Shipping from China to France | Air, Sea, Rail, Express Freight
This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights and strategies for shipping goods from China to France, catering to beginners and experienced importers. With our assistance, you can optimize your import operations and make the shipping process cost-effective and streamlined.
With a strong network and partnerships in key shipping hubs like Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, we offer competitive pricing and transit priority. Our collaborations with seaports and airports ensure swift and efficient delivery, smoothing your shipping experience from China to France.
Sea freight from China to France
LCL (less than Container Load) or FCL (Full Container Load) shipping costs directly impact your goods.
Selecting LCL means that transit times are typically longer than FCL shipments. LCL shipments need to consolidate the goods at the origin port and allocate them upon arrival at the destination port, which is a cost-effective choice since you only pay for the space required for your goods.
FCL shipping provides weekly container shipping from China to France, including three types choices of full containers:
- The 20 GP, which has an internal capacity of 33 cubic meters
- The 40 GP, which can carry up to 66 cubic meters
- The 40 HQ, which has an internal capacity of 76 cubic meters
FCL freight rates & shipping time from China to France (Updated February 2024)
| Route | Container 20’ (USD) | Container 40’ (USD) | Estimated Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ningbo-Marseille Fos | 1600 | 2400 | 38 days |
| Ningbo-Le Havre | 750 | 1300 | 38 days |
| Shenzhen-Marseille Fos | 1775 | 2300 | 38 days |
| Shenzhen-Le Havre | 680 | 1200 | 27 days |
LCL – Consolidation
This option is adapted when you do not have enough goods to fill one full container. Moreover, it allows you to pay only for the space you need because your goods are loaded with other customers’ items. We recommend it for shipments with volumes from 0 to 15 CBM.
LCL Container freight Rates &Time from China to France (Updated February 2024)
| Route | Price per Cubic meter / USD | Estimated Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Ningbo-Marseille Fos | 100-120/cbm | 33 days |
| Ningbo-Le Havre | 40-50/cbm | 30 days |
| Shenzhen-Marseille Fos | 30-50/cbm | 28 days |
| Shenzhen–Le Havre | 30-50/cbm | 24 days |
Air Freight from China to France
The demand for air freight from China to France is rising due to its advantages in terms of speed and convenience. While air freight may be more expensive than sea shipping, it provides a faster solution for those requiring prompt delivery of their goods. By partnering with freight forwarders in China, businesses can benefit from efficient and reliable shipping services without incurring additional costs associated with delays or potential damage.
How long does air freight take from China to France?
Air freight is the most efficient and cost-effective method for importing products from China to France, with a transit time of approximately 4-6 days. Express shipping services can be faster for even faster delivery, usually taking 3-5 business days for shipments from China to France to be completed.
| From | To | Transit time (Days) | |
| Air Freight | China | France | 4 – 6 |
| Air Freight DDP | China | France | 10 – 15 |
Air freight costs from China to France (Updated February 2024)
| Billing weight | USD per Kg | Transit time(Days) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50 kg | – | – |
| 50-100 kg | USD3.9 | 4-6 |
| 100-500 kg | USD4.9 | 4-6 |
| 500 kg+ | USD4.8 | 4-6 |
- The cost of air freight for packages weighing up to 10 kg is approximately $9.5 per kg. However, for packages exceeding 100 kg, the rate decreases to $8.2 per kg. The most cost-effective option is for packages weighing 300 or more, costing approximately $6.5 or less per kg.
Air freight costs comprise a combination of different charges and surcharges, such as the air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, terminal fee, and other applicable surcharges. These charges are determined by individual airlines based on their operational expenses. Airlines frequently revise their pricing, considering seasonal variations, international oil prices, and market fluctuations.
Air freight charges vary by airline, route, and season. Each airline may charge a different amount for the same route, and a shipment made during the peak season will probably cost differently than one made during the off-season.
Rail freight from China to France
Rail freight is not only a cost-effective choice but also a sustainable one. With France’s extensive and advanced rail network, NewSmartShip provides reliable and environmentally friendly rail services. This option is ideal for businesses seeking a balance between speed and cost while maintaining a minimal environmental impact.
What is the cost of shipping freight by rail from China to France?
| Departure City | Range | Destination City | Price Per CBM ($USD) | Estimated Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhengzhou | Rate for 1-4.99CBM | Paris | 250 | 21-25 |
| Zhengzhou | Rate for 1-4.99CBM | Lyon | 250 | 21-25 |
| Zhengzhou | Rate for 5-9.99CBM | Paris | 245 | 21-25 |
| Zhengzhou | Rate for 5-9.99CBM | Lyon | 245 | 21-25 |
- Shipping costs vary based on the chosen delivery method. Fully utilizing a container can result in flat rates without additional weight costs. Rail shipping ranges from $60 to $90 per net ton, while combined rail and truck services cost $80 to $120.
NewSmartShip offers cost-effective solutions for exporting items, providing customers with savings. Opting for train shipping enables efficient cost management and substantial savings compared to other methods.
How long does shipping from China to France take?
- Air Freight: Air freight is the fastest shipping method, with an average transit time of 5 to 7 days from China to France.
- Sea Freight: Sea freight from China to France usually takes 30 to 40 days, depending on the ports involved.
- Express Freight: Express freight services, such as courier companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, provide expedited shipping solutions. The transit time for express freight from China to France typically ranges from 2 to 5 business days.
- Rail Freight: The transit time for rail freight from China to France typically ranges from 20 to 25 days.
Door-to-door delivery from China to France
We offer door delivery services for shipping from China to France, whether DAP or DDP terms. Door-to-door delivery options can be categorized into two main types: trucking delivery and express-door delivery.
Trucking deliveries involve shipping your goods by truck from the origin station directly to your designated address. This method is commonly used and typically takes around 3-5 days for transit time.
Express door delivery is another option. With express door delivery, your package is collected from your doorstep, transported by air or sea, and delivered within 1-2 days to the final destination.
NewSmartShip’s DDP shipping service process
DDP (Door-to-door 、D2D) is a popular shipping method from China to France. In this method, the consignee receives the shipment directly at their doorstep, free from additional charges.
To ensure a smooth delivery, the consignee must be available at the designated delivery address and provide a signature upon receipt. The shipping company is responsible for any damages or losses during transit, making DDP a highly secure shipping method.
Before export, the cargo undergoes customs clearance in China. You can send it to our warehouse in Shenzhen, or we can arrange to pick up your goods directly from your China factory. In France, our customs clearance agent partners act as importers for import declarations, eliminating your need for VAT and EORI registration. We handle all customs clearance procedures, managing the process seamlessly between China and France. For the final delivery, reliable courier services like UPS, GLS, and DPD will be provided to ensure prompt and efficient last-mile delivery.
- DDP shipping suits Amazon FBA shipping and business and private addresses.
DDP shipping cost from China to France
| From | To | Transit time | LCL cost | |
| Sea Freight DDP | China | France | 25 to 30 days | $ 190 per cbm |
| Air Freight DDP | China | France | 10 to 15 days |
$3.5 to 6.00 per kg
|
DDP shipping transit time from China to France
- DDP air freight to France generally has a transit time of 13-15 days.
- DDP sea shipping to France usually takes around 32-36 days.
- DDP rail freight to France usually has a transit time of approximately 24-27 days.
Import tax and duties in France
The duties imposed can range from 0-17%, with an average duty rate of 4.2%.
For detailed tax information, we recommend visiting the official EU customs website. Click here!
Different taxes exist for your goods
- EU anti-dumping taxes
- Regarding steel
- Concerning solar panels
- Regarding mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline products
- Regarding bicycles
- Special taxes
Here is the list of the goods that are not free of duty :
- Goods for a secondary residence (duties + 20% VAT)
- Raw materials + semi-finished products
- Tobacco
- Alcohol and cellar provisions
Customs clearance process for importing into France
FAQ
I’ve been told that I need to get an EORI number. How do I get this?
An EORI number is an EU registration and identification number for businesses that import or export goods into or out of the EU. Any company or individual established in the EU must obtain an EORI number from their national customs authority before commencing customs activities in the EU.
You can validate your EORI numbers online: EORI Service
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to France?
Sea freight shipping is generally the most cost-effective method. It is particularly advantageous for shipping bulky items, as the cost is significantly lower compared to other modes of transportation. On the other hand, when it comes to smaller items like documents and essential papers, air freight is often the preferred choice due to its faster delivery and suitability for smaller shipments.
