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Shipping from China to Germany
There are four shipping options available from China to Germany:
Express Air freight
Also referred to as expedited shipping, this approach is perfect when you need your goods to be delivered from China to Germany in a short time. Express air freight service providers consist of DHL, FedEx, TNT, and UPS. Given that the express cost is relatively high, it is appropriate for small - volume cargo such as samples, high - value goods, and items weighing less than 200KG. The door - to - door express air shipping duration is approximately 1 - 5 working days, and the shipping cost fluctuates depending on the type of cargo, seasons, and the express courier chosen.
Standard Air freight
Compared with sea and train freight from China to Germany, this is the second - fastest shipping method. You have the flexibility to choose shipping options such as Port to Port, Door to Door, or any combination based on your specific shipping requirements. Standard air freight is an excellent choice for medium - sized shipments weighing between 100 to 500 KG. These are the shipments that need to be delivered relatively fast, yet not as urgently as those sent via express air. The transit time is approximately 2 - 10 working days, and the cost is determined by factors like the shipping volume, seasons, the airlines you select, and the shipping routes.
Train freight
Since 2010, railway freight from China to Europe has emerged as a novel and widely favored shipping solution. It makes the most of the existing railway network, traversing through Kazakhstan and Russia to reach various European countries. In China, the key rail transport hubs are Xi’an, Hefei, and Chongqing. Meanwhile, in Germany, the destination stations encompass Hamburg, Munich, and Duisburg. When importing goods from China to Germany, you have the convenient option of choosing door-to-door train shipping, which will directly deliver the goods to your address in Germany.
Sea Freight
Sea freight is the cheapest yet slowest shipping option for transporting goods from China to Germany. It is well - suited for shipping large - quantity shipments exceeding 2CBM when there is no time urgency. For shipping to Germany by sea, both FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) options are available. The transit time is approximately 28 - 50 days, which can vary depending on port conditions and the season.
What are the Shipping port from China to Germany
There are numerous shipping ports and various shipping routes available for shipments from China to Germany. The following are the basic shipping ports between the two countries.
China Shipping ports:
Shenzhen Port
Shanghai Port
Ningbo Port
Qingdao Port
Germany Shipping ports:
Hamburg Port
Port of Bremen
Port of Cologne
Duisburg Port.
In addition to the commonly known ones, there are several other ports facilitating shipping between China and Germany. You have the flexibility to select the departure port and the arrival port according to the location of your factory in China and the delivery address in Germany.
Top 10 Best Routes for Sea Shipping from China to Germany
At Shunshunfa LOGISTICS, a Chinese company, we provide a diverse range of route options for shipping containers from China to Germany. The following are the top 10 most popular and busiest shipping routes leading to the major container ports in Germany, which are frequently utilized by exporters and importers from China.
| Origin port in China | Destination port in Germany |
|---|---|
| Port of Shanghai | Port of Bremerhaven |
| Port of Shenzhen | Port of Hamburg |
| Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan | Port of Frankfurt |
| Port of Hong Kong | Port of Bremerhaven |
| Port of Guangzhou | Port of Hamburg |
| Port of Qingdao | Port of Frankfurt |
| Port of Tianjin | Port of Bremerhaven |
| Port of Dalian | Port of Hamburg |
| Port of Xiamen | Port of Frankfurt |
| Port of Yingkou | Port of Bremerhaven |
Shipping Costs from China to Germany (Updated February 2025)
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| LCL (per cubic meter) | $80 – $150 |
| FCL (20ft container) | $2,850 to $4,250 |
| FCL (40ft container) | $3,250 to $5,850 |
| Express Cost (50kg) | $13 per kilogram |
| Air Freight (100kg) | $5 to $12 per kilogram |
How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container from China to Germany, The average cost of shipping a 20-foot container from China to Germany falls within the range of $2850 to $4250. The shipping duration for a 20-foot container transported from China to Germany varies, contingent upon the specific shipping route chosen.
How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from China to Germany, The average cost of shipping a 40-foot container from China to Germany is in the range of $3250 to $5850. The time it takes to ship a 40-foot container from China to Germany differs according to the selected shipping route.
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container from China to Germany
These represent the average costs for shipping a container from China to Germany. They are the most affordable rates for the loading and transportation of both 20-foot and 40-foot containers (FCL) from the main ports in China to Germany. These rates apply to all kinds of cargo, including commercial goods, vehicles, and personal belongings in international shipments originating from China and destined for Germany.
| Container shipping service from China to Germany | Type of container | Ocean freight rates from China to Germany: |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $4050 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3550 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3550 20FT average price from: $4550 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to Germany. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4250 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3550 20FT average price from: $4650 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3250 20FT average price from: $4550 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3650 20FT average price from: $5050 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3250 20FT average price from: $4550 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to Germany | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $3350 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
Express shipping price per kilogram from China to Germany
Generally speaking, express delivery is the most expensive and fastest mode of transport to Germany, allowing you to quickly deliver parcels weighing up to 300 kg per shipment; please see below for reference the per kg express delivery cost from China to Germany on December 24, 2023.
Express Air freight per kilogram:
| Carrier | Weight | Price Range(USD) | Weight | Price Range(USD) | Weight | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | ≥21kgs | 8.7-9.8 | ≥69kgs | 6.8-8.3 | ≥100kgs | 6.9-7.8 |
| UPS | ≥21kgs | 8.5-10.2 | ≥69kgs | 7.0-8.5 | ≥100kgs | 7.2-8.4 |
| DHL | ≥21kgs | 8.9-10.8 | ≥69kgs | 7.2-8.9 | ≥100kgs | 7.5-8.8 |
Air freight rates from China to Germany
Generally speaking, standard air freight offers a port - to - port service. If your shipment exceeds 300 kg, the cost will be more cost - effective. The minimum chargeable weight for standard air freight service is 45 kg. Moreover, the precise shipping cost varies depending on the shipping route. The direct shipping route to Germany is more expensive, while the indirect shipping route is significantly cheaper but has a longer delivery time. For your reference, please check the following standard air freight cost per kilogram from China to Germany in December 2024.
Standard Air freight per kilogram
| Port of Origin | City | Weight | Price (USD) | Weight | Price (USD) | Weight | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen/Shanghai/Ningob | Cologne | ≥45kgs | 6.5-7.9 | ≥100kgs | 5.5-6.9 | ≥300kgs | 5.2-6.8 |
| Hamburg | ≥45kgs | 6.4-7.6 | ≥100kgs | 5.2-6.8 | ≥300kgs | 5.0-7.4 | |
| Munich | ≥45kgs | 6.8-8.3 | ≥100kgs | 5.8-7.5 | ≥300kgs | 5.5-6.8 | |
| Frankfurt | ≥45kgs | 6.2-7.5 | ≥100kgs | 5.4-7.2 | ≥300kgs | 5.2-7.0 |
Railway shipping cost from China to Germany
When compared to Express Air shipping and Standard Air freight, Railway transport proves to be substantially cheaper and more cost-efficient. This mode of transportation is particularly suitable when you are shipping large quantities of goods and do not wish to endure a long waiting period similar to that of sea freight. For your reference, please review the following railway freight charges per kilogram from China to Germany as of 24 December 2023. It is important to note that the cost per kilogram for train freight encompasses import customs clearance fees and duties. Consequently, all you need to do is receive the goods at your doorstep.
Railway freight per KG
| City | Weight | Price Range(USD) | Weight | Price Range(USD) | Weight | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | ≥21kgs | 1.9-4.5 | ≥100kgs | 1.7-2.8 | ≥300kgs | 1.5-2.5 |
| Munich | ≥21kgs | 1.9-4.5 | ≥100kgs | 1.7-2.8 | ≥300kgs | 1.5-2.5 |
| Frankfurt | ≥21kgs | 1.9-4.5 | ≥100kgs | 1.7-2.8 | ≥300kgs | 1.5-2.5 |
Shipping time from China to Germany
The duration of shipping from China to Germany differs according to the chosen shipping method, the port of departure, and the port of arrival. The following is the reference shipping time provided for your reference.
Express Shipping takes about 1-5 work days for door-to-door delivery. The speed of Express Air is fast, but the cost is also the highest.
Standard air freight It takes approximately 3 to 10 working days, which depends on the volume of the cargo and the shipping route you select. Shipping through direct air freight is quicker and may only take two days. On the other hand, shipping via indirect air freight might take up to a week. In the case that you choose door-to-door shipping, the time span will be 6 to 14 days.
Train freight The transit time for train freight from the starting station to the destination station is approximately 16 days. For door-to-door shipping by rail, the overall transit time is around 28 to 40 days. This duration encompasses activities such as container loading and unloading, handling import customs clearance and duties, as well as the final stage of delivery to the end location.
Sea freight, Less than Container Load (LCL) is significantly more cost-effective than Full Container Load (FCL), yet it requires more time for cargo transportation. The port-to-port shipping time for LCL freight typically ranges from 28 to 40 days. Here is information regarding the average transit time, sailing schedule, and vessel arrangements for shipping containers from the major ports in China to Germany.
| Port of origin | Port of destination | Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Shanghai | Port of Bremerhaven | 35 |
| Port of Shenzhen | Port of Frankfurt | 40 |
| Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan | Port of Hamburg | 38 |
| Port of Hong Kong | Port of Bremerhaven | 39 |
| Port of Guangzhou | Port of Frankfurt | 40 |
| Port of Qingdao | Port of Hamburg | 42 |
| Port of Tianjin | Port of Bremerhaven | 42 |
| Port of Dalian | Port of Frankfurt | 37 |
| Port of Xiamen | Port of Hamburg | 40 |
| Port of Yingkou | Port of Bremerhaven | 35 |
If you go for door-to-door shipping, the duration can take 40-48 days.
When is the Best Time to Ship From China to Germany
When importing goods from China, freight charges are profoundly affected by the season. In the periods of seasonal peaks, due to the fact that the market demand surpasses the supply, shipping costs soar significantly. Even with reduced service offerings, shipping companies tend to raise their fees when faced with strong demand. When planning your shipment, it is essential to take into account these factors that can have a substantial impact on freight rates. Thus, it is advisable to attempt to avoid shipping from China during the following time frames.
Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year takes place from late January to early February.
Chinese national holiday starts every October 1st and continues for an entire week.
Dragon Boat Festival: There may be better times to schedule your shipments than the traditional Chinese holiday. This holiday takes place every June; the dates follow the 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar.
An early booking is crucial if you don’t want to get caught up with the surges during peak seasons.
Door To Door Shipping From China To Germany
Definition
As its name clearly indicates, door-to-door service pertains to a comprehensive logistics offering that spans from the shipper's doorstep or specified location in China all the way to the consignee's doorstep or designated location in Germany. Irrespective of whether the chosen mode of transportation is air, sea, or rail, this door-to-door service guarantees that the goods can directly arrive at their ultimate destination, thereby ensuring a seamless and unbroken connection throughout the entire shipping process.
What Are The Ways Of Door-To-Door Shipping From China To Germany
Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU): Under the Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) terms, the seller undertakes the obligation of transporting the goods to Germany. However, upon the arrival of the goods, it is the buyer who bears the responsibility for paying the duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. Opting for this term can enable the seller to save certain costs. Nevertheless, it necessitates that the buyer handle the local customs procedures and manage the associated additional expenses.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): DDP is a hassle-free option where the seller is solely responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s doorstep, including all duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. This method ensures a seamless and stress-free experience for the buyer, as all costs and responsibilities are borne by the seller.
LCL (Less than Container Load) Door-to-Door: For shipments of relatively small size that don't require filling an entire container, the Less than Container Load (LCL) door-to-door service presents a cost-effective choice. With this approach, numerous smaller consignments are combined and loaded into a single container. This consolidation not only cuts down on expenses but also guarantees that the goods are delivered to the ultimate destination in an efficient manner.
FCL (Full Container Load) Door-to-Door: For substantial shipments that are of sufficient volume to fill an entire container, the Full Container Load (FCL) door-to-door service brings forth the benefits of enhanced security and higher efficiency. Once the container is loaded at the point of origin, it is sealed. This seal remains intact until the container arrives at its destination. By doing so, it significantly reduces the frequency of handling during transit, thereby minimizing the potential risks of damage to the goods inside.
Air Freight Door-to-Door: For urgent and high-value shipments, the door-to-door air freight service ensures the fastest delivery. This approach guarantees that the goods will be picked up from the shipper, transported by air to the destination country, cleared through customs, and delivered directly to the recipient's address.
The price of door-to-door shipping from China to Germany is mainly affected by the following factors:
Cargo weight and volume: Generally speaking, the heavier and bulkier the goods are, the higher the transportation fees will be. Therefore, when customers select a mode of transportation, they need to choose a suitable one according to the specific situation of their goods.
Mode of transportation: Different modes of transportation (such as air transport, sea transport, rail transport, etc.) have different prices. Air transport is fast, but the cost is relatively high. On the other hand, sea transport is comparatively inexpensive, yet it takes a longer time. Customers can select an appropriate mode of transportation according to their own needs.
Destination and place of shipment: The transportation distances between different destinations and places of dispatch vary, and so do the prices. Generally speaking, the greater the distance, the higher the price.
DDP Shipping From China To Germany
Definition
Delivered Duty Paid, abbreviated as DDP, refers to the situation where the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the destination with all duties paid. In the context of this logistics approach for shipments from the origin in China to the destination in Germany, the seller assumes all costs and risks involved. These costs encompass, but are not limited to, transportation expenses, insurance charges, customs clearance fees, import tariffs, and value-added tax (VAT). As a result, the buyer simply needs to take receipt of the goods at the destination location without having to bear any additional financial burdens.
DDP Shipping from China
Door to Door (DDP) Air Freight Costs per Kg from China to Germany table.
| Origin (China) | Destination (Germany) | Product Type | +100 kg Price (USD/kg) | +300 kg Price (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Berlin | General Goods | $10 | $9 |
| Shanghai | Munich | General Goods | $10.50 | $9.50 |
| Guangzhou | Frankfurt | General Goods | $11 | $9 |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | General Goods | $11.50 | $9.50 |
| Chengdu | Cologne | General Goods | $12 | $10 |
| Beijing | Berlin | DGR Goods | $12 | $10 |
| Shanghai | Munich | DGR Goods | $11.50 | $9.50 |
| Guangzhou | Frankfurt | DGR Goods | $11 | $9 |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | DGR Goods | $10.50 | $8.50 |
| Chengdu | Cologne | DGR Goods | $10 | $8 |
Customs clearance documents for importing from China to Germany
When importing from China to Germany, the following requirements must be met: present a commercial invoice translated into English and a detailed packing list. The packing list must clearly indicate details such as quantity, product type, and shipping location. Subsequently, the following documents should be provided to the German Customs:
Goods imported from China must have the following documents:
Bill of Lading Manifest: This is utilized for import procedures, goods release, and tax - related matters.
German tax identification number: It is essential for various tax - related formalities during the import process.
Tariff subheadings and location of goods: These details are crucial for accurate customs classification and determination of duties.
Register as an importer in Germany: A necessary step to legally import goods into the country.
German customs value declaration: Required to declare the value of the imported goods for customs assessment.
Germany debt free: Ensuring that there are no outstanding debts in Germany related to the import or the business.
Transfer inventory from China to Germany (simple copy): A copy of the inventory transfer document which helps in tracking the goods being imported.
If having a trade or company patent in Germany, it must be demonstrated that you are committed to importing from China. This shows the connection between the German - based business rights and the import activities from China.
China Phytosanitary Export Certificate (Simplified Copy): Needed to ensure that the goods meet phytosanitary requirements in Germany. Demonstrate Germany’s economic solvency: This might be required to show the financial ability to handle the import transactions.
Develop the terms of an Incoterms import agreement: To clearly define the responsibilities, risks, and costs between the buyer and the seller in the import process.
Find a good customs broker in Germany: A reliable customs broker can simplify the complex import customs clearance procedures.
Original bill of lading, sea waybill or air waybill from the shipping ompany: These are important documents for the transfer of goods and proof of shipment.
Packing list: It details the contents, quantity, and packaging of the goods being imported.
Commercial invoice: This document states the details of the transaction, including the price, quantity, and description of the goods.
China Joint Certificate of Production Value and Origin (CCVO): It provides information about the value and origin of the goods, which is useful for customs and trade - related purposes.
A letter of authorization authorizing your customs broker to handle import customs clearance for you in Germany: This gives the customs broker the legal right to act on your behalf during the customs clearance process.
Best Freight Forwarder from China to Germany
Choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial to successfully transporting goods. Here are the key factors to consider when making this important decision.
Qualifications and expertise
A proficient freight forwarder is expected to possess in - depth knowledge and rich experience in the art of goods transportation. They should be thoroughly familiar with international regulations, leaving no room for error in understanding and abiding by them. Moreover, a remarkable track record of successfully handling goods is a must. This comprehensive expertise equips them to handle your goods with utmost care, ensuring strict compliance with all relevant rules. As a result, the potential risks during transportation, such as delays, damages, or customs issues, are significantly reduced, providing you with peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
Service scope and network coverage
A suitable freight forwarder is expected to offer an all - encompassing spectrum of services tailored to meet the specific requirements of the client. This encompasses not merely the transportation of goods but also services such as customs clearance, warehousing, and insurance coverage. Moreover, an extensive global network of partners and agents is indispensable for ensuring efficient conveyance of goods and punctual delivery.
Safety Record and Reputation
When choosing a freight forwarder, it is important to investigate their safety record and industry reputation. Reviews and testimonials from past clients can provide insight into their reliability and professionalism.
Shunshunfa is dedicated to providing highly professional, cost - effective, and high - quality one - stop international logistics services to global traders. Our proficient capabilities in the transportation of goods, comprehensive service portfolio, and unwavering commitment to safety render us an ideal collaborator for fulfilling your freight requirements. By choosing our services, you can ensure the secure and efficient conveyance of your goods.
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