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SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO ITALY
In 2020, China ranked as Italy’s third-largest import partner, following Germany and France, with imports surpassing US$36 billion. China’s competitive pricing and diverse range of products continue to attract trade from Italy and other global markets.
The trade relationship between China and Italy has seen steady growth, positioning China as one of Italy’s key trading partners outside the EU. This partnership spans a wide range of commodities. Italy exports machinery, automobiles, luxury goods, and food products to China, while China supplies Italy with electronics, furniture, machinery, textiles, and more.
Seamless Shipping from China to Italy with Tonlexing
Since 2013, Tonlexing has specialized in providing reliable shipping solutions from China to Italy. Our services cover air, sea, rail, and Amazon logistics, offering a full range of transportation options from any Chinese city to destinations across Italy. We pride ourselves on offering fast, secure, and timely door-to-door deliveries, ensuring a seamless experience for your shipping needs.
Why Choose Tonlexing?
Tonlexing delivers professional, convenient, and tailored logistics services, meeting the diverse needs of businesses in both China and Italy. Whether you are shipping electronics, fashion goods, machinery, or home furnishings, our experienced team ensures your goods are delivered on time and in compliance with all customs requirements.
Contact Tonlexing for Your Shipping Needs
Ready to ship from China to Italy? Get in touch with Tonlexing today for reliable and efficient logistics solutions. We’re here to ensure your cargo reaches Italy swiftly and safely.

Table of Contents
Shipping from China to Italy: Comprehensive Guide for Sea Freight, Air Freight, DDP, and FBA
Italy is a significant player in global trade and a top destination for imports from China. With its robust manufacturing sector and strong consumer market, Italy imports a wide range of goods from China, including electronics, machinery, apparel, furniture, and automotive parts. The rise of e-commerce and international business has made shipping from China to Italy an essential part of global supply chains.
Whether you’re importing products for business or personal use, choosing the right shipping method is key to optimizing cost and transit times. For large, bulky shipments, sea freight is the most cost-effective choice, while air freight is ideal for time-sensitive or high-value goods. Additionally, DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping ensures hassle-free delivery by covering all customs duties and taxes, making it a popular option for small businesses and individual buyers. If you’re an Amazon seller targeting European markets, FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) shipping allows seamless integration with Amazon’s fulfillment centers, streamlining the entire process.
In this guide, we’ll explore the various shipping options from China to Italy, including sea freight, air freight, DDP, and FBA services, to help you choose the most suitable option for your needs.
Sea Freight from China to Italy
For large shipments, FCL is best for filling an entire container, while LCL allows sharing space with other goods. FCL is more cost-effective for large loads, while LCL works for smaller shipments. Specialized containers, like flat rack or open-top, are available for oversized cargo.

Key Ports for Sea Freight Between China and Italy
Primary Departure Ports in China
- Shanghai Port
- Ningbo Port
- Shenzhen Port
- Guangzhou Port
- Qingdao Port
Major Arrival Ports in Italy
- Port of Genoa
- Port of Naples
- Port of Venice
- Port of Livorno
How Long is Sea Freight from China to Italy?
Sea freight from China to Italy typically takes 30-40 days. The transit time varies depending on the port of origin and the shipping route.
Port of Origin | Destination Port | Estimated Transit Time |
---|---|---|
Shanghai | Port of Genoa | 35-40 days |
Ningbo | Port of Naples | 30-35 days |
Shenzhen | Port of Venice | 35-40 days |
How Much Does Sea Freight from China to Italy Cost?
The cost of sea freight depends on the size of the container, weight, and current market rates. FCL shipments are more economical for large volumes, while LCL is better suited for smaller loads.
Port of Origin | Destination Port | FCL Price (20ft/40ft) | LCL Price (per CBM) |
---|---|---|---|
Shanghai | Port of Genoa | $1800 / $2900 | $140 – $180 |
Ningbo | Port of Naples | $1750 / $2850 | $130 – $170 |
Shenzhen | Port of Venice | $1850 / $2950 | $150 – $190 |
Sea Freight from China to Italy: Operation Procedure
Booking
Confirm container type (FCL or LCL) and book space with a shipping line.Cargo Collection and Loading
The goods are picked up from the supplier and loaded into the container at the port of departure.Customs Clearance in China
Export documents (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading) are submitted for customs clearance in China.Sea Transit to Italy
The container is loaded onto a ship, and the vessel sails to Italy. Transit typically takes 30-40 days.Arrival at the Italian Port
The container arrives at the destination port (e.g., Genoa, Naples) and is offloaded.Customs Clearance in Italy
Import duties and taxes are calculated, and the necessary documents are submitted for customs clearance.Final Delivery
After customs clearance, the container is transported to the consignee’s location for final delivery.
Air Freight from China to Italy
Air freight is the preferred choice for time-sensitive and high-value shipments from China to Italy. Common products transported by air include electronics, luxury goods, medical equipment, and fashion items. These products require faster delivery times and reliable handling, making air freight the most suitable option. Companies in sectors like fashion, tech, and healthcare often use air freight to ensure their goods reach Italian markets quickly and efficiently.

Main airports for Air Freight from China to Italy:
Departure Airports in China:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Arrival Airports in Italy:
- Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) – Rome
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
How Long is Air Freight from China to Italy?
Air freight from China to Italy generally takes 5-7 days, depending on the specific route.
Departure Airport | Destination Airport | Estimated Transit Time |
---|---|---|
Shanghai (PVG) | Rome (FCO) | 5-6 days |
Guangzhou (CAN) | Milan (MXP) | 6-7 days |
Beijing (PEK) | Rome (FCO) | 5-7 days |
How Much Does Air Freight from China to Italy Cost?
Air freight costs are calculated based on the weight and volume of the goods. Here are some estimated rates:
Departure Airport | Destination Airport | Price per kg |
---|---|---|
Shanghai (PVG) | Rome (FCO) | $4 – $6 |
Guangzhou (CAN) | Milan (MXP) | $4.5 – $6.5 |
Beijing (PEK) | Rome (FCO) | $4 – $6 |
Air Freight from China to Italy: Operation Procedure
Booking
Confirm the flight schedule and book air cargo space with the airline.Cargo Collection and Handling
Goods are picked up from the supplier and transported to the departure airport.Export Customs Clearance in China
Submit required documents (commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill) for export customs clearance.Flight Transit to Italy
The cargo is loaded onto the aircraft, with typical transit times of 5-7 days depending on the route.Arrival at the Italian Airport
The goods arrive at the destination airport (e.g., FCO, MXP) and are offloaded.Import Customs Clearance in Italy
Submit import documents and pay duties and taxes to clear the goods through Italian customs.Final Delivery
After customs clearance, the goods are delivered to the consignee’s location in Italy.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Shipping from China to Italy
For buyers sourcing products from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Alibaba, Taobao, or Pinduoduo, DDP shipping is the perfect solution for small shipments. It offers an all-inclusive service where the seller handles everything, including shipping costs, customs duties, and taxes. This option ensures a hassle-free experience, especially for businesses or individuals importing small packages. With DDP, you can avoid unexpected charges at delivery and enjoy seamless logistics, making it an ideal choice for e-commerce buyers looking for convenience and cost certainty.

DDP Shipping Process from China to Italy
- Order Placement: Goods are ordered from China and prepared for shipment.
- Shipping: Goods are shipped by sea or air to Italy.
- Customs Clearance: The shipping provider handles customs clearance in Italy, including the payment of duties and taxes.
- Final Delivery: Goods are delivered to the consignee’s address without additional costs.
Benefits of DDP Shipping from China to Italy
- Hassle-Free: All duties, taxes, and fees are covered.
- Cost Transparency: No surprise costs upon delivery.
- Convenience: Ideal for small businesses and individuals importing goods.
FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) Shipping from China to Italy
For sellers looking to expand into the European market, particularly through Amazon, FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) shipping is a powerful logistics solution. With this service, you can ship your products directly from China to Amazon fulfillment centers in Italy. Once your goods arrive, Amazon handles the entire process of storage, packaging, and shipping to customers, ensuring fast and efficient delivery.
FBA shipping is especially beneficial for businesses that want to streamline their operations, minimize warehousing costs, and leverage Amazon’s vast logistics network. By using FBA, sellers can offer Prime shipping, which increases product visibility and appeal to customers who prefer faster delivery options.

FBA Shipping Process from China to Italy
- Preparation: Products are prepped according to Amazon’s strict packaging and labeling requirements.
- Shipping: Goods are sent from China to Italy via air or sea freight, depending on the size and urgency of the shipment.
- Fulfillment: Once the products reach Amazon’s fulfillment centers, Amazon takes over, managing inventory, customer orders, and returns.
Advantages of FBA Shipping from China to Italy
- Fast Delivery: Amazon’s Prime service offers customers fast, reliable shipping.
- Cost Efficiency: You avoid the overhead of running your own storage and fulfillment operations.
- Market Reach: With FBA, you can reach customers across Europe and benefit from Amazon’s established logistics and delivery network.
Shipping from China to Italy offers a variety of options to meet different business needs, whether you require cost-effective sea freight for large shipments, fast air freight for urgent deliveries, hassle-free DDP services for small e-commerce purchases, or FBA solutions for expanding your Amazon business in Europe. Choosing the right shipping method depends on your priorities—speed, cost, and convenience.
At Tonlexing Logistics, we provide reliable and tailored shipping solutions, ensuring that your goods are transported smoothly and efficiently from China to Italy. Whether you’re importing high-value products or fulfilling large orders, our expertise in global logistics ensures seamless operations.
For more information or to get a personalized shipping quote, contact us today.
FAQs About Shipping from China to Italy
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for large or heavy shipments.
Air freight usually takes 5-7 days.
Choose FCL for large shipments and LCL for smaller loads.
Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading (for sea freight) or airway bill (for air freight).
Yes, air freight is ideal for small, high-value, or time-sensitive goods.
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