Shipping from China to the Netherlands
Shipping from China to the Netherlands involves reliable and cost-effective transportation options to meet various shipping needs. The Netherlands, with its strategic location in Europe, serves as a key gateway for goods traveling to and from the continent. With Ubest Shipping, businesses and individuals can benefit from seamless shipping solutions, whether they’re looking for sea freight, air freight, or rail freight options. Our experienced team ensures that your cargo is handled efficiently from the moment it leaves China until it reaches its final destination in the Netherlands.
Whether you’re shipping goods to the port of Rotterdam, one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe, or other key locations across the country, we offer tailored services that meet your requirements. At Ubest Shipping, we understand the importance of timely deliveries, safe handling, and competitive pricing. Our logistics solutions are designed to give you peace of mind, with full visibility and transparent communication throughout the shipping process.
What can we do when shipping from China to Netherlands?
Sea freight FCL from China to Netherlands
- Shipping from China to Rotterdam Port in the Netherlands
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to Netherlands
- 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 Netherlands
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to Netherlands
- 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 Netherlands
- Through the China-Europe Express, goods can be transported directly from major cities in China to Netherlands.
- 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 Netherlands
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in the Netherlands
- Including Netherlands customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to Netherlands
- Provide one-stop service from China to Netherlands 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 the Netherlands
Shipping from China to the Netherlands involves multiple links, including choosing the right mode of transportation, customs clearance, destination delivery, etc. As an important logistics hub in Europe, the Netherlands has developed ports and airports, making trade between China and the Netherlands very convenient. Whether it is by sea, air or rail, there are stable transportation routes to choose from.
When choosing a mode of transportation from China to the Netherlands, the main considerations include the volume, weight, timeliness requirements and cost budget of the goods. Sea transportation is suitable for large quantities of goods, with lower costs but longer transportation time; air transportation is suitable for goods with high timeliness requirements, with short transportation time but higher costs; and rail transportation is a method that has developed rapidly in recent years, achieving a good balance between speed and cost.
In addition, customs clearance is an important link that cannot be ignored in the transportation process. As a member of the European Union, the Netherlands needs to comply with EU tariffs and customs regulations for imported goods, so being familiar with relevant policies can help avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs. Understanding the characteristics of various modes of transportation and making choices based on specific needs can make cargo transportation more efficient and smooth.
Best Ways to Ship from China to the Netherlands
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 the Netherlands. Sea 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 sea freight is a reliable and affordable mode of transportation.
Air Freight: This is the fastest mode of transportation from China to the Netherlands and is ideal for situations where time is of the essence. 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 freight method connecting China and the Netherlands, especially for goods that need to be both timely and economical. Through the transportation network of the China-Europe Express, goods can depart from major Chinese cities such as Yiwu, Chengdu, and Chongqing to reach Dutch logistics hubs such as Amsterdam. Rail transportation provides customers with stable transportation timeliness and convenient cross-border services, and is an ideal alternative to sea and air freight.
Express delivery: Express delivery is a fast and secure mode of transport, suitable for urgent and small quantities of goods. It is faster than ocean shipping 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 mode of transport from China to the Netherlands. 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 the Netherlands
Sea freight is one of the most common modes of transport from China to the Netherlands, especially suitable for large-volume, non-urgent goods. The Netherlands has the largest port in Europe, Rotterdam Port, which not only has advanced facilities but also has a well-developed land transport network connecting major European cities, making sea transportation the first choice for entering the European market.
China’s major sea export ports include Shanghai Port, Ningbo Port, Shenzhen Port, Guangzhou Port and Qingdao Port, which provide multiple routes covering the Netherlands and other European countries. Common sea freight services include full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL). FCL transportation is suitable for bulk goods, while LCL transportation is suitable for smaller quantities of goods.
The shipping time from China to the Netherlands by sea is usually between 25-45 days, depending on the departure port, route and destination port. Despite the longer shipping time, sea freight is cheaper than air freight and is still the most cost-effective option for most companies.
In addition, it is crucial to choose a reliable freight forwarder. An experienced agent can help you arrange shipping space, handle customs declarations, coordinate port operations, and provide door-to-door services to ensure that your goods arrive at their destination smoothly.
What are the types of Sea Freight from China to the Netherlands
The types of sea freight from China to the Netherlands mainly include the following modes of transportation, which are suitable for different types of goods and transportation needs:
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load means that a container belongs to only one shipowner and is not shared with other shipowners’ goods. It is suitable for transporting large quantities of goods, heavy equipment or high-value goods, and has higher safety and stability. Customers can choose 20-foot or 40-foot containers, of which 40-foot containers have a larger capacity and are suitable for transporting heavier and larger goods. The advantage of full container load is that the goods do not need to be shared with others, reducing the risk of handling in the middle, and more efficient when unloading at the destination port.
Less than container load (LCL)
LCL transportation is suitable for small quantities or less than one full container. Customers can share the cost of using containers with other shippers, thereby reducing transportation costs. This method is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises or customers who transport small quantities and high-frequency goods. LCL transportation is a relatively low-cost transportation method, but it needs to be transported in a container with other goods, and customs clearance and unloading time may be slightly longer. LCL shipping is an affordable option, but you need to make sure the goods are well packed and labeled so they are not mixed up with other goods.
Bulk Cargo Shipping
Bulk cargo shipping is suitable for large quantities of raw materials or goods that cannot be loaded into containers, such as bulk goods such as ore, coal, grain and liquids. Such goods are usually transported by special bulk carriers, and the goods are loaded directly into the ship’s hold instead of into containers. Bulk cargo shipping is more efficient and suitable for industrial customers and wholesalers with large demands, but it usually requires planning the shipping time and destination port arrangements in advance.
Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro)
Mainly used to transport vehicles, large machinery and equipment or other large goods with wheels. These goods can be transported in and out via Ro-Ro ships, suitable for automobile manufacturers and machinery and equipment companies. Ro-Ro shipping is more efficient when loading and unloading because the goods can be loaded on the ship without the need for lifting equipment. It is a fast and efficient transportation method for customers who need to transport cars, engineering equipment or other transport vehicles with wheels.
Special Cargo Shipping
For goods that require special environments, such as frozen foods, medicines, chemicals, etc., customers can choose refrigerated containers (Reefer Container) or other customized containers. Special cargo transportation ensures that the cargo maintains a constant temperature, humidity or protective measures during transportation to meet the needs of special commodities. This mode of transportation is more expensive, but it can provide the best transportation conditions for the cargo.
The above Sea Freight types meet the needs of different types of customers from China to the Netherlands, whether it is low-cost transportation of bulk commodities, economical options for small batches of goods, or security guarantees for special items.
Air Freight from China to the Netherlands
Air freight is one of the fastest international transport methods, especially suitable for high-value, time-sensitive goods such as electronic products, fashion items, precision instruments and medical equipment. There are many air freight routes from China to the Netherlands, and common departure airports include Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.
The main air freight hub in the Netherlands is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which is one of the busiest cargo airports in Europe, with efficient cargo handling capabilities and seamless connection with the land transportation network of European countries. Other optional airports include Rotterdam Airport, but most international goods still enter the Netherlands through Schiphol Airport.
The time for air freight from China to the Netherlands is usually between 3-7 days, which is much faster than sea freight, but the cost is relatively high. Air freight is the best choice for e-commerce sellers, cross-border e-commerce companies and high-end manufacturing industries that are in urgent need of replenishment. When choosing air freight, you also need to consider additional costs such as tariffs, value-added tax (VAT) and whether expedited delivery is required.
At present, many freight companies provide door-to-door air freight services, covering one-stop logistics solutions such as customs declaration, customs clearance, and delivery, which greatly simplifies the complexity of international trade.
Main Airports and Ports in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is an important logistics hub in Europe, with several world-class ports and airports.
Main ports in the Netherlands:
- Rotterdam Port: the largest port in Europe, handling a large amount of containerized cargo.
- Amsterdam Port: mainly serves liquid cargo and bulk commodity transportation.
Main airports in the Netherlands:
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: the largest international air cargo hub in the Netherlands.
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport: suitable for short-distance and regional cargo transportation.
Railway Freight from China to the Netherlands
Railway transport is a rapidly developing international transport mode in recent years. Especially under the promotion of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the operation of China-Europe trains has become increasingly mature. Many cities in China (such as Chongqing, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Yiwu, etc.) have railway freight lines to Europe, among which Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is an important destination.
Compared with sea transportation, rail transportation takes less time. It usually takes 15-20 days to transport from China to the Netherlands by rail, which is suitable for goods with high timeliness requirements but limited budgets. For example, mechanical equipment, electronic products, auto parts, etc. can all be delivered to the Netherlands at a faster speed by rail.
Rail freight mainly provides two services: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL), which are suitable for cargo transportation needs of different scales. In addition, rail transportation usually adopts multimodal transport, that is, rail is combined with road or sea transportation to ensure that the goods can eventually reach the destination specified by the customer.
Shipping costs from China to the Netherlands
The shipping costs from China to the Netherlands depend on whether you choose air, sea or rail shipping. Air freight costs usually range from $4 to $9 per kg, while sea freight costs range from $2,500 to $4,500 for a 20ft container, and rail freight costs range from $7,000 to $9,000 for a 40ft container. You can refer to the table below:
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to the Netherlands (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,150 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,850 for a 40ft container |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 120 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 500 for 100kg |
| Rail transport (40ft container) | Approx. USD 8,500 for a 40ft container |
| Door to Door Shipping | Air Freight USD 10 to 16 per kgs Sea Freight USD 150 – 300 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 10 to 16 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 the Netherlands
The cost of shipping containers from China to the Netherlands 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 the Netherlands.
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to Netherlands |
| Shanghai, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3450 40FT | |
| Ningbo-Zhouhsan, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3050 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4250 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4150 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4050 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3450 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4550 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4650 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4850 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3000 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4100 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4250 40FT |
How long does it take to ship from China to the Netherlands?
Shipping time from China to the Netherlands varies depending on the method used. The estimated shipping time for sea freight is 25 to 45 days, and rail freight is generally 16 to 22 days. In contrast, air freight is much faster and usually arrives within 3 to 7 days.
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time (days) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) | 25-45 |
| Air Freight | 3-7 |
| Express Shipping | 3-5 |
| Rail Freight | 16-22 |
Sea Freight container time from China to the Netherlands
Sea freight times from China to the Netherlands can vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific ports involved, shipping routes, and the type of cargo. Here is a typical comparison of shipping times from major Chinese ports to major Dutch ports:
| Port of Origin | Port of Destination | Average Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Rotterdam | 30-38 days |
| Shenzhen | Rotterdam | 28-35 days |
| Ningbo | Rotterdam | 30-40 days |
| Shanghai | Amsterdam | 32-40 days |
| Shenzhen | Amsterdam | 30-37 days |
| Ningbo | Amsterdam | 31-42 days |
Door to Door Shipping from China to the Netherlands
Door to Door Shipping from China to the Netherlands service is a comprehensive logistics solution, especially suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises or customers without a dedicated logistics team. For this service, customers only need to provide cargo information, and the rest of the work (including pickup, customs clearance, transportation and destination delivery) is completed by the Chinese freight forwarding company.
In the door-to-door service, customers can choose sea, air or rail transportation to the designated address in the Netherlands, and choose the most suitable method according to their needs. Ubest Shipping provides customers with full support during the transportation process with rich experience and strong network.
When choosing the door-to-door service, customers can choose between DDU and DDP terms:
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Under the DDU terms, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to the buyer’s location, but the buyer is responsible for paying import duties, taxes and any additional customs-related fees when the goods arrive.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Under the DDP terms, the seller bears all costs and risks of shipping the goods, including import duties, taxes and customs clearance. This option provides buyers with a worry-free experience.
Door to Door Shipping Process from China to the Netherlands
Door to Door Shipping from China to the Netherlands 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 the Netherlands. 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 the Netherlands. 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 the Netherlands (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 the Netherlands.
Air freight: For air freight, the goods are loaded onto a cargo plane and flown to one of the major airports in the Netherlands.
Rail freight: For rail freight, the goods are combined with other goods and transported to the Netherlands via the China-Europe railway. - German import customs clearance
Once the goods arrive in the Netherlands, 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 the Netherlands, completing the door-to-door process.
DDP Shipping from China to the Netherlands
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is a shipping method that includes all costs and is suitable for customers who do not want to incur additional costs during transportation. In the DDP service, all transportation costs, tariffs, insurance costs, etc. are borne by Ubest Shipping until the goods are delivered to the final destination in the Netherlands.
By choosing the DDP service, customers can enjoy the convenience of exemption from customs duties and taxes, and all costs during transportation are managed by us. This method is suitable for customers who are not familiar with the Dutch import process or want to simplify transportation procedures.
The DDP transportation service provided by Ubest Shipping includes not only sea freight, air freight, but also railway transportation and other modes. Customers can choose the most suitable service according to their needs. We will ensure that the goods arrive smoothly and clear customs, saving your time and energy.
Customs Clearance and Duties from China to the Netherlands
The customs regulations in the Netherlands are strict, and all imported goods must comply with the EU customs policy, including declared tariffs, value-added tax (VAT), etc. Generally speaking, imported goods need to pay corresponding tariffs according to the category of goods, and the VAT is usually 21%.
In order to ensure smooth customs clearance, it is recommended to prepare complete documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists and bills of lading. In addition, being familiar with the customs policy of the Netherlands can help companies better control import costs.
Customs clearance documents from China to the Netherlands:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading/airway bill
- Certificate of origin
- Import license/permit
By choosing a professional freight forwarder, you can effectively avoid customs clearance delays and ensure that the goods enter the Dutch market smoothly.
Best freight forwarding company from China to the Netherlands
Choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial for shipping from China to the Netherlands. Ubest Shipping has become the preferred agent for many customers with its rich international logistics experience, global transportation network and professional operation team.
As an experienced logistics company, we provide a variety of transportation methods from sea, air to rail transportation. Customers can choose the most suitable transportation method according to the type of goods and timeliness requirements. Our advantage is that we can provide personalized logistics solutions according to the different needs of customers to ensure that every link is efficient and safe.
Ubest Shipping’s professional team will help you track the status of cargo transportation throughout the process, solve various problems such as customs clearance and insurance, so that your goods can arrive in the Netherlands smoothly and be delivered on time.