When it comes to air freight from China to Belgium, importers and exporters often consider it the most reliable option for urgent or high-value shipments. With trade between China and Belgium growing rapidly in sectors such as electronics, machinery, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, businesses need fast and efficient ways to move goods across continents.
Unlike sea freight or rail transport, air freight ensures timely delivery and helps companies reduce the risks of stockouts or production delays. This makes air cargo an essential part of modern international shipping and global supply chains.
Choosing the right freight forwarder plays a key role in keeping your logistics process smooth. A professional partner not only arranges flights but also handles customs clearance, shipping documents, and the end-to-end delivery process, ensuring your goods arrive safely and without unnecessary delays.
Why Choose Air Freight from China to Belgium?
Speed and Timely Delivery
One of the biggest advantages of air freight is speed. While sea freight can take weeks and rail freight may require more than two weeks, air cargo can deliver shipments from major Chinese airports to Brussels or Liège within 5–7 days on average. For businesses that depend on tight schedules, this is the most effective shipping method.
Suitable for High Value Shipments
Air freight is often the best option for high value shipments such as medical supplies, fashion products, electronics, or spare parts. Cargo insurance and dedicated handling services add extra protection, giving importers peace of mind.
Cost Effectiveness in Certain Situations
Although shipping costs for air freight are higher than sea shipping, they may be more cost effective when transporting smaller shipments, urgent orders, or goods where late arrival could result in significant financial losses. Paying slightly higher freight costs often saves more in avoided delays.
Reliable Customs Clearance
Belgium is known for its strategic location in Europe and advanced logistics infrastructure. Major airports such as Brussels Airport (BRU) and Liège Airport (LGG) are specialized in air cargo operations, ensuring fast customs clearance and smooth handling.
Support from Professional Freight Forwarders
Working with an experienced freight forwarder can help reduce risks and optimize your logistics process. They can offer door to door services, prepare the commercial invoice, handle import duties, and suggest ways to reduce shipping costs through optimized packaging and consolidated cargo.
Major Airports for Air Freight
Key Departure Airports in China
China has some of the world’s busiest container ports and international airports, making it easy to organize air freight shipping to Belgium. The most common departure points for shipping goods include:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – China’s largest hub for air cargo, ideal for both bulk shipments and smaller shipments.
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – A strategic hub for urgent shipments heading to Europe.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) – Important for exports of electronics, textiles, and machinery.
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) – Convenient for shipments from southern China, especially for cross-border e-commerce.
Each China port or airport offers different schedules, cargo capacity, and freight rates, so choosing the right departure point can have a big impact on both cost and timely delivery.
Main Destination Airports in Belgium
Belgium’s strategic location in the European Union makes it a preferred entry point for cargo arriving from Asia. The two most important airports are:
- Brussels Airport (BRU) – The largest hub for Belgium air freight, handling high volumes of high value shipments such as pharmaceuticals and electronics.
- Liège Airport (LGG) – Known for 24/7 operations and efficiency in express shipping and door to door services, especially for e-commerce and medium sized shipments.
Both airports are connected to Belgium rail transport and major trucking routes, enabling quick redistribution to other EU countries. This integration of different transportation modes helps reduce overall shipping costs and ensures a more cost effective supply chain.
Air Freight Transit Time from China to Belgium
Average Transit Time
The transit time for air freight varies depending on the origin, airline, and type of service. On average, goods shipped from China’s major airports to Belgium take 5–7 days from departure to final delivery, including customs clearance process.
Factors Affecting Transit Time
- Flight schedules – Direct flights offer faster speedy delivery, while indirect routes may add 1–2 days.
- Customs procedures – Smooth customs clearance depends on accurate paperwork such as the commercial invoice and packing list. Errors can cause delays.
- Shipment method – Standard cargo flights vs dedicated cargo planes or express courier services.
- Seasonal demand – Peak periods, such as before Christmas or Chinese New Year, may cause congestion and affect timely delivery.
- Fuel price fluctuations – Rising costs can influence flight frequency and freight rates.
Example Transit Times (Estimated)
- Shanghai (PVG) → Brussels (BRU): 5–7 days
- Guangzhou (CAN) → Liège (LGG): 6–8 days
- Beijing (PEK) → Brussels (BRU): 5–6 days
- Shenzhen (SZX) → Liège (LGG): 6–7 days
With professional planning and the right freight forwarder, importers can ensure a successful shipping experience, avoiding delays and reducing unnecessary additional fees.
Air Freight Cost from China to Belgium
Typical Cost Range
The air freight cost from China to Belgium depends on several factors, including cargo weight, volume, shipment method, and seasonal demand. On average, rates are USD 5–8 per kilogram for standard shipments. Prices may be higher during peak seasons or for urgent shipments that require dedicated cargo planes.
Cost Table (Estimated 2025 Rates)
| Shipment Weight | Estimated Air Freight Rate (USD per kg) | Total Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 kg | USD 5.0 – 5.5 | USD 500 – 550 | Best for samples, small e-commerce parcels |
| 300 kg | USD 4.8 – 5.2 | USD 1,440 – 1,560 | Suitable for medium sized shipments |
| 500 kg | USD 4.5 – 5.0 | USD 2,250 – 2,500 | Cost effective for bulk but urgent orders |
| 1000 kg | USD 4.2 – 4.8 | USD 4,200 – 4,800 | Economical for bulk goods requiring timely delivery |
Rates fluctuate depending on fuel price fluctuations, airline capacity, and season. Working with a reliable freight forwarder ensures you always get the most competitive price.
Factors Influencing Air Freight Costs
- Chargeable Weight – Airlines calculate freight cost based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. Optimizing packaging reduces unnecessary costs.
- Cargo Type – High value shipments like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and fragile goods may require specialized services, which increase costs.
- Shipping Routes – Direct flights between major hubs (Shanghai → Brussels, Guangzhou → Liège) are faster and cheaper than indirect flights with multiple transfers.
- Customs Fees & Duties – Importers must pay customs duties, VAT, and handling charges at Belgian airports. A correct commercial invoice helps avoid fines and delays.
- Additional Fees – Security charges, fuel surcharges, and warehousing fees can add to the total shipping costs.
How to Reduce Shipping Costs
- Optimize Packaging: Reduce volume and improve cost effectiveness by avoiding oversized cartons.
- Plan Ahead: Book shipments in advance to avoid high spot market prices during peak season.
- Use Consolidation: Combine smaller shipments into one LCL shipment to benefit from better freight rates.
- Choose DDP Shipping: Some forwarders offer DDP shipping (Delivered Duty Paid), which includes freight, duties, and last-mile delivery at a competitive price.
- Work with a Professional Freight Forwarder: A reliable logistics partner ensures you avoid unnecessary customs fees, delays, and additional fees.
Door-to-Door Air Freight Services from China to Belgium
What Is Door-to-Door Air Freight?
Door-to-door services mean that your cargo is collected directly from the supplier in China and delivered to your warehouse, office, or distribution center in Belgium. Unlike standard airport-to-airport shipping, this service covers every step of the logistics process, including pickup, air freight shipping, customs clearance, and final door delivery.
This option is especially popular with e-commerce businesses and importers who prefer hassle-free logistics without managing each step individually.
Benefits of Door-to-Door Services
- Convenience – No need to coordinate separately with trucking companies, airlines, and customs agents.
- Faster Transit – One single freight forwarder handles the entire shipment method, reducing communication delays.
- All-Inclusive Pricing – Some providers offer DDP shipping (Delivered Duty Paid), meaning the quote includes freight charges, customs duties, VAT, and final door shipping.
- Timely Delivery – With integrated handling, businesses can ensure a successful shipping experience and avoid delays at customs or local distribution hubs.
- Flexibility – Suitable for small shipments, medium sized shipments, and even bulk shipments depending on your needs.
Door-to-Door with DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
Many forwarders recommend DDP shipping when moving goods from China to Belgium. Under DDP terms, the shipper covers all shipping costs, customs fees, and import taxes before the cargo is delivered.
- Advantages: Importers don’t need to worry about customs procedures or hidden additional fees.
- Best Use Case: Works well for e-commerce parcels, Amazon FBA shipments, and smaller shipments that need speedy delivery.
- Cost Effectiveness: Although DDP may appear slightly more expensive upfront, it ensures predictable freight costs and avoids unexpected expenses.
Door-to-Door for E-commerce and Amazon FBA
Belgium is a key logistics hub for European e-commerce, and air freight from China to Belgium is a common choice for platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify sellers.
- Amazon FBA Shipments – Many Chinese suppliers ship directly to Belgium warehouses through DDP air freight.
- Express Shipping Integration – Goods can be delivered to final customers quickly through express shipping services connected to Belgium air freight hubs.
- High Value Shipments – Electronics, cosmetics, and fashion products benefit from the timely delivery of air freight combined with door to door services.
When to Choose Door-to-Door Air Freight
- You want hassle-free logistics with one point of contact.
- Your shipment is time-sensitive and cannot afford customs delays.
- You prefer cost effective solutions where all fees are included upfront.
- You are shipping smaller shipments or urgent shipments for e-commerce.
Explore more shipping guides:
- Air Freight from China to France
- Air Freight from China to Italy
- Air Freight from China to Germany
- Shipping from China to Belgium
- Shipping cost from China to Belgium
- How Long Does It Take to Ship from China to Belgium?
Customs Clearance in Belgium for Air Freight
Importance of Customs Clearance
When importing goods through air freight from China to Belgium, smooth customs clearance is essential to avoid delays, fines, or unexpected customs fees. Belgium’s customs system is fully integrated into the European Union, which means once your cargo clears in Belgium, it can move freely within all EU member states.
Required Documents for Air Freight
To ensure a successful shipping experience, importers must provide accurate paperwork. The key documents include:
- Commercial Invoice – A detailed list of the goods shipped, including HS codes, quantity, and declared value.
- Packing List – A breakdown of the shipment with weight, dimensions, and packaging type.
- Air Waybill (AWB) – The official document issued by the airline or freight forwarder.
- Import Licenses – Required for controlled goods such as chemicals, food, or medical products.
- Certificates of Origin or Compliance – In some cases, the EU requires safety or compliance certificates for high value shipments like electronics or children’s products.
Customs Duties and Taxes in Belgium
- Customs Duties – Calculated based on HS codes and product category. Rates vary depending on the type of goods shipped.
- Value Added Tax (VAT) – Belgium applies a standard VAT rate of 21% on imported goods. Some goods may qualify for reduced VAT rates.
- Customs Fees – Handling charges at Belgium air freight hubs (Brussels or Liège) may apply in addition to duties and VAT.
These charges are often included in DDP shipping solutions, where the freight forwarder pays them upfront. For importers, this makes the logistics process more predictable and cost effective.
Customs Clearance Process Step by Step
- Goods Shipped from China – Cargo departs from a major China port or airport.
- Arrival in Belgium – Cargo lands at Brussels (BRU) or Liège (LGG) airport.
- Customs Declaration – The freight forwarder or customs broker submits the declaration electronically.
- Inspection (if required) – Some shipments may be flagged for physical inspection.
- Duties and VAT Payment – Importer or forwarder pays the required customs duties and VAT.
- Release of Cargo – Once cleared, goods are transferred for final door delivery.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect HS Codes – Leads to wrong duty calculation and possible fines.
- Undervaluation on Commercial Invoice – Customs may revalue the goods, causing delays and additional fees.
- Missing Import Licenses – Particularly for restricted goods like food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals.
- Peak Season Delays – Customs offices may process cargo more slowly during busy periods.
Working with a professional freight forwarder ensures compliance with customs procedures and helps importers avoid unnecessary penalties.
Cost Effectiveness of Using a Freight Forwarder
An experienced logistics provider not only arranges air freight shipping but also handles the customs clearance process on your behalf. This reduces risks, guarantees timely delivery, and often results in a more cost effective solution compared to handling customs independently.
Tips to Reduce Air Freight Costs from China to Belgium
Optimize Packaging to Lower Volumetric Weight
Airlines charge based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. Oversized cartons often increase freight cost unnecessarily. By using stronger but smaller boxes and removing excess packing materials, shippers can significantly reduce shipping costs and achieve better cost effectiveness.
Consolidate Smaller Shipments
Many businesses ship smaller shipments separately, which increases total costs. A better option is to consolidate multiple orders into one medium sized shipment or bulk shipment. This method lowers per-kilogram rates and makes air freight shipping more affordable.
Choose the Right Shipment Method
Not all cargo needs premium express services. Sometimes, standard air cargo is sufficient for timely delivery at a lower price. Importers should evaluate whether they truly need urgent shipments via dedicated cargo planes or if regular flights can meet their schedule.
Book Early to Avoid Peak Season Surcharges
During busy seasons like Christmas or Chinese New Year, shipping rates increase due to high demand and limited cargo capacity. Planning ahead and booking with a freight forwarder early can help secure space at a competitive price.
Use DDP Shipping for Predictable Costs
Some importers prefer DDP shipping (Delivered Duty Paid), where the forwarder handles freight, customs fees, and door shipping. While the upfront quote may look higher, it often proves more cost effective, since all customs duties and taxes are already included.
Select the Right Freight Forwarder
A trusted freight forwarder not only provides better freight rates but also ensures smooth customs clearance, efficient handling, and fewer additional fees. Their expertise in choosing the best shipping routes and airlines can make the difference between an average and a successful shipping experience.
Consider Alternative Transportation Modes
While air freight is the fastest, some shippers combine sea and air freight or use rail transport for part of the journey to balance costs and speed. For example, sea freight from China to a nearby European port, followed by Belgium rail transport, may lower costs without sacrificing too much transit time.
Monitor Fuel Price Fluctuations
Air freight charges are strongly influenced by fuel price fluctuations. Staying updated allows businesses to adjust shipping schedules or switch to more economical transportation modes when prices are high.
Partner with E-commerce Fulfillment Hubs
For online sellers, integrating with door to door services and fulfillment centers in Belgium reduces handling costs and shortens delivery times. This is especially valuable for smaller shipments and e-commerce orders that require speedy delivery.
Regularly Review Your Supply Chain
Businesses should analyze their shipping needs and adjust strategies regularly. By comparing freight rates, negotiating with multiple major carriers, and working with reliable partners, companies can maintain a cost effective supply chain.
FAQ about Air Freight from China to Belgium
How long does air freight from China to Belgium take?
Most shipments take 5–7 days from major airports in China to Brussels or Liège. This includes flight time and customs clearance process, though delays can occur during peak seasons.
What is the average air freight cost from China to Belgium?
The air freight cost usually ranges from USD 4.5–6.0 per kg, depending on cargo weight, shipment method, and season. Larger bulk shipments can achieve lower per-kilo freight rates.
Which airports in Belgium handle the most cargo?
Brussels Airport (BRU) and Liège Airport (LGG) are the main hubs for Belgium air freight, both offering advanced cargo handling and timely delivery.
Can I ship small parcels by air freight?
Yes. Smaller shipments such as e-commerce orders or samples can be sent via express shipping or included in consolidated air freight shipping solutions for better cost effectiveness.
What documents are required for customs clearance?
The key documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, Air Waybill (AWB), and in some cases, import licenses. Missing paperwork may cause customs procedures delays or additional fees.
Do I need to pay customs duties and VAT?
Yes. Belgium applies customs duties based on HS codes, plus a 21% VAT on most imported goods. These charges may be included in DDP shipping for predictable costs.
Is door-to-door air freight available?
Yes. Many freight forwarders offer door to door services, including door shipping with DDP shipping terms. This ensures a successful shipping experience with no hidden costs.
What types of goods are suitable for air freight?
High value shipments, urgent shipments, fragile items, and products requiring speedy delivery (like electronics, medical equipment, and fashion products) are best suited for air cargo.
How do fuel price fluctuations affect air freight rates?
Airlines apply fuel surcharges, so rising fuel price fluctuations can increase shipping costs. Importers should book early or consider sea and air freight combinations during periods of high fuel prices.
How can I reduce shipping costs from China to Belgium?
You can optimize packaging, consolidate medium sized shipments, book early, and use DDP shipping or consolidated cargo. Working with a professional freight forwarder helps secure a competitive price and avoid additional fees.
Conclusion: Why Air Freight from China to Belgium Is the Right Choice
For importers and exporters, choosing air freight from China to Belgium is a smart solution when speed, reliability, and timely delivery are essential. Whether you are moving high value shipments, fulfilling urgent e-commerce orders, or ensuring a smooth supply chain, air freight offers unmatched advantages compared to other shipping methods like sea freight or rail freight.
With strong logistics infrastructure at Brussels Airport (BRU) and Liège Airport (LGG), Belgium provides a strategic location for distributing goods across Europe. Combined with professional freight forwarder support, importers benefit from seamless customs clearance, predictable shipping costs, and reliable door to door services.
Although air freight may seem more expensive than other transportation modes, it can actually be more cost effective in many cases—especially for smaller shipments, medium sized shipments, or goods requiring speedy delivery. By optimizing packaging, planning shipments in advance, and choosing trusted logistics partners, businesses can effectively reduce shipping costs while maintaining a successful shipping experience.
Work with Tonlexing for Your Air Freight Needs
At Tonlexing International Logistics, we specialize in helping businesses manage every step of their air freight shipping process. From pickup in China, customs clearance in Belgium, to final door delivery, our experts ensure your cargo moves quickly, safely, and at a competitive price.
- Air Freight Services: Flexible solutions for urgent or regular shipments
- DDP Shipping: All-inclusive packages covering freight, duties, and taxes
- Customs Expertise: Hassle-free clearance for all types of goods shipped
- Door to Door Service: Complete handling from supplier to final destination
If you are planning to ship from China to Belgium, let Tonlexing provide you with a tailored solution that matches your budget and timeline.
Contact us today via WhatsApp or Email to get a free quotation and start your next shipment with confidence.