Have you just found products or a supplier in China and you want to import goods into a European Union country? Freight shipping to Europe from China has seen a significant increase in recent years, spurred by growing demand for Chinese products in European markets and improvements in transport infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods between the two. regions.Do you find it difficult to find the right information about regulations and different modes of transport? Through this guide, we will help you understand by detailing the strengths and weaknesses of each transport method, as well as all the steps for the customs clearance of your goods.
Whether you're a large company, a small business, a start-up or an individual, DocShipper can organize your shipment from start to finish, without you having to do anything. Tell us about your project, so our experts can find the most appropriate solution for your freight and give you tips on how to save on shipping costs. We'll answer any questions you have!
What is the best method of transport between China and Europe?
The geographical distance between these two territories means that the means mainly used are sea, air and rail freight.Freight transport between China and Europe has seen significant growth in recent years, with destination countries such as Germany, France and the Netherlands being destination countries for transport companies. We have compared these 3 solutions to give you the best advice. Do not hesitate to contact our team if you wish to clarify any information.
DocShipper Tips: Sea freight will be the best option if :
- Your cargo is more than 2 m³ (CBM)
- You don't have a time imperative
Note DocShipper: Are you looking for prices or advice for your sea freight shipment? Click on our button to fill in our online form, a dedicated expert will contact you within 24 hours!
Sea freight from China to Europe
Overview - Ocean shipping from China to Europe
International shipping is the most commonly used mode of transportation for cargo between China and Europe.
Shipping from China to Europe has become a vital pillar of global trade, with millions of containers transported annually on every major trade route. Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen have become major hubs for shipping goods to Europe, with the European ports of Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp being popular destinations for ships carrying goods from Spine.
According to data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the trade volume between China and Europe has increased significantly in recent years, reaching nearly $709 billion in 2020. Maritime transport remains the main mode of transport for freight between the two regions, accounting for around 80% of trade shown. However, port congestion, transit delays and tariff increases have been challenges for the shipping industry in recent years, highlighting the need to develop innovative logistics solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of this vital trade route.
The main shipping seaports in Europe
Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands)
The port of Rotterdam is the largest seaport in Europe. The port owes its leading position to its exceptional accessibility for seagoing vessels and its strategic geographical location on the northwest coast of Europe. It is a large industrial port area with easy access to the Rhine valley with its numerous conurbations and industrial zones. In 2019, 469.4 million tonnes of goods were accounted for, which represents more than 10% of the goods transiting Europe's ports.
Website: Port of Rotterdam
Port of Antwerp (Belgium)
Also located on the northwest coast of Europe, the Antwerp port is a very important maritime gateway to the European Union. In 2019 the port of Antwerp will have passed the 200 million tonne mark for the fourth consecutive year! That same year 14,595 seagoing ships entered and left the port of Antwerp. An average of 39 per day, and the ships are getting bigger and bigger every year. Around 900 companies are established in the Antwerp port area, which plays a crucial role in the Belgian economy.
Website: Port of Antwerp
Port of Hamburg (Germany)
The Port of Hamburg is Germany's most important commercial port and the third largest container port in Europe. Located on the Elbe estuary and accessible from the North Sea, it easily serves and supplies the entire country with 7,300 logistics companies operating in the area and more than 2,300 freight trains per week. The Port of Hamburg has four ultramodern container terminals, three cruise terminals and around 50 specialized facilities for handling all kinds of bulk cargo, making it one of the most flexible and efficient universal ports in the world. 136.6 million tonnes of cargo were handled on the quays of Germany's largest seaport in 2019. This figure includes approximately 9.3 million standard containers.
Website: Port of Hamburg
DocShipper Alert : DocShipper is an international freight forwarder that organizes the transportation of your goods from the supplier's warehouse to the final destination. Relax, because we take care of everything: from packing, to organizing the transport, to customs clearance and administrative procedures, regardless of the shipping method (air, sea, road, rail).
Contact us to receive a free estimate in less than 24 hours. You have a question ? Call our consultants for free.
Port of Valencia (Spain)
The Port of Valencia has recently become the most important port in Spain, outstripping the port of Algeciras in the number of containers since 2016. It is the fifth-largest container port in Europe and the largest in the Mediterranean. 65.4 million tonnes of goods and more than 5 million containers pass through it every year. The port is located in the heart of the Valencia region and benefits from excellent road and rail connections with central Spain.
Website : Port of Valencia
Port of Fos sur Mer (Marseille)
In 2019, the Port Authority of Marseille Fos/mer is once again asserting their leadership in France. It recorded 9,917 ship calls and handled 79 million tonnes of goods. Located on the Mediterranean coast at the mouth of the Rhône, the Port of Marseille Fos has space and infrastructure necessary to accommodate maritime, logistics and industrial activities. It is capable of handling all types of imports and exports of goods (petroleum products, containers, ores, food products, etc.). The port has large logistics platforms hosting international players in the transport of goods that supply the French and European markets.
Website: Port of Fos/mer
Port of Le Havre (Le Havre)
The port of Le Havre is the second-largest commercial port in France in terms of total tonnage and the largest container port, with three sets of terminals. It can accommodate the largest container ships in the world. Located on the northern coast of France, is ideally situated as the gateway to Paris and the industrial north. The entire complex is connected by rail with direct access to the Seine by barge from and to the Paris conurbation.
The port handled nearly 70 million tonnes of goods in 2019 and registered 6,000 ships. Le Havre is a member of HAROPA, a port structure bringing together the ports of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris.
Website : Port of Le Havre
*We can also mention a few other ports in Europe that also receive cargo ships from China: Bremerhaven, Amsterdam, Bilbao, Copenhagen, Dunkirk, Gothenburg, Gdynia, Helsinki, Kaliningrad, Kotka, Tallinn, Palmas, Odessa, etc.
How much time does it take to ship freight from China to Europe ?
The average sea freight shipping time from China to Europe is between 35-45 days.
Marseille | Le Havre | Antwerp | Rotterdam | Hamburg | Valencia | |
Shangaï | 25 | 26 | 32 | 27 | 30 | 25 |
Shenzhen | 20 | 22 | 26 | 22 | 24 | 20 |
Guangzhou | 24 | 26 | 28 | 26 | 28 | 25 |
Qingdao | 26 | 28 | 39 | 31 | 29 | 27 |
Tianjin | 31 | 33 | 41 | 33 | 37 | 31 |
Ningbo | 29 | 32 | 30 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
Dalian | 30 | 34 | 41 | 32 | 34 | 31 |
Please note that transit times are an average in days onboard the vessel and do not include pre-carriage, delivery, and customs clearance. Besides, sea freight being the slowest method, you need to schedule departure.
Do I have to ship by groupage or full container between China and Europe?
There are several types of containers but 3 sizes are the most commonly used:
- 20 feet (33 cubic meters capacity)
- 40 feet (67 cubic meters capacity)
- 40 feet HQ (High Cube, 76 cubic meters capacity)
Let's take a look at the two methods of transportation:
Less than Container Load (LCL)
This method is generally used to ship small volumes. It consists of grouping and filling a container with different small shipments, going to the same port of destination.
This method will be interesting for you if :
- You are shipping a small volume which allows you to ship in smaller volumes instead of buying large quantities from suppliers.
- You need to consolidate multiple shipments and/or plan to deliver to multiple locations upon arrival.
- You have a volume of merchandise between 2 m3 and 13/14 m3
DocShipper advice: If you are shipping a small volume of cargo, then it is best to go for air freight which will become more competitive below 1/2 m³. In addition to the price, air freight will be much faster (less than a week by air versus 40 days door-to-door LCL by sea).
FCL (Full Container Load)
When you use this shipping method, you have all the necessary space in the container for your shipment. It allows you to ship large volumes. It will also result in faster delivery. Indeed, when the container arrives at the port of destination, it is unloaded from the ship and delivered directly to the consignee, unlike the LCL, which will be unloaded and then dispatched to a deconsolidation warehouse. The container will be sealed from origin to destination, which reduces handling and thus risks and charges. Note that your container will be profitable as soon as it is half full.
Finally, you also have the option of loading exceptionally large goods (such as a ship for example) into what is called an Open top container or Flat rack container.
DocShipper tips: We offer this method if your volume is greater than 13/14 m3. Cheaper and safer, there is no handling of your goods at the port (unless there is a possible customs control).
Advantages of Maritime Groupage (LCL)
- Allows you to ship (almost) any kind of goods
- Suitable for so-called "heavy" goods (volume < weight)
- A most economical method for small volumes
Disadvantages of Maritime Groupage
- Very long transport time
- Mandatory palletization
- Significant handling (and therefore risk)
Advantages of the Full Container (FCL)
- Container sealed from origin to departure
- Little handling
- A most economical method for large volumes
Disadvantages of the Full Container
- Very long transport time
- Minimum volume is greater than 13/14 m³
DocShipper Alert : Are you planning to ship goods from China by sea? Whether it's a groupage shipment or a full container, DocShipper takes care of all the procedures with the various players in the logistics chain.A single point of contact, dedicated service, peace of mind, expertise... DocShipper makes importing and exporting more pleasant.
You have a question ? Call our consultants for free.
Special maritime transport between China and Europe
There are a number of factors that determine the type of container you will need, including the size of your shipment, as well as the commodity. If you are about to ship specific goods, the below are available.
Reefer container
The refrigerated container is a thermally insulated container with a temperature maintenance device. It allows the transport of goods under controlled temperatures. It is often used for foodstuffs or chemicals.
Ro-Ro
A Ro-Ro is a vessel used to transport, among other things, vehicles, loaded by one or more ramps. They are also called Ro-Ro, from the English roll-on/roll-off meaning literally "roll, roll, roll", to distinguish them from the usual cargo ships where products are loaded vertically by cranes.
Why use Ro-Ro shipping from China?
Bulk
Bulk goods are products transported directly into the ship's hold or into the facilities provided for that purpose. A distinction is made in this case between bulk goods and general cargo. Solid bulk goods : (such as coal, ferrous and non-ferrous ores) liquids in bulk: (petroleum and petroleum products). Bulk goods are transported by bulk carriers, specialized vessels for each type of cargo: ore carriers, coal carriers, etc.).
OOG
OOG (Out of Gauge) cargoes are a special category of goods. Because of, for example, their non-standard dimensions or weight, some goods cannot be loaded in traditional containers. These types of cargo are usually loaded on a platform or trailer for transport.
Do not hesitate to contact our experts for any request concerning special transports. Our services are empowered to advise you and offer you the best solutions.
How much does sea freight between China and Europe cost?
When you decide to export or import, it is very important to know the weight but also the volume of your goods. Indeed, transport pricing is always based on the weight/volume ratio.
In general, the average price of a 20ft container (FCL) for shipping from China to Europe is between 1500 and 3000 USD, while the average price of a 40ft container (FCL) is between 2500 and 4500 USD. However, these prices may vary depending on the factors described above.
There are 2 possibilities:
- In groupage (goods in bags, crates, drums, etc...). This chargeable unit can be the tonne or the m3 to the advantage of the carrier, according to the weight/volume equivalence rule 1t = 1m3. The higher of the two will be taken to the advantage of the carrier.
- In full containers, the freight is calculated on a flat rate per container, which takes into account the type of container but is independent of the type of goods carried.
For all requests, do not hesitate to contact our sea freight expert by filling out our online form.
DocShipper Tips: Air freight will be the best option if :
- Your cargo is less than 2 m³
- If you have a deadline requirement
DocShipper Note: Looking for prices or tips for your air freight shipment? Click on our button to fill out our online form, a dedicated expert will contact you within 24 hours!
Air freight from China to Europe
Conventional or express air freight
Air shipments are also a common mode of transport for many European importers. Airfreight is a safe, fast, and efficient means of transport between these two territories.
Note that there are two types of air freight: conventional air freight and express air freight.
The two methods are quite different from each other, both in terms of price and service:
- Conventional air cargo will exploit the space available on conventional airlines such as Air France, Air China, Qatar Airways, Emirates...
- Express air freight will use the network of courier companies such as DHL, FedEx, TNT, UPS...
Main Chinese airports
- 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 European airports
- FRA – Airport Frankfurt am Main International Airport
- AMS – Netherlands Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
- MAD – Aéroport Adolfo-Suárez de Madrid-Barajas
- CDG – Aéroport de Paris Charles de Gaulle
- BRU – Aéroport de Bruxelles-National o Bruxelles-Zaventem
- LHR – Heathrow Airport
- BCN – Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport
- ZRH – Zurich Airport
- MXP – Malpensa Airport
DocShipper Alert : DocShipper assists small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in importing or exporting, by arranging all the steps in international transport, including customs clearance. If you are looking for assistance from A to Z, request a quote. We look forward to learn more about your needs!
What are the advantages of air transport?
The best thing about air travel is speed.
In general, the transit time from China does not exceed 7 working days. In most cases, it is only 3 to 5 days. This is a considerable reduction compared to sea freight. Nowadays, fast delivery time can have a huge impact on a niche market.
Please note that air freight is only one link in the logistics chain. Indeed, in addition to air freight, you will also need (at a minimum) export and import services, including airport charges, customs declaration, etc. This is naturally a service that DocShipper offers!
How much does air freight transport between China and Europe cost?
When shipping by airfreight in the future, it is important to consider all the costs you will have to face when shipping. We think in particular of airport charges, documentation and declaration fees, customs duties and taxes...
Concerning air freight shipping rates, it will be charged according to weight, per Kgs. Please note that classic air freight is always much cheaper per Kgs than courier companies, as they do not have much higher fixed charges. Finally, the carrier, whether it is an airline or a postal agency, will consider the most important value between the gross weight (on the scale) and the volumetric weight (according to the dimensions).
How do you calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment?
For conventional freight, the basic rate is a weight band rate, rapidly decreasing, with a minimum charge for very small shipments. On the same principle, express freight also offers a rate per step depending on the volume you are shipping. As indicated just above, the carrier will base the rate on the greater of the gross weight and the volumetric weight, which is calculated as follows:
- Conventional Air Freight: 1 m³ = 167 Kgs
- Express Air Freight: 1 m³ = 200 kgs
How much time does it take to ship air cargo from China to France?
The time it takes to ship air cargo from China to Europe depends on several factors, such as distance, cargo size and weight, flight routes, customs formalities and processing times at each stage of the supply chain.
In general, the average shipping time for air cargo from China to Europe is around 7–10 days for door-to-door delivery, and 4–7 days for airport-to-airport delivery. However, these times may vary depending on the above factors and may be extended in the event of problems such as flight delays, security issues or complex customs formalities.
DocShipper recommendations
The airway will be the fastest method you have at your disposal, but it may also be the cheapest! Do not hesitate to contact our team for more information on what solutions are available to you and at what price. Fill out our online form for quick feedback from our experts.
DocShipper Tips: Rail freight will be the best option if :
- The volume of your cargo is important
- If you have a deadline requirement
DocShipper Note: Looking for prices or advice for your rail freight shipment? Click on our button to fill out our online form, a dedicated expert will contact you within 24 hours!
Rail freight from China to Europe
Rail transport from China to Europe
In 2019, rail transport between China and Europe almost doubled, with an increase in the number of trains of more than 90%. This has been reported by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), a Chinese government body that intends to introduce measures to promote the safe, stable and efficient operation of trains between China and the EU.
Rail freight from China to Europe has become an increasingly popular alternative to sea shipping to quickly ship goods from China to Europe, offering faster transit time than sea shipping and a lower cost than air transport.
The Chinese government wants to develop China's and Europe's business activities more efficiently and to further simplify transport and customs formalities. It also wants to innovate in modes of operation, freight transport, and support the expansion of imports and exports through the use of China-EU trains. This explains the increase in rail traffic in recent years.
Trans-Eurasia Logistics operates the Yiwu - Madrid railway line, also known as the "New Silk Road", which is the longest freight railway line in the world and connects China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, France and Spain. The Trans-Siberian Railway further north is accessible from Chinese cities in the far north-east.
How long does it take to travel by train from China?
As you can see on the map below, delays vary from 15 to 20 days depending on the origin and destination. Transport times are twice as fast as what you can get by sea! Please also note that the Chinese government is focusing a lot of investment on the development of the Silk Road in order to optimize delays and costs. We can now charter by train from Western China to Eastern Europe in 12 days, less than 2 weeks!
DocShipper Tip: As rail freight is a constantly evolving method, we advise you to contact our team for more information. You can also take a look at our dedicated page: Rail freight
What are the advantages of rail transport between China and Europe?
Rail transport is becoming an increasingly important and competitive mode of transport from East to West. New rail routes between China and Europe are expected to change trade patterns, challenging airlines, and shipping companies. Indeed, the cost of rail transport is 50% lower than that of air freight and transit time is 50% shorter than that of sea freight.
- Regular departures from major business centers in Europe and Asia.
- Fast and safe transport of your cargo in full containers or in groupage.
- Defined and reliable transit times - between 15 and 20 days.
- An environmentally friendly alternative for the transport of your goods.
- Possibility of special transports and other containers, such as reefers, open tops, tanks.
Door-to-door delivery between China and Europe
Do you want your goods to be transported with peace of mind? Door-to-door is an all-inclusive quality service, from collection from your supplier to your home or warehouse. Whether it's for sea, air or rail transport, our door-to-door service is the offer you need!
And guess what? That's our specialty at DocShipper! Let us take care of all your logistical needs, we guarantee you a professional service: packing, storage, loading/unloading, customs clearance, international freight, trucking... All these services will be included in our offer!
Why is door-to-door service useful?
Door-to-door delivery services have many advantages. As the name implies, door-to-door means that your products will be picked up at the intended pick-up address and then delivered to the address of your choice. You will save time, the energy of course and probably money. In fact, it is by choosing "all-inclusive" solutions that we can offer you the best prices!
Do you need help? Or perhaps you have questions? Do not hesitate to contact us! Contact our customer service team and our experts will be happy to help you, to choose the right type of service or for any other need. We will study your case with the utmost attention.
Click here to take a look at our dedicated page that provides more details about this service: Door-to-door service
Customs clearance in Europe / European Union for goods imported from China
In this section, we will examine the rules and obligations governing imports from China to Europe. All imports result in a customs debt. This is due upon acceptance of the declaration requesting the MLP (Release for Free Practice).
The customs debt is composed of the customs duties allowing the MLP and the VAT allowing the MAC (Release for Consumption) on the national territories.
This is one of the most important aspects that you should always keep in mind as an importer. The European Union and its 27 member countries have established rules governing the import of goods from outside the continent.
We have detailed all the steps in this procedure to help you understand how duties and taxes are calculated and by whom they will be collected.
The value for duty
The import of goods from third countries into the EU gives rise to the payment of customs duties and taxes. These are calculated on the value of the imported goods by applying different percentages. The freight rate for transporting goods between China and Europe may vary depending on various factors.
The value for duty
It corresponds to the price of the goods at the moment they leave the supplier's premises, adding the cost of transport to the point of entry into the European customs territory. We also call it the CIF (Incoterm) value. It is the value of the goods at the moment they enter the EU territory, no matter in which country they will be delivered.
It is used as the basis for collecting customs duties - an operation known as "Release for free circulation or MLP".
The statistical value or value for duty
Like the customs value previously, the statistical value corresponds to the value of the goods added to all its transport costs, but only at the entry of the French territory. It often coincides with the customs value at the border of the Union, for example when the goods arrive at the port of Le Havre or Marseille/Fos, which are both the point of entry into the EU and the point of entry into France.
If the point of entry into the EU customs territory is not in France, the transport costs used to arrive at the French border value will have to be added.
It is used to collect a country's foreign trade statistics and to collect certain national taxes.
The tax value
It is the value The tax value also referred to as the "first destination value". It is used as the basis for collecting VAT - a transaction known as "Release for Consumption or MAC".
The taxable amount of VAT This is the value defined by the customs legislation in accordance with the Community regulations in force.
The taxable amount must, however, be understood to include :
- Taxes, duties, levies and other charges that are due as a result of the import, with the exception of VAT itself (customs duties and parafiscal charges are included in the taxable amount for VAT).
- Incidental costs, such as commission, packaging, transport and insurance costs incurred up to the first place of destination of the goods within the country.
- The ancillary costs listed above, when they result from transport to another place of destination within the European Union, if the latter place is known at the time of the event giving rise to the tax.
What are the customs duties and taxes?
Customs duties
It is a common customs tariff that is applied regardless of the point of entry into the European Union. Certain preferential agreements sometimes allow reduced or zero duties to be applied. It is the importer who pays them if they originate from a third country. They are applied to the customs value at the EU border.
Anti-dumping duties
Dumping is linked to the disposal by a country of its goods on international markets at prices below the cost of production or below those prevailing on the domestic market. Countries are then allowed to apply anti-dumping duties in order to avoid unfair competition and injury to similar goods produced by domestic producers.
Agricultural levies
Levies are collected on imports into the EU of certain agricultural products purchased at very low prices outside the EU and covered by the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy). The taxes levied to compensate for the difference between world prices and EU plus prices.
Excise duties
Excise duties are indirect taxes on the consumption or use of certain products (alcoholic beverages, mineral oils and manufactured tobacco). They are levied at the MAC or MLP.
VAT
VAT results from national tax policies. Once the VAT is paid, the MAC is authorised at national level. The basis of calculation of VAT or (base) includes all cost elements, including customs duties. Up to the point of delivery fixed in the transport contract, within the importing country.
This tax is currently under discussion at European Union level and should be implemented from 2023. The carbon border tax is a measure aimed at encouraging the reduction of gas emissions.
Form and our experts will take care of everything for you. With our assistance, you can rest assured that you won't face any problems during the customs clearance process. Online form.
How to calculate customs duties and taxes?
Some products tend to be heavily taxed while others are relatively lightly taxed, or even totally exempt from import duties and taxes. It is therefore essential to know the percentage of customs duties and taxes for the product(s) you are importing into Europe, in order to determine the amount you will be able to pay.
First step: determine the tariff type of the goods. Or in other words the "HS code".
Tariff type is one of the three essential concepts, together with origin and customs value, for determining the customs treatment to be given to a good.
The Harmonized System (HS Code) provides a methodical and unique classification, for the countries using it, of goods in international trade and allows the comparison of their trade flows. It is used by 207 countries and covers more than 95% of world trade.
The composition of an HS Code is as follows
How do I find the HS Code?
The easiest way to find out the HS code of your merchandise is to ask your supplier who is best placed to provide it to you. Indeed, if he is used to selling his products for export, he will probably know this famous code.
You can also search the tariff database of any country using the "Harmonized System" by simply entering a keyword, such as "pineapple" in our example.
Calculate applicable tariff with the HS code
You found your HS Code ? It's now time to check how many taxes you will have to pay on your shipment. You just need to do the following steps :
Go on this link (Free Trade Agreement Portal European Union), you should reach a page who looks like this :
We will see this together as below with European website customs :
As our example on the screenshot, fill 2 requested information:
- Your HS Code
- Origin of goods
Check the duties and taxes applied to your product
Interpretation of information : In our case, we can see that the customs duties on Pineapples from China are 7.7% of the CIF value, to this must also be added the VAT of the country of destination.
Does Docshipper charge duty?
You will not be charged by our customs agent. We will come back to you with the documents produced by the European customs to prove it to you. Be sure to differentiate between the customs clearance fees that will be charged by DocShipper (or any other freight forwarder). Customs clearance is the act of putting together a declaration file, the charges related to the declaration itself. The customs clearance fees will go to DocShipper while the customs duties and taxes will go directly to the government.
Procedure and customs contact
Required documents
Bill of Lading
Document issued by the carrier. It certifies that the goods described have been delivered by the exporter. It is a document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transport company that acknowledges receipt of the goods It signifies what freight is to be transported between specified points for a specified price As the most basic document in the transport of goods, it serves as a title, contract of carriage and receipt for the goods It is prepared by the shipper on forms issued by the carrier. It may be an AWB (airwaybill) for air cargo.
Packing List
A document completed by the shipper detailing the contents of the shipment which must include the weight (gross and net), dimensions, contents, the numbering of each package in the shipment, and any identifying features (e.g. serial numbers). It may also be used to identify damaged or missing items; the buyer pays duty only on what was actually received.
Original Invoice
In China as in Europe (and it's about the same all over the world), you will need the original invoice to clear your goods through customs. Make sure there is no difference between the original invoice and the packing list!
Certificate of Origin
A document used in international trade that traditionally indicates the country of origin of the goods shipped, but the term "origin" in a Certificate of Origin (CO) does not mean the country from which the goods are shipped, but the country where the goods are actually manufactured. The purpose of the CO is to authenticate the country of origin of the goods shipped. This certificate indicates that the goods, which are being exported, are actually manufactured in a specific country mentioned in the certificate. It is very important if you wish to benefit from preferential rates of duty on certain products.
Documents of conformity (CE standard)
Product compliance documents, such as test reports, technical documentation, declarations of conformity and product certificates, show that a product is manufactured in accordance with the applicable product safety standards and regulations in your target market. It is important to consult your supplier for products such as electronics, electrical equipment, toys, cosmetics, automotive parts, etc.
Your EORI number (Economic Operator Registration Identification)
Mandatory for all companies that import or export goods. If you don't remember, go to the pro-customs portal and get it from your SIRET number.
Restricted and prohibited products
The European Union is relatively flexible when it comes to permits and licenses, contrary to what one might think. On the other hand, certain categories of products are subject to restrictions or even totally banned, it is important to be aware of them to avoid any problems.
Restricted Products
- Agricultural products,
- Animals,
- Alcohol, Tobacco
- Livestock feeding,
- Chemical products
- Pharmaceutical products
- Food supplements
Prohibited products
- Drugs
- Explosives
- Weapons
- Counterfeits (textiles, accessories, medicines, electronics, etc...)
- Pornography
- Ivory
If you plan to import any of the above into the European Union, you should check directly with our experts. Don't hesitate to contact us now to discuss your import needs and get a free quote. We are here to help you every step of the way!
Contact us now to discuss your import needs and get a free quote.
Are there any agreements between China and Europe?
There are no Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between China and Europe, nor Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). However, discussions and negotiations started in 2018 on a possible trade agreement. The Foreign Trade Association, which represents the European and international distribution and retail sector, commissioned this study because of China's importance as a sourcing country and its attractiveness as a growing consumer market.
The "Silk News" can bring great added value to what is already an intense economic relationship between China and the European Union. It is a determination similar to that which motivated former traders. This study shows that the "Silk Road of Tomorrow", in the form of a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and China, especially if it is a "deep and comprehensive" agreement. Good for both China and Europe.
Other logistics services
Top 7 freight forwarders in the Japan and list 7 companies
- DocShipper
- DHL Global Forwarding
- Kuehne + Nagel
- DB Schenker
- Panalpina
- Expeditors
- UPS Supply Chain Solutions
Warehousing and storage
Strategically located near the main ports of China. We are therefore able to receive your shipment for as long as you need it, before sending it to Europe (or elsewhere for that matter). If you intend to consolidate a full container into several shipments from different suppliers, or conversely if you receive a full container and wish to split it and send it to several destinations. We also have a solution for you!
More info on our dedicated page: Wrehousing services
Packaging and repackaging
The packaging and packing of your goods is very important because it guarantees perfect stability of the load during transport and provides excellent protection during storage and handling. We will be able to provide such services in China as well as in Europe, so do not hesitate to contact our experts if you need services such as cardboard box, palletization, wooden crate and others such as bubble wrap, adhesive tape, etc.
More info on our dedicated page: Packing Services
Transport insurances
Calculation generally applied: premium rate x reported amount
The rate: variable according to the mode of transport, the nature of the goods... The insurance value declared by the subscriber (generally national costs + costs related to the main transport), the uses allow increasing the insured value by a maximum of 20%. You can, therefore, count on this calculation to make you an estimate. This rate is variable according to the nature/category of your goods.
More info on our dedicated page: Insurance services
Supplier Management in China
Always with a view to providing a complete service to guarantee you the right product, we will contact your supplier beforehand. We will know more precisely the characteristics of the product (CE standards) and will go through them with a fine comb (especially the condition + packaging). Under our supervision, your products will not leave without proper packaging.
By trusting us, the operation will run smoothly from start to finish (whatever the incoterm). Our staff is fluent in Mandarin / English / French in order, among other things, to verify the dimensions and HS code of your goods.
More info on our dedicated page: Sourcing Services
3PL Service
Order fulfilment/packaging/labelling: The supply chain is complex, especially if you don't know it. But so is distribution? With our warehouse in Camporosso in Northern Italy, we store your inventory and prepare all your orders on a daily basis. We'll be your right-hand man, and we'll take care of all the services (packaging, inventory, labelling, fulfilment).
Delivery to the last mile: What is order without delivery service? We naturally provide B2C delivery services for E-Commerce. With a location in the centre of Europe, we can deliver your customers within 48 hours!
More info on our dedicated page: 3PL Services
Shipment of personal effects
Are you planning a move? Or are you just coming back from a trip a little busier than expected?. Do you have problems with packing, storage, packaging or customs clearance? Let's turn them into OUR problems, from China to Europe (or elsewhere in the world).
More info on our dedicated page: Moving services
More than 10 years of expertise in Asia allow us to provide tailor-made transport solutions and offers at increasingly competitive prices. Do not hesitate to contact our specialized team for more information about your shipment, we are always happy to serve you and share our knowledge! Contact us
FAQ - Transport from China to Europe
What is the cheapest method of transport from China to Europe?
Sea freight is usually the cheapest option for larger shipments, while air freight is faster but more expensive. Rail freight is becoming more popular, offering a faster transit time than sea freight and a lower cost than air freight. It is important to compare quotes from multiple shipping companies and consider overall costs, including customs clearance and delivery fees The cheapest mode of transportation from China to Europe depends on the volume of goods, time constraints, and the origin and destination cities.
How long does shipping from China to Germany?
Shipping time from China to Germany depends on your chosen mode of transportation, transportation routes, customs formalities and processing times at each stage of the supply chain. For sea shipping, the average shipping time is about 30–40 days for door-to-door delivery. For air shipping, the average shipping time is about 7–10 days for door-to-door delivery and 4–7 days for airport-to-airport delivery.
How will DocShipper manage my product from A to Z?
DocShipper has a specialty, the management of the product chain from start to finish. Our sourcing department assists you in your purchases and product quality control. Then comes the forwarding department which will handle all international logistics operations. Finally, our distribution center (3PL services) will manage all your E-Commerce operations, from inventory management to B2C delivery and order preparation.
What are the transport times between China and Europe by freight methods?
You have 4 options to transport your cargo between China and Europe. You can choose an express solution (DHL, FedEx...) for delivery in less than 5 days door to door. Classic air freight will be significantly slower with a delivery time of about 7 days. Rail freight represents the balance between air freight and sea freight, about 15/20 days compared to 35/40 days by sea.
DocShipper info: Do you like our article today? For your business interest, you may like the following useful articles :
- https://china.docshipper.com/en/service-freight-france/
- https://china.docshipper.com/en/freight-from-china-to-germany/
- https://china.docshipper.com/en/freight-china-belgium-rates-transit-times-duties-taxes-advices/
- https://china.docshipper.com/en/freight-china-canada-rates-transit-times-duties-taxes-advices/
- https://china.docshipper.com/en/freight-from-china-to-uk/
DocShipper Advise : We help you with the entire sourcing process so don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
- Having trouble finding the appropriate product? Enjoy our sourcing services, we directly find the right suppliers for you!
- You don't trust your supplier? Ask our experts to do quality control to guarantee the condition of your goods!
- Do you need help with the logistics? Our international freight department supports you with door to door services!
- You don't want to handle distribution? Our 3PL department will handle the storage, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery!
DocShipper China | Procurement - Quality control - Logistics
Alibaba, Dhgate, made-in-china... Many know of websites to get supplies in Asia, but how many have come across a scam ?! It is very risky to pay an Asian supplier halfway around the world based only on promises! DocShipper offers you complete procurement services integrating logistics needs: purchasing, quality control, customization, licensing, transport...
Communication is important, which is why we strive to discuss in the most suitable way for you!