Computer Hardware Shipping from China
Export freight for computer hardware — packing specification, container loading, HS classification and clearance. Quoted EXW, FOB, CIF, CIP or delivered duty-paid.
We move Computer Hardware out of China as ordinary export freight — booked, packed and cleared to the same standard as any other commodity, but planned around the fact that it high-value assemblies where static and impact are the two failure modes.
That shapes the quote directly. Almost always volumetric on air freight — the cargo is light for its footprint. Value density is high enough that insurance and security handling are a meaningful share of the landed cost.
Worth knowing about computer hardware specifically. Consumer-grade cartons treated as export packaging. Retail computer boxes are designed for a van, not a four-week sea crossing under stack load. They need an overbox and a stack limit, or the units arrive with cracked heatsink mounts.
The paperwork that most often decides whether a consignment clears on time is CE, FCC and RED conformity; encryption declarations on network hardware. Expect HS chapter 8471 / 8517, with the precise heading depending on grade and construction — confirm it for your specific goods rather than assuming.
Freight reference — Computer Hardware
| Typical HS chapter | 8471 / 8517 |
|---|---|
| Cargo behaviour | High-value assemblies where static and impact are the two failure modes |
| How it prices | Volumetric on air |
| Usual service | Air |
| Main compliance step | CE, FCC and RED conformity; encryption declarations on network hardware |
| Trade terms available | EXW, FOB, CIF, CIP, DAP or delivered duty-paid |
HS chapters are indicative. The binding classification depends on your exact specification — confirm the heading before relying on a duty estimate.
Packing and protection
Original double-cushion cartons wherever possible, anti-static bags for anything board-level, and pallets built so no carton overhangs. This is a theft target: plain outers, numbered seals and photographs before sealing.
Loading the container
Stowage: Palletise and shrink-wrap into unit loads so nothing can be opened without it being obvious. Where the value justifies it, seal with numbered security seals and photograph them.
Choosing the service
Service choice: Air is the default: transit exposure is short, humidity risk low, and the freight cost is small against the goods value. Sea FCL for high-volume consumer runs where the schedule allows.
Where it usually goes wrong
Consumer-grade cartons treated as export packaging. Retail computer boxes are designed for a van, not a four-week sea crossing under stack load. They need an overbox and a stack limit, or the units arrive with cracked heatsink mounts.
Live rates on lanes that carry this cargo
Published per-kilo and per-CBM rates from China, updated from carrier feeds. Rates are lane-based rather than commodity-based, so these apply to computer hardware as much as to any other general cargo on the same route.
Frequently asked questions
How is freight priced for computer hardware?
Almost always volumetric on air freight — the cargo is light for its footprint. Value density is high enough that insurance and security handling are a meaningful share of the landed cost.
How should computer hardware be packed for export?
Original double-cushion cartons wherever possible, anti-static bags for anything board-level, and pallets built so no carton overhangs. This is a theft target: plain outers, numbered seals and photographs before sealing.
Air or sea for computer hardware?
Air is the default: transit exposure is short, humidity risk low, and the freight cost is small against the goods value. Sea FCL for high-volume consumer runs where the schedule allows.
What customs paperwork does computer hardware need?
The step that most often holds a shipment is CE, FCC and RED conformity; encryption declarations on network hardware. Classification normally falls in HS chapter 8471 / 8517, but the exact heading depends on your specification — send the product details and we will confirm the code and the duty position for the destination before you commit.
What goes wrong most often with computer hardware shipments?
Consumer-grade cartons treated as export packaging. Retail computer boxes are designed for a van, not a four-week sea crossing under stack load. They need an overbox and a stack limit, or the units arrive with cracked heatsink mounts.
Is there anything specific to computer hardware we should know?
Rack equipment is heavy, deep and easily bent at the mounting ears. Ship in the original double-cushion cartons; a bent rack ear is a unit that will not mount, however well the electronics survived.
Can you quote computer hardware on FOB or CIF rather than duty-paid?
Yes. We quote EXW, FOB, CIF, CIP, DAP and delivered duty-paid on this cargo. The term decides how much of the journey is already inside the price — the trade-terms table on any of our rate pages sets out exactly who carries which cost at each stage.