Shipping from China to Europe Guide: Cost-Cutting Methods

In 2021, China surpassed the USA to become Europe’s top trade partner.

Every year, millions of goods flow from China to Europe, a vast continent with 44 countries.

Europe boasts numerous large ports and shipping routes, handling substantial cargo traffic from China.

However, navigating the complexities of shipping from China to Europe can be challenging without proper knowledge and experience.

If you’re a business or individual seeking to ship goods from China to Europe, you’re in the right place.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide for shipping from China to Europe.

We cover everything you need to know for a smooth shipping experience.

Shipping Methods from China to Europe

When shipping goods from China to Europe, you have the flexibility to choose from various shipping methods, including air freight, rail, and sea shipping. This flexibility is a significant advantage that European countries offer over many others. The choice of shipping method depends on your requirements, the type of goods being shipped, and the specific country of destination. Let’s examine each method individually, including their costs and delivery times from China to Europe.

Express Freight from China to Europe.

When opting for express freight from China to Europe, you can expect fast and reliable delivery.

Express freight services, provided by international couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, offer expedited shipping options.

Costs may vary depending on the courier and package weight, with prices typically higher than other shipping methods due to the speed and efficiency of delivery.

However, the advantage lies in the swift transit time, usually ranging from 3 to 7 business days, ensuring your goods reach Europe quickly and efficiently.

Air Freight Shipping from China to Europe

Air freight is a method of shipping cargo using airlines, with most European nations boasting highly developed airports supporting excellent air freight facilities. Opting for air freight when shipping from China to Europe serves as a viable alternative to express shipping, offering relatively fast delivery at lower prices.

Compared to land or sea freight, shipments sent via air freight carriers arrive more quickly, making them ideal for smaller and delicate shipments. However, air freight tends to be more expensive.

It’s essential to note that air freight shipping, unless using DDP shipping, isn’t a door-to-door service. Therefore, businesses should consider customs clearance requirements and import duties.

For items weighing between 300 and 500kg, you can secure the best air freight rates.

Ocean Freight Shipping from China to Europe

Ocean freight shipping from China to Europe is a popular and cost-effective option for transporting goods. With well-established maritime routes and ports, ocean freight offers reliable transportation for large volumes of cargo.

While ocean freight may take longer than air freight, it is significantly cheaper, making it ideal for businesses looking to reduce shipping costs. Large and heavy shipments, such as machinery or bulk commodities, are well-suited for ocean freight.

However, it’s essential to consider the longer transit times associated with ocean freight. Shipments sent via sea may take several weeks to reach their destination, so businesses should plan accordingly to account for the extended delivery times.

Overall, ocean freight shipping from China to Europe provides a cost-effective solution for transporting large volumes of goods, especially for items that are not time-sensitive.

FCL Container Ship from China to Europe

Shipping goods from China to Europe by sea can be efficiently done through FCL shipments, known as “full container load.” With FCL, the importer possesses an entire container and its contents. For shipments from China to Germany exceeding 15 cubic meters, FCL is the optimal choice. Due to fixed prices for sea shipping containers, FCL emerges as the most cost-effective method for transporting heavy cargo from China to Germany.

Despite containers being designed for large shipments, it’s not mandatory for your cargo to fill the entire container when opting for the full container load. Sometimes, shipping a half-container via FCL proves more economical than LCL.

FCL containers come in sizes of 20ft, 40ft, 40ft HQ, and 45ft HQ

LCL container Ship from China to Europe

LCL shipments, or less than container load shipments, offer a cost-effective solution. Instead of paying for an entire shipping container, your products share space with other importers. This simplifies the sea shipping process: provide your shipment details to a freight forwarder, who calculates the space needed and reserves it for you.

LCL shipments are ideal for cargo between 1 and 15 cubic meters or small freights not requiring immediate delivery. For further information on FCL and LCL sea shipping, cargo optimization, and volume calculation, read on here.

Rail Freight from China to Europe

Rail freight is becoming increasingly popular for importers shipping goods from China to Europe because of its speed, cost-effectiveness compared to air freight, and efficiency. It offers a reliable solution for transporting bulky cargo, liquid goods, and large machinery using containers.

The silk road network connects China to more than fifteen major European cities, traversing Central Asia and reaching Europe. This rail freight route stretches from China to London, passing through nine countries, with branches extending to Madrid and Paris. Rail freight can deliver goods from China to Europe in half the time compared to other transportation modes.

Door-to-Door Shipping From China to Europe

Door-to-door shipping from China to Europe provides a convenient and comprehensive solution for businesses and individuals. With this service, your goods are collected from the supplier’s location in China and delivered directly to your specified destination in Europe.

This hassle-free option eliminates the need for multiple intermediaries and ensures a seamless shipping experience. Whether you’re shipping small parcels or large cargo, door-to-door services handle the entire process, including customs clearance and delivery.

By opting for door-to-door shipping, you can save time and effort while enjoying peace of mind knowing that your goods are in safe hands from pickup to delivery.

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

The shipping mode and the distance between China and Europe determine how long it takes for goods to reach Europe.

Typically, air freight delivers to most European nations within three to five days, although some may take up to ten days.

Train freight usually takes 20 to 30 days to arrive in Europe, while sea freight can take 35 to 60 days. The tables below provide average transit times for each shipping method.

Keep in mind that transit time refers to the time goods take to arrive in the destination country and doesn’t include customs clearance, consolidation, and deconsolidation time.

How much does Shipping from China to Europe Cost？

Shipping costs from China to Europe differ based on various factors, including the shipping method, type of goods, distance, and additional services needed.

Air freight tends to be pricier due to its faster delivery, typically calculated based on shipment weight and dimensions.

Sea freight is often more cost-effective but slower. Prices for sea freight depend on container size, volume, and travel distance.

Rail freight provides a balance between cost and speed, with prices influenced by factors such as distance and cargo type.

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

The price of air freight from China to Europe relies on factors like goods type, weight, volume, and destination.

Heavier shipments generally lower the cost per kilogram of air freight. Yet, the minimum chargeable weight is often around 45 kg. Hence, sending larger shipments is more cost-effective, benefiting from air freight’s economies of scale.

Though it’s tough to give an exact figure, typical air freight costs from China to Europe range between $4 and $8 per kilogram.

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

The cost of shipping a container via ocean freight from China to Europe varies based on factors like the date, carrier, chosen route, carriage conditions, and container loading type.

For FCL shipping, maximizing container volume can save money. When a container is filled to over 70% of its capacity, FCL becomes cheaper due to economies of scale.

On the other hand, LCL is less expensive as you don’t need to rent an entire container.

Port fees at the destination make up a significant portion of LCL shipping costs.

While exact sea freight shipping costs from China to Europe are hard to estimate, the table below provides average values for FCL shipping (20ft and 40ft containers) and cost per cubic meter for LCL shipping under sea freight.

Express Shipping costs from China to European countries

The price of Express freight from China to Europe depends on the goods, their weight, and packaging size. Larger packages result in a lower cost per kilogram during express shipping, making it economical for shipping larger cargo from China to Europe. Below are some of the top express shipping companies.

DHL Express shipping costs

DHL provides competitive international freight express shipping from China to Europe.

For a document parcel weighing 0.5 to 2 kg, DHL Express shipping costs between $25 and $50.

Non-document parcels are shipped via DHL Express from China to Europe at a rate of $8 per kg.

For a 10 kg parcel, DHL Express shipping from China to Europe ranges from $90 to $120.

Shipping a 70 kg parcel via DHL Express from China to Europe costs between $420 and $490.

UPS shipping costs

Determining UPS shipping costs involves several factors such as package dimensions, weight, origin and destination, shipping speed, and any additional services required. You can calculate shipping costs on the UPS website by providing these details and getting an estimate based on various shipping options available. Additionally, UPS offers tools like shipping calculators and rate charts to help you estimate shipping costs more accurately.

FEDEX shipping costs

To calculate FedEx shipping costs, you’ll need to provide details such as package dimensions, weight, origin, destination, shipping speed, and any additional services required. You can easily estimate shipping costs on the FedEx website using their shipping calculator or by accessing their rate charts. These tools allow you to input the necessary information and receive an estimate based on the selected shipping options. Keep in mind that shipping costs may vary depending on the specific requirements of your shipment and any applicable discounts or promotions.

Rail Freight Cost From China to European countries.

The cost of shipping a full container load (FCL) by rail from China to Europe usually ranges between $5,000 and $7,000, though prices may fluctuate depending on seasonal factors.

In contrast, transporting less than a full container load (LCL) by rail, including customs and duty charges, typically costs between $2/kg and $3.5/kg. Freight forwarders can simplify the rail freight logistics process, offering door-to-door services, albeit at additional costs.

Insurance Costs From China to European

When shipping valuable or delicate items from China to Europe, it’s highly advisable to invest in insurance. Regardless of whether you choose rail, air, or sea freight, insurance is a crucial logistical expense that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Insurance provides protection against potential loss or damage to your shipment, offering peace of mind and ensuring that you can recoup costs in unfortunate situations. Reputable freight forwarders like DFH offer insurance at affordable rates, or you can opt for third-party insurance providers specializing in international or Europe shipping.

The actual cost of insurance depends on various factors, including the transportation mode, goods’ nature, insurance provider, and whether it’s for air or sea freight. It’s essential to review the specific terms and conditions of the insurance policy you select to ensure it meets your needs effectively.

Customs Clearance Costs

When shipping from China to Europe, it’s essential to consider the costs associated with customs clearance, which are a significant part of logistics expenditure.

Navigating the customs process can be intricate, and duties costs can vary widely. Customs clearance involves paying duties in both the country of origin (China) and the destination country in Europe, regardless of whether you’re using air or sea freight.

Understanding the intricacies of customs duty charges is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses. Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of any restrictions imposed by the destination country on the type of goods being imported.

Engaging experts such as freight forwarders to handle customs obligations in international freight is highly recommended. They can provide valuable insights into the duties payable in both China and the destination country, helping you budget for shipping costs effectively when shipping to Europe.

Choosing a reputable freight forwarder like DFH can streamline the customs clearance process. With DFH’s door-to-door shipping method from China to Europe, you can enjoy the convenience of having customs clearance handled seamlessly on both ends without any extra charges.

Import Duties and Taxes from China to Europe.

When importing goods from China into Europe, it’s important to note that you’ll incur import taxes, VAT, excise taxes, and occasionally consumption taxes since these goods are coming from outside the European Union.

The amount of import taxes and duties you’ll pay depends on the type of product being imported. Some products attract high taxes, while others have lower rates or may even be tax-free.

Import duties are calculated as a percentage of the customs value, determined by the Harmonized System (HS) code assigned to each product. For example, you might pay 4% duty for Product A and 2% for Product B.

For instance, in the UK, VAT is 20%, and the customs duty for gloves imported from China is 8%.

To illustrate, if a product has a value of 1000 euros, the total cost would include 240 euros in VAT, 200 euros in shipping costs, and 96 euros in customs fees, totaling 336 euros in taxes.

Properly classifying each item, whether shipped by sea or air freight, is crucial in determining your budget allocation for importing into Europe.

Understanding the import duties and taxes applicable to your goods simplifies budget planning and reduces stress. To streamline the process and avoid paperwork and import duties, consider reaching out to DFH. We can assist in sorting your goods and handling all import levies and taxes.

Freight forwarder Charges.

Regardless of your experience or knowledge, it’s crucial to engage a freight forwarder when shipping from China to Europe to mitigate unexpected outcomes. Specializing in handling goods, freight forwarders offer invaluable expertise in navigating the shipping process efficiently.

Freight forwarders can advise on the most cost-effective shipping routes and negotiate favorable rates with carriers due to their established contracts. Directly approaching shipping carriers for rail, sea, or air freight may result in significantly higher prices.

Moreover, freight forwarders possess expertise in preparing essential documentation, a critical aspect of Europe shipping. Without proper documentation, importing goods from China becomes impossible.

Hiring a freight forwarder streamlines shipping-related tasks and can substantially reduce container load and freight costs. However, it’s essential to budget for freight forwarder fees, which typically range from $5 to $75 per shipment, depending on factors such as the goods’ nature, shipping method, delivery address, and specific requirements.

Researching and selecting reputable freight forwarders that offer value for money is essential. DFH stands as a reputable Chinese freight forwarder with extensive experience in shipping from China to Europe. Contact us now for a free quote and reliable shipping solutions

Local Transporation costs.

While many of China’s industries are conveniently located near shipping ports, it’s important for importers to recognize that not all manufacturing companies have this proximity. In such cases, hiring an inland transport company becomes necessary to move goods to the nearest port or airport for loading. Similarly, upon arrival at the destination port or airport, the services of a local inland transport company are required to deliver the goods to the final destination address if door-to-door shipping isn’t chosen.

Opting for a freight forwarder to manage local transportation costs is often the most efficient approach. Freight forwarders possess the expertise to transport goods affordably and safely, whether by rail, air, or sea freight, thereby minimizing the risk of damage or loss.

The aforementioned charges represent the primary logistics expenses typically incurred when shipping a shipment from China to Europe. Beyond these, additional freight costs generally consist of miscellaneous charges that can be managed relatively easily.

What are the Main seaports in Europe for shipping from China

Europe boasts over a thousand commercial seaports, each capable of handling substantial volumes of sea freight cargo. Every day, China exports nearly a billion dollars’ worth of goods to European countries via sea routes. Among the major seaports catering to this influx of sea freight cargo in Europe are:

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

In addition to these key ports, others like Amsterdam, Bremerhaven, Bilbao, Dunkirk, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Gdynia, Tallinn, Kaliningrad, and Odessa are renowned for their capacity to handle sea freight.

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

The main airports in Europe for shipping from China include:

1. Frankfurt Airport (Germany):

One of the busiest cargo airports in the world, Frankfurt Airport serves as a major hub for air freight shipments from China to Europe.

2. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands):

Schiphol Airport is a key air cargo gateway in Europe, handling a significant volume of shipments from China.

3. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (France):

As one of Europe’s largest airports, Charles de Gaulle Airport plays a vital role in facilitating air freight traffic between China and Europe.

4. Heathrow Airport (United Kingdom):

Located near London, Heathrow Airport is a major international air cargo hub, handling numerous shipments from China to Europe.

5. Madrid-Barajas Airport (Spain):

Madrid-Barajas Airport serves as a crucial gateway for air freight shipments between China and Europe, particularly for destinations in Southern Europe.

6. Brussels Airport (Belgium):

Brussels Airport is strategically located in the heart of Europe and serves as a key logistics hub for air cargo transportation between China and Europe.

7. Munich Airport (Germany):

Munich Airport is an important cargo airport in Europe, handling a significant volume of air freight traffic, including shipments from China.

These airports are well-equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure to handle large volumes of air cargo, making them preferred choices for shipping goods from China to various destinations across Europe.

Rules to follow before shipping from China to Europe.

Before shipping from China to Europe, it’s essential to follow several rules and guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful transportation process. Here are some key rules to consider:

Understand Import Regulations:

Familiarize yourself with the import regulations and customs requirements of the destination country in Europe. Each country may have specific rules regarding prohibited items, documentation, labeling, and duties.

Select the Right Shipping Method:

Choose the most suitable shipping method based on your requirements, budget, and timeline. Options include sea freight, air freight, or rail freight. Consider factors such as transit time, cost, and the nature of the goods being transported.

Verify Product Compliance:

Ensure that your products comply with relevant quality standards, safety regulations, and certifications required by the destination country in Europe. Non-compliance can lead to delays, penalties, or even rejection of the shipment.

Packaging and Labeling:

Properly package and label your goods according to international shipping standards. Use sturdy packaging materials to protect the items during transit and clearly label packages with essential information such as product descriptions, quantities, and destination addresses.

Arrange Transportation to Port/Airport:

Coordinate inland transportation from the manufacturer’s location in China to the designated port or airport for export. Ensure timely pickup and delivery to avoid delays in the shipping process.

Prepare Shipping Documentation:

Gather all necessary shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and any other required paperwork. Complete and organize the documents accurately to facilitate customs clearance at both ends of the shipment.

Insurance Coverage:

Consider obtaining cargo insurance to protect your goods against loss, damage, or theft during transit. While not mandatory, insurance provides added peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Work with Reliable Partners:

Collaborate with reputable freight forwarders, shipping carriers, and logistics providers with experience in handling shipments from China to Europe. Choose trusted partners who can offer reliable services, competitive rates, and effective communication throughout the shipping process.

By adhering to these rules and guidelines, you can enhance the efficiency, safety, and success of your shipments from China to Europe, ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction and business success.

How to reduce shipping costs from China to Europe.

To reduce shipping costs from China to Europe, strategic planning and optimization are key. Follow these steps:

1. Optimize Container Space: Pack goods efficiently to maximize container space, minimizing wasted room and reducing the need for extra containers, thus saving costs.

2. Make Early Reservations: Plan ahead and book shipping services well in advance to secure lower rates and avoid last-minute fees or delays.

3. Ship During Off-Peak Periods: Utilize lower shipping rates during quieter periods and off-peak seasons to cut costs and prevent potential delays.

4. Prepare Documentation in Advance: Ensure all necessary shipping documents are accurately prepared in advance to expedite customs clearance and avoid fines or delays.

5. Budget for Customs Taxes: Plan and budget for customs taxes and levies associated with importing goods into Europe to prevent unexpected expenses.

6. Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from various suppliers and freight forwarders to compare rates and choose the most cost-effective option without compromising quality.

7. Understand Incoterms and Shipping Methods: Familiarize yourself with Incoterms and select the best shipping method aligned with your budget and logistics needs to minimize unexpected costs or confusion.

8. Avoid Peak Seasons: Whenever possible, avoid shipping during peak seasons or holidays when prices are higher due to increased demand. Opting for quieter periods can lead to lower costs and smoother logistics.

By following these strategies, businesses can efficiently reduce shipping expenses and optimize supply chain operations when transporting goods from China to Europe.

Conclusion

That concludes our comprehensive guide on shipping from China to Europe. We trust this information has been beneficial and has addressed any queries you may have had regarding the shipping process. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to assist you and provide further assistance!