As global trade becomes increasingly close, China, as the “world factory”, has increasingly frequent trade with the Eastern European country Bulgaria. Many companies and individuals are exploring how to efficiently and quickly ship goods from China to Bulgaria. This article will introduce in detail the timeliness of shipping from China to Bulgaria.
Overview of China-Bulgaria Trade Relations
The trade relations between China and Bulgaria have continued to deepen in recent years. Bulgaria is located in Eastern Europe. As a member of the European Union, it is an important transit point for Chinese goods to enter the Central and Eastern European market. The main commodities imported by Bulgaria from China include electronic products, machinery and equipment, textiles, furniture, toys and auto parts.
The Process of Shipping from China to Bulgaria
Understanding the transportation process from China to Bulgaria is conducive to mastering the transportation time. No matter which mode of transportation is chosen, the general process is as follows:
Cargo preparation and packaging
Choose appropriate packaging standards (such as pallets, cartons, waterproof membranes) according to the mode of transportation.
Booking space or train
Booking space for sea transportation, arranging parking spaces for railways, and locking flights for air transportation
Customs declaration and export customs clearance
Submit necessary documents, such as commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, MSDS (if any).
Transportation stage
Departure by sea/rail/air. If there is a transfer (especially rail/sea) in the middle, ensure that the information is fully handed over.
Customs clearance at port (Bulgaria)
The customs clearance process may involve VAT and tariff payment. Air transportation is usually assisted by express companies to complete customs clearance.
Delivery to consignee
You can choose to pick up the goods by yourself, collect them at a third-party warehouse, or use local express delivery to deliver to your door.
Key Factors Affecting Shipping Time
- Departure and arrival cities: Inland cities in China need to go to ports or railway distribution centers through inland transportation first, which will extend the time before.
- Seasonal peaks: Shopping seasons such as the Spring Festival, Double 11, and Black Friday will lead to cargo warehouse explosions and customs clearance delays.
- Weather factors: Shipping and flights may be affected by bad weather
- Customs clearance process: Incomplete customs declaration materials, incorrect declarations, etc. will cause customs detention.
- Destination country logistics arrangements: Whether the delivery after arriving in Bulgaria is efficient and whether it involves transshipment also affects the total time efficiency.
- Transportation company efficiency: Professional freight forwarding companies can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Shipping Time from China to Bulgaria
The mode of transportation is the primary factor that determines the transportation time. The three common modes include sea freight, air freight and rail freight, and the transportation time of each mode is different:
Sea Freight Time from China to Bulgaria
Sea transportation is the most common mode of transportation. Sea transportation is usually cheaper, but it takes longer and is suitable for transporting large quantities of goods or heavy items.
The route of goods departing from China will pass through Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and then cross the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean. It usually takes 20-30 days to reach the port in Bulgaria through the Bosphorus Strait
- Varna Port: One of the main ports in Bulgaria, the largest port on the Black Sea coast, suitable for imported goods.
- Burgas Port: Another important port, suitable for bulk goods.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Shipping time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Varna | 20-30 days |
| Shenzhen | Varna | 21-30 days |
| Qingdao | Varna | 22-29 days |
| Ningbo | Varna | 20-28 days |
| Shanghai | Burgas | 20-29 days |
| Shenzhen | Burgas | 21-30 days |
| Qingdao | Burgas | 22-28 days |
| Ningbo | Burgas | 20-30 days |
Air Freight Time from China to Bulgaria
Air transport is the fastest, safest and not prone to loss. It is often used for high-value items or perishables. The flight distance is short but is affected by weather and flight restrictions.
It usually takes 3-7 days to fly from major airports in China to major airports in Bulgaria
- Sofia International Airport: It is the busiest international airport in Bulgaria, handling a large number of international flights.
- Varna Airport: It is located in the Black Sea coastal city of Bulgaria and is an important international airport.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Bulgaria) | Shipping time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong | Sofia | 3-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Sofia | 4-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Sofia | 4-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Varna | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Varna | 4-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Varna | 3-7 days |
Rail Freight Time from China to Bulgaria
Rail transport strikes a balance between speed and cost, and is suitable for medium-volume goods that require a longer transport time but are not suitable for sea transport.
Mainly through the China-Europe Express, starting from Chongqing, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, etc., the train enters Kazakhstan, passes through parts of Russia, enters Europe, and finally enters Bulgaria. It usually takes 15 to 20 days.
- Sofia Railway Station: It is the largest railway hub in Bulgaria and accepts trains from Europe.
- Varna Railway Station: Located in a city on the Black Sea coast, it can also connect to some international trains.
| Departure City(China) | Arrival City(Bulgaria) | Shipping time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | Sofia | 15-19 days |
| Chongqing | Sofia | 15-20 days |
| Xi’an | Sofia | 15-18 days |
| Chengdu | Varna | 16-20 days |
| Chongqing | Varna | 15-18 days |
| Xi’an | Varna | 15-19 days |
Learn more about shipping times from China to other regions in the following articles:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Romania?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Greece?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Turkey
How to Shorten the Shipping Time from China to Bulgaria
Choosing the following strategies will help improve transportation efficiency and shorten the time from China:
Choose the right mode of transportation
Air transportation can be selected for high-value goods and time-sensitive orders; railway or sea transportation can be selected for cost-sensitive orders.
Plan the shipping time in advance
Plan booking in advance to avoid peaks and holidays.
Cooperate with freight forwarders to prepare materials
Accurate invoices, packing lists, and customs declaration documents can speed up customs clearance.
Choose a direct route
Reducing transit nodes means reducing the risk of delays.
Monitor transportation dynamics
Use the logistics tracking system to adjust transportation plans in a timely manner.
Cooperate with professional freight forwarders
The professional team is familiar with the customs clearance rules of China Insurance and can provide door-to-door services, greatly improving time efficiency.
The time span for shipping from China to Bulgaria depends on many factors. By preparing the information in advance and using professional logistics services, you can significantly improve the timeliness and stability and enable the goods to be transported to the destination quickly.