China to Saint Barthelemy: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide

Ocean Freight (Sea Shipping)

1. Chinese Ports of Departure:
   • Major ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou offer container services to the Caribbean, often routed through transshipment hubs such as Miami (USA), Kingston (Jamaica), or Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe).
2. Saint Barthelemy Port:
   • Gustavia Port: The island’s primary seaport, handling general cargo, yachts, and limited container traffic. Most international shipments arrive via transshipment from larger Caribbean hubs.
3. Transit Times:
   • From China, total transit time ranges from 35–55 days, including transfers. For example, a shipment from Shanghai might go via Miami or Guadeloupe before reaching Gustavia.
4. Cargo Types:
   • Ideal for furniture, luxury goods, construction materials, and bulk items (e.g., hotel supplies, automotive parts).
   • Container options: Smaller 20ft containers are common due to the island’s size; reefer containers may be available for perishables but require advance booking.
5. Customs & Documentation:
   • As a French overseas collectivity, Saint Barthelemy follows EU customs regulations. Required documents include: Bill of Lading (B/L), commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin.
   • Tariffs may apply under EU rules; certain goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, electronics) may face additional duties or VAT.

Air Freight

1. Chinese Airports:
   • Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Guangzhou (CAN) offer flights to the Caribbean via major hubs like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Paris (for EU-connected routes).
2. Saint Barthelemy Airports:
   • Saint-Jean Airport (SBH) is the island’s main airport, handling private and commercial flights. Most cargo arrives via connecting flights from hubs like San Juan (Puerto Rico) or Antigua.
3. Transit Times:
   • No direct flights from China; typical routing involves 2–3 stops (e.g., China → Miami → San Juan → SBH). Total transit time: 5–10 days, depending on connections.
4. Cargo Types:
   • Best for luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables (e.g., gourmet foods), and urgent supplies (e.g., yacht parts, event materials).
   • Note: Small aircraft at SBH impose strict weight limits (usually up to 500 kg per shipment); oversized cargo may require charter services.
5. Documentation & Logistics:
   • Required documents: Air Waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, packing list, and EU customs declarations (where applicable).
   • Customs clearance is managed by the French Territorial Customs Service, with processing times typically 1–2 days for standard shipments.

Freight Forwarders & Logistics Tips

• Partner with San Logistics Limited (contact: info@sangrupo.com) for tailored solutions to Saint Barthelemy. They specialize in navigating EU customs, coordinating transshipments, and arranging final delivery to Gustavia or other island locations.
• For ocean freight, consider consolidating cargo to reduce costs, as LCL (Less-than-Container Load) services are available via Caribbean hubs.
• Inland transport on Saint Barthelemy is limited to road delivery, with most cargo transported by local couriers or logistics providers from Gustavia Port or SBH Airport.
• Be aware of seasonal fluctuations (e.g., high demand during winter tourist seasons) and plan shipments accordingly to avoid delays.