Sri Lanka Sourcing Guide

Import Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka to China

What it takes to source Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka and bring it into China: tariff treatment, import requirements, shipping times and indicative pricing, with a free route to quotes from verified exporters.

Import from Sri Lanka to China: every product, one page →

Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka
उत्पादसीलोन चायHS 0902
सांकेतिक FOB$3.50–6.50 / kggrade-dependent
Tariff routeAPTA*see below
Sea transit~2–4 wksfrom Colombo

China is one of Sri Lanka’s largest export markets, taking US$261 million of goods in 2024 (UN Comtrade). Fresh Ceylon Tea crop typically lands year-round, with quality peaks Jan–Mar and Jul–Sep, see the harvest calendar.

Why source Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka

“Ceylon” is a globally protected mark of origin for Sri Lankan tea, sold through the transparent कोलंबो चाय नीलामी. Buyers can source by elevation (high / medium / low grown) and grade (BOP, BOPF, OP, FBOP, dust) with consistent quality and a clean, well-documented supply chain.

Forms & grades: Black, green and specialty teas by elevation and leaf grade; bulk or private-label. Browse current listings on our Ceylon Tea category page.

Duty & tariff treatment for China

Sri Lanka and China both belong to the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), which grants tariff concessions (a margin of preference) on a list of products. Not blanket duty-free, so confirm whether your HS line is covered. (A China–Sri Lanka FTA has been negotiated but is not yet in force.)

APTA preference requires an APTA Certificate of Origin for products on the concession schedule.

Always confirm the current rate. Tariffs and preference schemes change. Check your exact HS line in the China Customs (GACC), and estimate duty + freight + insurance together with our लैंडेड-कॉस्ट कैलकुलेटर. We don’t publish line-item tariff figures because they move and depend on your precise product and origin proof.

Import requirements for China

Typical requirements for bringing Ceylon Tea into China include:

  • GACC registration (China Customs) is mandatory for overseas food manufacturers/exporters before shipping food to China.
  • CIQ inspection on arrival, Chinese labeling, and product-specific protocols (e.g. for tea, spices).
  • A phytosanitary / health certificate for plant and food products.

Your exporter prepares the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin; see our निर्यात दस्तावेज चेकलिस्ट for the full set.

Certificates this market asks for

Lists of Sri Lankan suppliers holding each one, taken from the scheme’s own public register. A certificate covers named products, so our Trade Desk confirms it covers your order.

Shipping & lead time from Colombo

Roughly 2–4 weeks by sea from Colombo to Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen; air freight a few days for samples. Most Ceylon Tea moves FOB Colombo or CIF China. Agree the Incoterm up front so responsibilities are clear. Estimate ocean freight and your landed cost with the माल ढुलाई & लैंडेड-कॉस्ट कैलकुलेटर.

संकेतात्मक मूल्य निर्धारण

Ceylon Tea is indicatively $3.50–6.50 / kg FOB, varying by grade, order volume, packaging and certification. Track current reference ranges on our सीलोन की वस्तुओं की कीमतें page, then get a firm, current quote for your exact specification below.

Get quotes to import Ceylon Tea into China

Tell us your grade, volume and destination. We’ll match you with verified Sri Lankan Ceylon Tea exporters and get you firm FOB/CIF quotes, free, no obligation.

Request quotes →

पहले गुणवत्ता जांचना चाहते हैं? नमूना ऑर्डर करें. या, श्रीलंकाई किराना स्टोर के लिए, देखें किराना थोक.

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

Is Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka duty-free into China?

Sri Lanka and China both belong to the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), which grants tariff concessions (a margin of preference) on a list of products. Not blanket duty-free, so confirm whether your HS line is covered. (A China–Sri Lanka FTA has been negotiated but is not yet in force.) Confirm the exact rate for your HS line via the China Customs (GACC), or estimate your full landed cost with our लैंडेड-कॉस्ट कैलकुलेटर.

What does Ceylon Tea from Sri Lanka cost?

संकेतक रूप से $3.50–6.50 / kg FOB, depending on grade, volume and certification. See live ranges on our सीलोन की वस्तुओं की कीमतें page, then request a firm quote.

How long does shipping from Colombo take?

Roughly 2–4 weeks by sea from Colombo to Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen; air freight a few days for samples.

Related sourcing guides & tools

Import Ceylon Tea to other markets

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Other Sri Lankan products to China

सेलॉन दालचीनी · नारियल का तेल · काली मिर्च · सूखा नारियल · लौंग · वर्जिन नारियल का तेल · इलायची · जायफल & जायफल की कली · कोयर & कोको पीट · नारियल के खोल से सक्रिय कार्बन · आवश्यक तेल

Sourcing tools

Commodity prices · एचएस कोड खोजक · फसल कैलेंडर · Container calculator · फ्रेट कैलकुलेटर · Incoterms explained · GSP+ / DCTS duty guide · निर्यात दस्तावेज