Shipping from China to Germany
Germany is one of the largest economic centers in Europe, importing a large number of goods such as electronic products, mechanical equipment, and consumer goods from China every year. The demand for cargo transportation from China to Germany is growing. Whether by sea, air or rail, shipping goods from China to Germany requires a reliable and efficient logistics partner to ensure that the goods arrive safely and on time.
Ubest Shipping provides one-stop logistics services from China to Germany, including full container load (FCL), less than container load (LCL), air freight and door-to-door services. We not only help customers optimize transportation costs, but also ensure that the goods are delivered safely and on time. From major cities and ports in China (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen) to Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, we meet the different needs of customers with professional and efficient services.
What can we do when shipping from China to Germany?
Sea freight FCL from China to Germany
- Shipping from China to Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich in Germany
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to Germany
- 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 Germany
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to Germany
- 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 Germany
- Through the China-Europe Express, goods can be transported directly from major cities in China to Germany.
- 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 Germany
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in Germany
- Including Germany customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to Germany
- Provide one-stop service from China to Germany 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 Germany
Shipping from China to Germany is an international logistics process involving multiple links, including cargo packaging, selecting a mode of transport, customs clearance, and destination delivery. Choosing the right mode of transport has a crucial impact on the cost and efficiency of the entire process. Common modes of transport include sea, air, and rail, each of which has its own specific advantages and applicable scenarios.
Before shipping goods, it is key to ensure that all necessary documents are complete. For example, documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin are important documents for customs clearance. In addition, you need to understand Germany’s import tax rates and customs clearance requirements, especially for sensitive goods, such as food, chemicals, or high-tech products.
For customers who want to save time and simplify the process, working with a professional freight forwarding company is a wise choice. Ubest Shipping can provide you with a one-stop service from cargo pickup, warehousing to destination delivery. In addition, using a mature logistics management system, you can also track the status of the goods in real time to ensure that the goods are delivered to the destination safely and on time.
What are the shipping methods from China to Germany?
Sea freight: Ocean freight is an affordable option from China to Germany if you are not in a hurry but need to ship a large amount of goods. Ocean freight is slower but can handle large quantities of goods and is the preferred choice for bulk shipments. Delays may occur due to weather or port issues, but ocean freight is a reliable and affordable mode of transportation.
Air freight: This is the fastest mode of transportation from China to Germany 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.
Rail freight: Rail freight is a fast and reliable way to connect China and Germany, especially for goods that need to balance 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 go directly to German logistics hubs such as Hamburg and Duisburg. Rail transportation provides customers with stable transportation timeliness and convenient cross-border services, and is an ideal alternative to ocean and air freight.
Express delivery: Express delivery is a fast and safe mode of transportation suitable for urgent and small quantities of goods. It is faster than ocean freight and can be tracked in real time, but it costs more and has size and weight restrictions. If you want to send an important item quickly, this may be your best option.
Door-to-Door (DDP) service: This is the most worry-free way to ship from China to Germany. The shipping company will take care of everything from pickup to delivery, including customs formalities. This service gives you peace of mind and convenience, but the cost may be slightly higher.
Sea Freight from China to Germany
Sea freight is the most cost-effective mode of transport from China to Germany, especially for bulk goods or larger goods. With sea freight, customers can choose between full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) shipping. FCL shipping is suitable for customers with larger volumes, while LCL is suitable for customers with smaller volumes who wish to share shipping costs with other shippers.
Germany has several world-class ports, such as Hamburg, Bremen and Wilhelmshaven, which are equipped with modern facilities to quickly handle customs clearance and transshipment of bulk goods. Ubest Shipping provides a full range of sea freight services from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao) to major ports in Germany, ensuring efficient and safe delivery of goods.
When planning sea freight, transportation time is a factor that needs special consideration. Generally speaking, the sea freight time from China to Germany is 30-45 days, depending on the selected route and whether transshipment is required in the middle. Therefore, sea freight is the best choice for goods with lower timeliness requirements. In addition, customers can also choose additional services such as cargo insurance, packaging services and warehousing solutions according to their needs.
To simplify the entire shipping process, professional freight forwarding companies will assist customers in handling all logistics aspects, including cargo loading and unloading, document preparation and customs clearance services. Ubest Shipping also provides flexible service customization options to help customers optimize transportation costs while improving logistics efficiency.
Major ports in Germany
Port of Hamburg
The largest port in Germany, the third busiest port in Europe (after Rotterdam and Antwerp), an important shipping hub connecting China and Europe. Suitable for bulk cargo transportation, with advanced container handling facilities.
Port of Bremen
The second largest port in Germany, the fourth busiest seaport in Europe, mainly serves the logistics needs of the northern region.
Port of Wilhelmshaven
The only deep-water port in Germany, suitable for ultra-large ships to dock.
Air Freight from China to Germany
Air freight is a fast but relatively expensive mode of transport suitable for high-value, time-sensitive goods. For example, electronic products, fashion goods and urgent orders are often shipped by air. There are high-frequency flights from major airports in China (such as Shanghai Pudong Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Beijing Capital Airport) to Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport and Leipzig Airport in Germany.
The transit time of air freight is generally 3-7 days, depending on flight arrangements, customs clearance efficiency and delivery distance of the destination. Compared with sea freight, the advantage of air freight is that it greatly shortens the transportation time and reduces the risk of goods in transit.
In order to ensure that the goods pass customs clearance smoothly, customers need to provide accurate cargo information, including product name, weight, volume and declared value. Customs clearance documents such as commercial invoice, packing list and air waybill must be complete and correct to avoid delays. Ubest Shipping has rich experience in air freight and can provide customers with professional document preparation and customs clearance guidance services.
In addition, the cost of air freight is related to the actual weight or volume weight of the goods (the higher of the two), so when packing the goods, you should try to optimize the packaging method to reduce unnecessary volume waste. By cooperating with an experienced freight forwarding company, customers can enjoy more favorable air freight prices and reliable service experience.
Major international airports in Germany
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Germany’s largest international airport and one of Europe’s aviation hubs.
It is suitable for air transport of high-value, time-sensitive goods, with high flight density and fast customs clearance efficiency.
Munich Airport (MUC)
Germany’s second largest airport, an important airport in southern Germany, and ninth in Europe.
More than one-third of air cargo is handled by Munich Airport.
Many airlines offer direct flights from China to Munich.
Other airports include:
Düsseldorf (IATA CODE: DUS)
Hamburg (IATA CODE: HAM)
Railway Freight from China to Germany
Railway transport is an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport from China to Germany, especially for customers who want to find a balance between speed and cost. The China-Europe Railway Express connects several major cities in China (such as Yiwu, Chengdu, Chongqing) and logistics hubs in Germany such as Hamburg and Duisburg, providing customers with fast and stable transportation solutions.
The time limit for railway transport is generally 15-20 days, which is twice as fast as sea transport, but the cost is much lower than air transport. Goods suitable for rail transport include household appliances, mechanical equipment, clothing and spare parts. Ubest Shipping’s railway service covers the entire process, including cargo collection, transshipment, customs clearance and distribution.
Another advantage of railway transport is its stability and green environmental protection. Compared with air and sea transport, railway transport is less affected by weather conditions and can effectively reduce carbon emissions, making it an ideal choice for sustainable logistics. In addition, the high frequency and flexible departure schedule of the China-Europe Express also provide customers with more options.
Shipping costs from China to Germany
Shipping costs from China to Germany vary greatly depending on whether you choose air, sea or rail shipping. Air freight costs are usually between $5 and $10 per kilogram, while sea freight costs are between $2,800 and $4,200 for a 20-foot container and rail freight costs are between $6,500 and $8,500 for a 40-foot container. You can refer to the table below:
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to Germany (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 2,850 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,650 for a 40ft container |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 100 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 650 for 100kg |
| Rail transport (40ft container) | Approx. USD 7,500 for a 40ft container |
| Door to Door Shipping | Air Freight USD 12 to 16 per kgs Sea Freight USD 150 – 220 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 12 to 18 per kgs |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 150 to 350 per cbm (m3) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 12.5 per Kgs |
Cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Germany
The cost of shipping containers from China to Germany 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 Germany.
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to Germany |
| Shanghai, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3450 40FT | |
| Ningbo-Zhouhsan, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3050 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4250 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4150 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4050 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3450 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4550 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4650 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4850 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3000 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4100 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – Hamburg, Germany | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4250 40FT |
Air Freight Cost From China To Germany Per KG
The air freight price from China to Germany is about USD 5-10 per kilogram. The air freight cost is calculated based on the billable weight (actual weight or volumetric weight). The heavier the goods, the cheaper the cost per kilogram.
| Weight | Cost per KG (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 50 – 300 KG | $5 – $10 |
| 300 – 500 KG | $4.5 – $8 |
| More than 500 KG | $4 – $7 |
How long does it take to ship from China to Germany?
Shipping time from major Chinese ports to Germany by sea usually takes 30 to 45 days, depending on the originating port, shipping route, and port congestion in both countries. Air freight takes 3-7 days, and rail freight takes 16-20 days. Final shipping time may vary due to space availability, congestion, weather, and other factors.
Shipping container time from China to Germany:
| Qingdao | Hamburg | 40 days |
| Qingdao | Bremerhaven | 42 days |
| Shanghai | Hamburg | 35 days |
| Shanghai | Bremerhaven | 37 days |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | 30 days |
| Shenzhen | Bremerhaven | 32 days |
Air freight time from China to Germany:
| Airport of Origin | Airport of Destination | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (PVG) | Frankfurt (FRA) | 3-5 days |
| Beijing (PEK) | Munich (MUC) | 4-6 days |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) | 5-7 days |
Door to Door Shipping from China to Germany
Door to Door Shipping from China to Germany is an efficient and convenient logistics service model, especially suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises or customers without a dedicated logistics team. With this service, customers only need to provide cargo information, and the rest of the work (including pickup, customs clearance, transportation and destination delivery) is done by Chinese freight forwarding companies.
The door-to-door service provided by Ubest Shipping covers all major cities from China to Germany, such as Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich. Whether it is sea, air or rail transportation, customers can choose the transportation method that suits them best. Our team will develop the best logistics plan for them based on the characteristics of the goods and the customer’s budget.
In Door to Door Shipping, customs clearance is an important link. In order to ensure that the goods pass customs clearance smoothly, customers need to provide accurate cargo descriptions and complete documents. Ubest Shipping’s customs clearance experts will follow up throughout the process to avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs. At the same time, the real-time logistics tracking system allows customers to grasp the status of the goods at any time and enjoy a worry-free logistics experience.
Door to Door Shipping Process from China to Germany
Door to Door Shipping from China to Germany is a comprehensive solution that covers every step of the shipping process, from picking up the goods in China to shipping directly to the final destination in Germany. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:
- Booking and Documentation
The door to door shipping process starts with booking the service and preparing the necessary documents:
Booking a freight forwarder: You or your supplier will book a freight forwarder who will handle all aspects of the shipment, including pickup, customs clearance, shipment, and final delivery.
Preparing Documents: Proper documentation is essential to ensure smooth customs clearance in China and Germany. Documents required include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (sea freight) or Airway Bill (air freight), Certificate of Origin, Customs Declaration (export and import) - Pick up goods from supplier to port/airport
Once the booking is confirmed, the freight forwarder will arrange to pick up the goods from your supplier in China.
Pick up goods: Collect the goods from the supplier’s warehouse or factory to the freight forwarder’s warehouse or directly to the nearest airport and port.
Transport to port or airport: Depending on the mode of transport chosen (sea, air or rail), the goods will be transported to the nearest port, airport or rail terminal for further transportation. - Export customs clearance in China
Before the goods leave China, they must go through export customs clearance procedures.
Customs filing: Your freight forwarder or customs broker submits the required documents to the Chinese customs authorities for export clearance.
Customs inspection: The Chinese customs may inspect the goods to ensure that they comply with export regulations.
Payment of export duties (if applicable): Any applicable export duties or taxes are paid at this stage. - Shipping from China to Germany (Mode of Transport: Sea, Air or Rail)
Once the goods have been cleared for export, they can be transported according to the mode of transport chosen.
Sea freight: For sea freight, your goods will be loaded into a container (FCL or LCL) and placed on a ship bound for Germany.
Air freight: For air freight, the goods are loaded onto a cargo plane and flown to one of the major airports in Germany.
Rail freight: For rail freight, the goods are combined with other goods and transported to Germany via the China-Europe railway. - German import customs clearance
Once the goods arrive in Germany, they must go through import customs clearance.
Customs declaration: Your freight forwarder or customs broker submits the necessary import documents to the German customs authorities.
Inspection: German customs may inspect the goods to ensure that they comply with import regulations.
Payment of import duties and VAT: Import duties and 19% VAT are paid according to the type of imported goods. - Final delivery to destination
After the goods have cleared customs, the freight forwarder will arrange the final delivery to the consignee’s address in Germany, completing the door-to-door process.
DDP Shipping from China to Germany
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping service is an all-inclusive logistics model that covers all shipping and customs clearance costs. It is an ideal choice for customers who want to reduce logistics complexity and avoid additional costs. Under the DDP model, the logistics company is responsible for paying all import duties and taxes, and customers only need to receive the goods.
For corporate customers, DDP service can effectively reduce the time cost of logistics management, allowing them to focus on their core business.
Ubest Shipping’s DDP service covers the entire logistics from China to Germany, including cargo pickup, transportation, customs clearance and destination delivery. We provide customers with a transparent fee structure to ensure that there are no hidden fees while ensuring the safety and on-time delivery of goods.
In general, DDP and the process are the same as door-to-door. Door-to-door methods can be divided into two methods: DDP and DDU, as follows:
- Delivery Duty Paid (DDP): DDP is a worry-free and labor-saving option. The seller is fully responsible for delivering the goods to the doorstep of Germany, 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.
- Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): Under DDU terms, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to Germany, but the buyer is responsible for paying duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees when the goods arrive. This option can save the seller some costs, but requires the buyer to deal with local customs and additional fees.
DDP shipping is best for Amazon FBA shipping, business address, private address.
Customs clearance from China to Germany
When shipping from China to Germany, 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, Germany has strict tariff and customs clearance requirements, and cargo owners need to comply with relevant regulations to avoid delays or additional costs.
Customs clearance documents in Germany:
- Commercial invoice: A detailed invoice provided by the seller that lists the value of the goods.
- Bill of lading or airway bill: 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 Shipping Agent from China to Germany
As an experienced Chinese freight forwarding company, Ubest Shipping focuses on providing customers with efficient and reliable international transportation services. From China to Germany, whether it is sea, air or rail transportation, we can provide customers with the most optimized solutions.
Our professional team has rich industry knowledge and can handle various complex logistics needs, including bulk cargo transportation, customs clearance problems and door-to-door services. Through advanced logistics management systems, we provide customers with real-time cargo tracking and accurate shipping schedules, so that you can worry-free throughout the journey.
Regardless of your cargo type or transportation needs, Ubest Shipping is committed to providing you with the best logistics experience. If you are looking for a trustworthy freight forwarding company, please feel free to contact us and we will serve you wholeheartedly.
FAQ: Shipping from China to Germany
Shipping time is affected by the type of goods, mode of transport, and flight or shipping route.
Ocean freight: usually takes 30-45 days, depending on the distance between the starting port and the destination port.
Air freight: takes about 3-7 days, suitable for urgent goods.
Rail freight: takes about 16-20 days, suitable for bulk goods and situations where timeliness is relatively loose.
Ocean freight costs vary depending on the size, weight, port selection, and whether additional services (such as customs clearance, insurance, etc.) of the goods.
For standard container shipping (20-foot, 40-foot or 40HQ container), the cost is generally between US$3,000 and US$5,000.
Please consult Ubest Shipping for an accurate quote based on your cargo specifications and needs.
Choosing the right shipping method from China to Germany depends on several factors:
Time requirements: If you need to deliver as soon as possible, air transport is the best choice; if time is not urgent, you can choose sea or rail transport.
Shipment volume and weight: Small goods are usually suitable for air transport, while bulk goods are recommended to choose sea or rail transport.
Transportation cost: Air transport costs are relatively high, while sea and rail transport are relatively more cost-effective.
German customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) are usually calculated based on the import value of the goods.
Tariffs: Depending on the type of goods and HS code, tariff rates range from 0% to 12%.
VAT: The standard VAT for most goods is 19%, and some goods (such as books, medicines, etc.) can enjoy a lower rate of 7%.
With the help of Ubest Shipping, you can quickly understand the duties and taxes payable for your goods.
To ensure that the goods are not damaged during transportation, we provide a range of services:
Insurance: We recommend that you insure your goods, especially for high-value goods.
Packaging: Proper packaging can effectively reduce possible damage during transportation. We can provide professional packaging solutions according to the type of goods.
Tracking service: Through Ubest Shipping’s full tracking system, you can understand the transportation status of the goods in real time.
Yes, all imported goods must go through customs clearance procedures.
Document preparation: Common customs clearance documents include commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, etc.
Ubest Shipping can help you handle all relevant customs clearance procedures to ensure smooth entry of goods and avoid delays.
The main ports in Germany include Hamburg Port, Bremen Port and Wilhelm Port.
Hamburg Port: It is the largest port in Germany and is suitable for the import and export of bulk goods.
Bremen Port: It mainly serves small and medium-sized goods, with a superior geographical location and wide connections.
Wilhelm Port: It is suitable for large cargo transportation and can accommodate ultra-large container ships.
According to your cargo and transportation needs, Ubest Shipping can help you choose the most suitable port and transportation route.