders to get accurate cost information that suits your unique shipment needs.

Generally, the cost of sea freight for goods is lower compared to air and land freight. The price of a 20-foot container imported from China to Oman is about $1,100, and the price of a 40-foot container imported from China to Oman is about $2,050. These prices naturally change as global oil prices change.

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How to get the cheapest shipping from China to Oman?

To get the cheapest shipping from China to Oman, you can follow these tips:

Choose the right shipping method: Sea freight is usually cheaper than air freight, but it takes longer. If time is not of the essence, sea freight may be the perfect choice for you.
Avoid single charging: Group charging or shared charging can be much cheaper than single charging. If the shipment size is small, it may be worth waiting until you have enough quantity to charge them all at once.
Use a reliable shipping agent: A good shipping agent can help you find the best prices and options for shipping. Freight forwarders have relationships with carriers and can negotiate better rates.
Avoid additional charges: Make sure you understand all charges associated with shipping, including customs duties and taxes. The extra fee can significantly increase the shipping cost.
Compare prices: Research and compare different shipping offers to make sure you get the best price.
Plan ahead: Urgent shipping is usually more expensive. By planning ahead, you can avoid the extra charges for express shipping.

Factors affecting shipping from China to Oman rates:

There are many factors that affect the cost of shipping, including:

Weight and volume: Heavy and bulky cargo is usually more expensive to ship than light and small-sized cargo.
Type of goods: Some goods, such as dangerous or perishable goods, may require special handling or special packaging, which increases the cost of shipping.
Distance: Shipping over long distances is usually more expensive than shipping over short distances.
Customs and taxes: Customs duties and taxes imposed by governments can significantly increase the cost of shipping.
Insurance: Cargo insurance can increase the cost of shipping, especially if the goods are of high value.
Shipping times: Shipping rates increase at peak times such as the holiday season or the back-to-school season, there can be a significant increase in demand for shipping services. These busy times can lead to delays and an increase in shipping cost.
International terms of trade or what is known as “incoterms”: Another important factor that affects the cost of shipping. Incoterms is a set of rules that define the responsibilities of the seller and the buyer in the international transport of goods. These rules cover things like who bears the cost of shipping.

How to avoid delays in shipping goods from China to Oman

Delays in shipping goods from China to Oman can be caused by several reasons, but there are some measures that can be taken to avoid these delays:

Reasons for shipping delay from the supplier’s side:

Delay in processing goods: The supplier may need additional time to prepare the goods for shipment, especially if the goods require special assembly or packaging.
Production delays: If the supplier is still producing the goods, there may be a shipping delay.

Solutions:

Good communication with the supplier to ensure that the goods are ready to ship on time.
Plan ahead and place orders with enough time to allow for any potential production delays.
The most important thing is the good choice of the supplier in the first place, when you hire an import company for others, you can choose the best supplier, follow it up, and verify that the production process is proceeding as planned.

Reasons for delaying shipping from the importer:

Delays in customs clearance: There may be delays in customs clearance due to incomplete or incorrect documents.
Late payment: If customs duties or shipping charges are not paid in time, shipping may be delayed.

Solutions:

Ensure that all documents required for customs clearance are ready and correct.
Ensure timely payment of all charges associated with shipping.

Overall, good communication and advance planning can help avoid the many delays associated with shipping from China to Oman.

Door to Door Shipping from China to Oman (DDP and DDU Services)

The DDP trade term for door to door shipping from China to Oman is more suitable for local consumers because it completes the delivery process quietly and without errors.

However, let’s not completely ignore the DDU service for shipping from China to Oman – import and export businesses operating under licenses usually receive many shipments that prefer DDU shipping from China to Oman.

Your final choice depends on the market model you follow and the savvy of your customers.

The DDP service from China to Oman means that the shipper is responsible for paying taxes. E-commerce retailers usually consolidate these charges at checkout and collect payment directly from customers.

The DDU service (Delivery Duty Unpaid) from China to Oman means that the buyer is eligible to pay taxes. After the goods arrive, the customs will contact the buyer to settle all shipping costs for release and delivery.