Shipping from China to Bangladesh: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
By Total Import Solution
China is the “World’s Factory,” and for Bangladeshi businesses, it is the most important source of machinery, raw materials, electronics, and consumer goods. But for many importers, shipping from China to Bangladesh remains a complex, stressful, and expensive process.
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Which shipping method is best: Air or Sea?
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How do I handle the complex Customs Clearance at Chittagong Port or Dhaka Airport?
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What are the hidden costs that freight forwarders don’t tell you?
If you are asking these questions, you are in the right place.
Welcome to Total Import Solution. We are not just a freight forwarder; we are your complete supply chain partner. From sourcing products on Alibaba to delivering them to your doorstep in Dhanmondi, we handle everything.
In this massive 2025 guide, we will break down everything you need to know about shipping rates, transit times, customs duties, and how to save money on your next import.
Part 1: Choosing the Right Shipping Method
The first step in shipping from China to Bangladesh is choosing the right mode of transport. Your choice depends on three factors: Budget, Speed, and Volume.
✈️ 1. Air Freight (Door-to-Door)
Best For: High-value items (Electronics, Fashion), Samples, Urgent Spare Parts, and shipments under 500 kg.
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Route: Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Shanghai ➔ Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka).
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Transit Time: 7 – 12 Days (Door-to-Door).
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Pros: Fast, secure, lower risk of damage.
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Cons: More expensive per kg.
🚢 2. Sea Freight (Ocean Cargo)
Best For: Heavy Machinery, Raw Materials, Furniture, Textiles, and bulk shipments (over 1 CBM).
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Route: Chinese Ports (Ningbo, Shanghai, Guangzhou) ➔ Chittagong Port.
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Transit Time: 25 – 45 Days.
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Types:
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LCL (Less than Container Load): You share a container with others. You pay only for the space (CBM) you use.
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FCL (Full Container Load): You rent a full 20ft or 40ft container.
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Part 2: 2025 Shipping Rates (Estimated Cost Breakdown)
Note: Prices fluctuate weekly based on fuel costs and dollar rates. These are estimated “Door-to-Door” rates (Shipping + Duty + Tax included).
Air Freight Rates (Per Kg) – Door to Door
This is the most popular service for small to medium businesses. The rate includes customs clearance.
| Product Category | Weight Slab | Estimated Rate (BDT) |
| General Goods (Clothes, Bags, Shoes) | 1 kg – 10 kg | 950 – 1,100 Tk/kg |
| 10 kg – 100 kg | 750 – 950 Tk/kg | |
| Sensitive Goods (Liquids, Cosmetics) | 1 kg – 10 kg | 1,200 – 1,400 Tk/kg |
| 10 kg – 100 kg | 1,000 – 1,200 Tk/kg | |
| Electronics (Gadgets, Watches) | 1 kg – 10 kg | 1,100 – 1,300 Tk/kg |
⚠️ Important: Rates are calculated on Chargeable Weight (Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight, whichever is higher).
Formula: (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 6000
Sea Freight Rates – Door to Door & Port to Port
| Service Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
| LCL (Door-to-Door) | $130 – $160 USD per CBM | Includes Customs Clearing & Delivery |
| FCL 20ft (Port-to-Port) | $1,200 – $1,800 USD | Freight Only (You pay Customs separately) |
| FCL 40ft (Port-to-Port) | $1,800 – $2,500 USD | Freight Only (You pay Customs separately) |
Part 3: The “Door-to-Door” Advantage (Why Choose Total Import Solution?)
Traditional importing is a nightmare. You have to:
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Open an LC (Letter of Credit) at the bank.
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Hire a C&F Agent.
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Go to the airport/port and bribe officials to release goods.
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Pay unpredictable taxes (sometimes 100%+).
Total Import Solution solves this.
With our Door-to-Door Service, we become the importer of record.
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We Pick Up: We collect goods from your Chinese supplier.
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We Ship: We handle the Air or Sea freight.
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We Clear Customs: Our team handles all documentation, taxes, VAT, and duties at Bangladesh Customs.
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We Deliver: You receive the goods at your office or home in Bangladesh.
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One Price: You pay a single rate per kg/CBM. No hidden fees.
Part 4: Sourcing from Alibaba, Taobao & 1688
Do you want to buy from China but don’t have a Dual Currency Card or don’t speak Chinese?
The “Sourcing Agent” Service
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Alibaba: Great for bulk, but prices can be high.
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1688.com: The “Local Alibaba” for Chinese buyers. Prices are usually 30% cheaper, but they don’t speak English.
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Taobao: Best for retail/single items.
How We Help:
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You send us the product link.
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We negotiate with the supplier in Chinese.
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We Pay the supplier in RMB.
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You Pay Us in BDT (Bkash, Cash, Bank Transfer) in Dhaka.
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We ship it to you.
Part 5: Understanding Bangladesh Customs Duties
If you are importing commercially (Port-to-Port), you must understand the tax structure. The Total Tax Incidence (TTI) is calculated as:
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CD (Customs Duty): 5% – 25% (Basic tax).
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SD (Supplementary Duty): 0% – 500% (Applied on luxury items like cars, alcohol, cigarettes).
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VAT (Value Added Tax): 15% (Standard).
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AIT (Advance Income Tax): 5%.
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RD (Regulatory Duty): 3% – 5% (Often added yearly).
💡 Pro Tip: Correct HS Code classification is critical. A wrong code can double your tax. Total Import Solution experts ensure your goods are classified correctly to minimize legal tax liability.
Part 6: Prohibited & Restricted Items
Before shipping from China to Bangladesh, ensure your goods are not on the restricted list. We cannot ship the following:
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Fake Currency or Counterfeit Money.
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Gambling Equipment.
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Firearms and Explosives.
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Narcotics / Drugs.
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Maps showing incorrect boundaries of Bangladesh.
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Pork products (Religious restriction).
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Reconditioned Office Equipment (Photocopiers, etc.) without special permission.
Part 7: Machinery & Industrial Supply
Bangladesh is industrializing rapidly. Total Import Solution specializes in importing heavy machinery.
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Textile Machines: Knitting, Dyeing, Sewing.
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Construction: Excavators, Brick breaking machines, Stone crushers.
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Agriculture: Rice mills, Feed pellet machines.
Why trust us with machinery?
Shipping heavy equipment requires wooden crating and special handling to avoid damage. We ensure your expensive investment arrives safely.
Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does shipping take from China to Bangladesh?
A: Air Freight takes 7-12 days. Sea Freight takes 25-40 days. Delays can occur due to weather or port congestion.
Q2: Do I need an Import License (IRC)?
A: For our Door-to-Door service, NO. We use our license. For FCL (Full Container) shipments in your name, YES, you need an IRC.
Q3: Can I import a single item from Amazon/eBay?
A: Yes! We have warehouses in USA, UK, and China. We can consolidate single items and ship them to you.
Q4: How do I calculate the cost?
A: Send a picture and weight of your product to our WhatsApp. We will give you an instant “All-Inclusive” rate.
Part 9: Contact the Best Forwarder in Bangladesh
Don’t gamble with your business. Choose a partner with a physical office, a verified track record, and a commitment to transparency.
Total Import Solution is your gateway to global trade.
📞 Contact Us Today
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Hotline / WhatsApp: +880 1717-954302
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Secondary Mobile: +880 1716-996667
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Email: totalimportbd@gmail.com
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Website: totalimportsolution.com
Ready to ship? Send us a message now!
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