Sea Freight from Xiamen to Halifax
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen port to Halifax. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
28-32 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Halifax
Cost Effective
80-90% cheaper than air freight for bulk cargo
High Capacity
FCL and LCL options for any shipment size
Reliable Service
Weekly sailings from major carriers
Global Network
Direct routes to major ports worldwide
Shipping from the Port of Xiamen to the Port of Halifax offers Canadian businesses a cost-effective gateway to Atlantic Canada's thriving markets. Major carriers like COSCO, MSC, and CMA CGM provide reliable weekly services on this route, ensuring your containerized goods arrive safely with comprehensive cargo insurance coverage. The Port of Halifax serves as Canada's premier ice-free Atlantic port, handling over 1.6 million TEU annually and providing excellent rail connections to Montreal, Toronto, and the US Northeast.
Businesses frequently ship electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer goods along this route, taking advantage of Xiamen's position as one of China's top ten container ports. Your cargo benefits from Halifax's advanced container handling facilities and streamlined customs processes, making it ideal for time-sensitive shipments to Atlantic provinces.
Route Highlights
28-32 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Xiamen to Halifax
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Xiamen to Halifax typically range from $1,800 to $2,400 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $2,600 to $3,200 per 40-foot container (FEU), depending on cargo type and booking volume. Ocean carriers adjust these base rates weekly based on fuel costs, with bunker adjustment factors adding approximately 15-20% to your total shipping cost. Additional charges include terminal handling fees of roughly $180-220 per container at both ports, plus documentation fees averaging $75-100 per shipment. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking during slower shipping periods (typically January through March), consolidating smaller shipments into full container loads, and maintaining long-term contracts with freight forwarders. Canadian importers should budget an extra $300-500 per container for customs brokerage, duty payments, and inland transportation from Halifax to final destinations.
Quick Rate Guide
20ft Container
Standard dry
$1,800-2,800
40ft Container
Standard dry
$2,400-4,200
LCL Shipment
Per cubic meter
$45-85/CBM
Additional Costs
Delivery Timeline
Transit Times for Sea Freight from Xiamen to Halifax
Step 1
Cargo Loading
1-2 days
Container stuffing at origin
Step 2
Export Clearance
1-2 days
Documentation and customs
Step 3
Ocean Transit
15-25 days
Sailing to destination port
Step 4
Import Clearance
1-3 days
Customs inspection and release
Step 5
Final Delivery
1-5 days
Transport to final destination
Express
20-25 Days
Direct service with priority handling
Standard
25-35 Days
Regular service with full tracking
Economy
35-45 Days
Consolidated for maximum savings
Sea freight shipments from Xiamen to Halifax typically require 28-32 days of total transit time, including ocean voyage and port handling at both ends. The actual sailing time averages 25-26 days, with vessels making strategic stops at major hubs like Busan or Prince Rupert before reaching Halifax. Canadian customs clearance usually takes 1-2 additional business days for routine cargo, though complex shipments requiring inspection can extend this to 3-4 days. Expedited services through premium carriers can reduce total transit time to 26-28 days by utilizing faster vessels and priority port handling. Importers accelerate their shipments by preparing accurate documentation in advance, using licensed customs brokers, and ensuring proper cargo classification to avoid delays during Canada Border Services Agency inspections.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
Standard
20ft FCL
$2,400 - $3,200
Popular
40ft FCL
$2,800 - $4,000
Standard
40ft HC FCL
$3,000 - $4,300
Standard
LCL Shipment
$45 - $85 /CBM
Note: Rates are estimates and may vary based on cargo type, seasonal demand, and market conditions.
Equipment
Container Types Available
20ft Dry Container
Standard general cargo container
40ft Dry Container
High capacity for large shipments
40ft High Cube
Extra height for bulky cargo
20ft Refrigerated
Temperature-controlled cargo
Open Top Container
For oversized cargo loading
Flat Rack Container
Heavy machinery and equipment
Track Record
Reliable Service
Our Xiamen to Halifax corridor represents years of refined expertise and thousands of successful shipments.
15+
Years Experience
25K+
Containers Shipped
99.5%
On-Time Delivery
24/7
Support Available
Process
How Our Sea Freight Process Works
Quote & Booking
1-2 daysGet a customized quote and book your container.
Collection & Export
2-3 daysWe collect cargo and handle export documentation.
Ocean Transit
12-20 daysYour cargo travels safely across the ocean.
Port Handling
2-3 daysCustoms clearance and port procedures completed.
Final Delivery
1-2 daysCargo delivered to your specified destination.
Key Documents
See full documentation requirements below
Cargo Types
Common Goods Shipped from Xiamen to Halifax
This route serves as a major trade lane for various goods. Common shipments from Xiamen to Halifax include:
Machinery
Construction equipment parts, agricultural machinery, and pumps
Consumer Goods
Home appliances, cooking tools, and storage solutions
Textiles
Seasonal clothing, durable textiles, and furniture fabrics
Plastics & Materials
Industrial plastics, packaging solutions, and building materials
E-commerce
Phone cases, stationery, and novelty gift items
Dangerous Goods
Hazardous materials including batteries and industrial chemicals
Documentation
Required Documents to Ship from Xiamen to Halifax
To ship goods from Xiamen to Halifax, you'll need these documents. For sea freight, you'll receive a Bill of Lading (B/L) as your transport receipt.
Universal Requirements
Describes the goods, value, and buyer/seller details
Specifies cargo measurements, weights, and how items are packed
Documentation of the purchase terms and conditions
Verifies Chinese origin for preferential duty treatment
Sea Freight Requirements for Canada
Advance Commercial Information filed to CBSA before vessel arrival
Importer must be registered in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Canada Import Specifics
CARM registration is now mandatory for all importers clearing freight in Canada
Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) permits required for food/plant products
Health Canada approval needed for medical devices and pharmaceuticals
Bilingual labeling (English/French) required for consumer products
Customs
Clearing Customs in Halifax
Understanding Canada's customs process helps ensure your Xiamen shipment clears without delays or penalties. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
Wood Packaging Rules
Wooden packaging without proper heat treatment certification will be refused entry at Canadian ports.
ACI Filing
The ACI program requires pre-arrival data transmission. Your forwarder files this on your behalf.
CARM Registration
Register with CARM before your first shipment arrives. It is required for duty payment processing.
Canada Clearance Focus Areas
CFIA permits required for food and plant products
Bilingual labeling (English/French) required for consumer products
Health Canada approval needed for medical devices
CARM registration is now mandatory for all importers
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Materials: Xiamen to Halifax
Hazardous materials shipments to Halifax are governed by IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods). Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Current SDS documentation in dual language format is mandatory for all dangerous goods
Formal DGD signed by the shipper declaring the nature and classification of hazardous contents
Round-the-clock emergency contact required—must reach someone who knows the technical specifications
UN-approved packaging with proper certification stamps is required for all hazardous shipments
Sea Freight DG Rules for Canada
ISPM-15 for DG Packaging
If dangerous chemicals are shipped on wooden pallets, the wood must be heat-treated and ISPM-15 certified.
TDG Standards Alignment
TDG compliance required—similar to US 49 CFR but with Canadian-specific additions.
Security Management Plan
High-risk DG classes require submission of a Security Management Plan to Transport Canada.
Canada Dangerous Goods Notes
TDG standards align with US DOT but have Canadian-specific requirements
Equivalency Certificates available for non-standard packaging
ISPM-15 strictly enforced for wooden DG packaging
Class 1 and Class 7 goods need Security Management Plans
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Halifax?
Sea freight from Xiamen to Halifax typically takes 28-32 days for port-to-port transit. Actual delivery time may vary by 2-5 days depending on vessel schedules, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements.
What is the estimated cost of shipping a container from Xiamen to Halifax?
The cost of shipping a container from Xiamen to Halifax varies based on container size, carrier, and current market conditions. FCL rates typically range from $2,800-$4,500 for a 40ft container, while LCL rates start around $45-85 per CBM. Request a quote for accurate pricing.
Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Xiamen to Halifax shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen to Halifax shipment depends on cargo volume. FCL (Full Container Load) is more cost-effective for shipments over 15 CBM, while LCL (Less than Container Load) is better for smaller volumes under 10 CBM. FCL also offers faster transit and lower risk of damage.
What documents do I need to ship from China to Canada?
Documents required to ship from China to Canada include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and customs declaration forms. Canadian imports require a Canada Customs Invoice and may need import permits for certain goods.
What factors can cause delays on the Xiamen to Halifax route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen to Halifax route include port congestion, adverse weather conditions, customs inspections, incomplete documentation, and peak season volume. Planning ahead and ensuring accurate documentation helps minimize delays.
Which port in Fujian should I choose for the fastest service to Halifax?
For the fastest sea freight service to Halifax, Xiamen is an excellent choice with 28-32 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Halifax?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Halifax offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 28-32 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Xiamen, Fujian to Halifax?
Import duty from Xiamen to Halifax is calculated based on the HS code of your goods, the declared value (CIF), and Canada's tariff rates. Canadian duties range from 0-20% based on the product. The CBSA tariff finder can help estimate costs.
Do I need insurance to ship from Xiamen, Fujian to Halifax?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen to Halifax is highly recommended though not legally required. Marine cargo insurance typically costs 0.3-0.5% of cargo value and covers loss or damage during transit. Given the 28-32-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Xiamen to Halifax?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen to Halifax is affected by container type and size, cargo weight and volume, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, carrier selection, and additional services like customs clearance. Peak seasons (August-October) typically see higher rates due to increased demand.
What is the best way to track my shipment from Xiamen to Halifax?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen to Halifax is through our online tracking portal using your Bill of Lading number. You'll receive real-time updates on vessel location, estimated arrival, and customs status. Our team also provides proactive notifications for any schedule changes.
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