Shipping from China to Europe (EU)
Sea freight from China to northern European ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp usually takes about 30 to 45 days. Rail from China to Germany or Poland takes about 16 to 25 days, and air about 3 to 7 days. To import into the EU you need an EU EORI number, and you pay import VAT at your country's rate plus any customs duty.
3 min readUpdated
Key takeaways
- Sea to Rotterdam, Hamburg or Antwerp usually takes about 30 to 45 days.
- Rail to Duisburg, Hamburg or Łódź is a faster option at about 16 to 25 days.
- You need an EU EORI number, issued by the customs office in your country.
- Check the duty rate for your product in the EU's TARIC database before you order.
Sea, rail or air: which to use
| Mode | Typical time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Sea freight (FCL or LCL) | 30 to 45 days to northern Europe | Most commercial orders, lowest cost per unit |
| Rail freight | 16 to 25 days to Germany or Poland | Faster than sea and cheaper than air |
| Air freight | 3 to 7 days | Urgent or light, valuable goods |
| Express courier | 3 to 5 days door to door | Samples and very small shipments |
Typical transit times to European hubs
| Destination | Mode | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam, Netherlands | Sea | 30 to 45 days |
| Hamburg, Germany | Sea | 30 to 45 days |
| Antwerp, Belgium | Sea | 30 to 45 days |
| Genoa, Italy / Piraeus, Greece | Sea | 25 to 35 days |
| Duisburg or Hamburg, Germany | Rail | 16 to 22 days |
| Łódź or Małaszewicze, Poland | Rail | 16 to 20 days |
Before you import: get an EORI number
Anyone importing into the EU needs an EORI number. You get it from the customs authority in the EU country where you're based, and it's valid across the whole EU. Your forwarder or customs broker will need it to clear your goods.
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Import VAT and customs duty
- Import VAT is charged at the rate of the country where the goods are imported. Standard rates vary by country, roughly between 17% and 27%. VAT-registered businesses can normally reclaim it.
- Customs duty depends on your product's tariff code. Some goods are duty free, others carry duty, and some face extra anti-dumping duties when they come from China.
Look up the duty for your product in the EU's TARIC database, or the Access2Markets tool, and confirm it with your broker.
Product rules and the CE mark
As the importer, you're responsible for making sure products sold in the EU are safe and properly marked. Many products need CE marking, a declaration of conformity and test reports, for example toys, electrical goods and machinery. Kitchenware that touches food needs food-contact test reports. Ask your supplier for existing reports early, and check the goods against them in the pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping to Amazon FBA in Europe
- Create the shipment in Seller Central before the goods leave China.
- Apply FNSKU and carton labels at the factory, and check them during inspection.
- Decide which country you import into, since VAT registration and EORI are linked to it.
- Use DDP delivery, or arrange your own importer of record, because Amazon won't act as the importer.
Shipping checklist
- 1Get an EORI number in the country you'll import into.
- 2Find your product's tariff code and duty rate in TARIC.
- 3Check CE marking and any other product rules.
- 4Choose sea, rail or air, and an Incoterm (FOB, CIF or DDP).
- 5Inspect the goods before they leave the factory.
- 6Have your broker ready to clear customs, and budget for VAT and duty.
We arrange sea, rail and air freight from China with partner forwarders, including DDP delivery in Europe where available.
Common questions
Is rail from China to Europe cheaper than air?
Yes, usually much cheaper, and roughly twice as fast as sea. It works best for goods going to central or northern Europe.
Do I need an EORI number to import into the EU?
Yes. You get one from the customs authority in the EU country where you're based, and it works across the whole EU.
How much VAT will I pay on goods from China?
Import VAT is charged at your country's rate, which for standard goods is roughly 17% to 27% depending on the country. VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim it.