Shipping From China to Italy Since 2009

Economical, Efficiency and Safe Solutions

Shipping From China To Italy

Are you looking to import goods from China to Italy? If so, you’re in for a treat, because this guide is going to teach you everything you need to know about shipping from China to Italy. We’ll cover all the basics, such as how to find a freight forwarder and what documents you’ll need, as well as some more advanced topics, like customs clearance and duties. So whether you’re just getting started or you’re already familiar with the process but could use a few pointers, keep reading for all the information you need on shipping from China to Italy!

One-stop Shipping Solutions from China to Italy

More Services When Shipping from China to Italy

Why Choose DFH to Help Arrange
shipments from China to Italy

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 Italy

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 Italy- The Ultimate and Complete Guide

China has emerged as one of Europe’s top exporting and importing trading partners over the past ten years. It is not surprising then that Italy has one of the strongest trade relations with Europe in the EU. In fact, China accounted for over 36 billion USD in imports into Italy in 2020, trailing only Germany and France in terms of import volume.

If you’re a business or an individual looking for ways to start shipping goods from China to Italy, then you’re in the right place. We’ll cover all information on how to ship goods, the best methods to use, the time it would take, and their cost implications. We would also analyze the customs duties and expenses you should look out for.

This article can become your comprehensive manual for everything shipping from China to Italy to give you a seamless and stress-free experience.

Shipping Methods from China to Italy

Express Freight from China to Italy.

The express shipping option is the quickest way to ship items to Italy; with express shipping, your cargo can arrive in Italy in 2-3 business days or 3-6 days in total. It is also a door-to-door shipping service, which saves importers so much stress and hassles.

Express shipping is offered by air courier services. The biggest Air couriers that ship from China to Italy are DHL, UPS, TNT, FedEx, and EMS. You can feel secure knowing that your belongings are traveling quickly to their destination because they all have solid reputations for dependability.

While express shipping is a very fast and stress-free mode of shipping goods, it has the downside of being more expensive than other shipping methods. Thus, if you have heavier goods to ship, which are not time-sensitive or urgent, you should consider using other shipping methods.

Air Freight from China to Italy

Air freight is a form of shipping cargo through the use of air freight carriers or airlines. Italy has well-developed cargo airports that can receive air freights from countries worldwide, especially China. Air freight is a more cost-effective alternative to Express shipping of goods from China to Italy and is also relatively fast.

Air freight is more expensive than land or sea freight, but it is ideal for quickly sending smaller, more delicate shipments because it arrives faster than shipments sent via land or sea. The best air freight rates are available for packages weighing between 300 and 500 kg.

Additionally, you should be aware that air freight shipping is not a door-to-door service unless you use DDP shipping; as a result, companies should be aware of the requirements for customs clearance and import duties.

DDP(Door to door) air freight from China to Italy

DDP Air freight is used from China to Italy for time-sensitive, semi-bulky goods that would otherwise be too expensive with express freight. It usually takes about 7-10 days to arrive and can be delivered directly to the buyer’s premises, whether at a private or commercial address or an Amazon FBA warehouse.

We handle all import customs clearances, extra duties, and logistics paperwork during the flight and make use of air couriers to ensure fast delivery to wherever you are in Italy. Our DDP air freight typically departs from Hong Kong to Italy to process quickly.

Ocean Freight from China to Italy

The most popular means of transporting goods from China to Italy is by sea freight, primarily due to its adaptability and reliability. The types of cargo transported by rail and air are limited, but almost anything can be transported by sea, even very large and heavy cargo.

The main drawback of sea freight is how long it takes; other shipping methods can deliver cargo in a matter of days, but sea freight takes weeks. Depending on the type of cargo being shipped and the specific arrival and departure ports, items typically arrive at their destination in 20 to 50 days.

Sea freight makes use of containers and operates under two different container systems, which are explained below.

FCL Container Ship from China to Italy

FCL shipments, also known as “full container loads,” are one way to ship goods from China to Europe by sea. In FCL sea shipping, an importer purchases an entire container and fills it with goods. Since the container has a fixed price, it is a very economical way to ship goods from China to Italy. An FCL shipment from China to Italy is the best choice for shipments that are larger than 15 cubic meters. FCL containers could be 20ft, 40ft, 40ft HQ, and 45ft HQ.

Even though the container was made to hold large shipments, your cargo does not need to fill it completely when shipping by full container load; in some cases, shipping a half-container using FCL rather than LCL is more cost-effective.

LCL container Ship from China to Italy

LCL shipments stand for less than container load shipments. In LCL sea shipping, goods from different importers are combined in a container, with each importer paying only for the space their goods occupy. Since you do not have to pay for the use and shipping of an entire shipping container from China to Italy, they are comparatively more affordable.

The process of LCL sea shipping is simple; you simply contact a freight forwarder and provide them with the necessary information. Once the freight forwarder has determined your required space, they will reserve it for you.

LCL shipments work best for small freights or cargo between 1 and 15 cubic meters that don’t require a full container space.

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

DDP(Door to door) Ocean Freight from China to Italy

Sea freight remains the cheapest way of shipping from China to Germany, and we also offer door-to-door services to deliver your goods straight from your China supplier right to the destination address in Italy.

We use LCL shipping to ship your goods except otherwise specified. Your goods are expected to arrive in Italy within 30-35 days.

Rail Freight from China to Italy

While historically, sea freight has been the most common way to ship goods from China to Italy, Rail freight is now gaining traction and is seen by many as a fantastic alternative to earlier modes of shipping.

Regarding cost and transit time, rail freight can be a good “middle ground” between air and sea shipping because it is cheaper than air freight and about 15 days faster than sea freight.

Rail freight also makes use of containers, and several types of items can be shipped to Italy this way.

The railway line passes through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, and then Italy.

DDP(Door to door)Rail Freight from China to Italy

If you want a door-to-door service using rail freight, then DFH can also handle this for you. We can set up train freight from China to Italy, pay all the taxes and provide assistance with the import taxes. We will also provide you with options for train freight shipping that considers taxes and customs clearance.

How long does shipping from China to Italy take?

It is often difficult to estimate the shipping time from China to Italy. We can, however, try to provide average transit times for each shipping method. Generally, shipping time depends on the shipping method, the size of goods transported, and how frequently the shipping company visits your destination.

As a rule, Express shipping through DHL, UPS, and FedEx typically take 3-5 business days, air freight typically takes 5–10 business days, sea freight typically takes 40 days, and rail freight typically takes 30 days door to door.

What is the shipping time by Air freight?

Table 1 showing Air freight shipping time from China to Italy.

What is the shipping time by Ocean freight?

Table 2 showing Ocean freight shipping time from China to Italy.

What is the Shipping time by Rail Freight?

What is the shipping time by Express Freight?

The transit time for Express freights is generally between 3-5 days.

How much does Shipping from China to Italy Cost？

The cost of shipping from China to Italy is heavily influenced by factors like:

Product type: Depending on the product, different transportation requirements may apply. For instance, expensive or perishable items may require specialized packaging and/or security.

Size of cargo: This is arguably the most important factor that influences shipping costs. The cargo size determines the transportation method to be considered and the freight forwarder charges.

The cost of shipping increases proportionally with the size of the package. That said, air shipping may be more cost effective for smaller items, especially those under 100kg.

It is quite easy to get an air courier for smaller items under 30kg; hence DFH Recommends shipping smaller shipments by Express.

Method of transport: The method and route chosen for transportation influence the shipping costs. Air freight has high costs, rail freight has medium costs, and Ocean freight has low costs for bulky cargo.

If your delivery is small or quick delivery is an important aspect of your business. You might want to consider the size because it might be more cost-effective to ship by air.

The urgency of goods: For time-sensitive goods or goods that you need to be delivered quickly, you’ll generally need to pay more because the fastest means of transport are express shipping and air freight.

These are the factors that generally affect shipping costs. Below are the average costs for each method of shipping.

What are the Air Freight Shipping costs from China to Italy?

The price of air freight when shipping with China cargo airlines from China to Italy comprises several fees and surcharges, such as the air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, terminal fee, and other fees. These fees are set by airlines based on their operating costs, and they vary frequently; hence you need to get a quote on time.

The cost of air freight depends on the airline, the route, and the time of year. For instance, if two airlines fly from China to Italy, the cost of a shipment during the peak season will likely differ from that of a shipment during the off-season.

If you send a package weighing 25kg or 0.50 cubic meters from China to Italy, the cost would be about $85 with a 7-day delivery window.

Suppose you want to ship from Shanghai, China, to Milan, Italy, with a gross weight of 100kg and measurements of 100 x 100 x 50cm in volume. In that case, the air freight cost will be roughly $750, and the shipment will take 7 days. The cost per kilogram is, therefore, about $7.50.

Additionally, the economy package has an average service fee for air freight, ranging from $3 to $5 per kg of freight.

It is best to contact your freight forwarding company to get precise costs for air freight shipping before you make a decision. You can get a quote from us here.

What is the Ocean Freight Shipping cost from China to Italy?

The cheapest way to ship from China to Italy is by sea.

Your freight forwarding company or the local shipping line office will determine the proper cost of your cargo for sea shipping from China to Italy.

The price of sea freight depends on various factors, such as:

The kind of cargo you’d like to transport from China to Italy.
Container accessibility and ship freight capacity.
The size of the shipment.
Current fuel prices.

LCL shipping Cost

LCL shipping costs less than FCL because you do not have to rent an entire container for yourself. You should consider using LCL shipping if you do not have large goods. A sizable portion of the LCL shipping cost comprises port fees at the destination. The cost of shipping goods from China by LCL is around $100- $150 per CBM.

FCL shipping Cost

An FCL container load becomes less expensive if it is filled to more than 70% of its maximum capacity because you can benefit from economies of scale.

A 20ft container will cost approximately $2000 – $3000 to ship from China to Italy, while a 40ft container will cost around $4000- $5000.

Using reputable freight forwarding companies like DFH can advise you on the cheapest shipping method from China to Italy.

Express Shipping costs from China to Italy

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 shipping, the price per kilogram decreases, making it more cost-effective to ship larger cargo from China to Europe.

For shipping from China to Italy, the products can be delivered by one of the four major international express companies, such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, and TNT.

DHL Express shipping costs

It is advised to ship small items under 21KG using DHL because of its more affordable cost and quick (3–4 day) delivery. DHL offers international shipping from China to Italy at a competitive price.

A 0.5 to 2 kg document parcel will cost $20 to $30 to ship from China to Italy using DHL Express, whereas a non-document parcel will cost $7-$11 per kg.

A 10 kg parcel will cost around $80-$100 to ship via DHL express to Italy, while a 70 kg parcel will cost around $420-$700.

UPS shipping costs

A package will typically cost around $7/KG-$10/KG US dollars to ship from China to Italy using the FedEx International Economy package and takes about 5-7 working days.

Rail Freight Cost From China to Italy

Rail shipping from China to Italy will be less expensive than air shipping and a little more expensive than sea shipping.

Although costs can vary depending on the season, an FCL full container load that travels by rail from China to Europe typically costs around $3,000-$7,000.

On the other hand, the average price of rail freight for LCL goods, including customs and duty fees, is $2/kg. Rail freight logistics can be streamlined with the assistance of freight forwarders who deliver cargo door to door but at a higher cost.

Insurance Costs

It is highly recommended to get insurance if you ship expensive or fragile products from China to Italy. Insurance is a form of logistic expenditure that should not be ignored during shipping air and 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.

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.

Welcome to inquiry us and provide the commercial value of your shipments. Then, we can help to check and quote the insurance for your reference.

Customs Clearance Costs

The costs involved with customs clearance are another logistics expenditure you must take into account when shipping from China to Italy. The customs industry is complex, and the costs of duties vary widely.

Customs value, origin, and tariff type are the fundamental concepts used to calculate customs duties and taxes.

There is a harmonized system to determine the tariff type of products. This is called the HS code, which stands for Harmonized System. The HS code of a given product greatly influences the custom duty, and you should check with your freight forwarder to get accurate estimates for your product.

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 Italy, so you can include it in your shipping budget.

The good news for you is that if you choose our Door to door shipping method from China to Italy. Then we will help you to handle both countries’ customs clean and help you to pay the taxes. DDP shipping method quotation also includes customs cleaning and taxes costs. So it is a good choice for beginners to let us help you do the customs cleaning and pay taxes.

Import Duties and Taxes from China to Italy

You will be required to pay import taxes and duties on each item you bring into Italy from another country. The country of origin and the kind of goods will impact how much duty must be paid.

Any import you bring into Italy is subject to an import tax, typically 4.2%, based on your import’s CIF value.

Value Added Tax is another fee customs will charge you for your import.

Besides customs and excise duties, nearly all imported goods are subject to a 21% value-added tax by Italian customs, including 0-17% customs duties and a 4.2% tariff. This is just for reference and for the real percentage of taxes. need to check depends on your goods name.

You are also required to pay for the inspection of your cargo and the testing of your goods to ensure they comply with standards.

To ensure that your freight forwarder can give you an accurate estimate, it’s crucial to keep up to date on Italian import taxes and to be completely honest about the contents of your shipments.

Do I have to pay tax on Express or air delivery to Italy?

Yes, you pay tax on every Express or air delivery into Italy.

Freight forwarder Charges.

Regardless of experience or knowledge, it is important to use a freight forwarder when shipping from China to Italy to facilitate easy shipping.

A freight forwarder also knows how to prepare the proper documentation, which is another crucial step in shipping from China to Italy.

Freight forwarder rates vary, 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 Italy. Contact us today.

Local Transportation costs.

While most of China’s industries are situated to allow you to transport your shipment to any shipping port, importers should be aware that not all manufacturing companies are close to ports, necessitating an inland transport company to move your goods to the destination port.

You must budget for the costs associated with moving goods from the factory to the loading port. You are also responsible for covering the costs of shipping the item from the destination port to your actual address.

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.

Main seaports in Italy for shipping from China?

LA SPEZIA-

It has an annual Container Volume of over 1.4 million TEUs.

VENICE

It has an annual Container Volume of over 1.4 million TEUs.

ANCONA

It has an annual Container Volume of over 150,000 TEUs.

NAPLES

This is a Mediterranean port located on the southern coast of Italy. It has 38 vessel berths and thousands of workers, with an annual Container Volume of over 500,000 TEUs.

GENOA

It has an annual Container Volume of over 2 million TEUs.

Main Airports in Italy for shipping from China?

MILAN-MALPENSA

ROME-FIUMICINO / DA VINCI

Venice Marco Polo Airport

Best Shipping Incoterms for Shipping from China to Italy

In international trade, importers and suppliers have responsibilities that are outlined in a set of rules called Incoterms. Given the importance of Incoterms in global trade, it is crucial to comprehend the trade terms available and their benefits when shipping from China.

The following popular incoterms are best for transporting goods from China to Italy:

EXW – When the EXW incoterm is used, the buyer is entirely responsible for transport and logistics, including export and import customs clearance. It is advised against using the EXW incoterm when dealing with small-sized goods because you will need to pick up the items directly from the supplier’s workshop, transport them to the port, and ship them to the final destination port in Italy. This is especially true for those who are new to the importation industry.
FOB- This incoterm stands for “Free On Board,” which means that the seller agrees to deliver your shipment to the port and handle customs clearance in China; you will then be responsible for your cargo. To save on local transportation costs, you can use FOB for larger products (>100 kg) so that the supplier can deliver the goods to the port or your forwarder.
DDP – Much of this has been discussed earlier. This is a door-to-door service, meaning that until the package is delivered to your location, the seller or freight forwarder will be responsible for all shipping-related risks and expenses. It is a fantastic choice for companies that know little to nothing about shipping goods from China to Italy.
CIF – This stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight. According to this agreement, the seller will be in charge of paying the freight, insurance, and charges related to customs clearance in China, but the buyer will be in charge of all expenses after the shipment has arrived at its destination port.

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

How to reduce shipping costs from China to Italy.

There are ways to reduce shipping costs from China to Italy. 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.
Be aware of your Incoterms and your shipping method to avoid unforeseen costs.

What Documents should I prepare for shipping from China to Italy?

The importer or freight forwarder ensures that all necessary customs clearance documents are provided when bringing cargo into Italy. Here are the documents that would be requested:

Packing List
Commercial Invoice
Bill of Lading
Arrival Notice
Import License
Certificates of Origin
Single administrative document and CMR

Contact us if you’re unsure of the required documents or have trouble completing your paperwork. For each shipment, we assist with the creation of commercial invoices as well as import and export customs clearances.

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

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.

We have office locations in Jiangxi, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Zhejiang. We provide free pickup within three hours of pickup authorization if your supplier’s factory is located anywhere in mainland China, regardless of the city.

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

We distinguish ourselves from our rivals thanks to our:

24/7 customer support.
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 in Italy
Low shipping costs as a result of our good relationship with carriers
Free quality inspection services.
Knowledge of the right routes for shipping your products to the destination port.

No matter the request or unusual shipment, we’ll try to satisfy your needs.

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 Italy.

How do I track a parcel from China to Italy?

Through our website, DFH allows you to track your package at every stage of its journey. All you need is to check using your tracking number or contact our customer support to inquire about it. We’ll provide information about the package location, the expected delivery date, and the order status.

How Do I Get My Products Shipped To Italy From China?

Shipping products from China to Italy involves certain procedures and processes. After getting your products ready from the supplier, you must select a shipping method and route. Contact DFH for all your shipping inquiries.

Is there UPS Express Shipping From China To Italy?

UPS Express offers freight forwarding for shipments from China to Italy, and the turnaround time ranges from 3 to 5 days.

How Much Does DHL Express Shipping Cost From China To Italy?

A 0.5 to 2 kg document parcel will cost $20 to $30 to ship from China to Italy using DHL Express, whereas a non-document parcel will cost $8 per kg.

What is the maximum weight allowed for Air Express Shipping?

This depends on the aircraft type; a pallet’s maximum height for air shipment is typically 163 centimeters, especially for passenger aircraft. However, some cargo airlines allow up to 300cm box height with pallets.

You can contact us to inquire more about this.

What Is The Cheapest Shipping method From China To Italy?

Sea freight is undoubtedly the least expensive way to ship goods from China to Italy; the entire delivery process takes about 40 days. You can choose sea freight to reduce your shipping costs if you don’t need the goods immediately.

Do I have to pay Customs Charges when shipping from China To Italy?

Yes, you have to pay customs charges when shipping from China to Italy.

Who Pays for the Import Duty when shipping from China To Italy?

All costs associated with importing a product from China are passed along to the importer directly or indirectly because sellers and freight forwarders add the rates when they handle the shipping for you. while it depends on which incoterms you deal with your China Suppliers.

What Happens If Customs Hold My Package When Goods Ship From China To Italy?

You must first speak with your forwarder to ascertain the cause. If it is the missing document you must provide, this can be easily sorted out. However, you might not get your goods back if it is seized over contraband or prohibited goods.

Do I need to buy insurance for shipments from China to Italy?

It is very advisable to use insurance for your shipments when shipping from China to Italy. However, it is not compulsory.

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