As you know, China is the biggest manufacturing hub of the whole world. Germany is among its main importers. Shipping from China to Germany is easy if you know the main steps, documents, shipment methods, costs and import regulations.
Today’s article is exactly based on all these essential aspects so you can import your goods from China to Germany.
7 Simple Steps To Ship From China To Germany
If you plan to import goods to Germany from China, you must be mentally prepared to do the following steps. A prior knowledge of these things helps save time and energy.
Stay Up to Date About Current Laws & Regulations
You need to be aware of the current laws and regulations about German import policy. Before starting the import process, you must know all the steps involved. Customs consent is also required to import goods to Germany. You need the EORI number to register and get the customs clearance.
IWM Zoll (Customs Information and Knowledge Management) in Dresden, Germany issues this number. If you don’t want to indulge yourself in the process, you can also use other options. You can hire us as your freight forwarder from China to any German city. Knowledge of the prohibitions and other laws are also important.
Study the Market in China and Germany
Market analysis and prior study is important before importing anything from China to Germany. If you import goods that are already saturated in the market, you will regret it in the end.
You don’t have permission to import food ingredients, medicines, and some other sensitive items in Germany. Some labeling requirements are also needed to ship in Germany from Chinese cities.
Choose a Shipping Method To Import To Germany
The shipping method is so important in the calculation of the final cost. It is vital to calculate transit time and other factors are also considered. Some sensitive products can not be shipped through the sea route, so air freight is then selected.
There are various shipping methods available from China to Germany. You can opt for a shipping method depending on your requirements and product type.
Select the Right Chinese Supplier For Products
The selection of suppliers is the most crucial part of the import process. Your whole cost and product quality depends on the supplier. In China, you have multiple options to select a supplier. Some third parties also claim to be a supplier, however, you must differentiate between original and copy.
You can select the supplier through online platforms like Ali Baba, and other wholesale platforms. China also holds some business galas across the country, through which you can hunt the supplier of your choice. You should check the previous records with other German importers, his reputation in the market, and his tax details.
Negotiation and Placing an Order
Negotiation is important in shipping because of so many options and incoterms. Especially for new importers from Germany, they don’t know the technicalities. According to our experts, you can select an incoterm like FAS, FOB shipping from China, CFR, or, CIF, that suits you and is safe for your goods.
Some options are cost-effective, on the other hand, some options are more safe and protective. You should have a written agreement with the Chinese seller.
Selection of Freight Forwarding Company in China
China freight forwarding company like Bansarship is responsible for carrying your goods from the Chinese factory outlet to the final point in Germany. You need to select a reputable company to face fewer complications. It should comply with the regulations of ISM.
It should have previous experience regarding shipment to Germany and other European countries. You can also check their reviews and reputation in the business community.
Customs Clearance From China
Customs clearance from China is the responsibility of the seller. Usually, they hire some specialized companies to clear all their goods from customs and relevant departments.
There is an export declaration form including the product details, commercial invoice, goods assessment form, and other important details. Some customs agents also offer these kinds of services to clear the documentation from the relevant department.
5 Shipping Options From China to Germany
You can import goods from China to Germany through several routes, depending on the need and compatibility.
1. Express Shipping
Some international courier companies in Germany and China provide the fastest service of delivering your items in case of emergency. It will be delivered in 1-4 days. DHL, FedEx, and other giant courier companies offer this service.
For example, you want to ship something to Berlin, Germany from China. Its cost varies from 100 euros to 200 euros for a 5 kg parcel. Usually, tech and other sensitive products are imported through this route. Personal parcels are also sent to friends and family through this service. Parcels weighing more than 5 kg are calculated as per kg formula.
2. Sea Freight
If your goods weight is more than 500 kg, then ocean freight is the most suitable and economical option to transport to German seaports. You can go with this option for bulk trade. In sea freight, you have two options.
- First is FCL (full container load). Normally, the container sizes are 20 or 40 Feet. If you have enough goods to fill a container, then FCL must be your choice.
- In case, you don’t have enough loads, you have to share your load with others in a single container. LCL (less than a container load) shipping takes a longer time to reach.
3. Air Freight
Air freight is probably the most suitable option to ship your products to Germany from China. Although it is an expensive option, it is the safest method of transport. The fastest route is from Beijing Airport to Berlin Airport. It will take 9 hours and 44 minutes.
You should select a reliable indirect air carrier to import items from China to Germany. Air forwarder companies must have a good network to handle the logistics successfully.
4. Rail Freight
Are you looking for a balanced option to get cost-effectiveness and safety together? Train freight is one of the most reliable methods to bring your products to Germany through Chinese railway lines.
Rail freight is ideal for mid-size shipments. On launching events, if you are thinking of importing products, then train freight is the perfect choice.
5. DDP Shipping
Shipping through DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) is a safer option if you are importing products urgently to German cities. In this method, you pay all the payments to your freight forwarding company including all the taxes and duties. Finally, you get the products at your doorstep. DDP shipping is also possible through different routes.
China To Germany Shipping Cost
Costs for importing in Germany may vary from one mode of transport to the other.
Express Shipping Cost
You have to pay a huge amount for small packages to deliver in Germany. Mostly it is around 100-200 euros for a 5 kg parcel. Parcels of more than 5 kg will cost you around $7.5 for each extra kg.
Sea Freight Cost
Following table shows the estimated prices to ship something from Chinese ports to German ports.
| Sea Freight Type | Shipping Cost Range |
| Full Container Load 20 Foot | $1800 to $6500 |
| Full Container Load 40 Foot | $3000 to $7700 |
| LCL Rate Per CBM | $50 to $100 |
Air Freight Cost
Following table shows the estimated prices to ship something from Chinese airports to German airports.
| Chinese City | German City | Weight | Approximate Cost |
| Shanghai/Shenzen | Hamburg | >45 kg, >100 kg, >300 kg | $11.5, $9.5, $7.7 |
| Shanghai/Shenzen | Munich | >45 kg, >100 kg, >300 kg | $11.6, $9.7, $8.15 |
| Shanghai/ Shenzen | Cologne | >45 kg, >100 kg, >300 kg | $11.7, $9.7, $8 |
| Shanghai/Shenzen | Frankfurt | >45 kg, >100 kg, >300 kg | $11.4, $9.3, $7.6 |
DDP Cost To Import From China to Germany
Its cost varies a lot, because if you opt for air freight DDP, then the cost would be on the higher side. You have to pay approximately $5 to $10 per kg. But in the meantime, if you are importing your products by rail or sea, your estimated cost would be much lower.
Train-Freight Cost
Following table shows the average costs to ship something from the railway lines of China to the German railway.
| Rail Freight Type | Cost | Review |
| 40 Feet Container | $6100 – $8000 | Although expensive than sea freight, but a reliable option indeed. |
China to Germany Shipping Time
Shipping time to Germany from China depends on multiple factors like the origin and destination of your products and the method by which transportation is taking place.
| Shipping Method | Standard Time | Door to Door |
| Sea Freight | 20-30 days | 25-40 days |
| Air Freight | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
| Rail Freight | 12-18 days | 25-30 days |
| Express Shipping | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
| Air Cargo | 3-5 days | 5-8 days |
Ali Baba and Amazon Shipping From China to Germany
Now the world is gradually shifting toward e-commerce businesses. So, shipping companies are changing themselves to align with the requirements of these big giants. If you want to source goods from China and send them to the FBA Amazon warehouse in Germany, air freight is the first choice.
By air freight, you can send the products within 1-2 days to meet your client’s needs. You can easily source products from Ali Baba and import them into Germany successfully. Ali Baba’s consignments can be shipped through any mode of transportation depending on your need.
Import Taxes and Customs Clearance in Germany
When products arrive at the German port, the customs clearance process starts after 1-2 days. The import Customs declaration is the responsibility of the importer or any Customs broker hired by him. Your Customs broker should be well prepared to file the documents required for quick Customs clearance.
German import taxes and duties depend on the category of the products. Every product is given a unique HS code that defines its category to calculate its duty. Germany imposes 19% VAT on every imported product. Duty varies from 0-16% depending on the category. For example, on electronics, no customs duty is imposed. Clothing has a 16% duty to ship items from China to Germany.
Documents Required for Import
You must be aware of the documentation procedures to avoid any delays in the import process. The following documents must be produced to the German authorities at the time of arrival at port.
- The commercial invoice with all the details
- Packing list (It contains all the important information regarding products, HS codes, and country of origin)
- Arrival notice
- Bill of lading
- For non-European goods having a value of more than $6000 need a commercial invoice
Goods For Importing from China to Germany
Germany imports a variety of products from China ranging from large-size machinery to small toys. Their import from China is almost 173 Billion dollars. Such a huge import includes several product ranges. Their major import is electronics, heavy machinery, boilers, vehicles, medical equipment, etc.
Final Words
We at Bansarship have years of experience in goods shipping from Germany to China and from China to Germany. Our team can import your products from any Chinese city to your desired German location by sea, air and railway. You can contact us for an affordable and reliable quote.
