If you’re planning to ship products from China to Bulgaria, understanding the full picture of shipping costs, timelines, and logistics is essential. Whether you’re a business owner sourcing from Chinese factories or a distributor within the European Union, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—shipping methods, customs clearance, and how to reduce your overall transportation costs.
China is Bulgaria’s largest export partner outside the EU, making shipping goods between the two countries increasingly common. But with so many freight forwarders, different shipping methods, and fluctuating market rates, it can be hard to calculate the actual final cost.
In this comprehensive article, you’ll learn:
How to choose the right freight forwarder
Differences between air and sea freight
Estimated shipping cost from China to Bulgaria
Required documentation for customs clearance
Key ports and airports used in Bulgaria shipping
Whether you prefer fast delivery by air or cost-effective ocean routes, this guide will help you make informed choices and navigate the logistics process smoothly.
Air Freight from China to Bulgaria
If you prefer fast delivery and are shipping high value goods, air freight is the ideal solution. While more expensive than sea shipping, air cargo offers unmatched speed and reliability, especially for time-sensitive shipments.
Major Airports and Air Cargo Routes
Most shipments from China depart from major international hubs like Guangzhou, Shanghai Pudong, and Shenzhen. These cities operate hundreds of weekly flights to Europe via dedicated cargo planes.
In Bulgaria, the primary destination for air cargo is Sofia Airport (SOF)—the country’s busiest international airport. It handles the majority of commercial imports and is well-equipped for cargo operations, making it the top choice for Bulgaria air freight.
Other airports like Varna Airport and Burgas Airport handle seasonal cargo and smaller loads, especially during the peak season for e-commerce.
Air Freight Costs from China to Bulgaria （Updated in April 2025）
Below are average air freight rates from key Chinese cities to Bulgaria. These rates are calculated based on actual weight and are typically lower for larger volumes (300 kg and above). They reflect standard shipping, airport to airport, and exclude DDP services or customs handling.
Air freight service from China to Bulgaria | Weight Category | Air freight rates (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
How much does it cost to ship air cargo from Shanghai to Bulgaria? | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.40 / $4.10 |
Air shipping cost from Shenzhen to Bulgaria – 100kg & 300kg | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.50 / $4.20 |
Air freight rates for cargo from Guangzhou to Bulgaria (FCL) | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.60 / $4.30 |
Cost to ship air cargo from Beijing to Bulgaria | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.70 / $4.40 |
What is the rate for air freight from Hong Kong to Bulgaria? | 100 kg / 300 kg | $4.30 / $4.00 |
Sea Freight from China to Bulgaria
For businesses shipping large volumes, sea freight is the most economical option. Whether you’re importing electronics, building materials, or consumer goods, container shipping by sea offers significant cost savings over long distances.
Container Load Options: FCL and LCL
You can choose between two types of container load options depending on the volume of your shipment:
FCL (Full Container Load): Best for bulk cargo or when shipping a high volume of goods. You’ll have exclusive use of a 20ft or 40ft container, reducing the risk of damage or delays.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for smaller shipments where you share container space with others. It’s more flexible but may have a slightly longer transit time due to consolidation.
These shipping containers are loaded at Chinese ports such as Ningbo, Shanghai, or Shenzhen, and travel via ocean freight to Bulgarian ports on the Black Sea, including:
Varna Port: The main destination port for international shipments to Bulgaria.
Burgas Port: Another important terminal on the Black Sea coast, handling both commercial and container traffic.
Shipping Costs for 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Bulgaria （Updated in April 2025）
Below are the latest container shipping rates for 20FT and 40FT FCL shipments from major ports in China to Bulgaria. These are average ocean freight costs (USD) and may vary based on the shipping season, cargo type, and freight forwarder used.
Container shipping service from China to Bulgaria | Type of container | Ocean freight rates (USD) |
|---|---|---|
What is the cost of shipping a 20ft and 40ft container from Shanghai to Bulgaria? | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1850 / $2850 |
Container shipping rates from Shenzhen to Bulgaria – 20ft & 40ft FCL | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1900 / $2900 |
How much to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan to Bulgaria (FCL)? | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1950 / $2950 |
Freight price from Hong Kong to Bulgaria – full container 20ft/40ft | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1900 / $2950 |
What are the shipping rates from Guangzhou to Bulgaria by sea container? | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1850 / $2800 |
Ocean freight cost from Qingdao to Bulgaria for 20GP & 40GP | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1800 / $2850 |
How much does it cost to export containers from Tianjin to Bulgaria? | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1950 / $2900 |
Sea freight service from Dalian to Bulgaria – container pricing | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1900 / $2950 |
Shipping costs from Xiamen to Bulgaria – 20ft and 40ft containers | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1950 / $2900 |
Full container load shipping from Yingkou to Bulgaria – cost overview | 20FT / 40FT FCL | $1800 / $2850 |
To find out about shipping costs from China to the rest , you can click:
20FT & 40FT Container Shipping Rates from China to USA
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to UAE
20ft & 40ft Container Shipping Costs from China to Mexico
Shipping Costs for 20FT and 40FT Containers from China to Canada
Port-to-Port Shipping Time
The estimated port to port sea freight transit time from China to Bulgaria ranges from 30 to 45 days, depending on:
Port of origin (e.g., East vs South China)
Vessel schedule and routing
Seasonal factors and congestion at Black Sea ports
This method is best suited for businesses prioritizing low shipping costs over speed.
Door-to-Door and DDP Shipping to Bulgaria
For importers seeking a hassle-free experience, door-to-door and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping are ideal freight options. These shipping services include every step from pickup at the supplier’s warehouse in China to final delivery in Bulgaria—covering freight, customs clearance, and last-mile transport.
What Is DDP Shipping?
DDP shipping means the seller or forwarder takes full responsibility for shipping, taxes, and delivery. As a buyer, you receive the goods at your doorstep without handling any customs or logistics arrangements. This is especially popular among e-commerce sellers or companies that want predictable landed costs.
Key inclusions:
International freight (air or sea)
Import duties and VAT
Bulgarian customs clearance
Domestic delivery to your address
It simplifies the process, giving you one final cost up front, with no hidden surprises.
Why Choose Door-to-Door Service?
Choosing a door to door solution reduces the complexity of international shipping goods, especially for smaller businesses unfamiliar with foreign logistics systems. It’s often the fastest and safest way to move products into the European Union market.
Benefits include:
Accurate cost forecasting with no surprise fees
Streamlined customs process
End-to-end visibility and tracking
Time savings with expert handling
Partnering with the best freight forwarder ensures that your shipment is not only compliant but also cost-efficient. A professional freight forwarder will also help optimize transportation costs through route planning, carrier negotiation, and customs knowledge.
Customs Clearance and Required Documents for Bulgaria
Every shipment entering Bulgaria from China must go through customs clearance. This process ensures that imported goods comply with customs regulations of both China and the European Union, and that all duties and taxes are correctly assessed.
What Is Required for Customs Clearance?
To facilitate smooth customs declaration, you must provide the following key documents:
Commercial Invoice: This outlines the value of the goods, country of origin, and transaction details.
Packing List: Includes information on packaging, number of cartons, and actual weight.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: Issued by the carrier, depending on the shipping method.
HS Code: This determines the duty rate and if special licenses are needed.
Your freight forwarder will usually handle the document submission and liaise with customs officers on your behalf.
Regulations on Special Cargo
Certain products—like dangerous goods, chemicals, lithium batteries, and restricted electronics—require additional permits and may need special handling procedures. If you’re unsure, always consult your freight forwarder before shipping to avoid clearance delays or fines.
Tip: Keep your documents accurate and consistent. Discrepancies between invoice and packing list may trigger customs inspections and delay your shipment.
Estimated Shipping Time from China to Bulgaria
Understanding the expected transit time for your shipment helps with inventory planning and supply chain management. The duration depends on the shipping method you choose and the route taken.
Sea Freight Transit Time
For ocean shipments, the typical sea shipping time from China to Bulgaria is 30 to 45 days. This port to port estimate includes loading, transit, and unloading, but does not account for customs clearance or inland delivery.
East China Ports (e.g., Ningbo, Shanghai) to Varna/Burgas: 35–42 days
South China Ports (e.g., Shenzhen) to Bulgaria: 30–38 days
If you’re shipping to the same destination in Bulgaria via different ports or overland routes, the total timeline may vary due to port congestion or weather conditions in the Black Sea region.
Air Freight Transit Time
Air freight is significantly faster, with average delivery times ranging from 5 to 8 days, depending on the departure airport and customs processing time.
Express air or DDP air: 6–10 days (includes delivery and customs)
Standard air cargo: 4–7 days (airport to airport only)
Air is ideal for businesses needing fast restocks or delivering high value goods under tight deadlines.
Overland and Rail Options
Although less common, some shipments can go through overland routes from China to Europe via rail and truck. Transit time ranges from 18 to 25 days, but can be affected by customs at border checkpoints and railway transfer points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the current freight rates from China to Bulgaria in 2025?
Freight rates vary based on season, container size, and shipping method. On average:
20ft container (FCL): $1,800–$2,000
40ft container (FCL): $2,800–$2,950
Air freight: $4.0–$5.5/kg These prices can rise during peak season (Q4, pre-holiday periods) when the shipping market experiences high demand.
What is the most cost-effective way to ship goods to Bulgaria?
For large volumes, sea freight is the most cost effective. For smaller, urgent shipments, DDP air freight offers simplicity despite higher costs. Choose freight options based on your timeline and cargo type.
What are the most common shipping containers used for Bulgaria shipments?
The most common shipping containers include:
20ft standard (for dense cargo)
40ft high cube (for lighter, voluminous goods) Your freight forwarder will advise the best choice based on your load and destination.
Which airports are used for Bulgarian air cargo?
The main Bulgarian airport for international cargo is Sofia Airport. Other seasonal cargo hubs include Varna Airport and Burgas Airport, depending on the goods shipped and destination within Bulgaria.
How can I reduce the total Bulgaria shipping cost?
To reduce your Bulgaria cost:
Book early to avoid peak-season surcharges
Use a trusted freight forwarder for customs handling
Consolidate shipments when possible
Choose the most appropriate route and freight options
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder for Shipping to Bulgaria
Selecting a reliable freight forwarder is critical to ensuring smooth delivery, cost control, and on-time arrival when shipping goods from China to Bulgaria. The right partner will help you manage shipping documentation, provide flexible freight options, and navigate customs processes efficiently.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best freight forwarder:
Experience with China–Europe Logistics
Look for companies that have extensive experience in container shipping, air freight, and door-to-door services specifically between China and EU countries like Bulgaria. Familiarity with customs regulations, port operations, and Black Sea routes is essential.
Transparent Pricing and Freight Rates
Ask for detailed quotes including freight rates, local delivery, documentation, and additional surcharges. A good forwarder should help you understand your total landed cost, not just the base shipping price.
Range of Freight Services
A strong freight forwarder should offer:
FCL and LCL ocean freight
Air freight and express courier
DDP shipping options
Help with customs clearance and documentation (e.g., commercial invoice, packing list)
Tracking and Customer Support
Choose a forwarder that provides real-time tracking, bilingual customer service, and updates at each step. When shipping goods internationally, responsive support can make or break your supply chain.
Tonlexing Logistics offers competitive shipping costs, end-to-end services, and real-time visibility for shipments from China to Bulgaria. Contact us to get a free quote.
