International shipping from China to Europe remains one of the most vital trade routes in global logistics. With Europe being a massive consumer market and China a global manufacturing hub, thousands of shipments move between them daily. Businesses looking to scale or maintain reliable inventory flow must choose the right shipping method based on shipping costs, delivery time, and customs clearance requirements.
In this guide, we will cover the best shipping methods, including air freight, sea freight, rail freight, and express shipping. We’ll also discuss door-to-door options, transit times, common customs issues, and how to work with a professional freight forwarder.
What Are the Main Shipping Methods from China to Europe?
Selecting the right method of freight shipping depends on your cargo type, urgency, and budget. The four most common options are:
Sea Freight (Ocean Freight)
Sea freight is the most cost-effective solution for bulk shipments. It’s the preferred choice for businesses shipping full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) cargo from China to Europe. The key China ports include Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo, while major European ports include Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp.
- Ideal for: bulk shipments, non-urgent orders
- Transit time: 25–40 days
- Significantly cheaper than air freight
Ocean freight rates depend on peak seasons, container load, and destination country. Booking early helps you avoid delivery delays during peak shipping seasons.
Rail Freight
Rail freight has grown rapidly due to the China-Europe Railway Express. It’s faster than ocean shipping and more affordable than air transport. Trains travel through Central Asia and Eastern Europe to reach Germany, Poland, France, and other destinations.
- Transit time: 15–22 days
- Best for: medium-sized cargo, better transit times than sea freight
Europe rail freight is ideal when you need a cost-effective but faster solution.
Air Freight
Air freight from China to Europe is the fastest but also the most expensive method. It’s perfect for perishable goods, high value items, and urgent deliveries.
- Transit time: 3–7 days
- Suitable for: electronics, luxury products, express air freight needs
- Note: Air freight rates are based on chargeable weight, which may include volumetric weight
Air freight requires proper documentation, including commercial invoices, customs declarations, and product HS codes.
Express Shipping (Courier Service)
Express shipping using carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, or TNT is great for door-to-door delivery of lightweight cargo and parcels. These services offer fast, trackable solutions directly to your customer’s address.
- Delivery time: 2–5 days
- Best for: samples, eCommerce parcels, personal packages
Courier service is often used when fast delivery is critical and documentation is handled by the carrier.
Shipping Costs from China to Europe
Understanding the shipping cost from China to Europe is essential for budgeting and profitability. Costs depend on the shipping method, cargo weight and volume, delivery time, and the destination country. Here’s an overview of typical pricing for different freight shipping options in 2025:
Ocean Freight Rates (Sea Freight)
Sea freight remains the most economical option for businesses with large shipments. Rates can fluctuate based on the shipping season, fuel prices, and container availability.
| Route (FCL 20ft) | Ocean Freight Rates (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai to Hamburg | $1,250 – $1,650 | 30–38 days |
| Ningbo to Rotterdam | $1,300 – $1,750 | 28–35 days |
| Shenzhen to Antwerp | $1,350 – $1,800 | 29–37 days |
- FCL (Full Container Load) is ideal for large shipments where you occupy the entire container.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) is suitable for smaller loads and charged per CBM.
For LCL shipping, rates typically range from $60–$90 per CBM, with surcharges like handling, documentation, and customs fees.
Air Freight Rates from China to Europe
Air freight is faster but more expensive. Rates are charged based on chargeable weight, which may include volumetric calculations.
| Weight (kg) | Air Freight Rate (USD/kg) | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| 100 kg | $5.50 – $7.50 | 3–6 days |
| 300 kg | $4.80 – $6.80 | 3–5 days |
| 500 kg+ | $4.20 – $6.00 | 4–7 days |
Tip: Use our Chargeable Weight Calculator to estimate air cargo costs accurately.
Rail Freight Costs
Rail freight offers a cost-effective solution between sea and air. It’s a preferred option for stable delivery with faster transit times than sea freight.
| Route | Cost Estimate (CBM/1000kg) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yiwu to Duisburg (Germany) | $120–$180 per CBM | 16–21 days |
| Chengdu to Warsaw | $110–$170 per CBM | 15–20 days |
Rail freight is ideal for freight shipments that are too urgent for sea but too costly for air.
Express Shipping Costs (Courier Service)
Express shipping from China to Europe is fast and convenient for small parcels.
| Courier | Parcel Weight | Cost Estimate (USD) | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | 5 kg | $45 – $70 | 3–5 days |
| FedEx IP | 10 kg | $85 – $130 | 3–5 days |
| UPS Expedited | 20 kg | $160 – $220 | 4–6 days |
These services include door to door delivery, with customs clearance handled by the carrier.
Customs Clearance Process in Europe
Efficient customs clearance is critical to ensure smooth delivery when shipping goods from China to Europe. Every shipment entering a European Union country must comply with import regulations and undergo customs inspection procedures. A delay in customs can affect timely delivery and add unexpected shipping costs.
Here’s what you need to know about the customs process:
Required Documents for Customs Clearance
Before your shipment can be cleared, you must prepare the correct documentation. These include:
- Commercial Invoice – States the customs value and full product description
- Packing List – Lists all items and quantities in the shipment
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill – Provided by the freight forwarder
- Import License (if applicable)
- Certificate of Origin
- Harmonized System Code (HS Code) – Used to classify products and calculate duties
Providing accurate paperwork helps avoid customs delays and penalties.
Understanding Customs Duties and Taxes
Every destination country in Europe applies customs duties, VAT, and sometimes excise taxes based on the HS code and product category. These costs are typically calculated using:
- CIF Value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)
- HS Code (determines the % duty)
- Product type (some items, like electronics or textiles, may have higher rates)
For example:
| Product Type | Duty Rate (Avg) | VAT (EU) | Additional Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% – 14% | 20% | No |
| Clothing | 12% | 21% | No |
| Alcohol/Tobacco | 10% – 20% | 20%+ | Excise duty |
Use your local country’s customs authority website to find the latest duty rates.
Role of Customs Authorities and Inspections
Shipments may be flagged by customs authorities for inspection. Common reasons include:
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Undervaluation of goods
- Restricted or prohibited items
- High-risk product categories
If your cargo is selected for customs inspection, it may delay the shipping process by a few days and incur additional charges.
Tip: Always declare your goods accurately and use a trusted freight forwarder to minimize risks.
DDP vs. DAP vs. DDU
When arranging international shipments, choose the right Incoterms:
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – Seller pays all duties and taxes
- DAP (Delivered at Place) – Buyer handles customs clearance and duties
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) – Similar to DAP, but older term
Many European importers prefer DDP shipping for convenience, especially when buying from Chinese suppliers offering door to door service.
Other country-specific shipping guides:
- Shipping from China to United Kingdom
- Shipping from China to France
- Shipping from China to Germany
- Shipping from China to ltaly
- Shipping from China to Russia
- Shipping from China to Netherlands
- Shipping from China to Belgium
- Shipping from China to Poland
- Shipping from China to Sweden
- Shipping from China to Finland
- Shipping from China to Portugal
- Shipping from China to Spain
Door to Door Shipping from China to Europe
Door to door shipping offers a complete logistics solution for importers who want a hassle-free experience. This shipping method includes pickup from the supplier in China and final delivery to the buyer’s address in Europe—whether by sea, air, or rail. All steps of the shipping process, including customs clearance, local delivery, and cargo insurance, are managed by the freight forwarder or logistics provider.
How Does Door to Door Service Work?
The full door to door shipping process typically includes:
- Pickup from the factory or supplier in China
- Inland transport to port or airport
- Export customs clearance
- Main leg: sea freight, rail freight, or air freight
- Import customs clearance in Europe
- Final-mile delivery to your warehouse or destination
This service ensures timely delivery and reduces the need for the buyer to manage multiple carriers.
Sea Freight Door to Door (FCL & LCL)
- FCL (Full Container Load) door-to-door is ideal for high-volume shipments.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) is best for smaller cargo that doesn’t fill an entire container.
Both options include full freight services, customs, and delivery to your final destination.
Example: Shipping 1x20ft container from Shenzhen to Berlin with delivery included
Air Freight Door to Door
This is the fastest option, often used for time-sensitive shipments. The service includes air freight, customs clearance, and direct delivery—making it popular among eCommerce businesses or for shipping high value items.
Example: Shipping 300kg of electronics from Guangzhou to Paris via express shipping, delivered in 5 days
Rail Freight Door to Door
Rail freight is increasingly used for door-to-door deliveries from cities like Chengdu, Yiwu, and Zhengzhou to European destinations such as Duisburg or Warsaw. It’s a cost-effective alternative for medium-speed delivery with stable transit times.
Rail + Truck combo is commonly used to reach landlocked countries
Benefits of Door to Door Shipping
- Simplifies the entire shipping process
- One contact for all stages—freight forwarding, documentation, customs
- Avoids hidden costs at arrival
- Includes cargo insurance for added peace of mind
- Ideal for non-experienced importers
Whether you’re importing industrial goods, electronics, or furniture, door to door shipping saves time and reduces errors—especially when working with a reliable partner.
How to Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder from China to Europe
A reliable freight forwarder plays a critical role in your international freight operations. They coordinate the transport of your goods from China to Europe, ensure compliance with customs, and offer support for logistics and supply chain management. Selecting the right partner can reduce risk, save costs, and improve your delivery efficiency.
Why You Need a Professional Freight Forwarder
Whether you’re shipping by sea freight, air freight, or rail freight, a professional freight forwarder provides end-to-end freight services that include:
- Route planning and carrier selection
- Consolidation and warehousing
- Export & import customs clearance
- Tracking of your freight shipments
- Handling documentation and compliance
- Offering cargo insurance
- Managing door to door delivery
Their experience with European shipping requirements helps you avoid costly mistakes and delivery delays.
Key Qualities to Look For
When choosing a forwarder, consider the following:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Experience with China to Europe trade routes | Familiarity with ports, rail hubs, and customs in both regions |
| Multiple shipping options | Ability to offer air, sea, and rail freight based on needs |
| Transparent pricing | Clear breakdown of shipping costs, no hidden fees |
| Strong network in Europe | Partnerships with agents and customs brokers |
| Communication and tracking tools | Real-time updates on your shipping goods |
| Support with documentation | Expertise in HS codes, invoices, and declarations |
Working with a Freight Forwarder vs. Managing Yourself
Some importers try to manage logistics in-house. While possible for experienced traders, it’s not ideal for newcomers. A good forwarder handles the complexity of freight shipping and ensures compliance with customs authorities in both China and Europe.
Bonus: Working with an established partner also helps optimize your supply chain, reduce stockouts, and scale faster.
Example: Tonlexing – Your China–Europe Freight Partner
At Tonlexing, we offer tailored freight services for every type of cargo, including:
- Full container load (FCL) and LCL shipping
- Air freight with competitive rates and fast delivery
- Reliable rail freight across the China–Europe corridor
- End-to-end door to door shipping
- Customs clearance support in all major EU countries
- Dedicated account managers and English-speaking support
Whether you’re shipping to Germany, France, Italy, or Eastern Europe, we provide cost-effective solutions with transparent communication and real-time tracking.
Contact us today for a custom quote for your shipping from China to Europe project.
FAQs: Shipping from China to Europe
What is the fastest shipping method from China to Europe?
The fastest option is air freight, with a delivery time of 3–7 days depending on the origin and destination airports. For urgent or perishable goods, express air freight using couriers like DHL or FedEx can deliver in 2–5 days.
How long does sea freight take from China to Europe?
Typical shipping times for sea freight range between 25 to 40 days, depending on the port pairs and vessel schedule. This is the most cost-effective option for large or heavy freight shipments.
What documents are required for customs clearance?
You’ll need:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / Air waybill
- HS Code declarations
- Certificate of origin (if needed)
These are mandatory for customs processing and customs authorities review.
Do I have to pay customs duties in Europe?
Yes. All European Union countries charge customs duties, VAT, and sometimes excise taxes. The amount is based on the customs value, which includes the product cost, shipping, and insurance.
What’s the cheapest shipping method from China to Europe?
The cheapest shipping method is ocean freight, especially if using LCL shipping for small quantities or FCL for bulk orders. While slower, it offers excellent value for long-term inventory planning.
Can I ship door to door from China to Europe?
Absolutely. Door to door shipping is available for air, sea, and rail freight. This includes pickup in China, international transport, customs clearance, and final delivery in Europe. It’s the easiest way to manage the entire shipping process.
What are the peak shipping seasons I should avoid?
Peak seasons usually occur:
- Before Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb)
- Back-to-school period (Aug–Sep)
- Holiday shopping season (Oct–Dec)
During these times, space is limited, freight rates increase, and delivery delays are common. Plan your shipments early.
How is the chargeable weight for air freight calculated?
Air freight requires calculating chargeable weight using either actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight = (L x W x H cm) ÷ 6000. The higher of the two is used for billing.
Try our Chargeable Weight Calculator for fast estimation.
Start Shipping from China to Europe with Tonlexing
Now that you understand the full shipping process, from selecting the right shipping method to handling customs clearance and delivery time, it’s time to move forward.
At Tonlexing, we provide:
- Sea, air, rail, and express freight shipping
- Door to door logistics services
- Transparent shipping costs
- Customs and documentation support
- English-speaking service team
Get your freight quote today – Contact Us or message us on WhatsApp.