Madagascar’s textiles, vanilla trade and growing consumer market run on Chinese imports — but the island logistics demand patience and planning. Here is how shipping from China to Madagascar works in 2026: routes, realistic transit times and customs.
Rate Overview
| Mode | Typical Cost (2026) | Door-to-Door Transit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL / LCL | 20′ ≈ $2,200–4,200 | 35–50 days | Retail, machinery, building materials |
| Air freight | ≈ $6–10/kg | 8–14 days | Electronics, samples, high-value goods |
Sea to Toamasina
Containers from Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen reach Toamasina (Tamatave), Madagascar’s main container port, in 35–50 days door to door, typically with a transhipment in Singapore, Port Louis or Dar es Salaam. LCL groupage serves smaller lots; FCL suits textile-factory inputs and project cargo — see our project cargo service for breakbulk handling.
Air to Antananarivo
Air cargo reaches Ivato International (TNR) via Addis Ababa, Mauritius or Nairobi hubs in 8–14 days at roughly $6–10/kg — the practical choice for electronics, pharma and time-critical goods.
Customs & Taxes
- VAT: 20% on most imports.
- Duty: varies widely by HS code — raw materials low, finished consumer goods higher.
- Documentation: standard commercial set; certain food and pharma goods need health ministry permits.
Under DDP shipping from China, we manage export clearance, the ocean or air leg, Malagasy import clearance, duty and VAT, and delivery to Antananarivo, Toamasina or provincial cities under one all-in rate. French-language documentation is available.
How long does shipping from China to Madagascar take?
Sea 35–50 days door to door (with transhipment), air 8–14 days.
Which port should I ship to?
Toamasina handles most containers; Ehoala and Mahajanga serve specific cargo. We route per consignee location.
What does Malagasy customs charge?
Import VAT is 20%; duties vary by HS code. DDP terms deliver duty-paid so you avoid clearance surprises.
Related Materials
- Shipping from China to Madagascar — Country Page
- Madagascar (Français)
- Sea Freight | Air Freight | Warehouse & Distribution
- FAQ | Contact Us
Get in Touch
Tell us what you are shipping and where it is headed. Our team usually replies within one business day with a tailored quote.