China has officially become the largest trading partner of European countries, underscoring the steadily growing trade relations between the two regions. Europe, a continent comprising 44 nations, benefits from numerous shipping routes that facilitate the transport of millions of goods annually. However, importing products into Europe requires precise knowledge to avoid costly delays and setbacks.

Since 2008, Winsky Freight has been focused on providing fast and cost-effective shipping solutions from China to Europe. Our team of European shipping experts has crafted this guide to help importers navigate the complexities of international trade. We’ll outline everything you need to know to ensure a seamless shipping experience.

When you are shipping from China to Europe you have complete freedom to choose the shipping method. You can use Air, Railway, or Sea to ship to Europe. Very few countries in other countries have the flexibility that European countries have.

Every shipping method has its pros and cons. So, we can not tell any shipping method, particularly good or bad. Which shipping method is ideal for you depends entirely on your requirements. We will discuss every aspect of all shipping methods from China to Europe.

1.1. Sea freight  

Sea freight is the most used and cheapest shipping mode from China to Europe. Using ocean freight could be overwhelming for new shippers at first. But an experienced freight forwarder can make the entire shipping process very smooth.

Sea freight takes longer than any other shipping method from China to Europe. But most importers prefer this mode of shipping for the cost it offers. But it is better to know the options for sea freight shipping from China to Europe to make the right decision.

1.1.1. Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL shipping or Full container load is the cheapest shipping method from China to Europe. But that is not ‘cheapest’ for every importer. In FCL shipping, you have to hire an entire container. In other words, you will be forbidden to share your container with any other importer.

There are two types of containers – 40ft and 20ft. You can book one according to your requirement. So, FCL shipping is only ‘the cheapest’ if you are importing a huge amount of goods from China.

1.1.2. Less than Container Load (LCL)

In our opinion, LCL is the cheapest shipping method from China to Europe. In LCL shipping, you don’t hire an entire container. Instead, you have the freedom to pay for the space you will use. This is a very flexible option for most importers.

The process of LCL shipping is fairly easy. You will contact a freight forwarder and send them the details of your consignment. The freight forwarder then will determine how much space you will need and book the required space for you.

As you are only paying for the space you will use, you are not paying any extra money.

Know the difference between FCL and LCL shipping and costing from the below video

1.2. Air freight 

You can guess, this is the fastest shipping method from China to Europe. Air freight is involved in transporting a wide range of cargo from China to Europe. They are highly efficient and can ship your goods from China to Europe in real quick time.

Most European countries are well developed, and they have excellent air freight facilities in their airports. China is also equipped with highly efficient airports. But there is only one problem with air freight, and they are expensive.

If you are bringing a considerable amount of goods from China, air freight can be quite expensive. But if you are importing a small quantity and if TIME matters more than anything else in your business, you should pick air freight as your shipping companion.

1.3. Rail Freight

Rail freight is becoming more and more popular to ship from China to Europe these days. They are not as slow as sea freight, and the cost is not that high like air freight. Moreover, rail freight is highly efficient between China and Europe.

The high-tech rail transportation system between China and Europe is challenging both air and sea freight shipping. And there has been some quick development and new silk roads. This freight rail route goes from China through central Asia and finally Europe.

As a matter of fact, China is now connected with more than fifteen major cities in Europe by the new silk road network.

The rail network now covers nine countries all the way through London. Besides, there is another branch that goes to Madrid, Paris. Rail freight takes half the distance to deliver your goods from China.

Send us a message to get the best deal for rail freight from China to Europe.

2. Door To Door Shipping From China to Europe?

Door to door to shipping exactly means what the name suggests. In this shipping method, a freight forwarder will take the entire responsibility of shipping your goods from China to Europe. You will have to provide the supplier’s address and your address in the European city you live in.

The freight forwarder you contacted will receive your shipment from the supplier’s warehouse. They will bring your package to port and carry your consignment all the way to your desired city.

The freight forwarder will then receive the consignment at your city, arrange the inland transport and send the shipment to your warehouse. You will just unload your goods in your space.

Don’t worry about the documentation and customs duties, and taxes. Your freight forwarder will take care of everything.

Winsky freight provides the best door to door shipping service from China to Europe, and we offer the exclusive price, especially to our European clients.

With express shipping, you will receive your shipment from China faster than any other shipping method. There are many companies that are experts in express shipping services. Some of the top express shipping companies are DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT.

You can use any express shipping company to ship your goods from China. But express shipping has some limitations. For example, for UPS Express, each carton size can’t be over 120cm,  and weight can’t be over 24KG, or it will create extra delivery fee or might can’t be shipped.

Express shipping is very expensive, but the bright side is getting your product in 2-5 days. This method is not ideal for general shipping purposes. If you have any small package or documentation from China, you can take express shipping service.

We have special contracts with almost every express shipping company and offer less price. So, if you have any small shipments, we can arrange express shipping for you.

When you are shipping from China to Europe, it is always better to know the exact shipping route that different shipping methods use.

4.1. Ocean shipping routes

The three major ocean routes used for shipping from China to Europe are:

• Northeastern Arctic Route: This route passes through the Arctic Ocean from East China into Northern Russia, and then into Europe. It is a popular ocean shipping route because it is short and reduces transit times. However, it can be difficult to navigate and is only open for a few months of the year because of ice.
• Southern Route (Suez Canal Route): Although this is longer than the Arctic route, it is a more reliable shipping route from China to Europe. Cargo ships depart from southern Chinese ports like Shenzhen and travel through the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, and then the Suez Canal to link Western Europe.
• Atlantic Route: Ships take this route by going through the southern side of China, then sailing across the Indian Ocean and around the Cape of Good Hope. They then enter Western Europe through the Atlantic Ocean.

4.2. Rail shipping Route

Rail shipping routes from China to Europe are gaining popularity as a reliable alternative to sea and air transportation. These routes offer faster transit times compared to sea freight.

The China-Europe Railway Express serves as the major route for moving goods between China and Europe. You should know that this network includes many routes and three corridors (eastern, western, and central) that link China with countries like Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, the UK, and more in Europe.

The Eastern Route, formerly called the Northern Route, starts from China’s coastal areas like Yiwu in East China and passes through Northern Russia (Siberia), Belarus, and Poland to enter Europe. This route is the fastest, taking about 15-20 days to complete the journey.

The Central Route links North and Central China to Europe. It enters Mongolia through Erenhot, then passes through Russia, Belarus, and Poland to reach Europe.

The Western Route, formerly called the Southern Route, begins in South western China, and goes through Kazakhstan, South Russia, Belarus, and Poland before reaching its destination in Europe.

The popularity of rail transport has also led to the creation of the New Silk Road. This route stretches from China through central Asia into Turkey and then Europe, connecting over 15 major European cities.

This is a great opportunity for importers shipping goods from China to Europe, especially landlocked countries. Trains can now travel 12,000km from Yiwu, China, to London and Madrid in 18 days.

If you’re not sure which shipping route is best for you, then consult with a freight forwarder. We can help you assess your goods and recommend the best route for your shipment.

Shipping time from China to Europe depends on two factors. One is the shipping mode, and the second is the distance between the two cities.

On average, air freight takes three to five days to reach most countries in Europe. Some countries may need up to ten days to reach.

Sea freight takes around 25 to 38 days to reach Europe. Train freight takes 20 to 35 days to get to Europe.

This information can seem vague for some importers. Therefore, we have added a table for transit time from China to Europe.

Remember, transit time is the time required to travel your shipment from port to port. To calculate the time needed to receive your shipment, you have to add additional time for loading, unloading, customs clearance, etc.

Shipping cost from China to Europe depends on various factors. There is no fixed rate to give because prices change frequently and there are several factors involved.

The most important thing is that you understand all the various logistics costs involved with every means of transport, so you can make the calculations yourself. We’ll explain each one below:

6.1.  Transportation costs

The most important factor that you have to factor into your shipping budget is the cost of transportation. This is the cost of shipping your goods from the supplier’s factory to the port before shipping and from the port to your destination.

Not all Chinese factories are close to the port, and transporting goods requires skilled manpower and the right equipment to prevent damage. The weight of goods and distance from the warehouse to the port often determine how much you pay.

Depending on the incoterm you choose, Winsky can help you cut inland transportation costs and ensure your goods are kept intact. For example, if you choose door-to-door shipping, we have connections with local transport companies in Europe that will deliver your goods right to your doorstep at very affordable costs. Contact Winsky for smooth pickup, transportation, and delivery of your goods.

6.2. Freight Forwarder Costs

Let’s be honest, trying to navigate international shipping by yourself is very difficult, no matter how experienced you are. Teamwork is key in this industry, and you’ll always need the support of shipping professionals like freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Freight forwarders are experts in handling goods and know the best routes to travel. They also have agreements with shipping carriers, which helps to considerably reduce shipping costs. A freight forwarder or a customs broker will help you prepare documents and sort out the various import duties. All you have to do is relax and wait for your goods to arrive.

We understand that hiring a freight forwarder or customs broker does involve a cost, but that is a small price to pay for the ease and security they provide. Their rate depends on the type of goods and the mode of shipping. Carefully select a freight forwarder to get the best value for your money.

 6.3. Customs duty

Customs duties are required for shipping from China to Europe. The cost you’ll have to pay depends on the type and value of goods and the import regulations of the European country. You should understand the customs policies of the destination country before shipping.

To avoid unnecessary problems when clearing your goods, allow your freight forwarder to help you. They’ll support you for the import custom clearance from China to Europe, so you can include them in your shipping budget.

6.4.  International shipping costs

Air Freight

This shipping mode is expensive, but it is also very fast. Hence, it is suitable for urgent orders and shipment of perishable goods. How much you pay depends on the type of goods, weight, volume, and destination in Europe. It can cost anywhere from $8 per kg to over $20 per kg.

As a result, we cannot give an exact estimate until we know more about your shipping. Contact us whenever you’re ready to get an exact shipping quote.

Ocean Freight

If you choose this mode of shipping, your costs are relatively smaller. It is the best option for shipping bulky goods. The price you pay from China to Europe  depends on the type and size of goods, the container type you use, the shipping carrier, and the ocean route chosen.

Usually, LCL shipping is less expensive than FCL, because you can split your goods with other importers. However, if your goods are large enough to occupy over 70% of a single container, then FCL becomes a better option. The table below is a random estimate to guide you. It is not a definite quote, so please reach out to us for current prices.

Rail Freight

This shipping method costs about half of air freight. Depending on the destination in Europe, you should budget around $8,500 for an FCL container from China. Winsky Freight also offers multi-modal shipping that combines Rail and express delivery to deliver your goods to your doorstep.

Express Shipping

This is the most expensive shipping method. The packaging, weight, and type of your goods matter a lot in determining the amount you pay for shipping. Winsky has partnerships with international couriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx, and this can help you bring down shipping costs if you go through us.

China is the largest exporter to Europe, exporting over 1 billion worth of goods every day! 70% of these exports happen by sea. There are over 1200 commercial seaports in Europe, and most of them are highly capable of loading and unloading a considerable amount of goods.

Here are some of the top seaports in Europe:

• Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands)
• Port of Antwerp (Belgium)
• Port of Hamburg (Germany)
• Port of Valencia (Spain)
• Port of Fos sur Mer (Marseille)
• Port of Le Havre (Le Havre)

There are some other famous seaports that we can mention, Amsterdam, Bremerhaven,Bilbao,Dunkirk,  Copenhagen, Gothenburg,  Helsinki, Gdynia, Tallinn, Kaliningrad, Odessa, etc.

Most European countries are economically advanced countries. Therefore, Europe is full of high-end Airports. Here are some of the top airports in Europe:

• Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport
• Frankfurt International Airport
• Netherlands Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
• Aéroport de Paris Charles de Gaulle
• Heathrow Airport
• Aéroport de Bruxelles-National à Bruxelles-Zaventem
• Zurich Airport
• Malpensa Airport

Aéroport Adolfo-Suárez de Madrid-Barajas

Most countries in Europe belong to the European Union and therefore have similar regulations. In recent times, the EU has made reforms that require detailed customs descriptions and HS codes for every good shipped into Europe. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the steps involved in import customs clearance:

1. Preparation of documents: First, you need to have the right documents before your goods even reach Europe. Your supplier and freight forwarder should provide necessary documents like the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any certificates required for the specific product. If you’re the Importer of Record (IOR), then you’ll be responsible for clearing customs. The IOR can also be a freight forwarder or customs broker.
2. Get the HS code: Every product has a specific 6-digit code assigned to it, called the HS code that determines the amount of tax you pay. Then you can proceed to calculate the CIF value of your goods. It is time-consuming to learn the various codes for your goods, and we recommend you allow your freight forwarder or customs broker to handle this for you.
3. Customs Entry Declaration: Proceed to submit your declaration form to the customs authorities in the European country. This document contains details about the type of goods, their value, quantity, HS code, origin, and purpose.
4. Customs Valuation: Customs authorities assess the value of the goods based on the CIF value for taxation purposes.
5. Payment of Duties and Taxes: Import duties, taxes, and fees are calculated based on the goods’ value, classification, and origin. The IOR is responsible for paying these charges to the customs authorities.
6. Customs Inspection: Customs may randomly decide to inspect your goods to ensure they comply with regulations. This may take some time, and you should always be prepared for it to happen.

The import customs clearance process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the volume of goods being imported. Factor in the time required for customs clearance when planning your import shipment.

Once duties and taxes are paid and all customs requirements are met, the goods are released from customs custody. They are then allowed to enter the local market. Ensure you adhere to all regulations to prevent delays with clearance.

For every product shipped into Europe, you’ll have to pay import taxes, excise taxes, VAT, and anti-dumping duties. The type of goods determines the specific amount you’ll need to pay. The value of taxes can only be determined by the HS code of every product, and it is a percentage of the CIF value of your product. This is why you may notice that some products have high taxes and others are low or tax-free.

You can ask your supplier or freight forwarder for the HS code of your product. Then visit the European Commission website, input your code, and check the specific tariffs you’ll need to pay.

According to the European Union Trade Portal, current VAT rates range from 16% to 25%, and 20% in the UK. You can read more about the various duties here. Once again, your freight forwarder knows all about these taxes, so save yourself some of the stress.

The cheapest way to ship goods from China to Europe is sea freight, but there are some other factors to consider. In many cases, the size should determine the cheaper option for you.

We recommend sea freight for large goods. However, when the goods are less than 200kg, sea freight is no longer a smart option because you’ll have to pay operation fees and port fees, which makes the overall cost more expensive. Air freight will be the cheaper option in this scenario. Rail freight offers faster transit times than sea freight at a lower cost than air freight. It is best to check out all shipping methods and compare quotes from different companies to get the best shipping value for your goods. We’re here to assist you with shipping quotes to help you choose wisely.

Tracking your shipment in real time is important to know the estimated arrival date and status of your goods. There are online tracking services available for this purpose. You’ll need to input your 11-digit AWB number for air freight or your bill of lading number from your shipping carrier.

If you’re unsure about the entire process, Winsky is available 24/7 to give you real-time location updates about the current status of your goods through our remote online tracking platform.

We hope you have learned many things about shipping from China to Europe. Shipping can be a hectic job. Picking the wrong freight forwarder can make the shipping process more complicated.

We have no hidden charge and provide the best shipping service at the best competitive rate. That’s why Winsky freight has a huge reputation in the European market. If you want to know any specific information just reach out to us for prompt assistance. Our Europe shipping experts are always available to help. Your smooth shipping journey matters to us!