Businesses in Ireland import chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electrical machinery, textiles, vehicles, fuels, and oils from China. Because China produces these items in bulk at comparatively lower prices, that’s profitable for Irish merchants.
Below is a brief guide for shipping from China to Ireland. It includes everything you need to know about shipping including its steps, cost, duration, paperwork, and optimized routes.
Shipping From China To Ireland Overview
- Costs: Shipping costs vary by method and size. In 2024, air freight for large shipments (over 1000 kg) cost around $6.70 per kg. Sea freight for a 20-foot container ranged from $2500 to $3500, while a 40-foot container cost between $4500 and $5500.
- Delivery Times: Air freight to Ireland from China generally takes 4-5 days offering a quick turnaround. Sea freight ranges from 20 to 30 days, though heavy traffic in ports can cause delays.
- Best Method: The best method will depend on shipment urgency in Irish cities and cost efficiency. Air freight is best for urgent or valuable goods, while sea freight suits larger and non-time-sensitive shipments.
- Customs: Accurate documentation is necessary for smooth customs processing in Ireland and China. Proper paperwork provides timely clearance, especially in busy seasons when delays are common. This reduces the risk of holds or added fees.
- Global Events Impacting Ireland: Geopolitical events like disruptions at the Suez Canal or in European ports also impact routes to Ireland.
Cheapest Shipping Methods From China To Ireland
The cheapest way to ship from China to Ireland is mostly by sea freight specifically through Less-than-Container Load mode. It is mostly suitable for smaller shipments. With LCL, your goods share container space with other shipments. It significantly reduces costs compared to booking a Full Container Load.
Although this method is more affordable, but it typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on the shipping route to Ireland from China.
Alternatively, if your shipment does not require container space, express shipping can be an affordable option. It is used for urgent shipping of packages under 21 kg. However, its rates increase for heavier items.
Express couriers like Bansar, DHL, FedEx, and others are usually faster. They deliver your package in Ireland in 3-7 days but are most cost-effective for smaller parcels.
Documents Needed To Ship From China To Ireland
When shipping from China to Ireland having the right documents is necessary for smooth customs clearance.
This is a list of what you will need:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- EORI number
- Bill of Lading (BOL) or Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin
- Import Declaration
- Single Administrative Document
- Insurance Certificate
- Product-specific Certificates
Steps For Shipping To Ireland From China
Here is the complete step-by-step guide for shipping your cargo to Ireland ports.
1. Choosing The Right Shipping Method
You should consider the factors like speed, cost, and shipment size to choose the best shipping method. Air freight is fast but more expensive, therefore ideal for small time-sensitive shipments. Sea freight imports in Ireland are slower but cost-effective for larger volumes.
In addition, rail freight is also an option for shipping to Ireland from China. It is especially used for shipments routed through Europe with medium urgency and cost.
2. Packaging and Labeling
The use of strong packaging material and meeting labeling requirements protects goods. It also facilitates the customs clearance process at Irish and Chinese ports.
Labels should include the product description, point of origin of China, destination location in Ireland, and required handling instructions. When goods are packed in pallets they are more secure during transit which minimizes the risk of damage.
3. Documentation & Customs
After choosing the best shipping method and preparing the shipment, you should complete the above-mentioned documents. Accurate paperwork is necessary to avoid delays at Irish and Chinese customs specifically during peak seasons.
Moreover, you have to pay some customs fees, import duties, and VAT. These charges depend on the category of your items being shipped to Ireland.
4. Shipment Tracking & Logistics Coordination
It is important to stay informed about shipment progress through tracking services offered by many freight companies. Your Chinese forwarder provides you with the tracking number of your shipment. You have to put it on their website tracking page to check the updated location of your cargo in different Chinese and Irish routes.
5. Final Documentation & Delivery in Irish Destination
Once the shipment reaches Ireland, verify that all duties and taxes are settled. Customs clearance is usually handled by freight forwarders who also manage final documentation for compliance. It may be necessary to arrange delivery with local carriers for the last mile. If you want, we can also deliver your cargo to your door.
Shipping From China To Ireland Cost
To ship from China to Ireland involves many transport methods, each with unique costs based on speed, shipment volume, and delivery needs.
| Mode of Shipping | Range of Costs | Best For |
| Air Freight | $4 to $6 per kg | Medium-sized, faster delivery |
| LCL | From $300 to $400 per cubic meter | Smaller sized shipments |
| FCL (20-ft container) | From $2,000 to $3,000 per container | Large volume shipments |
| FCL (40-ft container) | From $4,000 to $5,000 per container | Very Large volume shipments |
| Express Shipping | From $5 to $10 per kg | Goods that are urgent and time-sensitive |
Transit Time For Importing From China To Ireland
Transit times for importing goods from China to Ireland can vary a lot based on the method of transport. Air freight offers the fastest delivery taking around 4-5 days and sea freight commonly takes longer usually requiring 20-30 days due to port processing and customs.
Many factors including the time of year and route efficiency can also impact these transit times.
| Shipping Mode | Typical Duration |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 30 to 40 days |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 20 to 35 days |
| Express Shipping | 3 to 5 days |
| Air Freight | 5 to 10 days |
| Road Freight | Varies (within Europe) |
Costs And Transit Times For Major Routes
Businesses can manage their shipments from China to Ireland efficiently and cost-effectively by choosing the right forwarder and route.
| Route | Shipping Mode | Cost | Transit Time |
| Shenzhen to Cork | FCL (20-foot) | $2,000-$3,000 per container | 30 to 40 days |
| Shanghai to Dublin | FCL (40-foot) | $4,000-$5,000 per container | 30 to 40 days |
| Shenzhen to Cork | FCL (40-foot) | $4,000-$5,000 per container | 30 to 40 days |
| Shanghai to Dublin | LCL | $300-$400 per cubic meter | 30 to 40 days |
| Shenzhen to Cork | LCL | $300-$400 per cubic meter | 30 to 40 days |
| Shanghai to Dublin | FCL (20-foot) | $2,000-$3,000 per container | 30 to 40 days |
Main Seaports In China & Ireland For Ocean Shipping
Ocean shipping from China to Ireland depends on many major ports in both countries. China’s largest export ports offer efficient processing for goods headed to Ireland, while Irish ports manage imports from major global shipping lanes.
Major Chinese Ports For Exports To Ireland
- Port of Shanghai
- Port of Shenzhen
- Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
- Port of Guangzhou
- Port of Qingdao
- Port of Tianjin
- Port of Xiamen
- Port of Dalian
Major Irish Ports For Imports From China
- Port of Dublin
- Port of Cork
- Port of Waterford
- Port of Rosslare
Main Airports In China & Ireland For Air Shipping
Some major airports play an important role in providing efficient air cargo movement between China and Ireland. These airports operate as important gateways, handling large volumes of international shipments due to their advanced facilities and prime locations.
Major Chinese Airports For Exports To Ireland
- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
- Hong Kong International Airport
Major Irish Airports For Imports From China
- Dublin Airport
- Shannon Airport
- Cork Airport
Top Irish Imports
Ireland imports a large range of goods from Chinese manufacturers to support its economy and meet consumer needs.
- Organic chemicals – $21 billion (14.4%)
- Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts – $20 billion (13.8%)
- Nuclear reactors and machinery – $16 billion (10.6%)
- Pharmaceutical products – $13.4 billion (8.92%)
- Electrical machinery and equipment – $12.8 billion (8.55%)
- Mineral fuels and oils – $10.8 billion (7.22%)
- Vehicles and parts – $6.94 billion (4.61%)
- Plastics and articles thereof – $4.3 billion (2.9%)
- Iron and steel – $3.9 billion (2.6%)
- Paper and paperboard – $3.5 billion (2.4%)
- Textiles and textile articles – $2.7 billion (1.8%)
- Optical, photographic, and measuring instruments – $5.46 billion (3.62%)
Restricted Imports From China To Ireland
When importing goods from China to Ireland it is important to be aware of the restrictions and prohibitions that may apply.
This is a list of the main categories of restricted and prohibited items:
- Live or dead animals
- Plants and plant products
- Endangered species products
- Obscene or indecent materials
- Firearms and ammunition
- Explosives and fireworks
- Certain medicines
- Illegal or dangerous goods
- Hazardous chemicals
- Alcohol and tobacco
Import Tax From China To Ireland
When importing goods from China to Ireland, taxes can significantly impact the overall cost. The primary tax applicable is Value Added Tax (VAT) which is currently set at 23% in Ireland. This tax is applied to the total value of the goods including shipping and insurance costs. Additional excise duties may apply for certain goods like alcohol and tobacco.
You have to consider both VAT and any applicable customs duties to calculate the total import tax. The customs duty rate generally ranges from 0% to 12% depending on the product’s classification in the Harmonized system code. You can use the Irish Revenue’s online tools to estimate your taxes and duties.
Incoterms For Shipping To Ireland
Incoterms are international shipping rules that set clear guidelines for those who handle costs, risks, and tasks in each step of shipping. When shipping from China to Ireland, the following incoterms are mostly used:
- EXW (Ex Works): The buyer is responsible for shipping from the seller’s location in China to the final destination in Ireland.
- FOB (Free on Board): The seller covers costs until the goods are loaded onto the ship.
- With CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), the seller pays shipping and insurance until the items reach the Irish port.
- For Irish buyers, DAP (Delivered at Place) and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) are usually preferred. DAP allows sellers to ship up to the buyer’s location, but buyers are responsible for paying import duties. In DDP the seller handles all costs including customs duties.
Things To Consider When Trading From China To Ireland
You should consider these factors to achieve smoother and cost-effective logistics for moving goods from China to Ireland.
- Customs and Import Regulations: Compliance with Ireland’s strict import rules is necessary for you to avoid delays or fines. Accurate documentation and labeling help to streamline customs clearance.
- Post-Brexit Logistics: Brexit has changed trade rules with the EU which makes it important for Irish importers to adjust to new customs checks and paperwork when shipments pass through the UK.
- Irish Weather Impact on Logistics: You should consider Ireland’s unpredictable weather as it can delay shipments mostly for sea freight. Planning for potential delays helps you to manage delivery timelines.
Final Note
Whether importing from Shanghai to Dublin, Shenzhen to Cork, or any other ports in China and Ireland, Bansarship is here for you. We will ship your cargo to your chosen place and handle customs in both countries. You can talk to us about the ocean, railway, DDP, air, or express shipping.
