COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO FRANCE
Shipping Methods and Transit Times
Comparison at a Glance:
Sea Freight: 35–45 days
Rail Freight (China–Europe Express): 18–25 days
Air Freight: 1–2 days (direct), 2–3 days (with transfer)
Truck Transport: 27–30 days
Sea Freight from China to France
Estimated Costs:
20ft container (FCL): USD 2,200–3,500
40ft container (FCL): USD 3,000–5,000
LCL (Less than Container Load): USD 80–150 per CBM
Note: Ocean freight rates fluctuate. For the latest pricing, please contact us. Once you submit a request, we’ll send you a quotation within 24 hours.
Factors Affecting Sea Freight Costs:
Seasonal demand: Rates usually increase during peak seasons (holidays, shopping festivals, or sourcing periods).
Route selection: Different shipping lanes and transshipment ports can influence pricing.
Container type: Costs vary depending on whether you use 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft high cube containers.
Cargo type: Hazardous, refrigerated, or special cargo usually comes with surcharges.
Major Ports:
China: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Yantian)
France: Le Havre, Marseille, Dunkirk
Rail Freight from China to France
Estimated Costs:
20ft container (FCL): USD 8,100
40ft container (FCL): USD 10,100
Cost Drivers:
Route and distance: Different China–Europe routes (via Poland, Russia, Central Asia, etc.) have different pricing.
Weight and volume: Charges are based on chargeable weight (whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric weight).
Cargo type: Regular cargo, dangerous goods, and refrigerated shipments are priced differently.
Container type: 20GP, 40GP, and 40HC containers have varying costs. LCL shipments are generally more expensive per unit than FCL.
Market fluctuations: Higher rates during peak season, with potential discounts off-season.
Main Rail Hubs:
China: Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Chongqing, Yiwu
France: Lyon, Dourges, Paris
Air Freight from China to France
Estimated Costs:
General cargo: USD 4.0–7.0/kg (seasonal variations apply)
Sensitive cargo (batteries, liquids, etc.): USD 6.0–10.0/kg
Factors Affecting Air Freight Costs:
Chargeable weight: Airlines charge based on actual weight or volumetric weight (L×W×H ÷ 6000/5000, whichever is greater).
Routes and destinations: Direct flights cost more than transfers. Remote or restricted destinations may add surcharges.
Fuel prices: Fluctuations in oil prices affect fuel surcharges.
Airline policies: Security fees, oversized cargo charges, dangerous goods surcharges, and handling fees vary by carrier.
Customs duties & clearance fees: Export customs in China and import clearance in France impact total costs.
Seasonality: Rates rise during high-demand seasons (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas, Singles’ Day).
Special handling: Perishables, hazardous materials, and cold-chain shipments incur higher charges.
Major Airports:
China: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)
France: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS)
Taxes and Duties
In China (Export Stage)
VAT refund: Exporters may apply for VAT refunds after shipment, helping reduce costs.
Export duties: Most exports are exempt, but some special goods may require duties or specific permits.
Other fees: Inspection and quarantine charges may apply.
In France (Import Stage)
Customs Duty: Based on HS Code and EU Common Customs Tariff (0%–17%). Exemption: B2C shipments ≤ €150.
Value Added Tax (VAT):
Standard rate: 20% (most goods)
Reduced rates: 5.5% (food, books), 10% (certain medicines)
Formula: VAT = (CIF Value + Duty) × Tax Rate
Reference Tool: EU TARIC Database
Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Goods in France
Steel (e.g., hot-rolled sheets, stainless steel pipes): up to 64.3%
Ceramics (tiles): 26.2%–69.7%
Bicycles & e-bikes: 48.5%–79.3%
Solar panels: Anti-dumping duty lifted in 2018, subject to minimum pricing rules
Aluminum foil: 14%–35% (since 2021)
Chemicals (citric acid): 42.7%–49.3% (extended until 2026)
Step-by-Step Shipping Process
Choose transport mode – Select sea, rail, or air based on volume, budget, and lead time.
Prepare documents – Invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin, CE certification (if applicable).
Booking & loading – Coordinate with your freight forwarder, arrange factory pickup or delivery to port/rail terminal.
Shipment & tracking – Receive Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill/Rail Waybill, track cargo status.
Customs clearance in France – Importer submits documents and pays duties/VAT.
Final delivery – Local logistics providers handle last-mile delivery to the consignee.