Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Hong Kong to India

Hong Kong is a top exporter of goods to India. In 2021, the nation exported goods amounting to $17B, most of which are diamonds and telephones. Hong Kong’s exports to India have grown over the last 26 years, increasing at an annualized rate of 13.8%. 

If you’re a Hong Kong business looking to tap into the Indian market, here’s everything you need to know about ocean and air freight shipping. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Hong Kong to India?

To ship freight from Hong Kong to India, you can choose between ocean or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Hong Kong to India

Ocean freight offers the most economical means to ship goods from Hong Kong to India. It also gives shippers more flexibility, allowing them to opt for less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL). 

In LCL, goods are consolidated with consignments belonging to other shippers, meaning it’s best for smaller cargo. It’s the cheapest means to move goods from Hong Kong to India but has long transit times. 

FCL, on the other hand, is made for shippers shipping larger volumes of goods. They rent the space in an entire container for their cargo alone, allowing them more control over their shipments. FCL is faster than LCL but also more expensive. 

Air Freight from Hong Kong to India

Air freight is the fastest mode of shipment to get goods from Hong Kong to India. It’s also the most secure because of stricter airport regulations, making it ideal for high-value, perishable, and time-sensitive shipments. However, air freight is also the most expensive shipping option. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Hong Kong to India?

The cost of shipping cargo from Hong Kong to India will depend on a variety of factors, which include: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping




• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment




• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size




• Weight and size limits

To determine your shipping costs, use our online freight costs calculator. Additionally, you can find the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from Hong Kong to India in the table below:

How long does it take to ship cargo from Hong Kong to India?

The transit time for goods shipped from Hong Kong to India is mainly determined by your selected international shipping method. However, other influencing factors include:

• The season of shipment (peak or low season)




• Whether the shipment route is direct or not




• The trade lane's popularity




• Geopolitical instability




• Possible incidents at any port

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Hong Kong to India?

Ocean freight from Hong Kong to India will take between 15 to 50 days to complete. 

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Hong Kong to India?

Air freight from Hong Kong to India is much faster, bringing goods to their destination in only 2 to 8 days.

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in Hong Kong and India

Once your goods land in India, they will have to go through Indian customs clearance authorities. For this process, you will need to have the following documents ready: 

• A commercial invoice




• A packing list




• A certificate of origin




• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)




• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

We have a complete list of documents you can look at for examples of each customs clearance requirement. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

The most important decision you’ll make is what your mode of shipment will be. The right choice will depend on your unique needs and the requirements of your cargo. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best if you prioritize cost savings. It offers a cheap way to get your cargo to India and even gives you two shipping options depending on the needs of your goods. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL shipping is for you if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 




• Lightweight




• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 




• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 




• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

On the other hand, you might be better off choosing FCL if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 




• Heavy or overweight




• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 




• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 




• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If you are shipping perishable, time-sensitive, high-value goods and prioritize speed and security, you should choose air freight. Although expensive, air freight can get your goods from Hong Kong to India in the shortest time. 

However, remember that certain goods may not be suitable for air shipping. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Hong Kong

Port of Hong Kong 

The Port of Hong Kong is the world’s largest container port, leading the ranks in terms of operating and handling container vessels. It has a strategic geographical placement that provides a pathway between the Western and Eastern parts of the world. This port handles over 24 million TEUs per year and experiences a consistent increase in its routine operations. 

Cargo ports of arrival in India

Vizag Port

The Vizag Port is India's oldest seaport and one of the only natural harbors in the Bay of Bengal. It handles 1.2 million metric tons of cargo annually and mainly ships iron ore, aluminum, oil, coal, and pellets. 

Ennore Port

The Ennore port handles most of India’s coal shipments, managing over 16 million metric tons annually. Unlike other Indian ports owned and operated by the government, this one is privately owned, allowing plans to expand the port with five more container berths. 

Cochin Port

The Cochin port is one of India’s fastest-growing seaports. It’s located between the islands of Vallarpadam and Willingdon and has a cargo depth of over 9 meters. The port handles 11 million metric tons of imported goods annually, including spices, coffee, tea, mineral oils, and fertilizers. 

Air Freight from Hong Kong to India: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Hong Kong

Hong Kong International Airport

Since 1996, the Hong Kong International Airport has been hailed as the world’s busiest international cargo airport. It handles more than 4.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, accounting for 48% of Hong Kong’s external trade. 

Airports of arrival in India

Indira Gandhi International Airport

The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary international airport that serves Delhi, India. With primary airlines including IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Go First, Jet Airways, and more, this airport ranks first among all other Indian airports, handling more than 603 thousand metric tons of international freight per year. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is located in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It houses the following airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and more, which help it handle 556.9 thousand metric tons of goods per year. 

Chennai International Airport 

The Chennai International Airport serves the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India. With hubs for airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, and Indian Airlines, this airport handles 276.98 thousand metric tons of goods annually.