With trade between China and Portugal steadily increasing, understanding how to ship goods efficiently has become a top priority for many importers. This guide provides everything you need to know about shipping from China to Portugal, including shipping methods, costs, delivery time, taxes, and customs procedures. Whether you’re shipping by sea, air, or priority line, this comprehensive guide will help you plan your logistics with confidence.
Table of Contents
Shipping Methods from China to Portugal
1. Sea Freight (FCL & LCL) Sea freight is the most cost-effective method for transporting large volumes of goods. You can choose between:
FCL (Full Container Load): Suitable for large shipments. A 20ft or 40ft container is exclusively yours.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for smaller volumes. Your goods are consolidated with other shipments.
Popular departure ports in China: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao
Popular arrival ports in Portugal: Lisbon, Leixões
2. Air Freight Air freight is much faster than sea freight, ideal for high-value or time-sensitive goods. It’s more expensive, but delivery times are significantly shorter.
Major airports:
From China: Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)
To Portugal: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
3. Priority Line Shipping Priority Line is a hybrid service combining air freight and local courier delivery. It’s faster than sea freight and cheaper than regular air cargo. Suitable for parcels and e-commerce shipments.
Shipping Cost from China to Portugal
Shipping costs vary depending on volume, weight, transportation method, and the specific origin/destination. Here’s a general overview:
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost (1 ton) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL) | $140 – $3,00 | 25 – 35 days |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $80 – $150 per CBM | 30 – 40 days |
| Air Freight | $3.5 – $6.0 per kg | 5 – 9 days |
| Priority Line | $4.5 – $7.0 per kg | 10 – 15 days |
Sea Freight from China to Portugal
Sea freight is the most economical option for bulk goods and is widely used for importing furniture, construction materials, and general merchandise. Goods are usually shipped to major Portuguese ports like:
- Port of Lisbon
- Port of Sines
- Port of Leixões (Porto)
Container Shipping Costs China to Portugal – March 2025
| Port Pair | 20ft Container (USD) | 40ft Container (USD) | LCL Cost (USD/CBM) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai to Lisbon | $1,580 – $1,700 | $2,600 – $2,800 | $140 – $240 | 30–40 days |
| Ningbo to Porto Leixões | $1,580 – $1,800 | $2,600 – $2,900 | $150 – $250 | 32–45 days |
| Shenzhen to Sines | $1,480 – $1,600 | $2,400 – $2,600 | $150 – $260 | 30–42 days |
FCL vs. LCL Shipping
- FCL (Full Container Load): Best for shipping large quantities (e.g., full container of home appliances or factory machinery).
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for small importers who consolidate cargo with others. Slightly more expensive per CBM due to handling and deconsolidation fees.
Sea freight is commonly used for shipping furniture from China to Portugal, as flat-packed goods are easier and cheaper to transport in containers.
Air Freight from China to Portugal
Air freight is ideal when speed is the priority. It is frequently used for electronics, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and e-commerce parcels. Most goods arrive at:
- Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
- Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)
Air Freight Costs China to Portugal – March 2025
| Weight Bracket | Cost per KG (USD) | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 45 kg | $5 – $9 | 3–7 days |
| 45 – 100 kg | $4 – $8 | 3–7 days |
| 100 – 300 kg | $3 – $7 | 3–7 days |
| 300+ kg | $2 – $6 | 3–7 days |
Tip on Air Freight Billing
- Air freight costs are calculated based on chargeable weight, which could be the actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. Use this method especially when evaluating air freight cost from China to Lisbon or Porto for lightweight but bulky items.
Door-to-Door (DDP) Shipping from China to Portugal
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service includes freight, import VAT, customs clearance, and final delivery. It is widely used for Amazon sellers in Portugal, Shopify stores, and businesses that want a hands-off import process.
DDP Costs and Delivery Time (March 2025)
| Shipping Type | Transit Time | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| DDP via Sea Freight | 40–50 days | $100 – $200 per CBM |
| DDP via Air Freight | 7–12 days | $4 – $8 per kg |
This method is perfect for those looking for door to door delivery from China to Portugal with minimal hassle.
China to Portugal Delivery Time
| Method | Estimated Delivery Time |
| Sea Freight FCL | 25 – 35 days |
| Sea Freight LCL | 30 – 40 days |
| Air Freight | 5 – 9 days |
| Priority Line | 10 – 15 days |
Factors like customs clearance, weather, and port congestion can affect transit time.
Import Taxes and Customs Charges
When importing goods into Portugal, you’ll need to account for customs duties and VAT (Value Added Tax).
Import Duties: Based on the HS code of the product. Usually ranges from 0% to 12%.
VAT: Portugal applies a standard VAT rate of 23% on most imports.
Other Fees: Customs clearance service fee, inspection charges if applicable.
Required Documents:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Import license (for restricted goods)
CE certification (for electronics)
Consult your customs broker or Tonlexing for the exact charges for your shipment.
Exporting Cars and Electronics from China to Portugal
China is a major exporter of electric vehicles (EVs), machinery, and consumer electronics.
Export Car from China to Portugal: You’ll need to provide vehicle registration, purchase contract, and emissions compliance documentation. Most cars are shipped via RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) or container.
Exporting Electronics: Ensure compliance with EU standards, including CE marking and safety documentation.
We offer both sea and air shipping options for vehicles and electronic goods.
Step-by-Step Shipping Process
Get a Quote: Contact a reliable freight forwarder for a tailored shipping plan.
Prepare Goods: Ensure proper packaging and documentation.
Export Customs Clearance in China
Shipping & Transit
Import Customs Clearance in Portugal
Delivery to Final Address (if DDP or door-to-door chosen)
FAQ – Shipping from China to Portugal
Q1: What is the cheapest shipping method from China to Portugal?
A: Sea freight (LCL) is typically the cheapest option for non-urgent cargo.
Q2: How long does it take to ship from China to Portugal?
A: Delivery time ranges from 5 days (air freight) to 40 days (LCL sea freight).
Q3: How much tax will I pay when importing from China?
A: You’ll pay VAT (usually 23%) plus any applicable customs duties based on the product type.
Q4: Can I export a car from China to Portugal?
A: Yes, both RORO and container shipping options are available. Make sure to meet EU vehicle import regulations.
Q5: What documents are needed for customs clearance?
A: Typically: invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill, and any necessary licenses or certificates.
Q6: Is DDP shipping available from China to Portugal?
A: Yes, many freight forwarders offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services, especially for e-commerce parcels.
Q7: Can I ship small parcels from China to Portugal via AliExpress or similar platforms?
A: Yes. These platforms often use priority line shipping or postal services. Delivery time is typically 10–20 days.
Q8: Can I track my shipment from China to Portugal?
A: Most shipping methods provide tracking numbers, especially air freight and priority line services.
Get a Customized Shipping Quote from Tonlexing
At Tonlexing, we provide professional and cost-effective shipping services from China to Portugal. Our offerings include:
- Sea, air, rail, and DDP services
- Competitive pricing
- Expert customs support
- Weekly space availability
- Full tracking and customer support
📞 Contact us today for a custom quote and expert logistics advice on shipping to Portugal.
