Chemical Shipping from China: FOB Pricing & Sea Freight Costs to India

When Indian buyers search for chemical shipping from China, understanding the complete cost breakdown (FOB price & sea freight cost) is crucial for budget planning. This guide covers chemical procurement advantages, OCEAN SHIPPING regulations, and port operations at Mumbai/Nhava Sheva. We can help you connect with China’s top chemical exporters.

Section 1: Key Chemicals Shipped from China to India

Popular Industrial Chemicals

  1. Solvents

    • Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

    • Isopropanol (IPA)

    • CAS-specific searches (e.g., “CAS 67-63-0 IPA China”)

  2. Polymers & Resins

    • PVC Suspension Resin

    • Epoxy Resins

  3. Specialty Chemicals

    • Pharma intermediates

    • Agrochemical formulations

All require proper hazardous chemical freight handling per IMDG codes.

Section 2: Why Source Chemicals from China? Cost Advantages

1. Competitive FOB China Chemical Prices

  • Example Products:

    ChemicalFOB China PriceIndian Local PriceSavings
    MEK (99%)$1,150/ton$1,550/ton26%
    IPA (99.9%)$1,050/ton$1,400/ton25%

2. One-Stop Logistics Solutions

  • Pre-shipment MSDS preparation (download template)

  • Hazardous cargo IMDG certification included

We can help you connect with China’s top chemical exporters.

Section 3: Chemical Sea Shipping Regulations (China → India)

IMDG Class-Specific Requirements

Chemical TypeIMDG ClassPackaging
Flammable Liquids (MEK)Class 3UN-certified drums
CorrosivesClass 8Double-walled IBCs
Toxic SubstancesClass 6.1Hermetically sealed

Critical Documents

  1. Multilingual SDS (English + Hindi acceptable)

  2. DG Declaration (with 24-hour emergency contact)

  3. Test Report (for polymer/resin shipments)

Temperature Control

  • Maintain below 30°C during CHEMICAL SHIPPING

  • “We’ve seen IPA shipments degrade when stored on deck during monsoon season,” warns Capt. R. Patel, DG cargo specialist.

Section 4: Indian Port Operations – A Step-by-Step Guide

Pre-Arrival (72 Hours Before Landing)

  1. Submit to JNPT Customs:

    • Original COO (Certificate of Origin)

    • DG License (issued by DGFT India)

    • Pro Tip: Missing the Import Manifest causes 3-5 day delays

  2. Hazardous Cargo Slot Booking:

    • Mumbai Port: Limited DG storage – book 10+ days ahead

    • Chennai Port: 30% faster clearance but higher handling fees

During Port Operations

Day 1:

  • 07:00 – DG team inspects container seals

  • 10:00 – Customs verifies CAS numbers vs paperwork

Day 2:

  • Lab testing (random 5% of chemical shipments)

  • Real Case: A Surat importer saved ₹78,000 by pre-submitting test reports

Day 3-4:

  • Transfer to bonded warehouse (if clearance pending)

Last-Mile Delivery

Section 5: Top Indian Chemical Importers & China Partnerships

1. UPL Limited (Agrochem)

  • Annual Volume: 8,000+ tons

  • China Advantage:
    ✓ 28% cost saving vs EU suppliers
    ✓ Dedicated ISO tanker fleet Shanghai-Mumbai

2. Aarti Industries

  • Key Requirement:

    • Batch-specific COA with 99.5%+ purity

    • “Chinese suppliers provide better documentation than local players” – Procurement Head

3. Vinati Organics

  • Logistics Innovation:

    • Uses block space agreements to stabilize freight rates

    • 98% on-time delivery record

Why India Chooses China?
✔ Total Cost: FOB + freight still 15-20% cheaper
✔ Speed: Weekly sailings vs monthly from EU
✔ Flexibility: MOQ as low as 1 container

We can help you connect with China’s top chemical exporters.

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