Question 1

How long does shipping from China to Europe take?

Accepted Answer

Sea freight typically takes 30-40 days port-to-port to major European ports like Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp. Air freight takes 5-8 days door-to-door. China-Europe rail freight takes 18-22 days, offering a middle ground between sea and air. Express courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx) delivers in 3-5 days.

Question 2

What are the costs of shipping from China to Europe?

Accepted Answer

A 20ft (FCL) container from Shanghai to Rotterdam typically ranges €800-€2,500 depending on season. A 40ft container costs €1,500-€3,500. Air freight is €4-€8 per kg for general cargo. Rail freight averages €2,000-€5,500 per container. Express is €8-€20 per kg for small parcels. Use our quote tool for instant exact pricing.

Question 3

Which European port is best for imports from China?

Accepted Answer

Rotterdam (Netherlands) is the largest and most efficient for Western Europe distribution. Hamburg (Germany) is preferred for Northern/Central Europe and has excellent rail connections. Antwerp (Belgium) is competitive for Belgium/France markets. Le Havre (France) suits direct France imports. Choose based on your final destination and inland transport costs.

Question 4

Do I need an EORI number to import from China?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any business importing goods into the EU must have an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number. UK importers need a separate UK EORI post-Brexit. The number is free to obtain from your country's customs authority. ShipGlobal can guide first-time importers through this process.

Question 5

How is VAT handled when importing from China to Europe?

Accepted Answer

Import VAT is charged at the standard rate of the importing country (e.g. Germany 19%, France 20%, UK 20%). It is calculated on the customs value (goods + freight + insurance) plus customs duty and other import charges. Many countries let VAT-registered businesses defer or self-account for import VAT to improve cash flow; the rules differ by country. For B2C shipments of €150 or less, VAT can be handled through the EU IOSS scheme. Since 1 July 2026 these low-value parcels are no longer duty-free: a temporary flat duty of €3 per item category applies until 1 July 2028.

Question 6

Is GDPR compliance an issue when using ShipGlobal?

Accepted Answer

No. ShipGlobal is fully GDPR compliant. We use EU-based data centers, only collect necessary business contact information for shipment processing, never share data with third parties without consent, and provide full data export/deletion on request. Our newsletter has explicit opt-in with one-click unsubscribe.

Question 7

What documents are required for China-Europe shipping?

Accepted Answer

Standard documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air), Certificate of Origin (non-preferential, where required — China has not been eligible for EU GSP preferences since 2015, so Form A does not apply), HS Codes, EORI number, and any product-specific certifications (CE, RoHS, REACH). For China rail freight, the rail waybill replaces the bill of lading.

Question 8

Can ShipGlobal help with Amazon FBA shipments to Europe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We specialize in Amazon FBA shipments to all European fulfillment centers (FRA, MUC, BCN, MAD, MXP, etc.). We handle pre-shipment labeling compliance, FNSKU verification, and provide PAN-EU dispatch. Our partners include FBA-experienced carriers familiar with Amazon's receiving requirements.

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