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A Comprehensive Guide to Shipping from China to Germany

Shipping Methods from China to Germany & Transit Times

  • Air Freight: Direct flights 1–2 days

  • Sea Freight: 40–45 days

  • Rail Transport: 20–25 days

  • Trucking: 23–27 days

Sea Freight from China to Germany

Reference Sea Freight Rates

  • LCL (Less than Container Load): $80/CBM

  • 20ft (Full Container): $2500–3000

  • 40ft (Full Container): $4000–4500

Rates are subject to change. For the latest sea freight prices, please contact us. Submit an inquiry, and we’ll send you a quotation within 24 hours!

Factors Affecting Sea Freight Rates

  • Seasonal Fluctuations: Rates may rise during peak seasons (e.g., holidays, shopping seasons, stock-up periods).

  • Route Selection: Different routes and ports of call can affect pricing.

  • Container Type: Rates vary for 20ft, 40ft, 40ft high-cube, and other container types.

  • Cargo Type: Special cargo, like hazardous goods or refrigerated items, may incur extra charges.

Given these variables, exact rates depend on your cargo details and shipping needs. We recommend contacting MLS with your specific requirements for the most accurate quote.

Major Ports for Shipping from China to Germany

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

  • Germany: Port of Hamburg, Bremen/Bremerhaven Port, JadeWeserPort Wilhelmshaven

Rail Freight from China to Germany

Reference Rail Freight Rates

  • LCL (Less than Container Load): $155/CBM

  • 20ft (Full Container): $6500–7000

  • 40ft (Full Container): $8000–9000

Factors Affecting Rail Freight Rates

  1. Distance and Route: Different rail routes and transit countries (e.g., via Poland, Russia, or Central Asia) affect costs.

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

  3. Cargo Type: General, hazardous, or refrigerated goods have different rates. Special cargo often requires additional insurance and handling.

  4. Container Type: Prices vary for 20GP, 40GP, 40HC, etc. LCL is generally more expensive per unit than FCL.

  5. Market Fluctuations: Rates are typically higher during peak seasons and may offer discounts in off-peak times.

Major Rail Freight Terminals from China to Germany

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

  • Germany: Duisburg, Hamburg, Munich, Leipzig, Frankfurt

Air Freight from China to Germany

Reference Air Freight Rates

  • Direct flight: $4.3/KG

  • Connecting flight: $3.5/KG

Factors Affecting Air Freight Rates

  • Weight and Volume (Chargeable Weight): Airlines charge based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (L×W×H÷6000 or 5000). Light but bulky cargo may cost more than dense cargo.

  • Route and Destination: Direct flights are usually more expensive than connecting ones. Remote or restricted destinations may incur higher fees.

  • Fuel Prices (Surcharge): Airlines adjust fuel surcharges based on global oil prices.

  • Airline Policies (Additional Fees): Fees include handling, security, hazardous materials, and oversized cargo charges, which vary by airline.

  • Customs Clearance Costs: Export declaration fees and import duties/taxes at destination affect total cost.

  • Peak vs. Off-Peason: Rates rise during high-demand periods (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas, Singles’ Day). Discounts may be available off-season.

  • Special Cargo Requirements: Hazardous goods, perishables, and temperature-sensitive items require special handling and cost more.

Major Airports for Shipping from China to Germany

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

  • Germany: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Hamburg (HAM), Stuttgart (STR)

Taxes on Exports from China

VAT Refund
Exported goods from China are generally eligible for a VAT refund, reducing export costs. Companies must meet certain requirements and provide documentation as per customs and tax regulations.
Export Duties and Other Fees
Most exports are exempt from tariffs, but some special products may require duties or specific procedures. Fees for inspection and quarantine may apply; companies should understand relevant policies in advance.

Taxes on Imports into Germany

Duties depend on factors like product type, value, origin rules, and applicable trade agreements.

Duty Rates

  • EU Common Customs Tariff: As an EU member, Germany uses the EU’s common tariff. Rates are determined by the HS code.

  • HS Code Query: Identify the 8–10 digit HS code via the EU TARIC database.

  • Rate Range: General goods range from 0%–17%, e.g.:

    • Electronics: 0%–4%

    • Textiles: 8%–12%

    • Auto parts: 3%–5%

  • Exemptions: Some goods (e.g., books, certain medical devices) may be duty-free.

  • Anti-Dumping Duties: Additional duties may apply for goods under EU investigation (e.g., steel, solar products).

Import VAT

  • Standard Rate: 19% (reduced 7% for items like food and books).

  • Calculation: VAT is applied to the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) + duty.

  • VAT Deduction: Importers can usually deduct VAT using customs documents.

Trade Agreements and Preferences

  • China-EU Agreement: No comprehensive FTA yet, but some goods may enjoy preferential tariffs under GSP (requires Form A Certificate of Origin).

  • Rules of Origin: Goods wholly obtained or produced in China may qualify for lower rates.

Calculation Example

For a shipment of smartphones (HS code 8517.12.00, duty 0%) with CIF value €10,000:

  • Duty: 0%

  • VAT: €10,000 × 19% = €1,900

Notes

  • Low-Value Shipments: Goods valued ≤ €150 are duty-free (VAT still applies).

  • DDP Terms: If the seller pays duties and taxes (DDP), confirm costs with the freight forwarder in advance.

  • Use the EU TARIC tool to check specific product rates.

For further assistance, provide detailed product information for accurate guidance!

Anti-Dumping Duties by Germany on Chinese Goods

As an EU member, Germany follows EU anti-dumping policies. The EU imposes anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese goods sold below normal value, causing injury to local industries.

  1. Steel Products: e.g., hot-rolled/cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, rebar, pipes. Duties up to 20%–75%.

  2. Ceramic Products: Tiles, tableware, kitchenware. Duties up to 30.6%–69.7%.

  3. Solar Products: PV panels/modules. Previous duties of 47.6%–64.9%; now mostly replaced by minimum import price (MIP) agreements.

  4. Bicycles and E-Bikes: Traditional bikes: 48.5%; e-bikes: 18.8%–79.3%. Some exemptions via price pledges.

  5. Aluminum Products: Foil, profiles, heat sinks. Duties 14%–61.8%.

  6. Fiberglass Products: Fabrics, composites. Duties 37.9%–75.5%.

  7. Chemicals: e.g., citric acid, oxalic acid, melamine. Duties 42.7%–49.3%.

  8. Other Goods: Coated steel, graphite electrodes, polyester fibers.

Check specific rates via the EU TARIC database using the HS code.

Steps to Ship from China to Germany

1. Cargo and Document Preparation

  • Product Standards and Certification: Ensure goods meet German safety, health, and quality standards.

  • Required Documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, contract, certificate of origin, and special licenses if needed. Accuracy and completeness are crucial for smooth customs clearance.

  • Pre-Submission: Some goods may require pre-submission of customs documents (e.g., bill of lading, packing list) for German customs pre-check.

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 Services: Choose experienced international agents to handle shipping, documentation, and customs clearance.

3. Pre-Declaration and German Import Declaration

  • EORI Number: German importers must obtain an EORI number for all import declarations.

  • Pre-Arrival Documentation: Submit pre-entry information within 24 hours before arrival to speed up clearance.

4. Customs Inspection and Tax Payment

  • Inspection Process: German customs may inspect shipments to verify declared information.

  • Duty and VAT Calculation: Duties based on HS code; VAT (usually 19%) on CIF value + duty. Some goods may require excise tax.

  • Issue Resolution: If discrepancies are found, additional documentation or re-declaration may be needed, causing delays.

5. Release and Pickup

  • Customs Warehouse: Some goods are stored in public customs warehouses at airports/ports for sorting and inspection before release.

  • Pickup Arrangements: After clearance, the importer or their logistics provider arr pickup and final delivery.