Driven by the dual forces of globalization and regional economic integration, as a manufacturing hub in Central and Eastern Europe and a gateway to the European Union, the Czech Republic’s annual demand growth rate for Chinese exports has remained above 8%.
The China-Czech transport channel is not only a path for the flow of goods, but also a nerve center connecting the two major economies of Asia and Europe. This article will introduce the logistics of transporting from China to the Czech Republic in detail.
How to Ship from China to Czech Republic
Cargo preparation
Before shipping, the goods must be properly packaged and clearly labeled to ensure that the goods are not damaged during long-distance transportation. The label content should comply with the standards and language habits of the destination country.
Customs clearance process
The documents required for Chinese exports include
- Invoice
- Packing list
- Contract
- Customs declaration
- Export license (if special goods are involved).
As a member of the European Union, the Czech Republic requires companies to have a valid EORI number for import declarations, and a value-added tax (VAT) number should be provided for B2B transactions. Using an experienced customs broker can help improve customs clearance efficiency and reduce risks.
Find the right mode of transportation
There are three main modes of transportation for transporting goods from China to the Czech Republic: air, sea and rail.
Customs clearance and delivery
The Czech Republic has a mature customs clearance service network, and import taxes and tariffs are crucial. These fees depend on the product category and its corresponding Harmonized System (HS) code. As a member of the European Union, the Czech Republic applies Value Added Tax (VAT), with a standard rate of 21%
There are large freight distribution centers in Prague, Ostrava and other places. The nationwide distribution service network enables fast delivery to end customers.
Shipping Methods from China to Czech Republic
The transportation network between China and the Czech Republic is becoming more and more complete, covering multiple forms of sea, rail and air transport. Each mode has its own advantages to meet the needs of different types of goods and customers.
Ocean Freight
Ocean freight has a low cost and is the most economical mode of transportation. It has a large volume and is suitable for bulk shipments.
The routes are mature and there are many service providers, but there are many transits and the operation process is complicated, which is easily affected by weather, port congestion, etc. There are mainly two types of service options
- FCL; the cargo volume can fill a 20-foot or 40-foot container, with faster transportation time, lower unit cost and higher security.
- LCL: A cost-effective solution with a small cargo volume and does not require a whole container, mixed with other cargo.
Air Freight
Air freight has the fastest transportation speed, usually 3-7 days to reach high security, suitable for sensitive goods, high customs clearance efficiency, simple procedures, but the cost is the highest, the price fluctuates greatly, the cargo size and weight are limited, and the capacity is greatly affected by flight arrangements.
Rail Freight
Railway transportation is fast, usually between 15-20 days, with moderate costs, higher than sea transportation and lower than air transportation. It can directly reach inland cities in Central Europe without the need for sea transportation transit. Its stability is improving year by year. The government supports it strongly, but the train resources are limited. It needs to be booked in advance during the peak season. Changes in the international situation (such as war, sanctions) may affect the route
Shipping Cost from China to Czech Republic
Shipping prices from China to the Czech Republic have been fluctuating significantly, especially in the wake of the pandemic and the Red Sea crisis. Shipping costs are a critical and sometimes sizable component of the total landed cost of imported goods.
Shipping rates are dynamic and are affected by factors such as seasonality, capacity availability, fuel price fluctuations, carrier strategy adjustments, and broader commercial and environmental considerations. These numerous and often changing variables make it challenging to provide fixed shipping cost estimates.
Sea Freight Cost from China to Czech Republic
Sea transportation is mainly transited to nearby ports (such as Hamburg, Germany, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands). Then transported to the Czech Republic, LCL charges are usually calculated based on the volume of the goods, while FCL charges are usually calculated based on the size of the container.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL shipping cost | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Hamburg | $85-$160 | $2050-$3050 | $3000-$4900 |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | $70-$145 | $1900-$2900 | $3050-$4850 |
| Qingdao | Hamburg | $90-$140 | $1950-$2950 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Hamburg | $85-$150 | $2000-$3000 | $3150-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Rotterdam | $70-$145 | $1950-$2850 | $3050-$4700 |
| Shenzhen | Rotterdam | $80-$155 | $1800-$2800 | $3100-$4800 |
| Qingdao | Rotterdam | $90-$165 | $2050-$2950 | $3050-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Rotterdam | $85-$145 | $2000-$2950 | $2950-$4850 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Czech Republic
Air freight is usually calculated based on volumetric weight (volume compared to weight) or the actual weight of the shipment. Costs are calculated based on the greater of the volumetric weight or actual weight.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Czech Republic) | Cost Per KG (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong | Prague | $5.80 – $10.50 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Prague | $6.00 – $11.60 |
| Beijing Capital | Prague | $5.90 – $10.40 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Brno | $5.70 – $9.70 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Brno | $5.80 – $9.20 |
| Beijing Capital | Brno | $6.00 – $11.50 |
Rail Freight Cost from China to Czech Republic
Railway transportation has become another cost-effective option from China to the Czech Republic, especially for large quantities of goods that do not need to arrive quickly. The cost is between sea and air freight.
| Departure City(China) | Arrival City(Czech Republic) | LCL Shipping Cost | FCL Shipping Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | Prague | $150 – $250 / CBM | $5500-$6500 /40FT |
| Chongqing | Prague | $160 – $230 / CBM | $5600-$6700 /40FT |
| Xi’an | Prague | $170 – $240 / CBM | $5500-$6800 /40FT |
| Chengdu | Brno | $180 – $250 / CBM | $5800-$6700 /40FT |
| Chongqing | Brno | $160 – $230 / CBM | $5600-$6700 /40FT |
| Xi’an | Brno | $180 – $250 / CBM | $5500-$6500 /40FT |
Refer to the following shipping costs from China to other countries:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Austria?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Germany?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Poland?
Shipping Time from China to Czech Republic
The shipping time from China to Czech Republic depends on the chosen mode of shipping. Actual shipping time may fluctuate depending on factors such as departure/arrival terminals, specific services and routes, weather conditions and congestion.
Sea Freight Time from China to Czech Republic
Usually departing from ports such as Shanghai and Ningbo, it arrives at European hub ports such as Hamburg or Rotterdam via the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal, and then transported to the Czech Republic by rail. The whole journey takes about 30-35 days
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Shipping time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Hamburg | 25-33 days |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | 25-32 days |
| Ningbo | Hamburg | 28-34 days |
| Shanghai | Rotterdam | 25-32 days |
| Shenzhen | Rotterdam | 27-33 days |
| Ningbo | Rotterdam | 25-32 days |
Air Freight Time from China to Czech Republic
Generally, it takes 3-7 days to ship from Shanghai, Guangzhou or Beijing airport via Frankfurt or Prague International Airport.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Czech Republic) | Shipping time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong | Prague | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Prague | 4-6 days |
| Beijing Capital | Prague | 4-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Brno | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Brno | 5-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Brno | 3-7 days |
Rail Freight Time from China to Czech Republic
The China-Europe Express provides an efficient land route for transportation between China and the Czech Republic. The train passes through Kazakhstan, Russia, and Poland, and finally arrives in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The average transportation time is 15 to 18 days.
| Departure City(China) | Arrival City(Czech Republic) | Shipping time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | Prague | 14-19 days |
| Chongqing | Prague | 14-18 days |
| Xi’an | Prague | 15-18 days |
| Chengdu | Brno | 15-20 days |
| Chongqing | Brno | 14-18 days |
| Xi’an | Brno | 15-18 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 Austria?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Poland?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Germany?
Door-to-door Shipping from China to Czech Republic.
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Reasons to Choose Ubestshipping
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Proficient in multiple modes of transportation
Providing a full range of transportation services, from air to sea and even rail transportation, ensures that you get the best option for your specific needs. Whether you need a full container (FCL) or a less than container (LCL), Hongyun can provide cost-effective and reliable solutions.
Transparent and competitive pricing
With good relationships with carriers, we ensure the best prices and provide a transparent pricing model with no hidden fees. Our services include freight and tariff cost estimates to help you manage your transportation budget efficiently.
Seamless customs clearance
Customs procedures can be very complicated, and we can ensure that the customs clearance process in China and the Czech Republic is easy and convenient. We assist you with all the necessary documents and compliance procedures, thereby reducing delays and minimizing the risk of additional costs.
End-to-end tracking
With advanced tracking systems, you can monitor the entire journey of your shipment from origin to destination. We provide real-time updates to keep you informed of the status of your shipment, ensuring peace of mind throughout the entire transportation process.
Specialized solutions for different commodities
Whether you are importing electronics, textiles or mechanical equipment, we customize services based on the nature of the goods to ensure safe and compliant transportation. In addition, we also provide special handling, such as temperature control for perishable goods.
As an important link between the Asian and European economies, China-Czech transport is showing unprecedented vitality and potential. Through this article, you can learn the details of transportation between the two countries to help your trade go smoothly.