Shipping from China to Italy

Shipping from China to Italy significantly impacts global commerce. In 2023, the trade volume between the two countries reached an astounding $54 billion. China has emerged as Italy’s third-largest import partner, offering competitive prices and a wide range of products. The China-Italy trade encompasses various commodities, with Italy exporting machinery, automobiles, fashion, luxury goods, and food, while China exports electronics, furniture, machinery, textiles, and more. NewSmartShip, specializing in shipping from China to Italy for over 15 years, provides professional and convenient transportation services via air, sea, rail, and Express freight, offering door-to-door delivery with fast speed and safety. Contact us now to get your shipping quotation!

Shipping from China to Italy | Sea, Air, Rail, Express DDP Rate & Time

When shipping from China to Italy, there are various shipping routes to consider, each with cost and speed implications. Air cargo offers the fastest but most expensive option, while sea freight is slower but more cost-effective. NewSmartShip is a versatile shipping provider that offers tailored solutions for all clients, including express freight, railway freight, and air freight from China. Contact us today to begin your shipping journey.

sea shipping from China to Italy

How to import goods from China to Italy?

1. Sourcing cargos:

The initial step is to locate suppliers of high-demand items. You can accomplish this through the following channels:

Alibaba; Made-in-China.com; Hongkong Fair ; Canton Fair
Identifying multiple suppliers can increase your chances of obtaining a competitive price. Analyzing a more comprehensive price range can gauge the potential profit margin.

2. Find a reliable freight forwarder

A reliable freight forwarder can ensure smooth and efficient shipping operations for your importing business.

3. Place your order

Place your order with a reliable supplier who offers the best quality items at the lowest price to expand your profit margin. Depending on your platform, make sure your order is confirmed. Also, ensure you understand the terms and conditions of the sale before paying.

4. Secure packing & prepare import documentation

Pack your items securely and have all the necessary documents prepared to ensure stress-free transportation.

5. Track your delivery
Live online tracking can keep you informed of the precise location of your shipment throughout the shipping process

6. Sign for your cargo
Ensure that you are available to receive your goods once the cargo arrives.

Shipping cost from China to Italy (Updated March 2024)

Shipping Method From China to Italy (Cost)
Sea Shipping (20 FT) USD 2,650 for a 20ft container
Sea Shipping (40 HQ) USD 4150 for a 40ft container
LCL Sea Shipping USD 65/CBM (m3)
Door-to-door DDP Shipping USD 4.5 per kg
Air Shipping USD 1,150 for 100kg
Rail Freight USD 5,000 to USD 6,000 for FCL
Express Freight  USD 6.5 per Kg

Transit time of shipping from China to Italy

Shipping Method Transit Time From China to Italy
Sea Freight (FCL & LCL) 35-40 days
Air Freight 4-8 days
Express Delivery 4-6 days
Rail Freight 20-22 days

Sea shipping from China to Italy

Sea freight is the most popular and cost-effective method for shipping goods from China to Italy. It may be slower than other modes of transportation, but it offers affordability, making it ideal for projects with budget constraints and especially advantageous for transporting bulk goods. Another benefit is that sea shipping accepts a wide range of cargo types. In addition, Italy has several significant seaports, including Genoa, La Spezia, Venice, and Milan. Whether you opt for full container load (FCL) or less-than-container load (LCL) shipments, You select the appropriate ports and routes in China and Italy. If you require assistance determining the best port for your specific needs, we can help you with that!

Shipping Type Suitability Cost Range Benefits Transit Times
LCL Smaller shipments (<15 cubic m) $30 to $60 per cubic m Cost-effective for less than a full container 30 to 45 days
FCL Larger shipments (full container) $1,500 to $2,500 per 20-foot container Secure, reduce handling damage 25 to 40 days

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL shipping is the most cost-effective choice for larger shipments. It involves booking a full container (20ft or 40ft) exclusively for your goods. This option suits businesses shipping large goods, allowing for better economies of scale.

Less than a Container Load (LCL)

LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping is a cost-effective option for small businesses and individuals shipping more miniature goods. With LCL, you only pay for the space your goods occupy within a container. A freight forwarder consolidates multiple shipments into one container for shipping to Italy. It’s an efficient solution for smaller shipment volumes.

Note:

Apart from providing standard FCL and LCL services, we offer specialized container shipping options to Italy. These include flat racks, open containers for handling out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo from China, and refrigerated containers for temperature-sensitive products. We provide efficient and secure shipping solutions for bulk transport and wheeled cargo using breakbulk methods and ro-ro vessels.

How long does sea shipping from China to Italy?

  • The estimated transit time from China to Italy ranges from 30 to 50 days for port-to-port sea shipping.
  • For door-to-door sea shipping, the estimated transit time is approximately 46 to 53 days.

The transit time for sea shipping from China to Italy varies depending on several factors. However, the actual duration may be influenced by factors such as the specific shipping route, weather conditions, customs procedures, and any potential delays in transit. For more accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended that you consult with the shipping carrier or freight forwarder handling your shipment.

Air freight from China to Italy

Air freight from China to Italy is the preferred choice for the time-sensitive cargo. With air freight, your shipment can arrive at the Italian Milan airport from China within 3 to 7 days, which is ideal for high-value and time-sensitive cargo, even if the shipment is not particularly large. Air freight is chosen not only for speed but also for its high level of security, making it best for valuable or luxury goods when the transportation budget allows. While air freight typically costs more than sea or rail transport, it offers unique advantages that cannot be ignored. All in all, Air freight is known for its safety, speed, and convenience, surpassing other modes of transportation.

air-freight-from-China-to-Italy

How long does air freight from China to Italy?

  • Air freight transit time from China to Italy generally lasts 3 to 4 days.

Cargo can be directly dispatched from various airports in China, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, to multiple airports in Italy, such as Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA code: MXP), Rome Fiumicino Airport (IATA code: FCO), Bergamo Airport (IATA code: BGP), Venice Airport (IATA code: VCE), Naples Airport (IATA code: NAP), and Turin Airport (IATA code: TRN). This offers flexibility and convenience in choosing the departure and arrival points for air shipments between the two countries.

How much is air freight from China to Italy? (Updated March 2024)

Charge weight USD per Kg Transit time(Days)
0-50 kg
50-100 kg USD 6.7 3-4
100-500 kg USD 5.5 3-4
500 kg+ USD 5.2 3-4
  • Air freight shipping from China to Italy is available at an approximate cost of $5-$7 per kg, and the transit time is usually 3-4 days, which is a highly competitive option.

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. Before you use air shipping service from China to Italy, you can consult the shipping carrier or freight forwarder about the different air surcharge fee details.

Rail freight from China to Italy

Rail freight from China to Italy has become a viable and efficient transportation option. The China-Europe Railways network provides a direct, cost-effective alternative to traditional shipping methods. It offers faster transit times than sea freight and is more affordable than air freight. Rail transport is also environmentally friendly. Originating from various Chinese cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Wuhan, the rail routes terminate in Italian cities such as Milan, Venice, or Bologna. Rail freight ensures reliability, security, and the ability to transport various types of cargo. It has become a preferred shipping method for numerous businesses transporting goods from China to Milan, Italy.

How long does rail freight from China to Italy?

  • Rail freight transit time from China to Milan, Italy, typically ranges from 18 to 22 days, whereas sea shipping can take anywhere from 30 to 50 days. Choosing rail freight offers the advantage of being 10 to 15 days faster, providing a more efficient and timely transportation option.

The China-Europe trains usually complete the journey in 15 to 20 days, depending on factors such as distance and customs inspection delays. The railway line traverses China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, and Italy. This well-established rail network enables smoother freight transportation between China and Milan, Italy.

Express freight from China to Italy

  1. DHL Express
    Speed: DHL Express is known for its swift delivery. It typically delivers by the end of the next possible business day.
    Coverage: DHL serves over 220 countries and territories worldwide, including Italy.
    Cost: The rates depend on the package size, weight, and destination.
  2. FedEx Express
    Speed: FedEx offers a balance between speed and cost. It typically delivers within 4-5 business days.
    Coverage: FedEx serves over 190 countries worldwide.
  3. UPS Express
    Speed: UPS is a fast, guaranteed service for less-urgent international items. Transit time varies but is typically 2-5 business days.
    Coverage: UPS ships to various countries, including Italy.
    Advantage: UPS combines speed and reliability.

Door-to-door delivery from China to Italy

We provide door delivery services for international shipments on DAP or DDP terms. There are two main types of door-to-door delivery options: trucking delivery and express-door delivery.

Trucking deliveries involve shipping goods by truck directly from the origin station to the designated address, usually taking around 3-5 days for transit.

Express door delivery is another option. It involves transporting goods from the factory to an overseas warehouse by air or sea and delivering them to your door via Express freight within 1-2 days.

DDP shipping from China to Italy

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is a cost-saving way to ship your shipment, eliminating the need to worry about taxes and duties. It offers multiple options: sea, road, rail, and air DDP shipping from China to Italy. To facilitate the process, you must provide your Chinese shipping agent with the necessary documents, such as a packing list and invoice, before shipping.

NewSmartShip’s DDP shipping service process

DDP (Door-to-door 、D2D) is a popular shipping method from China to Italy. In this method, the consignee receives the shipment directly at their doorstep, free from additional charges.

The consignee is available at the designated delivery address and provides 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 Italy, 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 Italy. For the final delivery, reliable courier services like UPS and DPD will be provided to ensure prompt last-mile safety delivery.

DDP shipping time from China to Italy

  • DDP Air freight: The shipment typically takes 4-5 days to reach Italy.
  • 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 Italy usually takes 30-35 days.

Import customs clearance in Italy

Importing goods into Italy requires compliance with various rules and regulations. While these may appear complex, our customs agent can smoothly handle the process. Your cargo must undergo import customs clearance when the shipment arrives at the seaport, rail terminal, or airport in Italy. This procedure typically takes 1-2 days from arrival. NewSmartShip has a dedicated customs broker in Italy who will handle your import customs declaration to ensure a smooth customs clearance process.

Import customs clearance documents in Italy

The importer or their authorized customs agent is responsible for submitting the following documents to the customs office:

  • Packing List: This document comprehensively lists the imported items, including quantity and name.
  • Commercial Invoice: The commercial invoice should detail the commercial value of the goods in USD.
  • Bill of Lading: This document serves as proof of ownership for goods transported by an ocean carrier, indicating the sender and recipient of the goods.
  • Import License: Import licenses are typically necessary for sensitive products such as controlled items (e.g., arms and ammunition), hazardous materials, animals, etc.

NewSmartShip – Best Freight Forwarder in China

With over 15 years of experience in the shipping industry, we are experts in handling all your shipping needs from China to Italy. Our extensive knowledge and track record of successfully clearing customs for hundreds of shipments every month set us apart.

  1. Commitment to Deadlines: We take pride in meeting deadlines and ensuring a seamless experience for every shipment.
  2. Logistics Expertise: Our team possesses in-depth logistical expertise to optimize your shipping process.
  3. Cost Savings: We offer a range of transport solutions, leveraging different modes of transportation to reduce your overall expenses.
  4. Competitive Rates: Benefit from our high-volume rates for the Chinese market, allowing us to pass on significant savings to you.
  5. Global Coverage: We can provide quality shipping services from China to anywhere in the world

We are here to assist you with any inquiries regarding importing from China to Italy. Please provide your shipment details through our inquiry form to begin the process. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are available and ready to help.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Shipping from China to Italy”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *