- FCL books the entire container. Your cargo is the only cargo inside. No sharing, no consolidation delays. The container is sealed at the factory or CFS and only opened at destination customs.
- FCL becomes cheaper than LCL at approximately 15 CBM. Below 10 CBM, LCL consolidation typically costs less. At 10-15 CBM, get quotes for both. Above 15 CBM, FCL delivers the best per-unit freight cost.
- 20ft holds 28 CBM, 40ft holds 58 CBM, 40HC holds 68 CBM. 40ft High Cube is the most common FCL booking from China. Standard payload is 25,000-27,000 kg before overweight surcharges apply.
- FCL transit from China to US West Coast takes 13-18 days. To US East Coast 28-35 days. To North Europe 28-35 days. FCL is 3-7 days faster than LCL on the same route because consolidation and deconsolidation are skipped.
In This Guide
1. What is FCL Shipping
FCL (Full Container Load) means you book the entire container for your shipment alone. Your cargo is loaded, the container is sealed with a tamper-proof seal, and it does not open until it reaches the destination customs checkpoint. No other shipper's cargo shares the container. This is the standard ocean freight mode for shipments above 15 cubic meters (CBM).
For Chinese suppliers and overseas importers, FCL is the default shipping method when ordering palletized or bulk goods. FCL offers three core advantages over LCL (Less than Container Load): faster transit (no consolidation delays), lower per-unit freight cost for volume shipments, and lower damage risk (your cargo is not handled at a CFS for deconsolidation at the destination end).
FCL vs LCL: When to Choose Each
| Factor | FCL (Full Container Load) | LCL (Less than Container Load) |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume sweet spot | Above 15 CBM | 1-10 CBM |
| Breakeven point | Cheaper above ~15 CBM | Cheaper below ~10 CBM |
| 20ft container capacity | ~28 CBM, ~25,000 kg payload | N/A (shared space, pay per CBM) |
| 40ft container capacity | ~58 CBM, ~27,000 kg payload | N/A |
| Transit time (China to US West Coast) | 13-18 days | 28-38 days (includes 7-10 days consolidation/deconsolidation) |
| Transit time (China to UK/Europe) | 28-35 days | 30-40 days |
| LCL rate (China to US West Coast) | N/A | $80-160 per CBM |
| LCL rate (China to UK/Europe) | N/A | $70-150 per CBM |
| Cargo security | Single seal, no intermediate handling | Handled at CFS both origin and destination |
| Minimum charge | Full container freight | Typically 1 CBM minimum |
2. FCL Container Types and Specifications
Three standard dry container types handle 90% of FCL shipments from China: 20ft GP, 40ft GP, and 40ft High Cube. For specialized cargo, open top, flat rack, and reefer containers are available. Chinese manufacturers typically default to 40ft HC containers for export because most factory loading docks are set up for standard container dimensions.
Standard FCL Container Types (from Chinese Ports)
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) | Volume | Payload | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft GP (20DV) | 5.90m x 2.35m x 2.39m | ~28 CBM | ~25,000 kg | Dense/heavy goods (steel, machinery, tiles) |
| 40ft GP (40DV) | 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m | ~58 CBM | ~27,000 kg | Volume cargo (furniture, textiles, plastics) |
| 40ft High Cube (40HC) | 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.69m | ~68 CBM | ~27,000 kg | Tall/volume cargo, most common export container |
Specialized FCL Container Types
| Container Type | Key Feature | Typical Use | Availability from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40ft Open Top | No fixed roof, tarpaulin cover | Over-height cargo loaded by crane | Available at Qingdao, Shanghai, Tianjin |
| 20ft / 40ft Flat Rack | No side walls, collapsible ends | OOG (Out of Gauge) cargo, heavy machinery | Available, book 7-14 days ahead |
| 20ft / 40ft Reefer | Temperature-controlled (-30°C to +30°C) | Food, pharma, chemicals | Available at all major ports |
| 20ft SOC | Shipper Owned Container | Custom-built containerized systems | Project cargo, BESS, specialty equipment |
For OOG (Out of Gauge) cargo that exceeds standard container dimensions, flat rack or open top containers are required. More than half of the export heavy machinery from Shandong province ships on flat racks from Qingdao port. Our heavy-lift and project cargo service handles lashing plans, lifting schemes, and carrier OOG approvals.
3. FCL Process Step by Step
The standard FCL shipping process from China takes 6-8 steps from booking to cargo arrival, typically spanning 5-7 weeks door-to-door. Here is the step-by-step process, with specific operational details for Chinese export FCL shipments.
Step 1: Booking and Space Confirmation (5-7 days before loading)
Book container space with the carrier through your freight forwarder. For standard FCL cargo, 5-7 days advance booking is sufficient. For DG cargo or OOG cargo on flat racks, 10-14 days is required. The booking confirmation includes: vessel name, voyage number, departure date, container type and quantity, port of loading, port of discharge, and freight rate.
Step 2: Container Pickup and Factory Loading (1-2 days)
The carrier releases an empty container at the designated depot. A truck transports the empty container to the supplier's factory. Factory workers load the cargo and the container is sealed with a tamper-proof seal. The seal number is recorded on the packing list. Chinese suppliers typically prefer FOB terms, meaning they handle loading and the buyer arranges ocean freight. Under Incoterms 2020, FOB is the most common Incoterm offered by Chinese suppliers.
Step 3: Customs Export Declaration via China Single Window (1-2 days)
Customs export declaration is filed through China's Single Window (单一窗口) electronic system. Required data: commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration form, and any permits or certificates for regulated goods. Shanghai Yangshan terminal requires customs clearance before port entry. Shanghai Waigaoqiao allows post-arrival clearance. The customs declaration typically expires after 72 hours if not activated, so timing the filing correctly is important to avoid rework.
Step 4: Container Delivery to Terminal and VGM Submission (1 day)
The loaded container is trucked to the port terminal. The VGM (Verified Gross Mass) must be submitted to the carrier and terminal before the container cut-off time. Under SOLAS regulations, a container without a submitted VGM cannot be loaded onto the vessel. VGM can be obtained by weighing the loaded container at a certified weighbridge (Method 1) or by adding the cargo weight, packaging weight, and container tare weight (Method 2).
Step 5: Bill of Lading Issuance (1-2 days after sailing)
After the vessel departs, the carrier issues the bill of lading (B/L). The B/L is the document of title, required by the consignee to take delivery at destination. Original B/L (three originals) is the standard for FCL shipments from China. Telex release and Sea Waybill are faster alternatives that skip physical document courier to the destination.
Step 6: Ocean Transit
See Section 4 for transit times by destination. During transit, real-time vessel tracking is available via carrier websites (MSK, COSCO, HPL, MSC, CMA CGM tracking portals) or third-party platforms. Your freight forwarder should provide booking and container numbers for self-tracking.
Step 7: Destination Customs Clearance (2-5 days)
At destination, customs clearance requires: original B/L (or telex release), commercial invoice, packing list, and any import permits. For US-bound cargo, a customs bond and ISF (Importer Security Filing) must have been filed 24 hours before vessel loading at origin.
Step 8: Container Delivery to Final Address (1-3 days)
After customs release, the container is trucked to the consignee's address. Standard free time at destination port is 3-7 days. Detention and demurrage charges accrue after free time expires. Plan the truck delivery in advance to avoid port storage charges.
4. FCL Transit Times from China
FCL ocean transit from China ranges 12-35 days depending on destination, with FCL being 3-7 days faster than LCL on the same route because consolidation and deconsolidation are eliminated. The following transit times are port-to-port (not door-to-door). Add 5-10 days total for origin/destination trucking, customs, and port handling.
FCL Transit Times by Destination Region
| Destination | FCL Transit Time | LCL Transit Time (for comparison) | Departures from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA West Coast (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland) | 13-18 days | 28-38 days | Multiple weekly from Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen |
| USA East Coast (New York, Savannah, Norfolk) | 28-35 days | 35-45 days | Weekly from Qingdao, Shanghai |
| USA Gulf Coast (Houston) | 30-38 days | 38-48 days | Weekly from Shanghai, Shenzhen |
| North Europe (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Felixstowe) | 28-35 days | 30-40 days | 2-3 weekly from Qingdao, Shanghai |
| Mediterranean (Barcelona, Valencia, Genoa, Piraeus) | 25-35 days | 32-42 days | Weekly from Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo |
| Middle East (Jebel Ali, Dammam, Sohar) | 20-30 days | 25-35 days | Weekly from Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao |
| Southeast Asia (Singapore, Port Klang, Jakarta) | 12-20 days | 15-25 days | Multiple weekly |
| West Africa (Lagos, Tema, Abidjan) | 25-35 days | 32-42 days | Weekly from Shanghai, Qingdao |
| East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam) | 20-28 days | 25-35 days | Weekly from Shanghai, Ningbo |
| South America East Coast (Santos, Buenos Aires) | 35-45 days | 42-55 days | Weekly from Shanghai, Qingdao |
| Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) | 15-22 days | 18-28 days | Weekly from Shanghai, Qingdao |
| Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe) | 3-7 days | 8-14 days | Multiple weekly |
| Korea (Busan, Incheon) | 1-2 days | 4-7 days | Daily from Qingdao, multiple weekly from Shanghai |
5. FCL Costs in 2026
FCL rates from China remain below the 2021-2022 pandemic peaks but above pre-2020 levels. In July 2026, spot rates for a 40ft container from China to US West Coast are in the $2,500-5,000 range during low/mid-season, rising to $6,000-12,000 during the traditional peak season (August through October). Rates to Europe are lower, with 40ft rates in the $1,500-4,000 range depending on the season.
FCL Rate Ranges by Destination (Per 40ft Container, July 2026 Spot Market)
| Route | Low Season (Jan-Mar, Nov) | Mid Season (Apr-Jul) | Peak Season (Aug-Oct) |
|---|---|---|---|
| China to US West Coast (LA/LB) | $2,500-4,000 | $3,500-5,000 | $6,000-12,000 |
| China to US East Coast (NYC/Savannah) | $3,500-5,500 | $4,500-7,000 | $7,000-14,000 |
| China to North Europe (Rotterdam/Hamburg/Felixstowe) | $1,500-3,000 | $2,000-4,000 | $3,500-6,000 |
| China to Mediterranean (Barcelona/Genoa/Piraeus) | $1,800-3,500 | $2,500-4,500 | $4,000-7,000 |
| China to Middle East (Jebel Ali/Dammam) | $1,200-2,500 | $1,500-3,000 | $2,500-4,500 |
| China to West Africa (Lagos/Tema) | $2,500-4,500 | $3,000-5,500 | $4,500-8,000 |
| China to South America East Coast (Santos) | $3,000-5,000 | $4,000-6,500 | $5,500-9,000 |
| China to Australia (Sydney/Melbourne) | $1,500-2,800 | $2,000-3,500 | $3,000-5,000 |
| China to Southeast Asia (Singapore/Jakarta) | $600-1,200 | $800-1,600 | $1,200-2,500 |
Note: Rates are port-to-port, subject to carrier GRI (General Rate Increase), PSS (Peak Season Surcharge), BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor), and CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor). Spot rates change weekly. Ask your freight forwarder for a current quotation before budgeting.
FCL Cost Components Breakdown
The total FCL invoice includes more than just the ocean freight. According to the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SCFI), ocean freight typically represents 40-60% of the total FCL logistics cost, with origin charges, destination charges, and surcharges making up the remainder. Here is what every FCL shipment from China includes:
- Ocean Freight (O/F) - The base port-to-port rate. Quoted per container (20ft or 40ft). The largest single line item.
- BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) - Fuel surcharge. Adjusted quarterly by most carriers. Roughly 15-25% of the O/F on long-haul routes.
- CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor) - Exchange rate surcharge when the freight rate currency differs from the carrier's base currency.
- PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) - Applied Aug-Oct on most routes. Can add $500-2,000 per container.
- Origin THC (Terminal Handling Charge) - Paid by the shipper at the Chinese loading port. Typically CNY 750-1,200 per 20ft, CNY 1,100-1,800 per 40ft.
- Origin Documentation Fee - B/L issuance, VGM filing, customs declaration. Typically CNY 300-500 per B/L.
- Trucking (Factory to Port) - Depends on distance and container type. Qingdao local trucking typically CNY 1,500-3,000 per container.
- Customs Brokerage Fee - Export customs clearance at the Chinese port. Typically CNY 300-600 per entry.
- Insurance - Marine cargo insurance. Typically 0.2-0.5% of declared cargo value.
- Destination Charges - THC, customs clearance, documentation, and delivery at the destination port. Varies widely by country.
Example: Full Door-to-Door FCL Cost (Qingdao to Rotterdam, 40ft HC, July 2026)
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ocean Freight (Qingdao to Rotterdam, 40ft HC) | $2,200 |
| BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) | $480 |
| Origin THC (Qingdao terminal) | CNY 1,300 (~$180) |
| Documentation (B/L, VGM, customs declaration) | CNY 500 (~$70) |
| Origin trucking (factory to port, local within Shandong) | CNY 2,000 (~$280) |
| Export customs brokerage | CNY 400 (~$55) |
| Marine insurance (0.3% on $50,000 cargo) | $150 |
| Total Origin Side (door to on-board) | ~$3,415 |
| Destination THC + customs clearance + trucking (varies by country) | $500-1,200 |
| Total Door-to-Door Estimate | ~$3,915-4,615 |
This is a representative estimate for July 2026 spot rates. Contract rates for regular shippers are typically 20-35% lower. Contact us for a binding quotation based on your specific cargo, volume, and destination.
6. FCL Documentation and Customs
A standard FCL shipment from China requires 5 core documents plus destination-specific filings. Missing or incorrect documentation is the most common cause of customs holds, demurrage charges, and delivery delays at both origin and destination.
Core FCL Documents for China Export
| # | Document | Issued By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Invoice | Shipper/Supplier | Must include HS code, unit price, total value, Incoterm, country of origin |
| 2 | Packing List | Shipper/Supplier | Must include container number, seal number, gross/net weight per package, CBM per package |
| 3 | Bill of Lading (B/L) | Carrier (MSK, COSCO, HPL, etc.) | Document of title. Three originals standard. Telex release for faster destination processing |
| 4 | China Export Customs Declaration | Filed through China Single Window | Electronic filing. HS code classification must be correct. According to the China Ministry of Transport (MOT), HS code misclassification is the most common cause of China customs delays. Declaration expires after 72 hours if not activated |
| 5 | VGM Declaration | Shipper | Mandatory under SOLAS. Container cannot be loaded without submitted VGM |
Destination-Specific Filings
| Destination | Required Filing | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| USA | ISF 10+2 (Importer Security Filing) | 24 hours before vessel loading at origin port |
| EU | ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) | 24 hours before vessel loading. Late filing penalty: EUR 2,500 (increased from EUR 1,000 in 2026) |
| EU | CBAM carbon reporting | Required from 2026 for steel, aluminum, cement imports |
| USA | UFLPA supply chain documentation | Required for US-bound goods. Importers must demonstrate supply chain free of forced labor |
| Japan | AFR (Advance Filing Rule) | 24 hours before vessel loading |
| Canada | ACI (Advance Commercial Information) | 24 hours before vessel loading |
Additional Documents for Regulated Cargo
If your FCL shipment contains regulated goods, additional documents are required:
- DG (Dangerous Goods) cargo: MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), maritime DG declaration to MSA, DG packaging certificate (危包证), carrier DG acceptance letter. MSDS Section 14 must reference IMDG Code 42-24 (effective January 1, 2026). Documents citing the previous 41-22 amendment are rejected. For sodium-ion batteries (UN3551, UN3552), full DGD (Dangerous Goods Declaration) and SEA CERT are now required under IMDG 42-24.
- Food/agricultural products: Health certificate, phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin (Form A / Form E for preferential tariffs).
- Used machinery: CCIC pre-shipment inspection certificate. For destinations in Africa, a CCIC inspection is typically mandatory.
- Branded goods: Trademark authorization letter from the brand owner, required for China customs export clearance.
7. FCL from Qingdao vs Shanghai vs Tianjin
Qingdao, Shanghai, and Tianjin are the three main FCL container ports in North and East China. Port choice affects transit time, freight cost, container availability, and inland trucking cost from your supplier's factory. For importers purchasing from Chinese suppliers, the optimal port depends primarily on the factory location.
FCL Port Comparison
| Factor | Qingdao | Shanghai | Tianjin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual throughput | ~28 million TEU (2025) | ~50 million TEU (2025) | ~23 million TEU (2025) |
| Container availability | Good year-round, 40HC readily available | Best selection of specialty containers | Tight during Q3 peak |
| Ocean freight rate (relative) | Similar to Shanghai, +/-5% | Baseline for North China routes | $50-100 lower than Qingdao for some routes |
| THC (Terminal Handling) | CNY 1,100-1,800 per 40ft | CNY 1,200-2,000 per 40ft | CNY 1,000-1,700 per 40ft |
| Customs filing | Efficient, 1-2 working days standard | Yangshan requires pre-arrival clearance; Waigaoqiao allows post-arrival | Efficient, 1-2 working days |
| DG cargo handling | DG yard, all classes accepted | DG zone at both terminals | DG yard, limited classes vs Qingdao |
| Best for factories located in | Shandong, Henan, Hebei, Shanxi | Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shanghai | Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Inner Mongolia |
| Key destinations served | Japan, Korea, US West Coast, Europe | All global routes, highest frequency | Europe, Middle East, Americas |
| Inland truck cost 200km radius | CNY 1,500-2,500 per container | CNY 1,500-2,500 per container | CNY 1,300-2,300 per container |
| Vessel frequency to Europe | 2-3 weekly direct services | Daily direct services | 1-2 weekly direct services |
How to Choose the Right FCL Port
Port choice should follow this decision process:
- Where is the factory? Trucking from Henan to Qingdao is ~600 km and costs CNY 5,000-7,000. Trucking the same cargo to Shanghai is ~900 km and costs CNY 7,000-9,000. The nearest port almost always wins on total landed cost.
- What is the destination? For Korea/Japan, Qingdao is the closest Chinese major port (1-2 days to Busan). For US West Coast, all three ports offer direct services with similar transit times. Shanghai offers the most frequent sailings.
- Is the cargo special? For OOG, DG, or temperature-controlled cargo, Qingdao and Shanghai have the most developed infrastructure. Tianjin handles standard FCL well but has more limited DG acceptance classes.
- When is the shipment? During Q3 peak season, Qingdao's container availability is generally more reliable than Tianjin's. Shanghai has the most capacity overall but also the highest demand.
Great Hensen operates from Qingdao as our headquarters port. We handle FCL bookings from Qingdao, Shanghai, and Tianjin for our clients, with port selection optimized based on factory location, cargo type, and destination. Contact us for a port comparison specific to your shipment.
8. FCL FAQ
What is the minimum cargo volume for FCL from China?
There is no minimum. You can book a full container even with 1 CBM of cargo, though this is rarely economical. The practical breakeven point is around 15 CBM: above this volume, FCL typically costs less than LCL on a per-unit basis. Below 10 CBM, LCL shipping from China is nearly always cheaper. At 10-15 CBM, get both FCL and LCL quotes and compare the total door-to-door cost.
How do I calculate if FCL or LCL is cheaper for my shipment?
Multiply your cargo volume in CBM by the LCL rate per CBM for your destination route. Then compare that total to a 20ft FCL rate for the same route. Example: 12 CBM to US West Coast at $120/CBM LCL = $1,440. A 20ft FCL at $2,200 costs more in total but gives you exclusive use of the container, faster transit, and lower damage risk. Factor in that LCL also incurs destination CFS charges (typically $50-100 per CBM at the destination end) which FCL avoids.
Can I ship dangerous goods by FCL from China?
Yes. DG FCL is the standard mode for dangerous goods shipments from China. Most carriers (MSK, COSCO, HPL, MSC, CMA CGM, HMM, OOCL, EMC, YML) accept DG FCL bookings for IMDG classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9, subject to individual carrier policies. Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive) are restricted at most Chinese ports. DG FCL requires additional documentation: MSDS, maritime DG declaration, DG packaging certificate (危包证), and carrier DG acceptance letter. Book 10-14 days in advance. See our DG freight services for full details.
What is the difference between FCL and FOB shipping from China?
FCL and FOB are different concepts. FCL (Full Container Load) describes the shipment mode: an entire container for one shipper. FOB (Free On Board) is an Incoterm that defines which party pays for what. According to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Incoterms 2020), FOB is the most commonly used Incoterm for Chinese exports, with over 70% of Chinese suppliers defaulting to FOB terms in their quotations. Under FOB, the Chinese supplier is responsible for delivering goods to the vessel, including export customs clearance, and the buyer arranges ocean freight and insurance. Most Chinese suppliers quote FOB prices. Under FOB, the FCL ocean freight is arranged by the buyer. Under CIF, the supplier arranges the FCL ocean freight. Incoterms 2020 is the current version published by the ICC.
What happens if the container is overweight?
Standard container payload is approximately 25,000 kg (20ft) to 27,000 kg (40ft/40HC). If your cargo exceeds the payload limit, several issues arise: the carrier may reject the booking or apply an overweight surcharge (typically $150-350 per container); some road jurisdictions have axle weight limits that restrict heavy containers on specific routes; and some destination ports have crane limits. If you are shipping dense, heavy goods (steel coils, machinery, mineral products), a 20ft container is typically preferred over a 40ft because its smaller volume concentrates the weight into a structurally safer footprint. Always declare the actual cargo weight at the time of booking. Undeclared overweight containers can be rejected at the terminal gate.
What is a telex release and when should I use it?
A telex release is an electronic alternative to the original bill of lading. Instead of couriering three paper original B/Ls from China to the destination country, the carrier releases the cargo at destination against an electronic instruction from the origin office. This saves 3-5 days of document courier time and eliminates the risk of lost original documents. Telex release is available on most FCL shipments. The sender surrenders the original B/Ls at the origin port and the carrier transmits the release electronically to the destination agent. There is typically a small telex release fee (CNY 200-400). For LCL shipments, a Sea Waybill is more common since there is no document of title for shared container cargo.
9. How to Book FCL with Great Hensen
- Send us your shipment details: cargo description, HS code, total volume (CBM), total weight (kg), number of pallets or packages, factory address in China, destination address, and preferred shipping date.
- We return a quotation within 4 business hours: port options (Qingdao, Shanghai, Tianjin), carrier options with rates and transit times, container type recommendation (20ft, 40ft, 40HC), and a full door-to-door cost breakdown including all origin and destination charges.
- Booking confirmation: once you approve the quotation, we reserve container space with the selected carrier and send you the booking confirmation with vessel name, voyage number, departure date, and container pickup details.
- Documentation preparation: we prepare all export documents (commercial invoice review, packing list, customs declaration, VGM filing, B/L instructions) and file destination-specific declarations (ISF for USA, ENS for EU). This runs in parallel with cargo production at the factory.
- Transport execution: container pickup from depot, trucking to factory, container loading, trucking to port, customs clearance, terminal delivery, vessel loading, ocean transit tracking, destination clearance, and final delivery. Single point of contact throughout.
Or call +86 13375320398 | info@GreatHensen.com
FCL Shipping from China: Complete Guide Hub
This pillar page is part of our sea freight knowledge hub. Explore related topics in depth:
All guides based on Great Hensen's operational experience: 8+ years of FCL bookings from Qingdao, Shanghai, and Tianjin.
Sources and references
- Incoterms 2020: ICC International Chamber of Commerce. Current edition of international commercial terms. FOB is the most common Incoterm offered by Chinese suppliers. ICC Incoterms 2020
- SOLAS VGM Requirements: IMO International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, Chapter VI, Regulation 2. Mandatory verified gross mass for all packed containers. IMO SOLAS VGM
- IMDG Code Amendment 42-24: Mandatory from January 1, 2026. Sodium-ion batteries (UN3551, UN3552) require full DGD and SEA CERT. MSDS Section 14 must reference 42-24. IMO IMDG Code
- ENS Late Filing Penalty: EU UCC (Union Customs Code). Penalty increased to EUR 2,500 in 2026. EU UCC
- CBAM: EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, reporting required from 2026 for steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen imports. EU CBAM
- China Single Window (单一窗口): Electronic customs clearance platform for export declarations. China Single Window
- UFLPA: Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, US CBP enforcement. Importers must provide supply chain documentation for US-bound goods. CBP UFLPA
- ISF 10+2: Importer Security Filing, 24-hour advance filing for US-bound container cargo. CBP ISF
Rate ranges are indicative spot market estimates for July 2026. Spot rates fluctuate weekly. Contact Great Hensen for a binding quotation. Port throughput data based on publicly reported port authority statistics. All operational processes based on Great Hensen's shipping records and China customs procedures. Last verified: July 11, 2026.