How to Ship Goods From China to Cape Verde｜Full Logistics Breakdown 2026

Full Container Load

We offer full container shipping from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao) to Cape Verde's two main seaports: Mindelo Port (Porto Grande) on São Vicente Island — the country's largest port — and Praia Port on Santiago Island, serving the capital city. Mindelo Port is currently undergoing a major expansion with a new breakwater and quay, enlarged container handling capacity, and modernized cargo infrastructure as part of a €148 million EU-EIB financing package[reference:13][reference:14].

Key Routing Options:

• Direct/Transshipment Route: China → Canary Islands/Lisbon → Cape Verde
• Major shipping lines serving Cape Verde include CMA CGM, Maersk, MSC, and ANL[reference:15]

• Container types: 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ, with regular sailings
• Included: Export customs clearance in China, ocean freight, and destination THC
• Service end: Mindelo or Praia Port. Consignee arranges clearance and inter-island distribution
• Best for: Bulk cargo, machinery, building materials, consumer goods, industrial equipment
• Transit time: Approximately 35‑50 days [9†L7-L8]

FCL Cost Estimates

• 20-foot container (20GP): Approximately $2,200 – $4,500[reference:16]
• 40-foot container (40GP/40HQ): Approximately $2,600 – $5,500[reference:17]
• Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand.

2026 Update: Cape Verde's ports are undergoing significant modernization. A digital Maritime Single Window system is being developed at Mindelo Port to simplify port procedures and reduce administrative delays[reference:18]. The system is expected to speed up vessel and cargo processing[reference:19].

Infrastructure: The EU and EIB Global signed a €34 million grant in 2026 to support the rehabilitation and expansion of Cape Verde's main ports[reference:20][reference:21].

Less than Container Load

For shipments below a full container, LCL consolidation is cost‑effective. Cargo is consolidated in our China warehouse, shipped to Mindelo or Praia, and deconsolidated. The consignee arranges clearance and inter-island distribution.

• Pricing: Approximately $100 – $300 per cubic meter (CBM)[reference:22]
• Destination: Mindelo or Praia Port LCL warehouse
• Service end: Port warehouse. Buyer handles clearance and final delivery
• Advantage: Ideal for 2‑15 CBM shipments, shared costs
• Transit time: Typically 45‑60 days

LCL Shipping Notes

LCL shipments to Cape Verde typically consolidate through European transshipment hubs such as Lisbon (Portugal) or Las Palmas (Canary Islands) before reaching Cape Verdean ports.

The newly inaugurated Maio Port is part of a €42 million project enhancing inter-island connectivity along the strategic Praia–Dakar–Abidjan corridor[reference:23][reference:24].

Air Cargo to Cape Verde

Time‑sensitive cargo moves via air freight to Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) on Sal Island — Cape Verde's main international airport and emerging logistics hub. The airport's cargo handling capacity is approximately 1,500,000 kg annually[reference:25].

Key Developments in 2026:

• LATAM Cargo commenced operations from Brazil to Sal in April 2026, supporting efforts to develop Sal as an international logistics hub serving markets in West Africa, the Americas, and Europe[reference:26][reference:27]
• Both Sal Amílcar Cabral International Airport and Praia Nelson Mandela International Airport have been revalidated by the US TSA[reference:28]
• Alternative airports include Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) in Praia for cargo destined for Santiago Island

• Transit time: Approximately 7‑12 days[reference:29]
• Service end: SID or RAI Airport. Consignee handles customs clearance and pickup
• Acceptable cargo: Electronics, machinery parts, pharmaceuticals, perishables, high‑value goods, documents
• Optional: Door‑to‑door with local customs clearance available upon request

Air Freight Cost & Routing

• Cost: Approximately $5 – $12 per kg[reference:30]
• Key routing: China → Lisbon (LIS) / Las Palmas (LPA) / Recife (REC) → SID or RAI
• No direct cargo flights from China — all air freight requires transshipment through European or South American hubs.

Express Courier

For small parcels, documents, samples, or personal effects, we offer integrated express courier services with true door‑to‑door delivery across Cape Verde — including all inhabited islands (Santiago, São Vicente, Sal, Santo Antão, Fogo, and more).

• Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
• Transit time: Approximately 3‑7 days door‑to‑door, with full online tracking
• Features: All‑inclusive rates, optional DDP, simplified customs
• Best for: Documents, product samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments, personal effects

Express Pricing & DDP

Express courier rates are calculated based on volumetric weight. We provide all‑inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) options are available for shipments where you wish to prepay all duties and taxes.

Domestic inter-island air cargo services are available through TICV (Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde) for onward distribution[reference:33].

Key Customs Regulations

• Import Duty Range: Most tariff rates are between 0-20%[reference:35]
• VAT (IVA): 15.5% value-added tax applies to most imports[reference:36]
• De Minimis Threshold: CVE 6,000 (approximately USD 60) — shipments below this value enter duty-free or with simplified procedures[reference:37]
• Processing Time: Typically 3‑7 days for customs clearance[reference:38]
• Tax Rate: 15% base tax rate applies[reference:39]
• Duty-Free Allowance (Personal): Travelers 18+ may bring 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco[reference:40]

Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice — With complete description, value, and HS code
• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Packing List — Detailing contents, weight, and dimensions
• Certificate of Origin — For preferential duty rates
• Import License — For regulated goods (where applicable)
• Exemption Documents — For emigrants returning with personal goods or investors importing construction materials[reference:41][reference:42]