Shipping from China to the Netherlands since 2009

Competitive shipping prices and high-efficiency routes

Air, Ocean, Rail and Express freight from China to The Netherlands

Shipping from China to the Netherlands

We offer professional shipping services from China to the Netherlands, with competitive rates for all importers and wholesalers. We can also provide customizable one-stop solutions that include port-to-port or door-to-door cargo handling.

DFH’s sea, rail and air freight services will get your products to the Netherlands market. You can be sure we’ll follow all applicable regulations – with our established relationships in top ocean carriers as well as smooth handling between brokerage firms for this segment of shipping logistics industry-related tasks become easier than ever before!
In addition: reliable capacity on major ports like Amsterdam or Rotterdam ensures that you won’t run into any problems when importing goods from China

One-stop Shipping Solutions from China to Netherlands

More Services When Shipping from China to Netherlnads

Why Choose DFH to Help Arrange
shipments from China to Netherlands

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 Netherlands

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 the Netherlands: Air & Sea & Rail & Express | 2022

International trade between China and the Netherlands has grown exponentially in the last decade. In 2021, the Netherlands was the biggest importer of goods from China among EU member states.

Exports from China to the Netherlands have grown at an annual rate of 12.9% over the past 25 years, from $3.09 billion in 1995 to $64.9 billion in 2020. The main products exported by China to the Netherlands include computers, machine parts, technical equipment, and some food items.

Seeing the deep trade relations between the two countries, it’s no surprise that many businesses and individuals are looking for ways to ship from China to the Netherlands easily. While the shipping process might seem overly complicated, there are many great options for shipping from China to the Netherlands.

This article will cover all the information on how to ship goods from China to the Netherlands, 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.

Here, we provide a comprehensive guide for air, sea, and rail shipping from China to the Netherlands to give you a seamless and stress-free shipping experience.

Best shipping method from China to the Netherlands

Importers often get confused about the best shipping method to use when shipping from China to the Netherlands. So, which is the best?

First, you have to understand that there are four main ways to ship cargo from China to the Netherlands. They include- Express freight, Air freight, Rail freight, and Sea freight. Choosing the right method to use for shipping cargo depends on:

The type of cargo being transported.
The size of the goods being transported.
The price budget of the importer.
How urgent the goods are needed.

For example, shipping bulky goods are best done through sea freight; the cheapest form of shipping is also sea freight. The fastest shipping method is Express shipping or air freight. Rail freight is a middle ground between air and sea freight.

By evaluating these factors, an importer would know the best shipping method. Even better, you can always contact a freight forwarder with experience to advise on the best shipping method from China to the Netherlands.

Sea Freight from China to the Netherlands

The most popular method of transporting goods from China to the Netherlands is by sea freight, primarily due to its adaptability and reliability.

The Netherlands is often termed the “gateway to Europe” because it has one of the world’s largest ports, the Rotterdam port. This port has a strategic location that is easily accessible by many European countries by rail and road.

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 uses 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 the Netherlands 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 15 cubic meters from China to the Netherlands. FCL containers could be 20ft (Volume: 33.2 cubic meters), 40ft (Volume: 67.7 cubic meters), 40ft HQ (Volume: 76.3 cubic meters), and 45ft HQ (Volume: 85.9 cubic meters)

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 Netherlands

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 container from China to the Netherlands, they are comparatively more affordable.

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.

Main seaports China to the Netherlands.

Shanghai Seaport
Ningbo Seaport
Shenzhen Seaport
Guangzhou seaport
Qingdao Seaport
Xingang Seaport
Chongqing seaport
Hong Kong Seaport

Main seaports in the Netherlands

Port of Rotterdam

This port became the largest port in the world in 1961 and held the record for quite a long time. With a 6.4 million TEU annual transport capacity, placing it fourth in the world, the Port of Rotterdam has the most cutting-edge ECT container terminal.

Port of Amsterdam

It’s the second-largest seaport in the Netherlands.

Zeeland Seaport

This seaport ranks eighth for freight traffic in Europe and is a standard port that can handle many kinds of cargo.

Groningen Seaport

Although not as famous, this is also a big cargo seaport in the Netherlands.

How long does Sea Freight take to ship from China to the Netherlands?

Here’s a table showing the estimated transit time for sea shipping from china to the Netherlands.

How much does Sea freight cost from China to the Netherlands?

Sea freight is the cheapest way to ship from China to the Netherlands, and the price depends on various factors, such as:

The kind of cargo you’re transporting.
Container accessibility and ship freight capacity.
The size of the cargo.
Current fuel prices.

For FCL shipping,

The cost of shipping a 20feet container from the port of Shanghai in China to the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands costs between $1500 to $3000.

For a 40feet container, the cost is around 4000 US dollars to 5000 US dollars.

For LCL shipping,

The cost per cubic meter is around $60 to $120.

If the weight per cubic meter is 200 kg, the price per kg will be between $1.5 and $2, thereby costing around $300 – $400 to ship.

How to determine which seaport in China is best for sea shipping?

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.

To know the best port to select, you have to consider the following:

Nearest port location to save transport costs.
Size of goods to be transported.
The particular route you plan to take.

After considering these factors, you’ll be able to figure out the best shipping port to use in China.

It is often best to use a freight forwarder to advise of the best China port to select because they have experience shipping from China to the Netherlands and know what to do.

Air Freight from China to the Netherlands

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

When shipping urgent, relatively high-value, but not necessarily large, cargo from China to the Netherlands, air freight is the best option. It is more expensive than land or sea shipping, but it is ideal and safer 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.

Two advantages of air shipping that shouldn’t be disregarded are its greater scheduling flexibility and controllable goods flow.

Main airports from China to the Netherlands.

The major Chinese airports that ship cargo are:

PEK – Beijing Capital International Airport
CAN – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
PVG – Shanghai Pudong International Airport
SHA – Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
CTU – Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
SZX – Shenzhen Baoan International Airport
KMG – Kunming Changshui International Airport
XIY – Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
HKG – Hong Kong International Airport

Main airports in the Netherlands

The major cargo airports in the Netherlands are:

AMS – Netherlands Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Eindhoven Airport
Rotterdam The Hague Airport
Maastricht Aachen Airport
Groningen Airport Eelde

How long does air freight take to ship from China to the Netherlands？

How Much Does Air freight take to ship from China to the Netherlands?

The price of air freight when shipping with China cargo airlines from China to the Netherlands comprises several fees and surcharges, such as the air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, terminal fee, and other fees. Because of the high-grade fuel and expensive crews, operating an aircraft is very expensive, and space and weight restrictions are very important.

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

Also, there are two different ways to calculate freight costs: volumetric and gross weight-based. Air freight calculates its fees both ways, taking the heavier one to maximize revenue.

For instance, if your parcel measures 100x100x50 cm and weighs 80 kg in total, the airline will divide the total volume of the parcel dimensions by 6000. In this case, since volumetric weight > gross weight, the airline will charge for the volumetric weight of 84kg instead of 80kg.

Note that the divisor in express air freight is 5000. The divisor is 6000 for both standard air and sea freight.)

To read more about calculating volumetric and gross weight, the chargeable weight, check out our article here.

Generally, air freight costs range from $4 to $6 per kg when shipping from China to the Netherlands. If you send a package weighing 25kg or 0.50 cubic meters from China to the Netherlands, the cost would be about $125 with a 7-day delivery window.

Suppose you want to send a shipment from Shanghai, China, to Rotterdam, Netherlands, 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 $800 because of service fee charges for air freight.

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

Express shipping from China to the Netherlands

The cost of Express freight from China to the Netherlands 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 the Netherlands.

How long does DHL express from China to the Netherlands?

DHL Express service takes about 3-4 working days to ship goods from China to the Netherlands. It is a door-to-door service.

This may take slightly longer during festive seasons or crisis periods.

Therefore, you must be aware of the delivery schedules of various logistic service providers before placing an order.

How Much Does DHL Charge when Shipping from The Netherlands to China?

For shipment from China to the Netherlands, the cost will be defined based on the weight and product type.

DHL charges based on the volume and gross weight of goods they ship.

The rate per kg generally ranges from $8-$10.

For a parcel with a gross weight of 5kg and volume dimensions of 30x30x20 cm, then shipping from Shanghai to Coevorden in the Netherlands will cost about $120 to $150.

However, if the box has a dimension of 50x50x30 cm, then the cost will be $300-$400 because a volumetric weight of 15kg will be used.

How much does the Express cost from China to the Netherlands?

Express costs are best calculated by the freight forwarder or directly from the air courier.

Shipping a 25kg package through FedEx from Shanghai to Amsterdam would cost around 172 to 185 US dollars. That’s a cost of about $6.88 to $7.4 per kg.

Can I ship from China to the Netherlands by UPS?

You can easily ship from China to the Netherlands using UPS. Check out their website or contact your freight forwarder to get a quote.

Rail Freight from China to the Netherlands

Rail freight has begun to gain traction as a great way of transporting cargo from China to Tilburg, Netherlands. Apart from offering a variety when shipping products, it is also seen as a fantastic alternative to other modes of shipping.

A new silk express rail link road connecting China to Europe has greatly changed the way freight is transported between the continents.

Regarding cost and transit time, rail freight can be a good compromise 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 container load, and several types of items can be shipped to the Netherlands this way, with an average transit time of 18 days. Both general and bulk cargo can be transported between China and the Netherlands via rail, and the maximum weight per container is usually 23.5 tons.

The cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Tilburg are the major cargo train stops in the Netherlands, and the transcontinental journey by train is available in the Chinese cities of Qingdao, Tianjin, Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Yiwu.

Rail freight transit time between China and the Netherlands

There are three major routes for rail freight from China to the Netherlands. The goods can either be transported to any train hubs in the Netherlands, or they can be transported to Germany and then moved into the Netherlands from there.

Rail freight from China to the Netherlands usually takes an average of 18 to 20 days. The busiest route is the one that travels from Xi’an to Hamburg, Germany. It takes about 20 days to complete the journey and covers a distance of more than 8000 km (5,000 miles).

The second route travels over 7000 kilometers (4390 miles) between Chengdu and Tilburg, Netherlands, and takes roughly 18 days to complete. The train may also proceed to Rotterdam from there.

The third route travels over 5000 kilometers (3107 miles) from Zhengzhou to Duisburg, Germany, and it takes about 12 days to complete the trip.

Rail freight costs between China and the Netherlands.

Rail shipping from China to the Netherlands is more expensive than air shipping but less expensive than sea shipping.

We arrange standard Rail freight from China to the Netherlands by LCL shipments. KG. charges them the chargeable weight based on the gross and volume weight. the great one is the final chargeable weight.

Although costs can vary depending on the season, an FCL full container load that travels by rail from China to Europe typically costs around $6,000-$8000.

On the other hand, the average price of rail freight for LCL goods, including customs and duty fees, is $1,7-$2.0/kg. Rail freight logistics can be streamlined with the assistance of freight forwarders who deliver cargo door to door but at a higher cost.

Door-to-door delivery between China and Netherlands

Businesses can ship directly from China to the Netherlands using door-to-door freight shipping. This is usually done with DDP shipping. With the aid of a freight forwarder, you can move your goods from China to the Netherlands using LCL shipping for rail, sea, and air freight. Express freight is always door-to-door. While door-to-door shipping is generally more expensive, choosing the right freight forwarder can help you get the services at cost-effective prices, full customs clearance, and timely delivery.

Essentially, importers do nothing except wait to receive their goods at their preferred destination.

Door-to-door shipping time from China to the Netherlands

Door-to-door delivery from China to the Netherlands using sea freight usually takes between 30-40 days, Rail freight 16-20 days, air freight 5-7 days, and express 1-4 days. Door-to-door delivery to the Amazon FBA warehouse takes about 6-8 days for air freight.

In a word, door-to-door shipping time from China to the Netherlands varies depending on the shipping method used.

Why door-to-door delivery is helpful for both old and New importers

Door-to-door delivery is a very effective system for both old and new importers because of the following:

It saves them the stress of moving goods to the local ports, hiring a shipping carrier, and tracking the goods in real time during transit.
It would also save all the hassles of customs clearance and importation levies. Instead, freight forwarders or supplier handles all this stress for you.
Also, freight forwarders know how to negotiate better deals with shipping carriers and other transport providers, inadvertently saving shipping costs for the importer.
It also helps to avoid scams during the importation process and prevent unnecessary theft or loss of goods.

If you require assistance, don’t be afraid to work with a qualified agent—that is what DFH does!

Click here to contact us and get a quote today.

What is the cheapest method of shipping from China to the Netherlands?

The cheapest way to ship from China to the Netherlands is Sea freight. It has great options for bulky cargo and can ship most types of goods. It is the best option for goods that are not needed with urgency, as it is a slow shipping method.

Sea freight is also more cost-effective for heavier goods because the larger the shipment is, the cheaper the shipping cost per unit.

While if your time is urgent. can not accept more than 20 days, then ignore the Ocean freight change to Air freight will be the cheapest method for your requirement.

Customs clearance in China and Netherlands

The process of importing commodities into the Netherlands requires certain procedures and processes that must be accounted for to ensure duties, tariffs, and taxes incurred during the process are easily settled.

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.

A standard set of agreements are enforced among the members of the European Union, of which the Netherlands is a member. They operate a Common Customs Tariff, which ranges from 0-17% depending on the product category. The general average is 4.2%. You can check with your Chinese suppliers or our shipping team for more information about the Netherlands Customs Tariff.

Customs clearance in the Netherlands takes 1-2 days after arrival at the port. You must present the documents as soon as the goods arrive so they can go through certification.

Following that, the cargo will undergo inspection before being allowed entry into the nation.

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

Import taxes and Duties in the Netherlands

You must pay import taxes on all items when shipping goods into the Netherlands. The country of origin and the type of goods will determine how much duty must be paid.

Depending on the value of your goods, Dutch customs will charge a value-added tax of 21% on most commodities and a 6% VAT on necessary goods like drugs and food items. At the point of entry, the government will charge import VAT using the CIF and other charges on excise taxes, levies, and import duties.

Let your freight forwarder help sort out your import duties based on your product details. it is the best solution for you to get the exact import taxes and duties.

Documents required for shipments from China to the Netherlands

The importer is responsible for ensuring that all necessary documents for customs clearance are provided when shipping cargo from China to the Netherlands.

The documents are submitted by the importer or freight forwarder. They include:

Packing List: This record lists every item imported into the Netherlands, its HS code, and the nation of origin.
Commercial Invoice: This invoice gives the commercial value of the goods in USD.
Bill of Lading: This document is given by the shipping carrier and shows The owner and receiver of the goods. In cases of air shipping, an airway bill is given instead.
Arrival Notice: A shipment’s arrival notice informs the consignee that it is ready for pickup and is being delivered by the carrier.
Import License: Import licenses are necessary for sensitive goods like animals, hazardous materials, controlled items (like weapons and ammunition), and sensitive products when shipping into the Netherlands.
Certificates of Origin: Shows where the goods were shipped from in China.
Single administrative document and CMR

Contact us if it is difficult for you to provide the shipping documents. We have the services to help make the shipping documents as well. you need only one click and all rest steps let us help you to handle.

10 tips to save shipping costs when shipping from China to the Netherlands.

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

Use a local China freight forwarder.
Try to optimize container space by packing goods tightly to save container costs.
Make reservations as far as possible to save money and ease any potential stress from delays.
Choose the right shipping method suitable for your goods. You should consider the option of rail freight for bulky cargo and faster shipping times before air freight.
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.
Get insurance for all your shipments.

Why DFH is the best freight forwarder for shipping from China to the Netherlands

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, Qingdao, Shanghai, 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 Germany
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 the Netherlands

Should I Choose FCL or LCL ocean freight when shipping to the Netherlands?

FCL has the advantage of a fixed pricing rate and ensures the safety of goods because only your cargo is loaded into the container.

While LCL is effective for smaller cargo, issues might arise due to joining your goods with that of other importers.

If your goods can fill up more than 70% of a container, then it is best to go for the FCL shipping method.

Why do ships take so long to reach the Netherlands?

Sea freight is a slow shipping method, but it is cheap. Meanwhile, In recent years, because of the influence of Covid-19. Every step of shipping from China to the Netherlands has a light or profound influence.

Issues with customs clearance in China may also arise that delay your cargo shipment. This can be avoided by using a reputable freight forwarder like DFH.

How much do Express Couriers charge for shipping to the Netherlands from China?

Express costs are best calculated by the freight forwarder or directly from the air courier. A reference cost for Express couriers is around $6.55 /kg -$10.5/kg, based on the charge weight, goods name, shipping time, and packing method.

What benefits will I get if I import by air freight to the Netherlands?

Air freight is a very fast shipping method and is very good for shipping time-sensitive goods. It is also cheaper than Express freight and saves importers most of the hassles of shipping goods from China.

Is Rail freight Available in the Netherlands while importing from China?

Yes! Rail freight is available when shipping from China to the Netherlands.

How can a person import products from China to the Netherlands?

To import products from China to the Netherlands, take the following steps.

Know the goods you want to import and check China and Netherlands’ trade laws to know if they’re legal to ship.
Find a reliable supplier in China
Agree on the right Incoterm with your supplier
Get a freight forwarder.

Freight forwarders help to handle every other aspect of the logistics process till the goods arrive at your destination.

How much does DHL charge for shipping to the Netherlands from China?

DHL charges based on the volumetric weight and gross weight of goods they ship.

The rate per kg generally ranges from $7-$10.

Does DHL offer Express Shipping From China To The Netherlands?

Yes! DHL offers shipping from China to the Netherlands.

How long does DHL shipping take to ship from China to the Netherlands?

DHL Express service takes about 3-4 working days to ship goods from China to the Netherlands. It is a door-to-door service.

This may take slightly longer during festive seasons or crisis periods.

When importing from Alibaba, which shipping method will cost less?

Sea freight is the least expensive method to ship from Alibaba.

How long does shipping take from China to the Netherlands?

Shipping time from China to the Netherlands depends on the shipping method used.

It ranges from 3-5 days in express shipping, 5 to 7 days with air freight, 18-20 days with Rail freight, and 30-45 days with sea freight.

Shipping from China to the Netherlands since 2009

Competitive shipping prices and high-efficiency routes Air, Ocean, Rail and Express freight from China to The Netherlands