Shipping From China to Europe Since 2009

Economical, Efficiency and Safe Solutions

Shipping From China To Europe

The shipping service from China to Europe is a complicated process, but with the help of DFH you will never have any trouble.

You can choose from sea, rail, or air freight depending on what’s most convenient for your shipment and we provide professional customs clearance once it arrives in destination country too.

At DFH, we take pride in offering clients the most competitive rates for shipping your goods from China to Europe.

Whether you need rail, sea, or air freight service with a quick turnaround time; our team will ensure that all of your needs are met and exceeded. We have a wide variety of options for your goods, if an individual shipment is too large to handle we can also provide door-to-door service as well.

One-stop Shipping Solutions from China to Europe

More Services When Shipping from China to Europe

Why Choose DFH to Help Arrange
shipments from China to Europe

Safe and Efficiency Delivery
10+ Years Experiences of Shipping from China
24/7 Online services
Competitive Price Guarantee
Profesional Customer service Team
One-Stop Solutions
Door to Door Delivery
Consolidate and Distribution service
Full Set Paper Work and help to make shipping documents
Personal and Business Shipments both Acceptable
Strong Custom Clean Team in&out of China
Varieties of Shipping routes to meet your Customized shipping requirements

Procedures of Shipping from China to Europe

Make Quotation and Confirm Shipping Method

Contact supplier to Arrange Pick up

Prepare Shipping Documents. Goods Inspection before Loading

Export Customs Clearance Help Buy Insurance if needed

International Shipping

Import Customs clean

Final Mile Transport From air or sea port

Delivered to your destination or Amazon Warehouse.

Shipping from China to Europe- The Ultimate and Complete Guide 2022

In 2021, China overtook the USA to become Europe’s most significant trade partner. Every year, millions of goods are imported from China to Europe, an enormous continent containing 44 countries. Europe is home to numerous sizable ports and shipping routes that receive heavy cargo traffic from China.

However, without the proper knowledge and experience, it is often difficult for businesses to navigate the intricate procedures involved in shipping from China to Europe.

If you’re a business or an individual looking for ways to start shipping goods from China to Europe, then you’re in the right place.

This article can become your comprehensive go-to guide for all things shipping from China to Europe. We would cover everything you need to know to enable you to enjoy a seamless shipping experience.

Shipping Methods from China to Europe

You are free to select the shipping method when shipping goods from China to Europe, ranging from air freight and rail to sea shipping. This is a great advantage European countries have over many other countries. The shipping method depends on the requirements you need, the goods you’re shipping, and the particular country you’re shipping to. Let’s look at these methods individually, covering their costs and the time taken to deliver goods from China to Europe.

Express Freight from China to Europe.

Air couriers frequently handle express shipping, enabling you to quickly send packages up to 500kg or more per shipment. It is the fastest shipping method from China to Europe, and delivery takes just 3 to 5 working days.

Express freight is a door-to-door delivery service, making it convenient for millions of buyers.

However, it is also the most expensive way to ship from China to Europe, significantly when the goods range from more than 200kg. Thus it is a preferable shipping method for small freight and packages.

Express freight services are provided by courier firms like DHL, FedEx, TNT, and UPS Express.

Air Freight Shipping from China to Europe

Air freight is a form of shipping cargo through the use of airlines. Most European nations have highly developed and standard airports to support excellent air freight facilities. Using air freight when shipping from china to Europe is a good substitute for express shipping because you get your goods relatively fast at lower prices.

Shipments sent via air freight carriers arrive more quickly than those sent via land or sea, making them ideal for quickly sending smaller, more delicate shipments. Air freight is, however, more expensive than land or sea freight.

You should also be aware that unless you use DDP shipping, air freight shipping is not a door-to-door service; hence businesses should be mindful of requirements for customs clearance and import duties.

You can get the best air freight rates for items weighing between 300 and 500kg.

Ocean Freight Shipping from China to Europe

Sea freight is the most popular and economical method of shipping goods from China to Europe. For new shippers, using ocean freight might seem overwhelming at first. However, a skilled freight forwarder can make the shipping process go smoothly.

Compared to other shipping methods, using sea freight from China to Europe takes the longest. However, the low cost of this shipping method makes it popular with importers. It is better to be aware of your options to make the best choice for shipping goods by sea freight from China to Europe. Two methods can be used for ocean freight.

FCL Container Ship from China to Europe

One way to ship goods from China to Europe by sea is through FCL shipments, also referred to as “full container load.” In an FCL shipment, an importer owns an entire container and all the goods packed inside. For shipments from China to Germany larger than 15 cubic meters, an FCL shipment is the best option. Because sea shipping containers have fixed prices, FCL is also the most economical way to transport heavy cargo from China to Germany.

Even though the container was designed for large shipments, your cargo does not have to fill it when shipping by the full container load. Sometimes it is more cost-effective to ship a half-container using FCL than LCL.

FCL containers maybe 20ft, 40ft, 40ft HQ, and 45ft HQ.

LCL container Ship from China to Europe

LCL shipments stand for less than container load shipments. They are relatively more cost-effective. You do not have to pay for the use and transportation of an entire shipping container from China to Europe because your products are combined with those of other importers in a single container. LCL sea shipping is a straightforward process. You will get in touch with a freight forwarder and send them the information regarding your shipment. The freight forwarder will then calculate how much space you need and reserve it for you.

LCL shipments are best for cargo between 1 and 15 cubic meters, or small freights that don’t need a whole container space and don’t need to be delivered immediately.

You can read here to learn more about FCL and LCL sea shipping, cargo optimization, and calculating the volume of goods.

Rail Freight from China to Europe

Rail freight is quickly becoming a popular option for importers shipping goods from China to Europe because they are quicker than sea freight and less expensive than air freight. Additionally, rail transport is incredibly efficient between China and Europe.

Bulky cargo, liquid goods, and large machinery can easily be transported by rail using containers.

The silk road network connects China to more than fifteen major European cities. From China, this rail freight route travels through Central Asia and ends in Europe.

The rail transport system runs from China to London through nine different countries. Additionally, a different branch travels to Madrid and Paris. Rail freight can deliver your goods from China in half the time.

Door-to-Door Shipping From China to Europe

As the name implies, door-to-door shipping from China to Europe is a shipping method that delivers goods right to your doorstep. A freight forwarder or the supplier usually handles this shipping procedure. All you need do is provide your supplier’s address and your destination address in Europe.

The freight forwarder handles all the logistics procedures for moving the goods from China to your destination country, including customs clearance, taxes, and import duties. They will also arrange transport of the goods from the destination port to your premises.

DFH provides the best door-to-door shipping service from China to Europe, and we offer our European customers exclusive rates and services to facilitate cost-effective shipping.

How long does it take to ship from China to Europe?

The distance between the two countries and the shipping mode affects how long it takes for goods to arrive in Europe from China.

On average, most European nations are reached by air freight in three to five days. For some nations, the travel time could be up to ten days.

Train freight takes 20 to 30 days to arrive in Europe, while sea freight can take 35 to 60 days. The tables below will give the average transit time for each shipping method.

Note that the time given is the transit time, the time taken for the goods to arrive in the other country. It does not include time for customs clearance, consolidation, and deconsolidation of goods.

Air Freight Shipping Time

Ocean Freight Shipping Time

Rail Freight Shipping time.

Express Freight Shipping time.

The transit time for Express freights is 3-7days by DHL/UPS/FEDEX. it with fast delivery and economic delivery depends on which way you choose and both address of the shipper and receiver.

How much does Shipping from China to Europe Cost？

The cost of shipping from China to Europe largely depends on the shipping method and destination country. There are other factors that influence the price, which will also be mentioned later. Once you are aware of these factors, estimating the shipping cost will be simple. Let’s give an average shipping cost for the major shipping methods below.

What are the Air Freight Shipping costs from China to European Countries?

The cost of air freight in shipping from China to Europe is influenced by several factors, including the nature of the goods, their weight, volume, and destination.

As your shipment gets heavier, the cost of air freight per kilogram decreases, but the lowest chargeable weight is 45 kg. Therefore, it is preferable to ship larger shipments to benefit from economies of scale when using air freight.

It is impossible to give an exact estimate of the cost of air freight from China to Europe, but a typical air freight shipment would cost between $4 and $8 per kg.

What is the Ocean Freight Shipping cost from China to European Countries?

A container’s ocean freight/ sea freight shipping cost from China to Europe will vary depending on the date, the carrier, the route chosen, the carriage conditions, and the container type loading used.

FCL shipping cost,

As long as it fits inside a container, you can increase your shipping volume and save money. For example, if a container is filled to more than 70% of its maximum capacity, FCL container load becomes less expensive because you can use economies of scale to your advantage.

LCL shipping cost,

LCL is less expensive than FCL because you do not have to rent an entire container for yourself.

A significant portion of the LCL shipping price comprises port fees at the destination.

Although it is virtually impossible to estimate the exact sea freight shipping cost from China to Europe, we give an average value in the table below. The table shows the average shipping cost for a 20ft and 40ft container for FCL shipping and the cost/cbm for LCL shipping under sea freight.

Express Shipping costs from China to European countries

The cost of Express freight from China to Europe is determined by the goods shipped, their weight, and the packaging size. As your package gets bigger during express shipping, the price per kilogram decreases, making it more cost-effective to ship larger cargo from China to Europe. The best express shipping companies are listed below.

DHL Express shipping costs

DHL offers international freight express shipping from China to Europe at a very competitive price.

The cost of DHL Express shipping a 0.5 to 2 kg document parcel from China to Europe ranges from $25 to $50.

The cost of DHL express shipping for a non-document parcel from China to Europe is $8 per kg.

The cost of DHL express shipping from China to Europe for a 10 kg parcel ranges from $90 to $120.

The cost of DHL express shipping from China to Europe for a 70 kg parcel ranges from $420 to $490.

UPS shipping costs

UPS is one of the biggest air couriers in the world and offers quite similar prices to DHL.

FEDEX shipping costs

This popular American air courier also ships from China to Europe at very competitive prices, similar to DHL.

Rail Freight Cost From China to European countries.

Although prices can vary depending on the time of year, an FCL full container load traveling by rail from China to Europe typically costs about $5,000-$7,000.

Contrarily, the average cost of rail freight for LCL goods, including customs and duty charges, is $2/kg-$3.5/kg. Freight forwarders who transport cargo door to door also help to simplify the rail freight logistics process, but at more costs.

Insurance Costs

It is highly recommended to get insurance if you ship expensive or fragile products from China to Europe. Insurance is a form of logistic expenditure that should not be ignored during shipping no matter Rail, Air, or Sea freight.

Insurance protects against any loss or damage to your shipment, giving you peace of mind while also ensuring that, in bad circumstances, you can recover the costs of damage. Reputable freight forwarding companies like DFH offer insurance at very cheap rates. You can also get insurance for your goods through a third-party provider in international freight or Europe shipping.

The actual cost of insurance is determined by several factors, including the mode of transportation, the nature of the goods, the insurance broker, air freight, or sea freight, and others.

You must also be aware of the specific terms and conditions of the premium you purchase to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Customs Clearance Costs

The costs involved with customs clearance are another logistics expenditure you have to take into account when shipping from China to Europe.

The customs industry is complex, and the costs of duties vary widely. You pay for customs clearance on two fronts, first at the country of origin and then at the country of destination, in this case, China and the European nation, respectively. This is true for both air freight and sea freight cargo.

You must fully comprehend all facets of customs duty charges if you want to avoid unnecessary losses. You must also be aware of the restrictions the destination country has placed on the type of goods you’re importing.

It is always preferable to have experts like freight forwarders handle your customs obligations in international freight. Your freight forwarder will let you know how much duty you must pay in China and the country you are importing to, so you can include it in your shipping budget when doing Europe shipping. It can make you need only one click if you choose DFH as your freight forwarder, and there is no need to do anything else. DFH can help you do both Sides of Customs clearance Free of Charge if you Choose our Door to Door shipping method from China to Europe.

Import Duties and Taxes from China to Europe.

You are importing goods from outside the European Union when you bring goods from China into Europe. As a result, you will always have to pay import taxes, VAT, excise taxes, and occasionally consumption taxes.

Import taxes and duties are determined by the kind of product you’re importing in europe shipping.

Some products typically have high taxes, whereas others have relatively low taxes. Some products are also tax-free.

The import duty is calculated as a percentage using the customs value. The HS code determines how much you pay. For instance, you might pay 4% for Product A and 2% for Product B.

For instance, the UK’s VAT is 20% and the customs duty on gloves is 8% if you want to import them from China.

The product has a value of 1000 euros, and its total cost includes 240 euros in VAT, 200 euros in shipping costs, and 96 euros in customs fees. The total tax is 336 euros. See here for more customs duties value.

To determine how much you can spend on each item you bring into Europe, it is crucial to classify each one, whether sea freight or air freight.

Understanding the import duties and taxes to pay for your goods will make your budget planning simple and helps to avoid unnecessary stress.

To avoid the stress of paperwork and import duties, contact DFH. We will help to sort your goods and handle all import levies and taxes.

Freight forwarder Charges.

Regardless of experience or knowledge, it is important to use a freight forwarder when shipping from China to Europe to avoid unexpected outcomes. Since they specialize in handling goods, freight forwarders can advise you on the most efficient route for shipping and help to negotiate better rates with carriers because they have contracts with them. You might have to pay way higher prices if you go directly to a shipping carrier by rail, sea, or air freight.

A freight forwarder also knows how to prepare the proper documentation, which is another crucial step in Europe shipping because you cannot import goods from China without it.

Therefore, you should hire a freight forwarder to handle your shipping-related tasks because they will significantly lower your container load and freight costs.

Freight forwarder fees are another cost you must budget into your freight costs. Freight forwarder rates vary, usually from 5USD-75usd each shipment depends on the goods’ name, shipping method, delivery address, and the delivery requirement. and it is necessary to research to select the best ones that offer value for money.

DFH is a reputable Chinese freight forwarder with the requisite experience shipping from China to Europe. Contact to get a Free Quote now.

Local Transporation costs.

Although most of China’s industries are well-positioned for you to transport your shipment to any shipping port, importers should be aware that not all manufacturing companies are located near ports. You must hire an inland transport company to move your goods to the destination port or airport before loading, and you need the destination country’s inland transport company to move goods from the seaport or airport to the final destination address if you don’t choose the door-to-door shipping method.

Using a freight forwarder to handle local transportation costs is often best. Freight forwarders know how to transport goods cheaply and carefully to prevent damage and loss, whether Rail freight, air freight, or sea freight.

The charges discussed above are the major logistics expenses you’ll most likely incur when sending a shipment from China to Europe. Beyond these, the rest of the freight costs are merely miscellaneous charges you can easily handle.

What are the Main seaports in Europe for shipping from China

Europe has more than a thousand commercial seaports, most of which are capable of loading and unloading a sizable amount of sea freight cargo. Every day, China exports nearly a billion dollars worth of goods to European countries by sea. The major seaports that receive this sea freight cargo traffic in Europe are:

Port of Hamburg (Germany)
Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Port of Antwerp (Belgium)
Port of Valencia (Spain)
Port of Fos sur Mer (Marseille, France)
Port of Le Havre (Le Havre)
Port of Botas in Turkey

Amsterdam, Bremerhaven, Bilbao, Dunkirk, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Gdynia, Tallinn, Kaliningrad, and Odessa, are other well-known seaports receive sea freight.

What are the Main Airports in Europe for shipping from China?

Most European nations have well-developed, standard airports that receive a huge volume of air freight cargo daily.

Some of the top airports in Europe that receive international air freight shipping from China are:

Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport
Frankfurt International Airport
Netherlands Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Cologne Bonn Airport
Aéroport de Paris Charles de Gaulle
Heathrow Airport
East Midlands Airport
Aéroport de Bruxelles-National à Bruxelles-Zaventem
Zurich Airport
Malpensa Airport
Aéroport Adolfo-Suárez de Madrid-Barajas
Luxembourg International Airport
Charles de Gaulle International Airport

Best Shipping Incoterms for Shipping from China to Europe.

Incoterms are a set of guidelines that outline the obligations of importers and suppliers in international trade. When shipping from China, it is essential to understand the trade terms offered and their advantages because Incoterms play a significant role in international trade.

The following popular incoterms are the most suitable for shipping goods from China to Europe:

EXW – When the EXW incoterm is used, the buyer is entirely responsible for transport and logistics, including export and import customs clearance. It is recommended that you use the EXW incoterm for small-sized goods because you’ll have to pick up the goods directly from the supplier’s workshop, transport it to the Port, and ship it to your country’s destination port. It is not good for newbies in the importing business.
FOB – The Free On Board incoterm means the seller agrees to deliver your shipment to the Port and handle customs clearance in China, then you’ll be responsible for your cargo afterward. For larger products (>100 kg), you can use FOB so that the supplier can deliver the goods to the Port or your forwarder, ensuring you save some local transportation costs.
DDP – This is a door-to-door service where the seller will be in charge of all shipping-related risks and costs up until the package is delivered to your premises, whether through air freight, sea, or rail. It is a great option for businesses with little to no knowledge about shipping from China to Europe.
CIF – Cost, Insurance, and Freight. This agreement means the seller will be responsible for paying the freight, insurance, and costs associated with customs clearance in China, but once the shipment has arrived at its destination port, the buyer will be in charge of all remaining costs.

The degree of responsibility for the buyer and the seller varies depending on the incoterm, ranging from the case where you are solely responsible for shipping (EXW) to the case where the seller is entirely responsible (DDP).

Keep in mind that the incoterm you choose will affect your overall import cost because your supplier will charge you more for FOB or DDP.

To read up more on incoterms and know how to select the right one, check out our article here.

How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA in Europe?

Amazon is one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, and many importers sell goods purchased from China in retail on Amazon.

You can order goods from your supplier in China to deliver straight to an Amazon fulfillment warehouse in Europe. From there, you can attend to your orders online and send them from Amazon to your clients. The process of doing this is quite straightforward.

As an importer, you have to own and maintain an Amazon account. Then you get the Amazon FBA warehouse close to you and input that as your destination address when ordering from your supplier in China. The goods are delivered directly using any previously discussed shipping methods.

The rest of the job is handled by the Amazon team, who has a dependable, quick system for picking and sorting orders. You can then make deliveries to your clients worldwide using Amazon.

For more details about how to Ship from China to Amazon FBA. Click here. This is a complete guide to everything about shipping from China to Amazon FBA. It should be helpful for your Amazon business and shipments from China to Amazon.

Rules to follow before shipping from China to Europe.

You must abide by certain regulations when shipping from China to Europe. Some of them are:

You must possess a registration certificate issued by the appropriate agency responsible for regulating the importation of goods into the EU in your country. You must register with the department by providing all necessary information and documentation. This would enable you to import goods from China to Europe. If you don’t have it, it doesn’t matter; DFH has a particular shipping route for importers without the right to import from China. welcome to send an inquiry to know how to do it.
Ensure you pay attention to all import duties and levies, and pay them all when importing from China to Europe. You can get help from your freight forwarder to determine the import tax for a particular product. by Cooperating with DFH, we can provide you Door to door shipping methods, including all costs, with no need for you to do anything but just arrange payment.
Ensure you know the goods prohibited from importing in your home country. This is very important. Contact a reputable freight forwarder to inquire about this or ask questions from your local customs authority. Importing banned or prohibited goods can be problematic, time-consuming, and money-wasting.

How to reduce shipping costs from China to Europe.

There are ways to reduce shipping costs from China to Europe. They include:

Try to optimize container space by packing goods tightly to save container costs.
Make reservations as far in advance as you can to save money and ease any potential stress from delays.
Get cheaper shipping rates by shipping during less busy periods and off-peak seasons.
Have all required documentation prepared for quick customs clearance.
Plan ahead to cover customs taxes and levies.
Check different suppliers and freight forwarders for quotes before selecting one.
To avoid unforeseen costs, be aware of your Incoterms and your shipping method.
Avoid shipping in Busy seasons or before holidays. shipping Price during this period is always higher than on common days.

Why DFH is the best freight forwarder for Shipping from China to Europe.

DFH is one of the most reputable freight forwarders in China. To save time and money, it is necessary to choose freight forwarders with the required expertise and knowledge in shipping goods from China to Europe more efficiently.

Using DFH gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on the essentials of running your business.

DFH handles hundreds of shipments for our customers each month and has a team with decades of experience shipping goods from China to Germany.

We distinguish ourselves from our rivals thanks to our:

Low-cost insurance premiums
Free of charge, packing and repacking
Free of charge warehousing
Renowned logistics expertise
A strong network of forwarders and customs brokers overseas and in China.
Low shipping costs as a result of our good relationship with carriers
Free quality inspection services.
Knowledge of the suitable routes for shipping your products to the destination port.

To get a quote on DFH, simply reach out to us here. We’ll start working on your products immediately, and you’ll have a timely delivery!

FAQs about shipping from China to Europe.

Can I ship goods from China to Europe?

Yes! Europe is one of the most popular destinations for shipping from China. Any legal goods may be transported from China to Europe via air, sea, or rail freight.

How can I ship products from China to Europe?

You can get your products shipped from China to Europe by contacting your supplier or getting a Chinese freight forwarder like DFH. or contact with DFH directly to let our experienced expert make a shipping offer for your shipments.

Does UPS ship Express freight from China To Europe?

Yes, UPS provides express freight shipping from China to Europe. It takes about 3 days fast method and 4-7days for an economical way for the goods to arrive in Europe.

How Much does DHL ship from China to Europe?

DHL offers express shipping from China to Europe at a very competitive price.

The cost of DHL Express shipping a 0.5 to 2 kg document parcel from China to Europe ranges from $50 to $110.

The cost of DHL express shipping for a non-document parcel from China to Europe is $7-$10 per kg.

How Long Does DHL Shipping take from China to Europe?

Generally, all air couriers take about 3 ~ 5 days to deliver goods from China to Europe.

What Is the maximum weight allowed for Express shipping from China To Europe?

Depending on your shipping company, the maximum weight allowed for express shipping from China to Europe can vary. For example, DHL Express has a weight limit of 70 kg per shipment, while FedEx allows up to 150 kg shipments. If your shipment exceeds the weight limit of your chosen shipping company, you may need to ship it via standard shipping, which typically takes longer and is more expensive. To avoid delays and additional costs, check the weight limit of your chosen shipping company before booking your shipment.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A 40 ft Container To Europe From China?

40ft container shipping cost from China to Europe depends on a few factors such as which mode of transport you choose(sea or train), which route you take and the value of your 40ft container. Your 40ft container might cost more to ship if it contains high-value items or if you choose a faster shipping option.

The route you take is essential in determining the cost of shipping a 40ft container from China to Europe. The two most popular routes are the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal. Shipping via the Suez Canal is generally cheaper, but it takes longer. Shipping via the Panama Canal is more expensive, but it’s faster. Ultimately, deciding which route to take depends on your budget and timeline.

What Is the cheapest shipping method from China To Europe?

If you’re looking for the cheapest shipping method from China to Europe, you’ll need to consider a few factors. First, consider the weight and size of your shipment. The heavier and larger your shipment is, the more it will cost to ship. You’ll also need to choose between air and ocean shipping. Air shipping is faster but more expensive, while ocean shipping is slower but cheaper. You’ll also need to decide whether you want to ship via express or standard shipping. Express shipping is faster but more expensive, while standard shipping is slower but cheaper. Ultimately, the cheapest shipping method from China to Europe will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Would I pay customs charges when shipping from China To Europe?

Yes, you are required to pay the customs fee for the shipment. Your freight forwarder can help to handle this.

Who pays the import duties when shipping from China to Europe?

The importer will pay the import duty for the shipment from China to Europe. A freight forwarder can also pay on behalf of the importer.

What should I do if Customs seize my goods when shipping from China to Europe?

You should inform your Chinese supplier and freight forwarder about the circumstance. They can help to facilitate the fast release of your seized package by providing the necessary documents.

Can I deceive Customs and ship illegal goods when shipping from China to Europe?

This can be deemed to be smuggling and may have dire consequences. Having all the necessary paperwork and shipping only legal items is better.

Conclusion

That’s it for our ultimate guide to shipping from China to Europe. We hope you found this information helpful and that it answered any questions you may have had about the process. If not, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime – we would be happy to help!

Shipping From China to Europe Since 2009 Economical, Efficiency and Safe Solutions