Freight shipping between China and Belgium | DocShipper

Transportation is essential to international trade, and when it comes to moving goods between China and Belgium, there are several options available. This article will provide an overview of the different methods of transportation, including sea, air, and rail freight. We'll also discuss the main ports and airports in China and Belgium, container options, and associated costs. In addition, we'll cover customs clearance and documentation requirements for importing goods from China to Belgium. And lastly, we'll touch on other logistics services available, such as warehousing and supplier management in China. Whether you're an importer or exporter, this guide will help you make informed decisions when it comes to transporting goods between China and Belgium.

Overview - Trade relations between China and Belgium

In Asia, China is Belgium's major commercial partner. In 2019, total commerce between Belgium and China reached 20.2 billion euros.

Belgium's products exports to China reached 7.22 billion euros in 2019. Belgium purchased products worth a total of 13 billion euros from China.

The exports of Belgium to China have risen sharply in the last three years, with ocean commerce nearly doubling. Chemicals, transportation equipment, basic metals, and plastics were among Belgium's exports to China in 2013. Tools and equipment, textiles, and metal products are among the items that Belgium buys from China.

In the European Union, Belgium is China's sixth-largest commercial relationship. In 2019, the total value of products traded between China and the EU was €428 billion. China's biggest trading partner is the European Union.

In Belgium, there are three main national ports:

Port of Antwerp
Port of Ghent
Port of Bruges-Zebrugge

The main shipping seaports in Belgium

Port of Antwerp

It is located in Flanders (Belgium). It is a harbour in the centre of Europe that can accommodate capsize ships. After Rotterdam, it is Europe's second-largest seaport. Antwerp is situated at the mouth of the Scheldt estuary, which is tidal. Ships with a gross tonnage of more than 100,000 gross tons may navigate the estuary up to 80 kilometres inland. Antwerp's inland location, like Hamburg's, places it in a more central position in Europe than other North Seaports. Rail, road, and inland waterways link Antwerp's ports to the rest of the city.As a consequence, Antwerp's port has grown to be among Europe's busiest, second only to Rotterdam in terms of overall cargo carried. Its international rating varies between 11th and 20th.

Website : Port of Antwerp

Port of Ghent

It lies in the Flemish Region of Ghent, East Flanders. Ghent's initial port was on the Scheldt, and next on the Lys. Ghent has been trying to connect to the sea for a long time. And for now it is considered as the Belgium's second-busiest seaport. The port of Ghent can accommodate Panamax-sized ships, and in February 2015, Terneuzen declared the building of a new lock that will be nearly identical to those built as part of the Panama Canal extension project.

Website : Port of Ghent (Wikipedia)

How much time does it take to ship from China to Belgium

The average sea freight shipping time from China to Belgium is 37 days. The following table shows the average transit times between each destination's principal ports (in days):

	Anvers	Gand	Ostende	Zeebrugge	Nieuport	Blankenberge
Shangaï	25	26	32	30	30	30
Shenzhen	20	22	26	24	24	22
Guangzhou	24	26	28	28	24	26
Qingdao	26	28	34	29	32	29
Tianjin	31	33	41	37	35	34
Ningbo	29	32	30	28	29	31
Dalian	30	34	41	34	35	40

LCL : Less than Container Load

Containers are used to carry out maritime freight operations. But, not everyone (particularly people) has the capacity to fill a complete container. As a result, you'll share the container with other clients to save money and obtain economies of scale.

When should I choose LCL ?

Your volume is little, and you don't send in large quantities
You want to combine numerous shipments and deliver the items at the same address.
The excessive weight makes the air freight very expensive.

Special transports between China and Belgium

Reefer container

A refrigerated container is a secured container that is used to carry temperature-sensitive items. The container's functioning necessitates the use of an external power supply. The energy generated by the ship's G.D. units is used to power the reefer containers as they are transported into the ships.

RoRo

RORO shipping is a common method of transporting products between nations. Japanese automobile producers came up with the notion of utilizing specialized ships nicknamed "vehicle carriers" to rapidly and effectively carry their vehicles to the United States and Europe.

For two reasons, RoRo transport is primarily utilized for vehicle transportation: affordability and efficiency. The automobiles are secured to the ship's decks. They are well protected in the boat's hold, which is protected from the wind and water.

Bulk

Bulk is loaded into the ship's hold. This sort of cargo is not like the others. There's a distinction to be made between liquid and solid mass. This equals to a significant amount, particularly from nations with rich natural resources.

Out Of Gauge (OOG)

Out-of-gauge freight needs particular handling. As you can see, certain things have a volume that is more than the average during transit. Solutions must be given in this instance.

How much does sea freight between China and Belgium cost?

There is a critical step you must do if you want to know the cost of your shipment: Know how much your items weigh and how much space they take up. The tariff will, in reality, be founded on these criteria.

The weight/volume ratio is "1 ton = 1 m3" according to the equivalence rule.

The basic freight in conventional and groupage transportation is computed using the weight/volume ratio and the 1 ton = 1 m3 concept. The tariff is calculated in payment units (PU), which are equal to either the mass in tons or the volume in cubic meters, and is always to the ship's benefit. As a result, the highest value is utilized.
The shipping company and the kind of container will have an impact on the pricing of a full container. The latter isn't clearly defined.

The different types of air freight

Sea freight accounts for 90% of all exports. Some experts, on the other hand, prefer air freight. When the products are too delicate for shipping. Furthermore, when the cargo does not have a big volume, the price might be comparable to that of shipping by sea while maintaining a reasonable transit time. Your goods can arrive to Belgium in a few days if it is sent from China.

Conventional air freight and express air freight are the two forms of air freight:

Goods transported by conventional air cargo are carried on scheduled commercial flights of airlines such as Air China, Air Belgium, Qatar Airways, Emirates...
The air freight express will be handled by door-to-door "courier firms" such as DHL, FedEx, TNT, UPS, and others.

The express service allows the delivery of goods in the shortest possible time. Regardless of their destination, they can be delivered by hand.

This service is an "all-inclusive" solution, which means that the buyer does not need to clear low value shipments through customs himself. The cost of this type of transport is very competitive, especially for goods with a volume of less than 1m3.

Why do we choose air transport?

1. The speed

The primary advantage, as you can see, is the travel time. As a result, compared to rail freight (which isn't accessible everywhere) or sea freight (which isn't available everywhere), air freight is a better option (often about thirty days).

2. Schedule reliability
It's crucial to understand that aircraft are far more timely than ships. It's also reasonable, given that aircraft depart every hour for the same location. Aside from that, missing one isn't a tragedy.

3. Multiple destinations
Thanks to the major networks of suppliers, such as airlines, you may have your items transported to any part of the globe.

4. Low insurance premium
it is quick and the cost of insurance is proportional to the time required. However, the procedure will be more costly, so you must do your own estimates.

5. High level of security
Air travel has the benefit of providing a high level of security, with severe checks at airport gates decreasing the risk of cargo theft.

6. The need for storage and low storage
Because the amounts of air freight are lower, storage is easier and cheaper. Furthermore, because the shipment does not demand as many personnel and time resources, customs inspection and handling are much more effective procedures.

7. The need for low packaging
The weight of the package for air freight will be reduced. As a result (packing service + decreased weight), will save cash.

8. The follow-up
When a shipper uses airfreight, most delivery companies offer a tracking service. From the time the products leave until they arrive, an application may be used to track them.

DocShipper can help you choose the best air freight service !

How much does it cost to ship merchandise from China to Belgium via air?

The taxable weight is calculated by multiplying the weight-to-volume ratio by the price per kilo. The ultimate pricing will be determined by this.

The IATA charge, which is in theory required, can be reduced based on volume. It is a degressive tariff based on weight brackets that varies depending on the country of origin. When the cargo has a small volume and weight, the minimal rate applies.

There is a difference between the so-called gross weight (measured when the products are weighed) and the volumetric weight (measured when the dimensions are taken into account). The more important of the two values will be used to determine a price.

What is volumetric weight?

In the case of express air freight, the equivalency rule is as follows: 1 ton per 5 m3, corresponding to a 1 to 5 weight volume ratios. For example, 1 m3 is equivalent to 200 kilograms, or 1 for 5.

1 m³ = 200 kg (1/5)

The rule for conventional freight is as follows: 1 ton for 6m3, or a 1-for-6 weight/volume ratio, plus a gross weight fee for a ratio of 1-for-6 or less. The actual volume is divided by 6 to get a volumetric weight that is used as a foundation for pricing. For instance, 1 m3 is equal to 167 kg, or 1/6 of a ton.

1 m³ = 167 Kg (1/6)

Transport by train from China to Belgium

Since 2013, China has strengthened its rail capacity, allowing it to quickly export to major European centres (including France and Belgium). This solution is particularly beneficial for professionals, importers, and exporters, as it is the ideal common way. Sea freight takes a lot of time, while air freight is frequently ignored due to its cost. Another area where China has a complete understanding!

Rail freight shipments to Europe have nearly doubled by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). For the world and Chinese economies, this is a gold mine.

The Yiwu-Madrid railway line, sometimes known as the "New Silk Road," connects China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, France, and Spain, and is the world's longest freight train line. Trans-Eurasia Logistics manages the operation.

How long does it take to travel by train from China?

Clearly, there is no universal truth. The majority of the time, though, we notice a 20 to 30 day delay, and it's depends on the customs complications as an example.

Rail freight is available in 22 Chinese provinces, and two lines are now in use:

The Trans-Eurasia, which is the most well-known. As previously said, it is a pretty comprehensive line.
Exports to Chinese cities in the far northeast are facilitated by the Trans-Siberian Railway.

China boasts the world's biggest rail network. This enables for a full interchange with providers, who may offer train services all over the world. Yiwu, in the eastern province of Zhejiang, is also home to the Trans-departure Eurasia's terminus. This enhances its worldwide market popularity and efficiency.

As a result, a supplier from Shenzhen, Shanghai, or Xiamen may simply have his items shipped to Yiwu, where they will be transported to European destinations, particularly Belgium.

The train's delay is almost twice as long as the boat's!

The benefits of rail freight between China and Belgium

Rail freight is highly fascinating in China, which is why it is changing and advancing in this manner. When compared to sea and air freight, it is predicted that the transit time and cost will be cut by two. Companies that formerly held monopolies in terms of import/export must now deal with the train.

Less time, more safety, and lower danger.
Every day, numerous trains depart.
Because of its storage capacity, it can handle a huge volume per client.
The deadline is dependable, and there are fewer surprises.
Less pollution
Specific items that need a special container can be transported.

Door-to-door service between China and Belgium

Door to door service, which we provide to our customers on a daily basis, is highly valued. In fact, we handle the entire procedure. From packaging to loading, palletization, customs processes, import/export loads, and delivery (unpacking and unloading if necessary also). In dozens of nations, we perform weekly door-to-door visits.

Our partners, whether in China or elsewhere, are well-established companies with whom we have worked for many years. This is a chance to save money and time.

DocShipper specializes in door-to-door delivery. Let us handle all of your logistics needs, including packaging, storage, loading/unloading, customs clearance, international freight, trucking, and so forth.

What are the benefits of door-to-door service?

DocShipper is a complete service provider. We manage all of your shipments, whether they are shipped by sea or air freight, LCL or FCL, conventional or express, in order to simplify your procedures.

Time saving

We'll walk you through the process and give attention to every detail, keeping you updated on our progress.

A professional team

Since the beginning, we've paid close attention to detail at DocShipper. Our team is available to assist you at any time. The departure date, arrival date, and customs clearance will all be sent to you. If a problem arises, we will work to resolve it.

Security of goods

One of our top concerns is the protection of your products. Our experts arrive to precisely bundle your items in professional, custom-made packaging.

Please visit our dedicated website for more information about Door-to-Door services, and do not hesitate to contact us.

Customs clearance for goods imported

This section explains the customs processes that must be followed when importing Chinese goods into Belgium. This crucial procedure affects not just Belgium, but also France and the European Union's territory in general.

As a result, all EU member nations, including Belgium, have the same rules. As a result, the importer will be responsible for paying import duties and taxes. Whatever the place of origin, products arriving in Belgium will be subject to a proportion of taxes (which may vary based on the kind of commodities, among other factors) that the importer will be responsible for paying.

The concept of a national customs area exists only for the purposes of enforcing specific rules, such as the collection of internal taxes like petrol or indirect charges tobacco, for example, in Belgium.

The payment of duties and taxes, is the essence of the customs procedure, thus it is an important concept to comprehend. As a result, we'll walk you through the procedure step by step.

The customs value

Importing items from third countries into Belgium, which is part of the European Union, results in an importer's charge, which is reflected in import taxes. The amount of these import taxes will be determined by the value of the products and the percentage that applies to them.

How to calculate customs duties and taxes?

To avoid unpleasant surprises, you must be aware of the rate of customs charges and also the different taxes that may be imposed on the items you intend to import.

Determine the products' "HS code" or tariff species

The three pillars that will lead the amount to be paid for customs clearance are the origin, customs value, and lastly the HS code.

Over 95 percent of global trade is covered by the Harmonized System (HS Code), which is adopted by 207 nations. For the nations that adopt it, the system gives a single, systematic classification. Each item has its own unique code.

An HS code is made up of the following components

Required documents

Bill of Lading

The carrier will issue a bill of lading to the shipper, confirming that the products have been received and are prepared for transit. Following that, the package is handed over to the carrier, who then delivers it to the consignee. It is a contract that outlines the terms and circumstances of transportation between the shipper, the provider, and the receiver. This document's air freight equivalent is called an "Air Waybill".

Packing List

The packing list details the characteristics of the cargo, such as the kind of goods, amount, packaging, and estimated value. This document is needed for all shipments since it aids customs inspectors in cost estimation.

Original Invoice

The original invoice will be necessary whether the shipment originates in China or arrives in Belgium. It has to be in agreement with the packing list.

Certificate of Origin

The purpose of this document is to determine the origin of the objects. The origin certificate confirms where the products were made. Once you've cleared customs, you'll be able to benefit from the taxes that apply to your products or their origin.

Documents of conformity (CE standard)

A certificate of conformity must accompany an item that is marketed within Europe. The user understands that the product complies with the EEA's environmental, safety, and health standards (European Economic Area). Nevertheless, don't mistake conformity with reliability or quality.

Economic Operator Registration Identification

It is a mandatory registration number. You can also use your SIRET number to verify it on the Pro-douane portal. If you want further information, please visit the following page: EORI in belgium.

Restricted and prohibited products

Some items are subject to limitations or outright prohibitions. You will require import licences and permissions in the first scenario, which we will give. Let's have a look at the goods in question:

Are there any agreements between China and Belgium?

Because of the possibilities for commerce, Belgium is looking for stronger economic relations with China and hopes to establish a free trade deal.

According to the Foreign Trade Association, China is considered as a potential supply market for European businesses and this organization is making an effort to reach an agreement for future trade.

In addition, the creation and usage of the"New Silk Road" provides value and indicates a strong desire to expand commercial and social ties and exchanges.

Other logistics services

Transportation insurances

The formula for calculating transportation insurance is as follows: premium rate x declared amount

The cost of insurance changes depending on the mode of shipping, the nature of the products, and the insurer. You are able to It is necessary to raise the reported value up to 20% to compensate, in addition to the products, any damage that may have occurred. The policyholder states the worth of the products as well as the costs of major transportation. It is consequently pretty straightforward to do these calculations when you have the premium rate.

For more information about our insurance services, do not hesitate to visit our page!

Supplier Management in China

We know how hard it is to connect with Chinese suppliers, whether that's because they are tough to reach or because communication problems exist. Getting out to them and discussing pricing is the responsibility of our sourcing agents. They'll walk you through the import zone's essential compliance paperwork, among other things. We'll inspect the packaging for quality and, if required, repackage it.

We have the advantage that our team can communicate with English, Mandarin and French.

3PL Service

Packing, ordering and labelling : As the third step of the supply cycle, we will receive your imported goods from China, evaluate their quality, store them in the storehouse, monitor your stock, and organize your order, completing the sourcing and shipping services.

Delivery of your goods to the last mile : Last mile delivery (LMD) ensures the delivery of B2C and e-commerce transactions made on our site.

For more information about our 3PL Services, don't hesitate to visit our page!

FAQ |Freight between China and Belgium

What will be the cheapest way to transport my goods between China and Belgium?

It all relies on the volume of your items, or the weight/volume ratio. Air freight is as cost-effective as ocean freight below 2 CBM. Above that, it gets exorbitantly expensive. Then it's a question of your time constraints and departure/arrival dates, since rail freight might also be a suitable in-between alternative.

What information do we require from you in order to provide you with a rapid quote?

Certain information is required, while some are optional; nevertheless, the more data we have, the more accurate our quote will be. Please provide us with the weight, measurements, and photographs of your products. To speed up the quotation process, the arrivals and departures addresses, as well as the packing list, are required.

Can I consolidate my shipments from several different suppliers?

We've been processing all kinds of requests for years, and we've become better at it. We'll be able to arrange your items in a warehouse while avoiding as much storage as possible, resulting in lower expenses. However, because groupage is a sensitive process, it is advisable to contact us and share your project with us.

How long will it take to get a transportation quote?

Shipping your goods between China and Belgium may be done in a variety of ways. For express (DHL, TNT, FedEx, etc.) deliveries, allow less than a week. Count on 7 to 9 days for traditional air freight. It might take up to 35 days for ocean freight to arrive. Rail freight will take 20 to 25 days to reach its destination.

What makes DocShipper special?

As you can see, our understanding of the logistics sector has led us to provide all-in-one solutions to our customers, including door-to-door delivery and supply chain management on a bigger scale. Our sourcing department looks for a source before our shipping department handles the transportation. Finally, with our 3PL department, let us handle the delivery of your items.

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Freight shipping between China and Belgium | DocShipper

The different methods of transportation between China and Belgium

Sea freight from China to Belgium

Overview - Trade relations between China and Belgium

The main shipping seaports in Belgium

Port of Antwerp

Port of Ghent

Port of Bruges-Zeebruges

How much time does it take to ship from China to Belgium

What container can I choose for shipment between China and Belgium ?

LCL : Less than Container Load

FCL: Full Container Load

Advantages of LCL

Disadvantages of LCL

Advantages of FCL

Disadvantages of FCL

Special transports between China and Belgium

Reefer container

RoRo

Bulk

Out Of Gauge (OOG)

How much does sea freight between China and Belgium cost?

Air freight between China and Belgium

The different types of air freight

Main Chinese airports

Main Belgium airports

Why do we choose air transport?

How much does it cost to ship merchandise from China to Belgium via air?

What is volumetric weight?

How much does it take to ship air cargo from China to Belgium?

DocShipper recommendations

Rail freight from China to Belgium

Transport by train from China to Belgium

How long does it take to travel by train from China?

DocShipper recommendations:

The benefits of rail freight between China and Belgium

Door-to-door service between China and Belgium

What are the benefits of door-to-door service?

Time saving

A professional team

Security of goods

Customs clearance for goods imported

The customs value

The customs value

Statistical or customs value

The tax value

What are the duties and taxes?

Customs duties

Anti-dumping duties

Agricultural withdrawals

Excise duties

VAT

How to calculate customs duties and taxes?

How to find the HS Code?

Calculating customs duties with the HS Code

Does Docshipper charge customs duties?

Procedure and customs contact

Chinese Customs

Required documents

Bill of Lading

Packing List

Original Invoice

Certificate of Origin

Documents of conformity (CE standard)

Economic Operator Registration Identification

Restricted and prohibited products

Restricted Products

Prohibited products

Are there any agreements between China and Belgium?

Other logistics services

Warehousing and storage

Packaging and repackaging

Transportation insurances

Supplier Management in China

3PL Service

Shipment of personal effects

FAQ |Freight between China and Belgium

What will be the cheapest way to transport my goods between China and Belgium?

What information do we require from you in order to provide you with a rapid quote?

Can I consolidate my shipments from several different suppliers?