China to Peru: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide

Ocean Freight (Sea Shipping)

1. Major Chinese Ports of Departure:
   • Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Guangzhou provide frequent container services to Peru, with direct or transshipment routes via the Panama Canal or West Coast hubs like Los Angeles (USA).
2. Key Peruvian Ports:
   • Callao: Peru’s largest and busiest seaport, located near Lima. It handles over 80% of the country’s imports, including electronics, machinery, and consumer goods.
   • Matarani: A southern port serving Arequipa and southern regions, specializing in minerals, agricultural exports, and project cargo.
   • Paita: A northern port near Piura, crucial for fishing equipment, textiles, and goods destined for Ecuador.
   • Chimbote, Chincha, Chancay, Pisco: Smaller regional ports handling niche cargo (e.g., fishing supplies, agricultural products) with connections to nearby cities.
3. Transit Times:
   • Direct routes from China to Callao: 30–40 days (via the Panama Canal).
   • Transshipment via West Coast hubs (e.g., Los Angeles): 40–50 days.
4. Cargo Types:
   • Ideal for bulk goods (e.g., iron ore, copper), machinery, vehicles, textiles, and retail products.
   • Container options: 20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC, and reefer containers (for perishables like fruits or seafood).
5. Customs & Documentation:
   • Required documents: Bill of Lading (B/L), commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin (e.g., FORM APTA for tariff benefits under China-Peru Free Trade Agreement).
   • Peru’s customs may require pre-shipment inspections (e.g., for vehicles) and compliance with NOM technical standards for electronics and machinery.

Air Freight

1. Major Chinese Airports:
   • Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), and Hong Kong (HKG) offer direct or connecting flights to Peru’s main airports.
2. Peruvian Airports:
   • Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima is the primary cargo hub, handling electronics, pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, and luxury goods.
   • Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco serves tourism-related cargo (e.g., high-end textiles, artisanal goods) but has limited commercial freight capacity.
3. Transit Times:
   • Direct flights from China to Lima (via Miami or Madrid): 20–30 hours (cargo-only flights may be available).
   • Connecting flights: 3–7 days, depending on layovers in hubs like Panama City or Bogotá.
4. Cargo Types:
   • Best for electronics (e.g., semiconductors), medical equipment, fresh flowers, seafood, and fashion accessories.
   • Note: Weight restrictions apply (e.g., maximum pallet size for Lima flights is often 3m x 2.2m).
5. Documentation & Logistics:
   • Required documents: Air Waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, packing list, and import permits (e.g., for pharmaceuticals or wildlife products).
   • Customs clearance in Lima typically takes 1–2 days, with expedited services for priority shipments.

Freight Forwarders & Logistics Tips

• For end-to-end support, contact San Logistics Limited at info@sangrupo.com. They specialize in China-Peru routes, offering customs brokerage, cargo insurance, and last-mile delivery to cities like Lima, Chimbote, or Matarani.
• Inland transport in Peru relies on road and rail:
  • Road: Major highways connect Lima to Callao, Chancay, and Pisco; mountainous regions (e.g., to Cusco) require specialized carriers.
  • Rail: Limited but available for bulk cargo (e.g., minerals from southern mines to Matarani Port).
• Leverage the China-Peru Free Trade Agreement for duty reductions on eligible goods (e.g., machinery, electronics, textiles).
• Monitor port strikes or political events, as they may cause delays in Callao or other key hubs.