Last updated: January 15, 2026
1. Shipping Methods
GreenHarvest ships fertilizer to over 60 countries worldwide. We offer the following shipping methods depending on your order volume, urgency, and destination:
- Sea Freight (Full Container Load - FCL): This is the standard and most cost-effective shipping method for bulk fertilizer orders. We load 20GP and 40HQ containers at our warehouse and arrange direct shipping to your destination port. FCL is used for all standard orders of 25 metric tons or more.
- Air Freight: For urgent, smaller-volume orders (such as water-soluble fertilizer samples or specialty products), we can arrange air freight from Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA) or Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Air freight is significantly more expensive and is recommended only when speed is critical.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): For orders smaller than a full container, LCL shipping can be arranged, though it is less common for fertilizer due to the risk of contamination from co-loaded cargo. LCL is available only for water-soluble and specialty fertilizers in small quantities.
2. Incoterms
We operate under the Incoterms 2020 rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce. The following terms are available, and the applicable Incoterm is specified in your proforma invoice:
- FOB (Free On Board): We deliver the goods, cleared for export, alongside the vessel at the named port of departure (typically Qingdao). The Buyer is responsible for ocean freight, insurance, and all costs from the port of loading onward. This is the most common Incoterm for fertilizer trade and gives the Buyer full control over shipping.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): We arrange and pay for ocean freight and minimum insurance coverage to the named destination port. The Buyer is responsible for import customs clearance, duties, and inland transport from the destination port. Ideal for buyers who prefer the supplier to handle shipping.
- CFR (Cost and Freight): Same as CIF, but without insurance. We arrange and pay for ocean freight to the destination port; the Buyer arranges insurance and handles import clearance.
- FCA (Free Carrier): We deliver the goods, cleared for export, to the carrier nominated by the Buyer at our warehouse or a named place. The Buyer takes responsibility from that point. This is suitable when the Buyer has a nominated freight forwarder in China.
3. Order Processing Time
Processing time includes production (or stock allocation) and container loading, and is separate from shipping transit time. The following processing times apply from the date your advance payment is received and cleared:
- Standard in-stock products: 7-10 days for production, QC testing, and container loading.
- OEM private-label packaging: 15-20 days, including bag printing, production, and loading.
- Custom NPK formulations: 20-30 days, including formula development, sample approval, production, and loading.
- Peak season (March-May, September-November): Add 5-7 days to the above timeframes due to high order volume.
We will provide an estimated shipping date (ETD) in your proforma invoice and keep you updated throughout the production and loading process.
4. Shipping Destinations
We currently serve over 60 countries across the following regions:
- Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos.
- Middle East: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar.
- Africa: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal.
- Europe: Spain, Italy, Turkey, Russia, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Romania.
- Americas: Brazil, Mexico, United States, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru.
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji.
If your country is not listed, please contact us and we will check shipping routes and feasibility for your destination.
5. Container Types and Loading
We use two standard container types for fertilizer export. The loading capacity depends on product density, packaging, and container specifications:
- 20-foot General Purpose (20GP): Internal dimensions approximately 5.89m x 2.35m x 2.39m. Maximum payload typically 26-28 metric tons. Standard loading for urea, DAP, MOP, and NPK in 50kg bags is approximately 550-560 bags (27-28 MT).
- 40-foot High Cube (40HQ): Internal dimensions approximately 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.69m. Maximum payload typically 26-29 metric tons (weight-limited, not volume-limited, for dense fertilizer products). Standard loading for 50kg bags is approximately 560-580 bags (28-29 MT).
- 20-foot with 1000kg jumbo bags: Approximately 27 jumbo bags per container, totaling 27 MT. Jumbo bags optimize loading efficiency and reduce handling at destination.
Container loading is done at our warehouse under the supervision of our QC team and, when requested, SGS inspectors. We ensure proper palletization, dunnage placement, and cargo securing to prevent shifting during transit.
6. Customs and Duties
Customs clearance responsibilities depend on the agreed Incoterm:
- Under FOB terms, the Buyer (or their freight forwarder) handles all destination customs clearance, import duties, and taxes.
- Under CIF and CFR terms, we handle export customs clearance in China and deliver to the destination port; the Buyer is still responsible for import customs clearance, duties, and taxes.
- The Buyer must hold a valid import license for fertilizer if required by their country's regulations, and must provide the HS code and product classification to their customs broker.
- We provide all necessary export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, certificate of analysis) to support the Buyer's import clearance.
- Import duties and taxes vary by country and product. The Buyer is solely responsible for these charges and should consult their local customs broker for accurate cost estimates.
7. Shipment Tracking
Once your container is loaded and the vessel departs, we provide the following tracking information:
- Bill of Lading (B/L) number and shipping line booking reference.
- Vessel name, voyage number, and estimated time of departure (ETD).
- Estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the destination port.
- Container number and seal number for security verification.
You can track your shipment in real time using the shipping line's online tracking portal with the B/L number. We also provide weekly status updates until your container arrives at the destination port. For CIF orders, our logistics coordinator actively monitors the shipment and notifies you of any schedule changes.
8. Delivery Timeframes by Region
Approximate transit times from Qingdao Port to major destination ports (actual times may vary by shipping line and schedule):
- Southeast Asia (Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh, Laem Chabang, Jakarta, Manila): 7-15 days.
- Middle East (Jeddah, Dammam, Jebel Ali, Aqaba): 18-28 days.
- Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Durban, Tema): 25-40 days.
- Europe (Barcelona, Genoa, Istanbul, Novorossiysk): 35-45 days.
- South America (Santos, Manzanillo, Callao, Buenos Aires): 40-50 days.
- North America (Los Angeles, Houston, New York): 30-45 days.
- Oceania (Sydney, Auckland): 25-35 days.
9. Shipping Restrictions
Certain products and destinations are subject to shipping restrictions:
- Ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers: Subject to strict international transport regulations due to their oxidizing properties. Some countries restrict or prohibit import. The Buyer must verify import permits and hazard classification before ordering.
- Sanctioned countries: We do not ship to countries subject to United Nations or Chinese government trade sanctions.
- Wood packaging: If wooden pallets are used, they comply with ISPM-15 fumigation standards and carry the appropriate mark.
- Destination port restrictions: Some ports have weight or draft restrictions that may limit container loading tonnage. We confirm feasibility with our shipping line before booking.
10. Damage and Loss Claims
In the event of damage or loss during transit, the following claim procedures apply:
- Immediate notification: The Buyer must inspect the container and goods upon arrival at the destination port and notify the shipping line, insurance company, and GreenHarvest within 7 days of discharge if any damage, shortage, or contamination is detected.
- Survey report: For significant damage, a joint survey should be arranged with the shipping line's surveyor at the destination port to document the condition of the goods.
- Photographic evidence: The Buyer must provide clear photographs of the container seal, container interior, damaged goods, and packaging to support the claim.
- Insurance claims: Under CIF terms, the minimum insurance covers the goods at 110% of the CIF value under Institute Cargo Clauses (C). The Buyer may file an insurance claim through the nominated insurance company. Additional all-risk coverage can be arranged at the Buyer's request and expense.
- Under FOB terms: Once the goods pass the ship's rail at the loading port, risk transfers to the Buyer. Any transit damage is the Buyer's responsibility to claim through their own insurance or the shipping line.
- Claim resolution: We cooperate fully with all parties to resolve legitimate claims. For confirmed quality or loading issues attributable to GreenHarvest, we offer replacement or credit as per our Refund & Return Policy.
11. Contact Us
For any questions about shipping, freight rates, or logistics coordination, please contact our logistics department:
Visit our Contact page to submit a shipping inquiry.
