Shipping from China to Germany | Sea, Air, and Rail Rates & Express
In this guide, choose the best shipping service for your China-to-Germany shipment: air, sea, and rail. Air freight is the fastest but most expensive option for urgent and time-sensitive shipments. Sea freight is the popular choice for its cost-effectiveness, although it takes longer. Rail freight takes less time than sea freight and costs less than air freight. Assess your specific needs and priorities to make an informed decision that saves time and money.
Sea freight from China to Germany
Due to its widespread usage, sea freight shipping is the predominant choice for transporting cargo internationally. It offers a cost-effective and dependable mode of transportation for goods.
Sea freight shipping from China to Germany is a highly favored choice for importing goods from Asia due to its cost-saving advantages and reasonable delivery times. In 2023, Germany emerged as the largest export market for goods from China, with exports totaling $5.5 billion, representing 9% of China’s total imports. Sea freight is the most commonly utilized transportation method when shipping cargo from China to Germany. Significant seaports in Germany include Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven.
When opting for sea freight, there are two options: Less than Container Load (LCL) or Full Container Load (FCL). Here are the key aspects you should know about each option:
LCL from China to Germany
Less-than-Container Load (LCL): LCL shipments offer a more cost-effective alternative to full container loads. With LCL, you can ship goods ranging from 1 to 15 cubic meters in size, typically sharing the container space with other importers.
FCL from China to Germany
Full Container Load (FCL): Your products will be transported in a dedicated container from China to Germany. FCL is ideal for shipping large shipments that exceed 15 cubic meters.
Container shipping cost from China to Germany
Shipping costs vary fairly frequently depending upon many different factors. This is important if you want a quote from a forwarder. The factors determining price are product name, weight, volume, ready date, etc. Ocean freight market update February 2024.
| Departure Port | Destination Port | 20GP (USD) | 40GP (USD) | Transit Time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ningbo | Hamburg | 750 | 1350 | 38 |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | 680 | 680 | 29 |
| Shanghai | Hamburg | 600 | 1050 | 38 |
How long does the sea ship from China to Germany?
Sea shipping from China to Germany generally takes around 20 to 30 days.
The usual transit time from China to Germany for port-to-port shipping is approximately 20 to 30 days. However, considering the entire door-to-door shipping process, the total transit time can range from around 20 to 40 days.
Shipping transit time from China to Germany is crucial for businesses working with Chinese suppliers. Factors like distance, mode of transportation, and shipment speed affect the overall transit time.
Air freight from China to Germany
Air freight from China to Germany is an excellent choice for transporting high-value and time-sensitive cargo, even if the size is not necessarily large. Opting for air freight service ensures competitive rates and provides the advantage of door-to-door delivery. Compared to other transportation options, air freight offers shorter transit times, allowing faster and more efficient shipping between China and Germany.
How long does air freight take from China to Germany?
- Transit time for Air Freight shipping from China to Germany typically ranges from 3 to 5 days.
Compared to express deliveries, airfreight shipments may have a total transit time of 2 days longer. However, the actual time spent in transit is considerably shorter.
Cargo can be directly dispatched from airports in China, such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, to various airports in Germany, including Frankfurt International Airport. However, several factors can influence the delivery times of your cargo, such as the nature of the goods (bulk or non-bulk) and their value and weight.
How much is the air freight rate from China to Germany?
- The air freight cost from China to Germany is $21.80 per 100 kilograms, and this rate varies based on the weight of the shipment.
Air freight costs comprise a combination of different charges and surcharges, such as the air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, terminal fee, and other applicable surcharges. These charges are determined by individual airlines based on their operational expenses. Airlines frequently revise their pricing, considering seasonal variations, international oil prices, and market fluctuations.
Air freight charges vary by airline, route, and season. Each airline may charge a different amount for the same route, and a shipment made during the peak season will probably cost differently than one made during the off-season.
Rail freight from China to Germany
Railway freight is a viable alternative for shipping cargo from China to Germany. While it is not as fast as air freight, it offers a more cost-effective solution. If you have a substantial quantity of goods to transport and prioritize faster delivery than sea shipping, rail shipping is an excellent option.
Rail shipping route from China to Germany
The Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe rail line connects Asia and Europe, with trains traveling from China through the following route:
Chongqing (China) -> Xinjiang (China) -> Alashankou (China) -> Dostyk (Kazakhstan) -> Russia (various cities) -> Belarus -> Poland -> Germany (various cities) -> Other European destinations
Rail shipping time from China to Germany
Railway freight offers a faster transit time than sea freight but is not as speedy as air shipping. Delivery of your cargo can typically be expected within a range of 14-18 days, depending on the specific route taken by the train transporting your goods.
Rail freight rates from China to Germany
| Departure City | Range | Destination Airport | Price Per KG ($USD) | Estimated Transit Time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Frankfurt (FRA) | 3 | 1 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Hannover (HAJ) | 3.3 | 3-4 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Hamburg (HAM) | 3.3 | 3-4 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Frankfurt (FRA) | 3 | 1 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Hannover (HAJ) | 3.3 | 3-4 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Hamburg (HAM) | 3.3 | 3.4 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Frankfurt (FRA) | 2.9 | 1 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Hannover (HAJ) | 3.1 | 3-4 |
| Shanghai | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Hamburg (HAM) | 3.1 | 3-4 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Hamburg (HAM) | 5 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Leipzig (LEJ) | 3.5 | 1 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 100KGS-299KGS | Frankfurt (FRA) | 3.1 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Hamburg (HAM) | 4.8 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Leipzig (LEJ) | 3.5 | 1 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 300KGS-1000KGS | Frankfurt (FRA) | 3.1 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Hamburg (HAM) | 4.5 | 4-5 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Leipzig (LEJ) | 3 | 1 |
| Shenzhen | Rate for 1000KGS+ | Frankfurt (FRA) | 2.8 | 4-5 |
FBA Shipping from China to Germany
If you require a swift eCommerce presence for your products, we can assist you in getting them listed on the Amazon platform. Our team of experts will handle all the necessary logistics, including transporting your products from China to an Amazon FBA warehouse in Germany. Additionally, we provide services such as cargo consolidation, inspections, labeling, and repackaging, ensuring that we cater to all your shipping needs.
Door-to-door shipping from China to Germany
We offer door delivery services for your international shipments, whether on 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 directly from the original station 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.
DDP Shipping from China to Germany
DDP reduces shipping costs and eliminates the need to worry about taxes and duties, saving time and money. This can be accomplished through sea, road, rail, or air freight. Ensure your Chinese factory prepares the necessary export documents for a smooth shipment process.
NewSmartShip DDP shipping service process
DDP (Door-to-door 、D2D) is a popular shipping method from China to Germany. This method allows the consignee to receive the shipment directly at their doorstep, free of 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 damage or loss 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 Germany, 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 Germany. For 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, business and private addresses.
DDP shipping time from China to Germany
- DDP Air Freight: The shipment typically takes 4-5 days to reach Germany.
- DDP Truck Freight: Transit-time shipments can range from 13 to 14 days.
- DDP Rail freight: The transit time transported by rail can range from 16 to 20 days.
- DDP sea freight: Shipping via sea freight from China to Germany usually takes 30-35 days
How much does shipping 100 Kg (regular cargo)from China to Germany cost?
- Air freight DDP: Shipping 100kg from China to Germany ranges from USD 6.5 per kilogram.
- Sea freight DDP: The cost of shipping 100kg from China to Germany ranges from USD 2.02 per kilogram.
- Rail freight DDP: The cost of shipping 100kg from China to Germany ranges from USD 2.5 per kilogram.
Import taxes and duties in Germany
Import duties apply to all items when importing goods from other countries into Germany. Goods originating from outside Germany are subject to a distinct tax regime that differs from goods produced within Germany.
- Bill of Lading
- Packing List
- Commercial Invoice
For cargo importation into Germany, the importer or their authorized customs agent must submit the required documents to the customs office at the designated port of entry.
- HS-Code
HS codes, Tariff codes, or Customs codes are unique ten-digit numbers. They describe a product and determine the applicable customs duties and import taxes for shipments entering the European Union.
HS codes can be categorized into three types:
The first two digits indicate the product’s heading. The third digit represents the subheading. The fourth digit signifies the first four digits of the six-digit product code.
For example, consider HS code 8703.91.00:
8703 denotes the heading of the product.
91 means the 4-digit product code in this section (9100).
You can obtain HS code information by referring to TARIC (The Integrated Tariff of the European Union) and consulting with your Chinese suppliers or freight forwarders.
