Shipping from China to Germany involves multiple logistics steps, including choosing the right transport method, calculating import duties, and ensuring proper customs clearance. Depending on your cargo size, urgency, and budget, you can choose between air freight, sea freight, or rail freight.
Air freight from China to Germany is ideal for urgent or high-value goods due to its fast transit times.
Sea freight offers cost-effective options for large shipments, while rail freight provides a balance between speed and cost.
To ensure smooth delivery, working with a reliable freight forwarder is essential. Many companies also prefer door-to-door shipping from China to Germany, which simplifies the entire process—from supplier pickup to final delivery.
By understanding the logistics, duties, and transport options, businesses can reduce costs, stay compliant, and achieve efficient shipping operations between China and Germany.
Why Choose Air Freight from China to Germany?
Fast, Reliable Shipping for Global Trade
When speed, reliability, and efficiency are key, air freight from China to Germany is the preferred shipping method for global traders and supply chain operators. Airlines flying this route offer various air freight services, influenced by seasonal demand, carrier schedules, and operational factors.
Thanks to strong trade ties and frequent cargo flights between China and Germany, businesses benefit from:
Fast transit times
Smooth customs clearance
Reliable door to door delivery options
Whether you’re shipping urgent cargo to Berlin or restocking products in Frankfurt, air cargo ensures quick and secure delivery.
Ideal for Express Deliveries and High-Value Shipments
With well-connected international airports in both countries, this route is one of the most efficient for:
Small shipments
Express shipping
High-value products
It’s especially popular among importers of electronics, fashion, and automotive parts. Even Amazon FBA sellers use air freight to maintain inventory levels and meet strict timelines.
Once the shipment arrives in Germany, it must pass through customs, where prompt customs clearance is crucial to avoid delays and extra charges.
A Smart Choice for Businesses
In today’s competitive logistics environment, selecting the right freight forwarder and understanding the shipping process is key to reducing risks, improving speed, and minimizing unexpected shipping costs.
Benefits of Air Freight Shipping from China to Germany
Fast and Reliable Delivery for Time-Sensitive Goods
Air freight from China to Germany offers a wide range of benefits for businesses that need dependable and time-sensitive shipping services. Unlike sea freight, air cargo minimizes delays and provides fast delivery—ideal for urgent deliveries, time-critical shipments, or industries like electronics, fashion, and medical supplies.
Shorter Transit Times and Competitive Edge
One of the key advantages is significantly reduced delivery times, typically ranging from 2 to 7 days, depending on the origin and destination airports. This speed helps companies maintain a competitive edge by improving turnaround in their supply chain.
Keep in mind that air freight costs may include various charges—such as the air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, and terminal fee. These can fluctuate based on market conditions, seasonal demand, and international oil prices. Most rates are calculated per kilogram, making it essential to consider the weight and volume of your goods.
Enhanced Security and Tracking Capabilities
Air freight also provides enhanced security and a lower risk of damage or theft, which is especially important for high-value or sensitive cargo. Benefits include advanced tracking systems, customs pre-clearance, and strong airport-to-airport connections, all of which contribute to greater reliability.
Understanding these logistics processes—such as customs clearance, taxation, and freight pricing structures—helps businesses avoid costly delays and manage shipments efficiently.
Cost Control and Efficiency for Major Cities
Whether you’re shipping to major German cities like Munich, Hamburg, or Cologne, air shipping helps you maintain inventory levels, reduce warehouse costs, and serve your customers more quickly.
Air Freight Rates from China to Germany (2025 Updated)
Understanding air freight cost is critical when planning international shipments from China to Germany. Unlike sea freight, air freight charges are based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (also known as chargeable weight). This makes it especially important to calculate the cubic meter (CBM) volume of your cargo accurately.
Tip: For shipments weighing over 500 kg, sea freight may be more cost-effective.
The following section provides up-to-date insights into air shipping costs and transit times from various Chinese cities to Germany. Airlines regularly adjust freight rates based on market conditions, including seasonal demand and fluctuations in international oil prices, leading to frequent price revisions.
How Much Does Air Freight from China to Germany Cost?
Below is an updated air freight pricing table covering 20 major Chinese cities. Whether you’re shipping 100 kg or 300 kg, these rates offer a reliable reference for budgeting your logistics.
Air freight service from China to Germany | Weight Category | Air freight rates (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
Air freight cost from Shanghai to Germany – 100kg & 300kg | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.20 / $3.90 |
Shipping air cargo from Shenzhen to Germany – updated rate | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.30 / $4.00 |
What is the air freight rate from Guangzhou to Germany? | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.25 / $3.95 |
How much to ship air freight from Beijing to Germany? | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.40 / $4.10 |
Air cargo delivery pricing from Hong Kong to Germany | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.10 / $3.80 |
Air freight quote from Hangzhou to Germany – per kg | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.20 / $3.90 |
Shipping air freight from Xiamen to Germany – cost overview | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.30 / $4.00 |
Air freight rate from Ningbo to Germany – 100kg / 300kg | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.25 / $3.95 |
How much to deliver air cargo from Zhengzhou to Germany? | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.35 / $4.05 |
Air freight charge from Chengdu to Germany – updated | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.40 / $4.10 |
Air cargo rate from Qingdao to Germany – freight service | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.30 / $4.00 |
Shipping cost for air freight from Nanjing to Germany | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.35 / $4.05 |
Best rate for air cargo from Changsha to Germany | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.40 / $4.10 |
Air shipping cost from Yiwu to Germany – 100kg & 300kg | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.50 / $4.20 |
What is the air freight price from Tianjin to Germany? | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.35 / $4.05 |
Air cargo delivery from Chongqing to Germany – service rate | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.40 / $4.10 |
How much does it cost for air freight from Wuhan to Germany? | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.30 / $4.00 |
Air freight service from Dalian to Germany – freight charges | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.50 / $4.20 |
Air cargo shipping from Shenyang to Germany – estimated cost | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.40 / $4.10 |
Updated air freight rate from Hefei to Germany | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.25 / $3.95 |
For the best value, always compare air freight quotes using both actual and volumetric weight. Try our free CBM Calculator to estimate your chargeable weight instantly.What Affects Air Freight Charges?
Several factors contribute to variations in air freight rates:
Fuel surcharges and changes in international oil prices
The courier service selected (e.g., FedEx, DHL, UPS)
Cargo type: general cargo, dangerous goods, or temperature-sensitive items
Seasonal demand and available flight space
In urgent situations, choosing express freight options like FedEx International Priority Freight provides faster delivery, making it ideal for time-sensitive or high-value shipments—though at a premium cost.
To find out about shipping costs from China to the rest , you can click:
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Transit Times for Air Freight from China to Germany
Transit times for air freight shipments from China to Germany typically range from 2 to 7 days, depending on the origin airport, destination city, airline schedule, and whether the service is standard air freight or express shipping. The Port of Bremen and Bremerhaven are major shipping terminals in Germany, making them strategic choices for shipping logistics, particularly for routes from China to Germany. For example, shipments departing from Hong Kong or Shanghai to Frankfurt often arrive within 2–4 days when using priority freight services. It is also crucial to ensure secure delivery options and effective management of customs clearance to prevent any issues or surprises for customers.
Estimated Lead Times by Route:
Origin in China | Destination in Germany | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|
Guangzhou (CAN) | Frankfurt/Main (FRA) | 3–5 days |
Shanghai (PVG) | Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) | 3–6 days |
Shenzhen (SZX) | Hamburg (HAM) | 4–6 days |
Hong Kong (HKG) | Munich (MUC) | 2–4 days |
For urgent deliveries, we recommend using services like FedEx International Priority Freight or direct airline cargo solutions. These options reduce lead times and ensure your shipment arrives quickly at the final destination.
Once the cargo lands in Germany, customs clearance and final delivery to the warehouse or FBA facility typically takes an additional 1–2 days, depending on the shipping method (airport pickup, door to door delivery, etc.).
Top Airports in China and Germany for Air Cargo
Efficient air freight depends heavily on the strength and connectivity of international airports and significant shipping hubs like each major port. Both China and Germany are home to major cargo hubs that support high-frequency freight shipments, ensuring goods are handled professionally and delivered on time. Additionally, our logistics services utilize an extensive fleet of trucks to manage and transport various types of goods efficiently, showcasing our capability to handle larger freight shipments and customs clearance for international deliveries.
Our logistics services cover a wide range of destinations within specific time frames, underscoring our efficiency and scope in delivering to various regions.
🇨🇳 Major Departure Airports in China
China has several leading airports equipped for large-scale air freight operations, including dangerous goods and general cargo:
Airport | City | IATA Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Shanghai Pudong | Shanghai | PVG | Largest international air cargo hub in China |
Guangzhou Baiyun | Guangzhou | CAN | Excellent outbound connections to Europe |
Shenzhen Bao’an | Shenzhen | SZX | Popular for Amazon FBA shipments |
Beijing Capital | Beijing | PEK | Handles both passenger and cargo volumes |
Hong Kong International | Hong Kong | HKG | Fastest and most reliable for express freight |
These airports offer excellent connectivity and partnerships with different airlines to ensure competitive air freight charges and reduced lead times.
🇩🇪 Main Arrival Airports in Germany
Germany’s infrastructure includes world-class airports optimized for Germany air freight and door to door service across Europe:
Airport | City | IATA Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Frankfurt Airport | Frankfurt | FRA | Busiest cargo airport in Germany |
Leipzig/Halle Airport | Leipzig | LEJ | Major DHL and express logistics hub |
Munich Airport | Munich | MUC | Ideal for southern Germany and Austria |
Cologne Bonn Airport | Cologne | CGN | Focused on express shipping and courier services |
Hamburg Airport | Hamburg | HAM | Strategic for northern Germany delivery |
These major cities act as logistics centers and provide fast links to warehouses, FBA facilities, and industrial zones throughout Germany and the EU.
Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder and Logistics Solutions
Why a Reliable Freight Forwarder Matters
When using air freight from China to Germany, selecting a trustworthy freight forwarder is just as important as securing competitive freight rates. A reliable logistics partner ensures your goods are handled efficiently—covering everything from pickup in China to final delivery in Germany.
At Tonlexing, we encourage customers to fill out our shipping inquiry forms. This allows us to better understand your shipping goods requirements and provide tailored solutions. Whether you’re looking for help with customs clearance, documentation, or delivery methods, we streamline the process to improve service speed and clarity.
What Services Should a Freight Forwarder Provide?
A professional freight shipping company should offer end-to-end logistics solutions that meet your specific needs. This can include:
Export documentation and customs clearance
Booking with major airlines and space optimization
Handling entire containers or small shipments
Coordinating express freight or time-critical deliveries
Final-mile delivery to FBA warehouses or local business addresses
Without such services, managing air freight independently can be time-consuming, expensive, and risky.
The Tonlexing Advantage
Partnering with the right freight services provider not only reduces risk and avoids hidden costs, but also gives you:
Real-time shipment tracking
Faster, smoother delivery
Direct access to expert guidance in case of disruption
At Tonlexing Logistics, we provide cost-effective air freight solutions from all major Chinese airports to Germany. Our services include door to door shipping, customs compliance support, and even specialized handling of dangerous goods.
Customs Clearance Procedures and Required Documents
A crucial step in the air freight shipping process from China to Germany is the customs clearance of imported goods. Delays in clearance can result in longer lead times, additional customs duties, and storage fees. Importers or their authorized customs agents must submit the necessary documentation to the customs office to ensure compliance and avoid delays.
Understanding and preparing the necessary documentation ahead of time is essential for smooth delivery and compliance. It is crucial to understand customs regulations and requirements to manage expectations effectively and avoid potential issues during international trade.
Required Documents for Air Freight to Germany:
Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
Commercial Invoice | Specifies the value of the goods for taxation and declaration |
Packing List | Details quantity, dimensions, and packaging of the cargo |
Air Waybill (AWB) | Issued by the airline or freight forwarder, used for cargo tracking |
Certificate of Origin | Proves where the goods are manufactured (may affect duties) |
Import Licenses (if applicable) | For restricted or regulated goods |
German customs regulations require accurate declaration of the shipment’s value and classification. Misreporting can lead to penalties or seizure. Additionally, importers must be prepared to pay applicable customs fees and VAT, which are typically calculated based on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
A licensed freight forwarder or customs broker can guide you through the process, ensure full compliance with customs procedures, and help avoid unnecessary delays or costs.
Shipping to Amazon FBA and Door-to-Door Delivery Services
For many e-commerce sellers and importers, especially those using Amazon FBA, the most convenient solution is door to door air freight from China to Germany. This method streamlines the entire shipping process, reducing manual coordination and saving time by efficiently managing the order and logistics solutions. Door-to-door delivery services ensure an easy shipping process by providing complete documentation and professional assistance, leading to efficient and easy customs clearance.
Instead of managing multiple service providers—such as freight agents, customs brokers, and last-mile couriers—door shipping offers a bundled solution where everything from pickup at the supplier’s warehouse to final delivery at an Amazon FBA fulfillment center is handled seamlessly by a single logistics partner.
Why Door-to-Door Air Shipping?
Includes customs clearance, delivery, and documentation
Avoids delays at the destination customs office
Ideal for small shipments, urgent orders, and high-value goods
Eliminates the need for import licenses or German company registration when using DDP solutions
For sellers targeting Amazon.de or warehousing in Germany, it’s vital to meet strict inventory schedules. Air freight ensures that shipping goods arrive on time, in compliance, and ready for rapid turnover.
Tonlexing Logistics provides FBA-compliant air shipping services, including labeling, palletizing, and booking appointments with Amazon warehouses in Germany. Whether you’re shipping from Guangzhou or Shenzhen, we guarantee on-time delivery and complete customs handling.
Shipping Dangerous Goods via Air Freight to Germany
When it comes to shipping dangerous goods from China to Germany, strict regulations must be followed to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and cargo. Dangerous goods include items such as lithium batteries, chemicals, aerosols, flammable liquids, and certain medical or industrial products.
Note that when shipping LCL (less than a container load), goods must be consolidated and deconsolidated, which can result in longer shipping times compared to FCL (full container load) options.
These goods must be classified, packaged, labeled, and documented in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) before being accepted by airlines. Unlike general cargo, dangerous goods require special handling and certified freight forwarders. Additionally, parties involved are responsible for ensuring that customs declarations are accurately completed. Failing to meet these requirements can result in severe penalties and delays, underscoring the importance of diligence in the shipping process.
Commonly Shipped Dangerous Goods via Air:
Lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries
Perfumes and aerosol sprays
Laboratory chemicals
Paints and solvents
Magnetized materials
Key Requirements for Air Shipping Dangerous Goods:
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
UN Number and hazard class
Dangerous goods declaration form
Packaging that meets UN specifications
Trained personnel for cargo preparation
Not all airports or airlines accept dangerous goods. Therefore, coordination with an experienced freight forwarder is critical to ensure compliance and avoid penalties, shipment rejections, or flight delays.
At Tonlexing, we are certified to handle Class 3, 6.1, 8, and 9 dangerous goods, and we offer full-service support including DG inspection, repacking, labeling, and air booking to Germany air freight gateways such as Frankfurt and Leipzig.
How to Choose the Most Cost-Effective Air Freight Solution
Selecting the most cost-effective method for air freight from China to Germany requires keeping in mind a combination of cargo size, urgency, budget, and final destination. Whether you’re handling small shipments for restocking or shipping large quantities for product launches, understanding your options helps you reduce overall shipping costs without compromising on delivery speed. Additionally, being aware of how market changes influence air freight charges is crucial, as these dynamics can lead to frequent revisions in fees, reflecting the ever-changing nature of air cargo pricing.
Comparison of Common Air Freight Methods
Method | Speed | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Air Freight | 3–7 days | Moderate | Bulk goods, non-urgent restocks |
Express Shipping (DHL, FedEx) | 2–4 days | Higher | Urgent, high-value items |
Air Freight + Local Trucking (Door-to-Door) | 4–8 days | Moderate-High | Sellers with no import license |
Airport-to-Airport | 2–5 days | Lowest | Buyers managing local clearance and pickup |
When freight rates are high due to peak seasons or limited airline space, consider optimizing your shipment by consolidating cargo, using volumetric weight calculations wisely, and choosing strategic shipping routes. In some cases, using nearby airports or alternative carriers can make a noticeable difference.
For businesses seeking cheap air freight from China to Germany without sacrificing service quality, Tonlexing offers consolidated shipping, optimized packaging, and smart scheduling to lower your actual cost and improve efficiency across the supply chain.
Conclusion – Reliable Air Freight from China to Germany Starts with the Right Partner
Air freight from China to Germany remains one of the fastest and most dependable ways to transport goods across borders. Whether you’re shipping general cargo, dangerous goods, or replenishing FBA warehouses, choosing the right freight forwarder makes all the difference.
From selecting the optimal shipping method and securing competitive freight rates, to ensuring compliant customs clearance and smooth delivery, every step in the shipping process impacts your supply chain efficiency and bottom line. It is crucial to understand the shipping process, including tax implications and pricing structures, to avoid potential issues and manage expectations effectively.
At Tonlexing Logistics, we offer full-service air freight solutions tailored to your business—whether you need fast express shipping, door to door delivery, or bulk cargo management. Contact us for a freight quote and discover a faster, simpler way to ship from China to Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What documents are required for air freight to Germany?
You’ll typically need a commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill, and (for some products) a certificate of origin. It is crucial to obtain these documents from the seller and ensure they are complete and accurate. Certain shipments may also require customs clearance documentation or licenses. Effective communication with the seller is vital to ensure all necessary documents are submitted to the customs office to ensure smooth processing and avoid delays.
How long does it take for a shipment to arrive in Germany by air freight?
Most air freight shipments from China arrive in Germany within 3 to 7 days, depending on the route, shipping method, and customs procedures. It is important to understand the shipping process and its timeline to manage expectations and plan accordingly.
Can I ship dangerous goods by air to Germany?
Yes, but they must follow IATA regulations. You’ll need a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and specialized packaging. Work with a certified freight forwarder to manage shipping dangerous goods.
How much are the customs duties and taxes when importing to Germany?
Customs duties are calculated based on the shipment’s HS code and CIF value. VAT is typically 19%, and you may also pay customs fees.
What’s the difference between express courier and standard air freight?
Courier services (like FedEx, DHL, UPS) are faster but more expensive, ideal for urgent shipments. Standard air freight is more economical for large shipments or less time-sensitive cargo.
