China to St. Kitts and Nevis: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide

Ocean Freight (Sea Shipping)

1. Chinese Ports of Departure:
   • Major ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo offer container services to the Caribbean, often via transshipment hubs such as Kingston (Jamaica), Colon (Panama), or Miami (USA).
2. St. Kitts and Nevis Ports:
   • Basseterre: The capital’s main seaport, handling general cargo, containers, and cruise-related shipments. It serves as the gateway to St. Kitts and connects to inland areas like Campden Park.
   • Charlestown (Nevis): A smaller port on the sister island of Nevis, used for limited cargo but less frequent for international shipments.
3. Transit Times:
   • From China, transit times typically range from 35–50 days, depending on the route and number of transfers (most shipments require 1–2 stops).
4. Cargo Types:
   • Suitable for furniture, machinery, construction materials, electronics, and bulk goods.
   • Container options: Standard 20ft/40ft containers, with refrigerated units (reefers) available for perishables.
5. Customs & Documentation:
   • Required documents: Bill of Lading (B/L), commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin.
   • St. Kitts and Nevis follows CARICOM customs regulations, which may impose tariffs, import licenses, or health/sanitary checks for certain goods (e.g., food, plants).

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 Panama City.
2. St. Kitts and Nevis Airports:
   • Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) in Basseterre is the main gateway for international cargo, handling electronics, pharmaceuticals, and express packages.
   • Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV) on Nevis is smaller and less frequent for commercial cargo.
3. Transit Times:
   • No direct flights from China; most shipments involve 1–2 layovers. Total transit time: 4–8 days, depending on connections.
4. Cargo Types:
   • Best for electronics, medical supplies, luxury items, documents, and perishables (e.g., fresh produce, flowers).
   • Note: Airlines enforce strict weight and size limits; oversized cargo may require special arrangements.
5. Documentation & Logistics:
   • Required documents: Air Waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary permits (e.g., for restricted items).
   • Customs clearance in St. Kitts typically takes 1–3 days. Expedited services can reduce processing time for urgent shipments.

Freight Forwarders & Logistics Tips

• For end-to-end logistics support, contact San Logistics Limited at info@sangrupo.com. They specialize in China-Caribbean routes and can assist with customs clearance, cargo consolidation, and last-mile delivery to Basseterre, Campden Park, or Nevis.
• Inland transport on St. Kitts is primarily via road, with reliable services connecting ports/airports to residential and commercial areas. For Nevis, cargo may require inter-island shipping via ferry.
• Be aware of seasonal demand (e.g., pre-holiday peaks) and regional trade agreements (e.g., CARICOM), which may affect shipping costs and availability.