LCL & FCL Shipping From China to Egypt: Everything You Need to Know 2026

Full Container Load (FCL)

Best for: Cargo > 15 CBM

• Security: Higher — sealed container
• Speed: Faster — direct loading/unloading
• Cost per unit: Lower for large volumes
• Flexibility: Fixed container sizes (20GP / 40GP / 40HQ)
• Recommended: For cargo over 15 CBM, fragile goods, high-value items, or time-sensitive shipments

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Best for: Cargo 2–15 CBM

• Security: Lower — cargo is handled multiple times
• Speed: Slower — requires consolidation/deconsolidation
• Cost per unit: Higher per CBM, but lower total cost for small shipments
• Flexibility: Pay only for the space you use
• Recommended: For shipments under 15 CBM where cost is the primary concern

Full Container Load

We offer full container shipping from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Nansha) to Egypt's key seaports: Alexandria, Port Said, Damietta, or Sokhna.

2026 New Direct Routes:

• CULines Direct Service (Jan 2026): Ningbo/Nansha → Sokhna — 20‑24 days
• COSCO Bulk Container Route (Apr 2026): Nansha → Port Said — bi‑weekly, upgrading to weekly in Q4
• CEX Service (Jun 2026): China → Alexandria — direct deep‑sea connection

• Container types: 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ, with regular weekly sailings
• Included: Export customs clearance in China, ocean freight, and destination THC
• Service end: Egyptian port. Consignee arranges clearance and final delivery
• Best for: Bulk cargo, machinery, vehicles, construction materials, consumer goods, industrial equipment
• Transit time: 20‑30 days (direct routes) / 34‑45 days (standard via Cape of Good Hope)

FCL Pricing

• 20GP (Shanghai/Shenzhen → Port Said): $3,000 – $3,700
• 20GP (Ningbo/Qingdao → Alexandria): $2,600 – $3,200
• 40GP (Shanghai/Shenzhen → Port Said): $3,900 – $4,850
• 40HQ (Ningbo/Qingdao → Alexandria/Sokhna): $3,400 – $4,350
• Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand.

Less than Container Load

For shipments below a full container, LCL consolidation is cost‑effective. Cargo is consolidated in our China warehouse, shipped to Alexandria, Port Said, or Damietta, and deconsolidated. The consignee arranges clearance and final delivery.

• Pricing: $35 – $45 per cubic metre (CBM)
• Service end: Egyptian port warehouse
• Advantage: Ideal for 2‑15 CBM shipments, shared costs
• Transit time: Typically 32‑45 days (depending on consolidation schedule)

LCL Shipping Notes

LCL shipments to Egypt typically consolidate through major hubs such as Shanghai, Ningbo, or Shenzhen, with weekly cut‑offs and regular sailings.

Air Freight to Cairo

Time‑sensitive cargo moves via air freight to Cairo International Airport (CAI) — Egypt's main international gateway. The airport handles cargo flights from major carriers including EgyptAir Cargo, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates SkyCargo, and Turkish Cargo.

• Transit time: 3‑8 business days
• Service end: CAI Airport. Consignee handles customs clearance and pickup
• Acceptable cargo: Electronics, machinery parts, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, perishables, high‑value goods, documents
• Optional: Door‑to‑door with local customs clearance available upon request

Air Freight Pricing

• Cost: Approximately $4 – $10 per kg
• Key routing: China → Dubai (DXB) / Doha (DOH) / Addis Ababa (ADD) / Istanbul (IST) → CAI
• No direct cargo flights from China — all air freight requires transshipment through Middle Eastern or African hubs.

Express Courier

For small parcels, documents, samples, or personal effects, we offer integrated express courier services with true door‑to‑door delivery across Egypt — including Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Port Said, Suez, and all major cities.

• Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
• Transit time: 3‑5 days door‑to‑door, with full online tracking
• Features: All‑inclusive rates, optional DDP, simplified customs
• Best for: Documents, samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments, personal effects

Pricing & DDP

Express courier rates are calculated based on volumetric weight. We provide all‑inclusive pricing with no hidden fees.

DDP Shipping Options

We offer comprehensive Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) solutions for shipments to Egypt. Under DDP terms, we handle all aspects of the logistics process — including customs clearance, import duties, and VAT payment — delivering the goods directly to your door.

• Available for: Sea freight (FCL/LCL), air freight, and express courier
• Included: All freight charges, customs clearance, import duties, VAT (14%), and final delivery
• Service end: Your designated address in Egypt
• Best for: Importers seeking a fully-managed solution, e‑commerce sellers, and businesses without local customs expertise
• Transit time: Varies by mode — sea (20‑45 days), air (3‑8 days), express (3‑5 days)

DDP Cost Estimates

• Sea DDP (per CBM): Quote based on shipment — contact us for details
• Air DDP: Calculated on a per‑kg basis — contact us for a quote
• Express DDP: All‑inclusive rate — contact us for a quote
• Rates vary by shipment size, commodity type, and destination. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Key Customs Regulations

• Import Duties: Range from 2% to 35% depending on HS code classification
• VAT: 14% standard rate applies to most imports
• Physical Inspection: All goods must go through a physical inspection process
• De Minimis Threshold: EGP 1,500 (approximately USD 50) — shipments below this value may have simplified procedures
• Processing Time: Typically 3‑7 days for customs clearance
• Certificate of Inspection: Required for certain products (mandatory pre‑shipment inspection)
• Import Licenses: Required for regulated goods (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food products, etc.)

Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice — With complete description, value, and HS code
• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Packing List — Contents, weight, and dimensions
• Certificate of Origin — For preferential duty rates
• Certificate of Inspection — For certain products (mandatory pre‑shipment inspection)
• Import License — For regulated goods (where applicable)
• Health/Phytosanitary Certificates — For food and agricultural imports