Complete Guide to Shipping from China to Italy

Italy offers three primary shipping options from China:  

Air Freight: Fastest (3–7 days) but most expensive ($8–20/kg). Ideal for high-value, perishable, or urgent goods.  

Sea Freight: Most cost-effective (30–55 days, $3,050–$5,850/container). Best for bulk shipments and non-time-sensitive cargo.  

Rail Freight: Balanced option (15–20 days, ~40% cheaper than air). Suitable for medium-value goods requiring faster transit than sea.  

Air Freight Details

Key Features:  

- Direct flights connect Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou to Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO).  

- Express air services (e.g., UPS/FedEx) reduce documentation time.  

- Weight-based billing: Chargeable weight = max(actual weight, volumetric weight).  

Cost Drivers:  

- Base rate: $8–20/kg  

- Surcharges: Fuel (+8–20%), security screening ($0.3/kg), hazardous cargo fees.  

- Example: 100kg shipment ≈ $1,150 (7-day transit).  

Restrictions:  

- Aircraft size limits oversized cargo.  

- Prohibited items: Certain batteries, flammable materials.  

Sea Freight Breakdown

Port Pairings:  

- Top Chinese Ports: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo-Zhoushan.  

- Italian Ports: Genoa (2M+ TEU/year), Gioia Tauro, La Spezia.  

Container Options:  

- FCL (Full Container Load):  

- Cost-effective for ≥12 pallets (40ft) or ≥6 pallets (20ft).  

- Minimizes handling; ideal for fragile/urgent goods.  

- LCL (Less-than-Container Load):  

- Economical for small shipments (1–5 pallets).  

- Adds 7–10 days for consolidation.  

2024 Pricing (Port-to-Port):  

Specialized Services:  

- Refrigerated containers: +$1,200/40ft.  

- Open-top/flat racks for oversized cargo: +15–25% base rate.  

Rail Freight Insights  

Transit Route:  

China → Kazakhstan → Russia → Belarus → Poland → Milan Hub → Southern Italy.  

2024 Costs:  

- FCL: $4,000–6,000/container  

- LCL: ~$3/kg (including customs)  

Advantages:  

- Eco-friendly: 75% lower CO₂ emissions vs. air freight.  

- Temperature-controlled options for pharmaceuticals/food.  

Limitations:  

- No hazardous goods (e.g., explosives).  

- Limited service coverage in Southern Italy.  

Customs Clearance Essentials  

Required Documents:  

1. Commercial invoice (CN/YUAN and EUR values)  

2. Packing list with HS codes  

3. Certificate of Origin  

4. Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill  

5. CE certification for electronics/machinery  

DDP Option:  

- Door-to-door delivery with duties prepaid.  

- Average VAT: 22% (Italy) + 13% Chinese export tax.  

- Recommended for Amazon FBA sellers.  

Cost-Saving Strategies  

For SMEs:  

- Combine LCL sea freight with rail for 18% cost reduction.  

- Use Shenzhen/Yiwu warehouses for last-mile EU trucking.  

For Bulk Shippers:  

- Negotiate FAK rates (Freight All Kinds) with carriers.  

- Book quarterly FCL slots for 5–8% volume discounts.  

Seasonal Tips:  

- Avoid Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) and EU holidays for 30% faster processing.  

- Q4 surcharges: Add 12–15% buffer for peak-season rates.  

Recommended Ports/Airports  

China Main Hubs:  

- Rail: Chengdu (West), Wuhan (Central), Yiwu (East).  

- Air: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN).  

Italy’s Key Entry Points:  

- Genoa Port: 34-day transit from Shanghai; handles 45% of China-Italy sea cargo.  

- Malpensa Airport: Processes 680,000+ tons/year; 24/7 cold chain facilities.  

Freight Forwarder Selection  

Why Use shunshunfa Logistics?  

- Free services: Pickup, palletizing, 30-day storage.  

- Real-time tracking via GPS/blockchain.  

- 12% lower rates through carrier partnerships.  

Critical Support:  

- Insurance: 0.8% cargo value (vs. industry-standard 1.2%).  

- Amazon FBA prep: Labeling, repackaging, and ISTA-6 testing.  

Transit Time Comparison  

Pro Tips

The above data is not real-time information and is different from the actual situation. It is recommended to contact us to obtain the latest data quotation.