China is the EU’s largest source of imported goods, and most of them arrive by sea, rail or air. Since 2024, Red Sea disruption has made sea routes longer, rail has become a serious middle option, and new EU rules on low-value parcels and product safety have changed how online sellers should import. This guide compares the shipping options from China to Europe, the customs and VAT steps, and how to choose between direct parcels and bulk imports into an EU warehouse.
Quick answer: Sea freight from China to Europe typically takes about 42–46 days port to port while carriers route around the Cape of Good Hope (about 30–32 days via Suez). Rail takes about 12–25 days and air freight a few days. On arrival you need an EU customs declaration, duties based on the HS code, import VAT and an EORI number; consumer products also need an EU responsible person. Since 1 July 2026, low-value parcels sent straight to EU consumers pay an extra €3 per item, which makes bulk import into EU stock more attractive.
Shipping options from China to Europe
| Mode | Typical transit | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sea, full container (FCL) | About 42–46 days via the Cape; 30–32 via Suez | Large volumes, lowest cost per unit |
| Sea, shared container (LCL) | Longer than FCL, as cargo is consolidated and deconsolidated | Smaller shipments of a few cubic metres |
| Rail | About 12–25 days, depending on route | Time-sensitive and higher-value goods |
| Air freight | A few days | Urgent restocks, launches, small high-value goods |
| Express and postal parcels | A few days to a few weeks | Single consumer orders (now subject to the €3 duty) |
Transit times are typical port-to-port or terminal-to-terminal ranges and vary by carrier, routing, season and congestion. Add time for pick-up in China, customs and final delivery.
Sea freight
Sea is the cheapest option per unit and carries the bulk of EU imports from China. The main European gateways are Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg and, for Central and Eastern Europe, Gdańsk. Since most container lines started avoiding the Red Sea in 2024, many Asia–Europe services sail around the Cape of Good Hope, which adds one to two weeks compared with the Suez route. Plan safety stock accordingly. For the trade-offs, see our Europe–China corridor.
Rail freight
China–Europe trains run from hubs such as Xi’an, Chongqing and Chengdu, typically crossing into the EU at Małaszewicze on the Polish–Belarusian border before continuing to Poland, Germany and beyond. Rail is roughly two to three times faster than sea and much cheaper than air, which suits fashion, electronics and seasonal goods.
Air freight
Air is the fastest option but by far the most expensive per kilogram. Use it selectively: for launch stock, urgent replenishment or small, high-value products, while the bulk of your stock moves by sea or rail.
Customs and VAT when importing into the EU
- Get an EORI number. Every business importing into the EU needs an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number, issued by the customs authority of one EU country.
- Advance cargo data (ICS2). Carriers and forwarders must file an entry summary declaration in the EU’s Import Control System 2 before goods arrive, so accurate product descriptions and HS codes matter from the start.
- Classify your goods. The HS code determines the customs duty rate under the EU’s Common Customs Tariff.
- Declare and pay. A customs declaration is lodged on arrival; duty is calculated on the customs value (usually goods plus freight and insurance to the EU border), and import VAT on the customs value plus duty. Some EU countries offer postponed VAT accounting.
- Release and deliver. Once cleared, goods move to your warehouse or customers. See customs clearance.
Illustrative example (assumed figures): a shipment of goods worth €20,000 plus €2,000 freight and insurance to the EU border has a customs value of €22,000. At an assumed 4% duty rate, duty is €880. Import VAT at 21% is charged on €22,880, which is €4,804.80. Real duty rates depend on the HS code and VAT on the country of import.
Product compliance: the EU responsible person
Since 13 December 2024, consumer products sold in the EU must have an economic operator established in the EU who is responsible for product safety under the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). For goods made in China and sold online to EU consumers, that is often an EU importer, an authorised representative or a fulfilment service provider. Their details must appear on the product, its packaging or accompanying documents, and in online listings. Sector rules such as CE marking still apply on top.
The €3 duty on low-value parcels
From 1 July 2026 until 1 July 2028, distance-sale consignments worth up to €150 imported into the EU pay a flat €3 customs duty per item, where each different tariff line in a parcel counts as one item. Import VAT is still due on top. For sellers shipping individual orders from China to EU consumers, this adds a fixed cost to every parcel. Read our full guide to the €3 EU customs duty.
Direct parcels or bulk import into an EU warehouse?
Two ways to sell Chinese-made goods to EU customers
Direct parcels from China: no EU stock, but €3 per item per parcel, import VAT per order (often through the IOSS), one to three weeks’ delivery and customs risk on every order. Bulk import into an EU warehouse: one customs clearance per shipment at the normal duty rate, VAT handled in the EU, next-day domestic delivery, easier returns and marketplace-ready dispatch for Amazon, Zalando or Allegro. Once demand is steady, bulk import is usually cheaper and converts better.
How to choose: a quick checklist
- Volume: more than a few cubic metres per shipment points to sea freight; full containers give the lowest cost per unit.
- Speed: if 6–7 weeks at sea is too long for your cash flow or seasonality, consider rail.
- Value density: small, high-value goods can justify air freight.
- Destination: for Central and Eastern Europe, rail into Poland or sea into Gdańsk can shorten the last leg.
- Selling model: regular EU demand favours bulk import and local fulfilment over direct parcels.
Related: Europe–China freight and logistics · Shipping from China to Kenya · Incoterms · Our warehouse locations
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from China to Europe take?
Typically about 42–46 days by sea from Shanghai to Rotterdam while carriers route via the Cape of Good Hope (about 30–32 days via Suez), about 12–25 days by rail, and a few days by air.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Europe?
Sea freight, especially full containers (FCL), gives the lowest cost per unit. Shared containers (LCL) suit smaller shipments.
Is rail freight from China to Europe worth it?
Rail sits between sea and air: roughly two to three times faster than sea and much cheaper than air, which suits time-sensitive and higher-value goods.
What do I need to import goods from China into the EU?
An EORI number, correct HS classification, a customs declaration with duty and import VAT payment, ICS2 advance cargo data filed by the carrier, and for consumer products an EU responsible person under the GPSR.
Do I pay the €3 duty when importing in bulk?
No. The €3 flat duty applies to low-value distance-sale consignments of up to €150. Bulk imports pay the normal customs duty for the goods instead.
Sources
Figures are taken from the sources below and were checked in September 2026. Market estimates from research firms are labelled as estimates in the text.
