Shipping From China to France
Shipping goods from China to France is a vital part of international trade, and both businesses and individuals can achieve their business goals through efficient logistics services. France is one of the major economies in the European Union and maintains close trade relations with China, so the demand for freight continues to grow. From electronics to household goods to luxury goods, China exports a wide range of goods to France, making the choice of logistics services particularly important.
As an experienced logistics service provider, Ubest Shipping has a deep understanding of the sea, air, rail and customs clearance processes from China to France. We are committed to providing customers with one-stop transportation solutions to ensure that goods can be delivered smoothly from the production site in China to the warehouse in France. Whether you need to transport bulk commodities or time-sensitive air freight, we can provide you with tailor-made services to ensure that your goods arrive at their destination on time and safely.
What can we do when shipping from China to France?
Sea freight FCL from China to France
- Shipping from China to the ports of Marseille, Le Havre and Rouen in France
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to France
- Consolidate multiple shipments into one container
- Competitive freight rates based on cubic meters or tons
- Collect shipments from different suppliers in different cities
Air freight from China to France
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to France
- Quickly respond to market demand and offer competitive air freight prices
- It takes 2 to 5 days to air freight from China to Iraq
Rail transport from China to France
- Through the China-Europe Express, goods can be transported directly from major cities in China to France.
- The time is generally 15 to 20 days, which is faster than sea freight.
- Railway transportation can also choose full container or LCL transportation.
Door to Door Shipping from China to France
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in the France
- Including France customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to France
- Provide one-stop service from China to France warehouse
- DDP service, all tariffs and taxes included, reduce cost risks.
- Flexibly choose the mode of transportation to ensure the fast and safe arrival of goods.
Content Guidelines
Guide to Shipping from China to France
Shipping from China to France requires choosing a suitable mode of transport based on the type of goods, volume, and delivery time. The main modes of transport include sea, air, and rail, each with unique advantages.
Ways to ship from China to France:
- Air freight: This is the fastest mode of transport from China to France, and is ideal for time-sensitive situations. It is particularly suitable for items that need to be delivered quickly, such as fresh food or expensive electronics. Although it is more expensive than other methods, it is chosen for its speed and reliability.
- Sea freight: If you are not in a hurry but need to ship a large amount of goods, sea freight is an affordable option from China to France. Sea freight is slower, but it can handle large quantities of goods, making it the preferred choice for bulk shipments. Delays may occur due to weather or port issues, but sea freight is a reliable and affordable mode of transport.
- Rail freight: Rail transport is a fast and reliable mode of freight connecting China and France, and is particularly suitable for goods that require a balance between timeliness and economy. Through the transportation network of the China-Europe Express, goods can depart from major Chinese cities such as Yiwu, Chengdu, and Chongqing and reach logistics hubs in France, including cities such as Paris and Lyon. Rail transport provides customers with stable transportation time and convenient cross-border services, and is an ideal alternative to sea and air transport.
- Express delivery: Express delivery is a fast and safe mode of transportation, suitable for urgent and small-volume goods. It is faster than sea transportation and can be tracked in real time, but it costs more and has size and weight restrictions. If you want to send important items quickly, this may be your best choice.
- Door-to-door (DDP) service: This is the most worry-free way to transport from China to France. The shipping company will take care of everything from pickup to delivery, including customs procedures. This service gives you peace of mind and convenience, but the cost may be slightly higher.
The first step in shipping from China to France is to choose an experienced freight forwarder, such as Ubest Shipping, who can help you handle the various complex links in international transportation, including document preparation, customs declaration, and logistics planning. In addition, you need to prepare necessary documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
During the shipping process, it is crucial to understand international trade terms (Incoterms), such as FOB (free on board) and DDP (delivery duty paid), which clarify the division of responsibilities between buyers and sellers in transportation costs and risks. Choosing the right shipping service can ensure that your shipment reaches major cities such as Paris, Marseille or Lyon.
Sea Freight from China to France
Sea freight is the preferred mode of transporting large quantities of goods, which is low-cost and suitable for less urgent goods. China’s major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen are closely connected with the French ports of Marseille, Le Havre and Dunkirk, forming an efficient freight network.
Sea freight usually provides two options: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL). FCL is suitable for large quantities of goods, while LCL is suitable for small quantities of goods. Choose 20ft, 40ft or 40HQ containers according to your needs, make rational use of container space and save transportation costs.
In addition, sea freight provides a reliable transportation schedule and can customize logistics solutions according to customer needs. Ubest Shipping is committed to providing efficient and economical sea freight services to ensure that your goods arrive at your French destination on time.
Sea Freight from China to France: FCL vs LCL
How to choose FCL or LCL for sea freight from China to France?
LCL shipping from China to France
- Definition: LCL or Less than Container Load (LCL) is a mode of shipping where your goods will share space with other goods within the same container. This mode of shipping is ideal for goods that are too small to fill an entire container.
- When to use: Choose LCL shipping between China and France if your goods are no larger than 15 CBM (cubic meters). This provides flexibility as it allows you to ship your goods when they are ready, rather than waiting for enough to justify the cost of a full container.
- Example: Let’s say you are a boutique fashion retailer importing unique goods from China to France. Your orders may be irregular and each shipment may not fill a full container. In this case, using LCL shipping allows you to better manage your freight costs and inventory levels.
- Cost impact: With LCL shipping, you only pay for the space your goods take up in the container. However, keep in mind that the per-unit shipping cost may be higher compared to FCL shipping. Still, for smaller or inconsistent shipments, the overall cost and enhanced supply chain flexibility offered by LCL shipping may still make it a more attractive option.
Full Container Load Shipping from China to France
- Definition: FCL or Full Container Load is a unique ocean shipping method where the cargo fills an entire container, usually 20 feet or 40 feet. It is called FCL shipping because it remains sealed and secure from origin to destination.
- When to use: Full Container Load shipping is the ideal shipping method for large shipments, usually over 15 cubic meters. This is because of economies of scale, which make shipping large shipments more cost-effective.
- Example: Let’s say you are shipping a large shipment of electronics from Shanghai to France. Considering the size and value of the shipment, choosing Full Container Load shipping allows your shipment to fit securely in one container, reducing potential loss or damage during transportation.
- Cost Impact: In Full Container Load shipping, you are responsible for the cost of the entire container; therefore, the cost may seem high. However, since the cost per cubic meter is lower, the cost will be lower for larger shipments. Getting a Full Container Load shipping quote is essential to understanding your financial situation. Quotations usually include terminal handling charges at origin and destination, freight charges and possible surcharges depending on the cargo and route.
Major shipping ports in France
Port of Marseille
Location and volume: Located on the southeast coast of France, the Port of Marseille is in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and handles more than 1.2 million TEUs per year.
Major trading partners and strategic importance: Its major trading partners include other Mediterranean countries, North Africa and Asia, especially China. The port is a hub for oil transportation and a strategic link in the global energy sector.
Business context: If the Mediterranean or African markets are at the heart of your growth plans, the Port of Marseille may be an important part of your shipping strategy with its strong connections and infrastructure.
Port of Le Havre
Geographic location and throughput: The Port of Le Havre is the second largest port in France, located in northern France, at the mouth of the Seine River on the right bank of the English Channel, with an annual throughput of approximately 2.3 million TEUs.
Major trading partners and strategic importance: The port maintains important trade links with the Americas, Asia and other parts of Europe, especially in the fields of raw materials, oil, automobiles and container transportation.
Business context: Companies targeting the European and American markets may consider the Port of Le Havre due to its strategic location and diverse trading industries.
Port of Fos-sur-Mer
Location and Volume: Port of Fos-sur-Mer is part of the Marseille-Fos Port Authority and is located in southern France on the Mediterranean coast. It handles more than 1 million TEUs per year.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Fos-sur-Mer has trade relations mainly with European and North African countries. It mainly serves the energy and bulk shipping industries.
Business Background: If your business is mainly involved in the bulk materials or energy sectors, Fos-sur-Mer’s well-developed infrastructure may be helpful.
Port of Dunkirk
Location and Volume: Located in northern France near the Belgian border, the Port of Dunkirk is the third largest port in France with a throughput of nearly 400,000 TEUs per year.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Dunkirk has a diverse range of trading partners, including the United Kingdom, Russia and other European countries.
Business Background: Dunkirk has strong links with major European markets and expertise in bulk and cross-channel shipping, making it a viable option for companies operating in these areas.
Port of Paris
Location and Volume: Located inland from the Seine River, the Port of Paris is the largest inland port in France, transporting more than 20 million tons of cargo annually, mainly construction materials, containers, and other diversified goods.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: It mainly serves the French domestic market and Western European countries.
Business Background: If your strategy involves entering the Paris market or utilizing river transportation in logistics, then the Port of Paris will be an important part of your shipping strategy.
Port of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire
Location and Volume: Located at the mouth of the Loire River in western France, the Port of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire is the largest port on the French Atlantic coast, handling approximately 3,000 vessels annually.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Major trading partners include Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. The port is a major hub for oversized industrial cargoes such as wind turbines and aircraft parts.
Business Background: For businesses dealing with oversized industrial cargoes or targeting the European, African, and South American markets, incorporating the Port of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire into your shipping strategy can be of great benefit.
Air freight from China to France
Air freight is ideal for fast delivery, especially for electronics, clothing and other high-value or time-sensitive goods. From major airports in China (such as Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France, air freight provides a fast freight solution.
Although air freight costs are relatively high, its speed advantage is obvious, usually only 3-7 days to complete the transportation, including customs clearance time. When choosing air freight, both the volumetric weight and the actual weight of the goods need to be calculated, because airlines will charge according to the higher value.
Ubest Shipping provides door-to-door air freight services, including customs clearance and delivery, to ensure that your goods can be delivered safely and quickly to any city in France.
Major international airports in France
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Cargo volume: Charles de Gaulle is France’s largest airport, handling approximately 2.2 million metric tons of cargo in 2019.
Major trading partners: Major freight trading partners include Germany, the United States and China.
Strategic importance: Located near the capital, it connects France to major cities around the world. It is Air France’s main hub with quick exchanges to all continents.
Notable features: The airport has two runways dedicated to cargo, advanced cargo tracking services and a dedicated cargo terminal.
At the service of your business: transport via Charles de Gaulle Airport has both capacity and extensive network connections. Whether you’re transporting high-value goods or perishable food, this airport can easily accommodate your business needs.
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
Cargo volume: Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport handled more than 60,000 metric tons of cargo in 2019.
Major trading partners: Major trading partners include Italy, Switzerland and Belgium.
Strategic importance: It is the fourth largest airport in France and is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, making it an ideal hub for distribution across the continent.
Distinguishing features: The airport has a cargo terminal equipped with modern infrastructure.
For your business: Its central location and strong connections make it ideal for distributing goods across Europe. Affordable options and a cargo terminal open 24/7 provide flexibility for your operations.
Marseille Provence Airport
Cargo volume: In 2019, the airport handled approximately 50,000 metric tons of cargo.
Major trading partners: Major trading partners include Africa, Asia and Europe.
Strategic Importance: The airport is crucial because of its location in France’s second most populous region and its access to numerous Mediterranean markets.
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
Cargo volumes: Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is a significant player in the air cargo sector, handling approximately 57,000 metric tons of cargo in 2019.
Main trading partners: Closely connected to the EU market, especially Spain, Italy and Germany.
Strategic importance: As the heart of the European aerospace industry, it is particularly important for companies in the aerospace or high-tech industries.
Distinctive Features: Extensive infrastructure includes freight terminals dedicated to express freight and postal freight.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Cargo volume: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport handled approximately 11,000 metric tons of air cargo in 2019.
Main trading partners: The main trading partners are Italy, Switzerland and Middle East countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel).
Strategic Importance: As France’s third busiest airport, it is the gateway for businesses to enter the affluent Riviera market.
Notable Features: It has a medium-sized cargo terminal focused on fast and efficient operations.
For your business: For your luxury goods or time-critical deliveries, this could be an ideal option. It offers fast processing and has strong connections with affluent markets.
Rail transport from China to France
Rail transport is a fast and reliable way of transporting goods between China and France, especially suitable for goods that need to balance timeliness and economy. Through the transportation network of China-Europe Express, goods can depart from major cities in China (such as Yiwu, Chengdu and Chongqing) and directly reach logistics hubs in France, including cities such as Paris and Lyon. Rail transport provides customers with stable transportation timeliness and convenient cross-border services, and is an ideal alternative to sea and air transport.
Rail transport takes less time than sea transport, but costs less than air transport, making it an ideal choice for balancing cost and time. It is suitable for medium-volume goods such as machinery and equipment, furniture and electronic products. Rail transport usually provides two modes: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL), and customers can flexibly choose according to their needs.
Ubest Shipping provides comprehensive rail transport services, including cargo tracking, document processing and customs clearance services, to help customers achieve efficient logistics management.
Shipping costs from China to France
Shipping costs from China to France vary greatly depending on whether you choose air, sea, or rail. Air freight costs are usually between $5 and $12 per kg, while sea freight costs between $2,800 and $4,500 for a 20ft container, and rail freight costs between $6,000 and $8,000 for a 40ft container. You can refer to the table below:
| Shipping Mode | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Sea freight LCL (per cubic meter) | $80 – $150 |
| Sea freight FCL (20ft container) | $2,800 to $4,500 |
| Sea freight FCL (40ft container) | $3,550 to $5,550 |
| Rail transport FCL (40ft container) | $6,000 to $8,000 |
| Express Cost (30kg) | $15 per kilogram |
| Air Freight (100kg) | $5 to $12 per kilogram |
Cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to France
The cost of shipping containers from China to France depends on a variety of factors, including the type of FCL you use (20ft, 40ft, 40HQ container) and fluctuating shipping costs in the market. Listed below are the cheapest prices for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) for various goods shipped from major Chinese ports to France.
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to France |
| Shanghai, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3150 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4150 40FT | |
| Ningbo-Zhouhsan, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4350 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4350 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4050 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3450 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4650 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4550 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4850 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3000 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4100 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – France | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4250 40FT |
Air Freight Cost From China To France Per KG
Air freight prices from China to the France are around $5-12 per kilogram.
| Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in France | Estimated Cost (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | $5.0 – $9.5 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | $5.8 – $9.2 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX) | Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) | $5.5 – $9.0 |
| Beijing Capital International (PEK) | Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) | $5.2 – $9.8 |
| Hong Kong International (HKG) | Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS) | $4.9 – $9.8 |
How long does it take to ship from China to France?
Ocean freight from China to France usually takes 25 to 45 days, depending on various factors such as the specific port used, the size and weight of the goods, and the nature of the goods being shipped. Air freight is faster, generally only taking 3 to 7 days.
| Le Havre | Marseille | Bordeaux | Lyon | |
| Shanghai | 28 days | 27 days | 35 days | 32 days |
| Shenzhen | 26 days | 32 days | 28 days | 32 days |
| Guangzhou | 28 days | 34 days | 28 days | 28 days |
| Qingdao | 32 days | 29 days | 34 days | 32 days |
| Tianjin | 36 days | 38 days | 37 days | 35 days |
| Ningbo | 33 days | 35 days | 35 days | 36 days |
| Dalian | 37 days | 39 days | 37 days | 40 days |
Door to Door shipping from China to France
Door to Door shipping from China to France greatly simplifies the entire logistics process, so that customers do not have to worry about the complexity of the intermediate links. Pick up the goods directly from the factory or warehouse in China and transport them to the destination in France by sea, air or rail. The whole process is fully responsible by the logistics company.
Door to door shipping is particularly suitable for cross-border e-commerce and small and medium-sized enterprises. It not only saves time, but also reduces the trouble of multi-party coordination. Ubest Shipping focuses on providing efficient and safe door-to-door transportation services, including the collection, packaging, transportation, customs clearance and final delivery of goods.
Whether you are shipping small quantities of goods or full containers of goods, Ubest Shipping can provide you with customized solutions to ensure that the goods are delivered smoothly to French customers.
When choosing the Door to Door shipping from China to France service, companies can choose between DDU and DDP terms:
- DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid): Under the DDU terms, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s location, but the buyer is responsible for paying import duties, taxes and any other customs-related fees when the goods arrive.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Under DDP terms, the seller bears all costs and risks of shipping the goods, including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance. This option provides a worry-free experience for buyers.
DDP Shipping from China to France
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping is one of the most worry-free options for customers, with the logistics company taking care of all costs in shipping, including customs duties and VAT. This method of shipping allows buyers to not worry about the complexities of the import process and just wait for the goods to arrive.
DDP shipping is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and cross-border e-commerce. It can significantly save time and costs while avoiding the risks of customs clearance. Through DDP services, goods can be easily delivered to any city in France without any additional intervention from the buyer.
Ubest Shipping has rich experience in DDP shipping, providing customers with transparent and reliable services, helping you safely deliver your goods to French customers while optimizing your international supply chain.
DDP shipping process from China to France
- Contract signing: The buyer and the seller confirm the use of DDP terms and sign the contract.
- Shipping Arrangements: Seller selects the appropriate shipping method (such as sea or air) and bears all shipping costs and risks.
- Export customs clearance: The seller handles export customs clearance procedures in China.
- International shipping: Goods are shipped to France by sea or air.
- Import customs clearance: The seller handles import customs clearance in France and pays all duties and VAT.
- Final Delivery: The seller delivers the goods to the final destination specified by the buyer.
Tariffs and customs clearance from China to France
When shipping goods from China to France, understanding the tariffs and customs clearance process is a key step to ensure that the goods arrive smoothly. As a member of the European Union, France has strict tariffs and customs clearance requirements, and cargo owners need to follow relevant regulations to avoid delays or additional costs.
Goods need to be declared at customs upon import and pay the corresponding tariffs and value-added tax (VAT). Tariffs are calculated based on the type of goods and the EU’s unified Harmonized System (HS Code). For example, some ordinary goods may be subject to tariffs of 5%-15%, while tariffs on electronic products or other high-value goods may be higher. In addition, the standard VAT rate in France is 20%, but certain specific goods may enjoy preferential rates.
Customs clearance documents:
- Commercial Invoice: A detailed invoice provided by the seller that lists the value of the goods.
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: Proof of shipment provided by the carrier.
- Packing List: A comprehensive list that details the contents of the goods.
- Certificate of Origin: A document that proves the country of origin of the goods.
- Import License: Certain restricted or regulated items require an import license.
Best Freight Forwarder from China to France
Choosing a professional freight forwarder is essential to ensure smooth transportation. As a leading international logistics company in China, Ubest Shipping provides a full range of freight services from China to France, including sea, air, rail and door-to-door services.
Ubest Shipping has won the trust of customers with its reliable services and rich industry experience. The company has a complete logistics network and can provide tailor-made solutions to meet the needs of different customers. Regardless of the size of your goods or transportation requirements, Ubest Shipping can provide you with cost-effective logistics support.
By choosing Ubest Shipping, you can not only get high-quality services, but also save logistics costs, while ensuring that the goods arrive in France on time and safely.
FAQ: Shipping from China to France
The shipping time from China to France depends on the mode of transportation you choose:
Sea freight: usually takes 25-35 days, depending on the port of departure and the port of destination.
Air freight: generally 5-7 days, including transportation and customs clearance time.
Rail freight: about 15-20 days, suitable for goods that require timeliness and want to save costs.
Almost all types of goods can be shipped from China to France, including electronic products, textiles, furniture, machinery and equipment, and consumer goods. However, some restricted or special licensed goods (such as dangerous goods or high-value goods) need to follow special transportation and customs clearance regulations.
The shipping cost is based on the following factors:
Cargo weight and volume: Air freight is mainly based on billable weight, while sea freight is based on cubic meters.
Mode of transportation: Air freight is more expensive than sea freight, but faster; the cost of rail freight is between the two.
Destination port or address: Different ports or regions may have different additional charges.
French tariffs are determined according to the HS code of the goods, and different categories of goods have different tax rates. In addition, the value-added tax (VAT) is usually 20%, and some goods may enjoy preferential tax rates. Detailed taxes can be checked through French customs or professional logistics companies before transportation.
Ensure the completeness and accuracy of documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and shipping documents. Ubest Shipping provides professional customs clearance services to help you simplify the process and ensure fast customs clearance of goods.
Ubest Shipping provides door-to-door logistics services from China to France, covering pickup, transportation, customs clearance and delivery. We provide customers with customized solutions so that you don’t have to worry about complicated logistics links.
Professional logistics team, familiar with the transportation and customs clearance requirements of China and France.
Provide multiple modes of transportation, including sea, air and rail.
Full logistics tracking and real-time updates to ensure the safe arrival of goods.
Flexible pricing plans to save customers transportation costs.