China to Colon, Panama: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide

Sea Freight Services

• Shenzhen to Colon
  • Carriers & Routes:
    • CMA: Direct to Cristóbal (38–44 days)
    • HAPAG: Transship via Kingston (52–58 days)
  • Inland Transit: ~1 hour by truck from Cristóbal to the Colon Free Trade Zone.
• Qingdao to Colon
  • Carriers & Routes:
    • ONE: Direct to Cristóbal (34–40 days)
    • MAERSK: Transship via Cartagena (50–56 days)
  • Service Options: LCL/FCL consolidation for cost efficiency in bulk or small shipments.
• Ningbo to Colon
  • Carriers & Routes:
    • MSC: Direct to Cristóbal (40–46 days)
    • ZIM: Transship via Miami (50–56 days)
  • Transit Efficiency: Real-time tracking for sea and inland segments.
• Xiamen to Colon
  • Carriers & Routes:
    • ZIM: Direct to Cristóbal (38–44 days)
    • HAPAG: Transship via Bridgetown (58–64 days)
  • Key Support: Coordinated customs clearance for CFZT-bound cargo.
• Shanghai to Colon
  • Carriers & Routes:
    • CMA: Direct to Cristóbal (32–38 days, fastest route)
    • MAERSK: Transship via Colon (36–42 days)
  • Port Access: Direct berthing at Cristóbal’s container terminal for quick unloading.

Air Freight Services

• Transit Time: 3–5 days (door-to-door, including customs).
• Service Options:
  • Airport-to-airport: Fly from Shanghai/Shenzhen to PTY (3–4 days), then truck to Colon.
  • Door-to-door: Full-service logistics, including pickup in China and delivery to CFZT warehouses.

Logistics Services for Colon

• Customs Clearance:
  • Expert handling of Panamanian import regulations, including duty exemptions for CFZT-bound goods.
  • Required documents: commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin (with CFZT endorsement if applicable).
• Inland Transportation:
  • Reliable trucking from Cristóbal Port or PTY Airport to the Colon Free Trade Zone, with options for oversized or secure cargo.
  • Direct access to CFZT warehouses for quick unloading and distribution.
• Cargo Insurance: Full coverage for sea, air, and ground transit, including high-value electronics or machinery.
• Warehousing: Short-term storage in Colon or Panama City for consolidated shipments or duty-deferred processing.
• FBA Services: Direct delivery to Amazon FBA hubs in Panama (on request).

Key Considerations for Shipping to Colon

• Free Trade Zone Benefits:
  • CFZT offers duty-free import for re-exported goods; confirm eligibility with your logistics provider to optimize costs.
  • Goods destined for local Panamanian markets must comply with standard import taxes (VAT: 7–10%).
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Electronics and machinery must meet ANACOM (Panama’s telecom regulator) standards.
  • Textiles and apparel require origin certificates for preferential tariffs under trade agreements.
• Port Efficiency: Cristóbal Port is highly efficient, but CFZT customs processes may require additional coordination during peak trade periods (e.g., pre-holiday seasons).
• Currency & Payments: USD is the primary currency; letters of credit are commonly used for CFZT transactions to mitigate risk.

Industries Served in Colon

• Trade & Logistics: Cargo for the Colon Free Trade Zone, including electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer goods for re-export across Latin America.
• Construction: Heavy equipment, steel, and building materials for Panama Canal expansion projects and infrastructure development.
• Energy: Oilfield supplies, renewable energy components (e.g., solar panels), and power generation equipment.
• Maritime: Ship parts, marine equipment, and supplies for cruise lines and commercial vessels.
• Retail & Wholesale: Bulk consumer goods for regional distributors and CFZT-based traders.

Get a Quote for Colon

• Shenzhen to Colon, Panama Shipping Guide
• Qingdao to Colon, Panama Shipping Guide
• Ningbo to Colon, Panama Shipping Guide
• Xiamen to Colon, Panama Shipping Guide
• Shanghai to Colon, Panama Shipping Guid