MainlandLink Shipping

Check Quote now！

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO THE NETHERLANDS

Shipping Methods from China to the Netherlands & Transit Times

  • Air Freight: Direct flights: 1-2 days; Connecting flights: 2-3 days

  • Sea Freight: 37-45 days

  • Rail Freight: 25-28 days

  • Trucking: 27-30 days

Sea Freight from China to the Netherlands

Sea Freight Reference Rates

  • LCL (Less than Container Load): $105/CBM

  • 20ft (Full Container Load): $2000 – $3500

  • 40ft (Full Container Load): $3800 – $5500

Please note: Ocean freight rates are subject to fluctuation. For the most current sea freight quotes, please get in touch with us. Submit an inquiry, and we will send you a quotation within 24 hours!

Factors Influencing Sea Freight Costs

  • Seasonal Fluctuations: Rates may increase during peak shipping seasons (e.g., holidays, shopping seasons, stock preparation periods).

  • Route Selection: Different shipping routes and ports of call can impact the cost.

  • Container Type: Prices vary for different container sizes, such as 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high-cube.

  • Cargo Nature: Special cargo, like hazardous materials or refrigerated goods, may incur additional charges.

Given these variable factors, the exact freight cost depends on your specific cargo details and shipping requirements. We recommend contacting MLS with detailed information about your goods to obtain the most accurate quote.

Major Ports for Shipping from China to the Netherlands

  • China: Port of Shenzhen, Port of Shanghai, Port of Guangzhou, Port of Tianjin, Port of Ningbo

  • Netherlands: Port of Rotterdam (RTM), Port of Amsterdam (AMS)

Rail Freight from China to the Netherlands

Rail Freight Reference Rates

  • LCL (Less than Container Load): $215/CBM

  • 20ft (Full Container Load): $5500 – $7300

  • 40ft (Full Container Load): $8000 – $9500

Please note: Rail freight rates are subject to change. Contact us for the latest prices. Submit an inquiry, and we will send you a quotation within 24 hours!

Factors Influencing Rail Freight Costs

  1. Distance and Route: Different rail routes and transit countries can affect shipping costs. For example, various China-Europe Railway Express lines (via Poland, Russia, or Central Asia) have different pricing structures.

  2. Cargo Weight and Volume: Rail freight charges are typically calculated based on the chargeable weight (whichever is greater: actual weight or volumetric weight). Overweight or oversized cargo may incur extra fees.

  3. Cargo Type: Different categories of goods, such as general cargo, hazardous materials, or refrigerated cargo, may have varying transportation costs. Special cargo often requires additional insurance and handling fees.

  4. Container Type: Prices differ for various container types like 20ft (20GP), 40ft (40GP), and 40ft High Cube (40HC). Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping is generally more expensive per unit than Full Container Load (FCL).

  5. Market Price Fluctuations: Prices are typically higher during peak seasons, while discounts may be available during off-peak times.

Major Rail Freight Terminals from China to the Netherlands

  • China: Xi’an Station, Wuhan Station, Chongqing Station, Chengdu Station, Zhengzhou Station

  • Netherlands/Germany (Common final leg): Key rail hubs for onward movement to the Netherlands include terminals in Germany (like Duisburg, which is a major hub for China-Europe rail, often followed by trucking to the Netherlands), as well as Dutch terminals such as Venlo or Rotterdam Waalhaven. (Note: Corrected based on standard practice; Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal are primarily passenger stations.)

Air Freight from China to the Netherlands

Air Freight Reference Rates

  • Direct Flight: $3.5/KG

  • Connecting Flight: $3.1/KG

Please note: Air freight rates are subject to change. Contact us for the latest prices. Submit an inquiry, and we will send you a quotation within 24 hours!

Factors Influencing Air Freight Costs

Key factors affecting air freight prices include:

  • Chargeable Weight: Airlines charge based on either the actual weight or the volumetric weight (L x W x H in cm / 6000, or sometimes /5000, depending on the carrier), whichever is greater. Light, bulky cargo (low density) can be more expensive than heavy cargo.

  • Route and Destination: Direct flights are usually more expensive than connecting flights. Longer distances, remote locations, or countries with more restrictions tend to have higher costs.

  • Fuel Prices (Fuel Surcharge): Airlines adjust fuel surcharges based on global oil prices; air freight costs rise when oil prices increase.

  • Airline Policies (Surcharges): Fees like airport handling charges, security fees, dangerous goods surcharges, and oversized cargo fees vary by airline.

  • Customs Clearance Fees: Export declaration fees and destination country customs clearance, duties, and taxes impact the total cost.

  • Peak vs. Off-Peak Seasons: Prices increase during high-demand seasons (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas, Singles’ Day). Airlines may offer promotional rates during slower periods.

  • Special Cargo Requirements: Dangerous goods, perishables, or temperature-controlled items requiring special handling incur higher transportation costs.

Major Airports for Shipping from China to the Netherlands

  • Major Airports in China: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)

  • Major Airport in the Netherlands: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the primary cargo airport. Other airports like Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) and Eindhoven Airport (EIN) handle smaller volumes. (Note: Corrected destination country focus).

Taxes on Exports from China

VAT Rebate

In China, exported goods are generally eligible for a Value-Added Tax (VAT) rebate. This means exporting companies can apply for a refund of the VAT already paid on the goods after exportation, thereby reducing export costs.

Companies must meet certain qualification criteria and provide relevant supporting documents as required by customs and tax authorities.

Export Duties and Other Fees

Most exported goods are exempt from export tariffs. However, some specific commodities might be subject to applicable fees or require special procedures.

Fees for inspection and quarantine may also be involved during export. Companies should understand the relevant policy requirements in advance.

Taxes on Imports into the Netherlands

Import duties depend on several factors, including the type of goods, their value, rules of origin, and applicable trade agreements.

Duty Rates

  • EU Common Customs Tariff: As an EU member state, the Netherlands follows the EU’s Common Customs Tariff. Duty rates are determined by the goods’ customs classification code (HS Code).

  • HS Code Query: You need to identify the correct 8-10 digit HS code for your product (can be checked using the EU’s TARIC database).

  • Rate Range: General goods tariffs typically range from 0% to 17%. Examples:

    • Electronics: Usually 0% – 4%

    • Textiles: Approximately 8% – 12%

    • Auto parts: 3% – 5%

  • Duty-Free: Some goods (e.g., books, specific medical devices) may be exempt from duty.

  • Anti-Dumping Duties: Additional duties may be imposed if the goods are subject to EU anti-dumping measures (e.g., on steel, solar panels).

Import VAT

  • Netherlands Standard VAT Rate: 21% (a reduced rate of 9% applies to certain goods, such as food, books, and medicines). (Note: Corrected Dutch VAT rates; German rates were listed in the original.)

  • Calculation Basis: VAT is calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) plus the import duty.

  • VAT Recovery: Dutch importers can generally reclaim paid import VAT, subject to standard VAT recovery procedures, using customs documentation.

Trade Agreements and Preferences

  • China-EU Relations: There is currently no comprehensive free trade agreement between China and the EU. However, some goods may benefit from preferential tariffs under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), requiring a Certificate of Origin Form A.

  • Rules of Origin: If goods meet EU rules of origin criteria (e.g., wholly obtained or sufficiently processed in China), they might be eligible for more favorable duty treatment under various arrangements.

Important Notes

  • Low-Value Consignments: Import duty is exempt for goods valued at ≤150 Euros entering the EU (Import VAT still applies).

  • DDP Terms: If the seller is responsible for duties and taxes (Delivered Duty Paid – DDP), clarify all costs with your freight forwarder in advance.

  • Use the EU’s TARIC tool to look up duty rates for specific goods.

For further assistance, please provide specific product information for more precise guidance!

Anti-Dumping Duties Applied by the Netherlands (EU) on Chinese Goods

As an EU member state, the Netherlands follows the EU’s common anti-dumping policy. The EU imposes anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese products deemed to be sold in the EU market at prices below normal value, causing injury to EU industries.

  1. Steel and Iron Products: Includes hot-rolled steel, cold-rolled stainless steel, rebar, seamless pipes, and cast iron products. Duties can be as high as 20%-75%. Many measures were implemented between 2016-2021, some extended to 2026.

  2. Ceramic Products: Includes tiles, tableware, and kitchenware. Duty rates: Tiles: 30.6%-69.7%; Tableware/Kitchenware: up to 36.1%. Tile duties have been in place since 2011, extended multiple times.

  3. Solar Panels (PV Products): Includes solar cells and modules. High duties (47.6%-64.9%) were imposed in 2013, replaced by a Minimum Import Price (MIP) mechanism in 2018, which has since expired. Currently, limited duties apply to some companies.

  4. Bicycles and E-Bikes: Traditional bicycles face a 48.5% duty (in place since 1993). E-bikes have been subject to duties of 18.8%-79.3% since 2019. Some companies are exempt under price undertakings.

  5. Aluminum Products: Includes aluminum foil, profiles, and radiators. Duty rates: Foil: 14%-35% (2021); Radiators: up to 61.8% (2022).

  6. Glass Fiber Products: Includes glass fiber fabrics, composites. Duties range from 37.9% to 75.5% (2020).

  7. Chemical Products: Includes citric acid, oxalic acid, and melamine. For example, citric acid duties are 42.7%-49.3% (extended to 2026).

  8. Other Notable Goods: Organic-coated steel (13.2%-57.8% in 2022), graphite electrodes (up to 67.9%), polyester staple fibers (6.0%-20.6% after 2023 review).

Check Specific Rates: Use the EU’s official TARIC database and enter the product’s HS code.

Steps for Shipping from China to the Netherlands

1. Cargo and Document Preparation

  • Product Standards and Certification: Ensure goods comply with Dutch (and EU) safety, health, and quality standards.

  • Essential Documents: Prepare commercial invoice, packing list, contract, certificate of origin, and any licenses required for specific products. Accuracy and completeness are crucial for smooth customs clearance.

  • Pre-Lodgment: For some shipments, submitting customs documents (like bill of lading, packing list) in advance allows Dutch customs to perform pre-arrival checks.

2. Transport Method and Logistics Arrangements

  • Choose Shipping Method: Select sea, air, or rail based on cargo type, volume, and urgency.

  • Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker: Choose experienced international freight forwarders and customs brokers. They can assist with transport arrangements, document preparation, and clearance procedures.

3. Pre-Declaration and Dutch Import Declaration

  • Obtain an EORI Number: The Dutch importer must have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, essential for all import declarations.

  • Submit Entry Summary Declaration (ENS): Pre-arrival information (ENS) must generally be submitted to Dutch customs within specific timeframes before arrival (often 24 hours for maritime shipments) to facilitate smoother clearance.

4. Customs Inspection and Tax Payment

  • Inspection Process: Dutch customs may select shipments for physical or documentary inspection to verify declared information matches the actual goods.

  • Duty and Tax Calculation/Payment: Duties are calculated based on the HS code. Import VAT (typically 21% standard rate) is also due upon import. Some excise goods may incur additional taxes.

  • Issue Resolution: If inspections find discrepancies or missing documents, additional information or re-declaration may be required, potentially delaying clearance.

5. Release and Cargo Pickup

  • Customs Warehouse: Some goods may be stored in customs-controlled areas at the port or airport upon arrival. After sorting and any necessary checks, the customs broker facilitates release.

  • Pickup Arrangements: Once cleared, the importer or their appointed logistics provider arranges pickup and final delivery.