Shipping from China to Italy
Trade between China and Italy is very frequent, and a large number of goods enter the Italian market every year through sea, air and rail transport. Whether it is clothing, furniture, electronic products, or mechanical equipment, choosing the right mode of transportation, rationally planning logistics costs, and ensuring smooth customs clearance are the focus of every importer.
As an important logistics hub in Europe, Italy has multiple international ports and airports that can efficiently handle goods from China. The main ports include the Port of Genoa, the Port of Naples, and the Port of La Spezia, which play an important role in European trade and provide efficient shipping services. In addition, Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP) and Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) are major air cargo hubs in Italy, which can quickly handle international cargo transportation.
Shipping from China to Italy, we provide a variety of transportation modes such as sea, air, and rail, and can provide door-to-door, DDP (delivery after duty paid) and other services to ensure that the goods arrive at the destination smoothly, safely and on time.
What can we do when shipping from China to Italy?
Sea Freight FCL from China to Italy
- Shipping from China to enoa, Naples and La Spezia in Italy
- We provide 20ft, 40ft and 40HQ standard container transportation, suitable for bulk goods.
- Professional team assists with customs clearance and document processing to reduce uncertainty during transportation.
Sea Freight LCL from China to Italy
- Providing LCL services for small batches of cargo to effectively reduce transportation costs.
- Flexible shipping plans for a variety of cargo types.
- Professional cargo consolidation services to ensure that goods arrive at their destination safely and efficiently.
Air Freight from China to Italy
- A fast and efficient mode of transport suitable for time-sensitive goods, with air freight time of 2 to 7 days.
- Covering major airports from China to Italy, with flexible flight options.
- Provide cargo tracking services to understand the progress of transportation in real time.
Rail transport from China to Italy
- Shipping from major Chinese rail hubs such as Xi’an, Chongqing or Chengdu to major destinations in Italy
- We offer 40ft container options suitable for bulk cargo and a variety of cargo types.
- Our team assists with customs clearance and documentation to ensure a smooth and efficient shipping process.
Door to Door Shipping from China to Italy
- One-stop service from China to the customer’s designated address in Italy.
- Covering the entire process of cargo transportation, customs clearance, and distribution.
- Save time and energy, customers do not need to worry about complex logistics links.
DDP Shipping from China to Italy
- Provide a “delivery after duty paid” model, the seller bears all transportation and taxes from China to Italy.
- Including customs clearance and tax payment, ensure that customers can easily receive the goods.
- Professional team supervises the whole process to reduce potential risks in transportation.
Table of Contents
How to Ship from China to Italy
There are many ways to ship goods from China to Italy, mainly including sea, air and rail transport. Different freight modes are suitable for different types of goods and delivery time requirements. When choosing the right mode of transportation, companies or individuals should consider the volume, weight, budget and delivery period of the goods.
Usually, bulk goods or non-urgent goods can be shipped by sea, which has relatively low costs but longer transportation time; for goods with higher timeliness requirements, air transport is a better choice; and rail transport is between the two, with certain advantages in cost and timeliness. In addition, if more convenient services are needed, door to door transportation and DDP (delivery after duty paid) services can allow the goods to be delivered directly to the destination without the buyer having to worry about the tedious customs clearance and delivery links.
Before transportation, it is recommended that customers communicate with professional freight forwarding companies to obtain the best transportation plan and the latest customs clearance policy to ensure that the goods are cleared smoothly and arrive in Italy on time.
Best Ways to Ship from China to Italy
Sea Freight: If you are not in a hurry but need to ship a large amount of goods, sea freight is an affordable option from China to Italy. Sea freight is slower but can handle large quantities of goods and is the preferred choice for bulk shipments. Delays may occur due to weather or port issues, but sea freight is a reliable and affordable mode of transportation.
Air Freight: This is the fastest mode of transportation from China to Italy and is ideal for situations where time is of the essence. It is particularly suitable for items that need to be shipped quickly, such as fresh food or expensive electronics. Although it is more expensive than other methods, it is chosen for its speed and reliability.
Rail Freight: Rail freight is a fast and reliable freight method connecting China and Italy, especially for goods that need to take into account both timeliness and economy. Through the transportation network of China-Europe Express, goods can depart from major Chinese cities such as Yiwu, Chengdu, Chongqing, and directly reach Italian logistics hubs such as Milan. Railway transportation provides customers with stable transportation timeliness and convenient cross-border services, and is an ideal alternative to sea and air transportation.
Express: Express is a fast and safe mode of transportation, suitable for urgent and small quantities of goods. It’s faster than ocean shipping and has real-time tracking, but it costs more and has size and weight restrictions. If you want to send an important item quickly, this may be your best option.
Door-to-Door (DDP) Service: This is the most worry-free way to ship from China to Italy. The shipping company will take care of everything from pickup to delivery, including customs formalities. This service gives you peace of mind and convenience, but it may cost slightly more.
Sea Freight from China to Italy
Sea freight is one of the most common freight methods from China to Italy, especially for large quantities of goods and large equipment. Italy has several important ports, including the Port of Genoa, the Port of La Spezia and the Port of Naples, which are major logistics hubs in Europe and can effectively distribute goods to other European countries.
The main sea freight methods include full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL):
- Full container load (FCL): suitable for large quantities of goods that can fill the entire container, with relatively low transportation costs and more stable delivery time.
- Less than container load (LCL): suitable for smaller quantities of goods, which are loaded into the same container with other customers’ goods. Although the cost is more economical, the customs clearance and delivery time may be longer.
It usually takes about 30-45 days to ship from China to Italy by sea, and the specific time depends on the departure port, the destination port and the shipping company’s arrangements. In addition, customers also need to consider port fees, customs clearance fees and delivery arrangements at the destination.
The shipping cost is calculated by container. A 20ft container costs about US$2,800-4,500, and a 40ft container costs about US$3,500-5,500. The specific cost will also be affected by factors such as fuel surcharges and port charges.
Major Ports in Italy
Port of Venice
The Port of Venice is one of the largest ports in Italy, with a total length of 12 kilometers and a total area of 250 hectares. It is vast and has more than 10,000 ships entering and leaving the port every year. In addition to the commercial and tourism sectors, it also involves various supply chains such as agribusiness, energy, steel products, chemicals, etc. In short, the various businesses of the Port of Venice are among the best in Italian ports and play an important role in northern Italy.
Port of Bari
Bari is the capital of the Puglia region in southeastern Italy. It is located in the southeast of the Apennine Peninsula, facing the southwest side of the Adriatic Sea to the east, and adjacent to the Port of Brindisi to the southeast. Bari is the largest artificial seaport in southern Italy. The port is connected to other parts of Italy by rail and is about 10 kilometers away from the airport. .
Port of Naples
It is one of the main seaports in Italy. It was built in the 6th century BC and was a summer resort for Roman emperors. In modern times, it has developed into one of Italy’s major oil refining centers and one of the steel industry centers. The main industries are oil refining, steel, shipbuilding, machinery, chemicals, automobile assembly, textiles, food, etc. In addition, there are many ancient arts, cultural relics and scenic sightseeing, and the tourism industry is well developed. The port is about 8 kilometers away from the international airport, and there are regular international flights to various places.
Port of Genoa
The Port of Genoa is one of the largest ports in Italy. It is located in the Liguria region in northwestern Italy. It handles a large number of containers and bulk cargoes. It is an important cargo transit station in the Mediterranean region and connects many ports around the world.
Air Freight from China to Italy
Air freight is the fastest way to transport from China to Italy, suitable for goods with high timeliness requirements, such as electronic products, clothing, luxury goods, etc. Italy’s major international air cargo hubs include Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP), Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and Bologna International Airport (BLQ), which can quickly handle goods from China.
Air freight usually adopts the following two methods:
- Standard Air Freight: Suitable for most goods, moderate price, usually around 3-7 days.
- Express Shipping: Such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc., suitable for small or urgent goods, and can be delivered in 1-4 days at the fastest.
Air freight costs are generally calculated according to the actual weight or volume weight of the goods. It is recommended that customers confirm the best transportation plan with the freight forwarder in advance to optimize costs.
Rail Transport from China to Italy
Rail transport is a rapidly developing mode of freight transport between China and Europe in recent years. It is faster than sea transport and cheaper than air transport, and is suitable for goods with medium time requirements. The China-Europe Express can transport goods from China to Milan, Italy and other places in about 18-25 days, which saves half the time compared to sea transport.
The advantages of rail transport include:
- Stable timeliness: faster than sea transport and less affected by weather.
- Suitable for medium-volume goods: For goods above 500kg and several cubic meters, rail transport is cost-effective.
- Can cover multiple cities: After the goods arrive in Italy, they can be transported to all parts of the country by truck.
Rail transport is mostly used for household goods, mechanical equipment, auto parts, electronic products, etc. Customers can choose full container load (FCL) or less container load (LCL) services according to their needs.
Shipping Cost from China to Italy
The cost of shipping from China to Italy is affected by many factors, including the mode of transportation, type of goods, weight, and additional charges.
Different modes of transportation have different costs, with sea freight being the most economical, air freight being the most expensive, and rail freight being somewhere in between. The cost of shipping a 20-foot container by sea is between $2,600 and $4,200, the cost of air freight is usually $4 to $10 per kilogram, and the cost of rail freight for a 40-foot container is between $6,800 and $8,800.You can refer to the table below:
| Shipping Mode | Shipping From China to Italy (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea freight LCL (per cubic meter) | $100 – $200 |
| Sea freight FCL (20ft container) | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Sea freight FCL (40ft container) | $3,250 to $5,550 |
| Rail transport FCL (40ft container) | $6,800 to $9,800 |
| Air Freight (100kg) | $4 to $9 per kilogram |
| Express Cost (30kg) | $10 per kilogram |
The type and weight of the goods directly affect the cost of shipping from China to Italy. Ordinary goods are charged by weight or volume, and special goods may require additional handling fees.
Additional charges
Additional charges include customs duties, VAT, insurance costs, and storage fees. These charges are borne by the consignee and need to be paid when the goods arrive.
Costs of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Italy
Container shipping costs from China to Italy depend on a variety of factors, including the type of full container you use (20ft, 40ft, 40HQ container) and fluctuating shipping costs in the market. Below is a list of the cheapest prices for shipping various goods from major Chinese ports to Italy using 20ft and 40ft containers (full container).
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to Italy |
| Shanghai, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3450 40FT | |
| Ningbo-Zhouhsan, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3150 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4050 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4150 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $2950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3850 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3550 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4250 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4350 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4550 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3200 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4000 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – Italy | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $3250 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $4250 40FT |
Additional costs of shipping from China to Italy
- Customs clearance costs:
China export customs clearance costs: 50 – 150 USD.
Italy import customs clearance costs: 60 – 200 USD, depending on the type of cargo. - Insurance:
Optional but recommended, costs 0.15% – 0.25% of the cargo value. - Port handling fees:
Port handling fees at Italy arrival ports are usually 80 to 150 USD per container. - Documentation fees:
Preparing bills of lading and other documents usually costs 20 to 40 USD.
Shipping Time from China to Italy
The time it takes to ship from China to Italy depends on the mode of transport.
- Ocean freight usually takes 30-45 days, which is greatly affected by weather and port conditions.
- Air freight usually takes 3-7 days and is the fastest mode of transport.
- Railway freight usually takes 15-20 days, which is between sea freight and air freight.
- Express delivery usually takes 3-5 days, which is suitable for small goods.
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | Transit time |
| Qingdao | Genoa | 32-38 days |
| Qingdao | Naples | 30-37 days |
| Qingdao | La Spezia | 35-40 days |
| Shanghai | Genoa | 32-39 days |
| Shanghai | Naples | 31-37 days |
| Shanghai | La Spezia | 33-39 days |
| Shenzhen | Genoa | 30-38 days |
| Shenzhen | Naples | 31-39 days |
| Shenzhen | La Spezia | 32-40 days |
Door to Door Shipping from China to Italy
Door to Door service covers the entire logistics process from the factory or warehouse in China to the delivery address in Italy, and customers do not need to worry about customs clearance, delivery and other links. This service is suitable for e-commerce sellers, company purchases and personal imports.
The cost of Door to Door Shipping from China to Italy usually includes transportation fees, customs clearance fees, delivery fees, etc. The specific fees depend on the type of goods, weight and destination. Usually, the cost of door to door shipping is 20-30% higher than ordinary transportation methods.
Usually, Door to Door Shipping can be combined with air, sea or rail transportation methods, and the freight forwarding company will provide a full logistics solution to ensure the safe delivery of goods.
Door to door shipping from China to Italy is divided into two methods: DDP and DDU, as follows:
- Delivery Duty Paid (DDP): DDP is a worry-free and labor-saving option. The seller is fully responsible for delivering the goods to the door of Italy, including all duties, taxes and customs clearance fees. This method ensures that buyers have a seamless and stress-free experience, as all costs and responsibilities are borne by the seller.
- Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): Under DDU terms, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to Italy, but the buyer is responsible for paying duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees when the goods arrive. This option can save the seller some costs, but requires the buyer to deal with local customs and additional fees.
Door to Door Shipping Process from China to Italy
- Pickup and Cargo Preparation: Pick up the goods from the supplier or warehouse in China. Ensure proper packaging and labeling in accordance with international shipping standards.
- China Customs Clearance: The freight forwarder handles all necessary documentation required for export customs clearance, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and any special certificates required.
- Shipping from China to Italy: The goods are transported by the selected mode of transportation (sea, air, or rail). Depending on the goods, the selected mode will provide the most efficient and economical route.
- Italy Customs Clearance: Customs clearance will be carried out once the goods arrive at the Italian port, airport, or train station. Duties and taxes are calculated and paid.
- Final Delivery: After customs clearance, the goods will be delivered to the consignee’s address, completing the door-to-door process. The last mile delivery is handled by local carriers to ensure safe and timely delivery.
DDP Shipping from China to Italy
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is a one-stop logistics solution. The freight forwarder is responsible for transportation, customs declaration, customs clearance and payment of import duties from China to Italy. Customers only need to wait for delivery.
The cost of DDP usually includes transportation, customs clearance, customs duties and VAT, etc. The specific cost depends on the type, weight and destination of the goods. Usually, the cost of DDP is 30-40% higher than that of ordinary transportation.
DDP Shipping from China to Italy can be applied to sea, air and rail transportation, especially for importers who are not familiar with the customs clearance process. Its main advantages include:
- Reduce risks: The freight forwarder is responsible for compliant transportation and avoids customs clearance delays.
- Controllable costs: Customers pay a fixed fee and do not need to bear the risk of changes in customs clearance fees.
- Fast customs clearance: Reduce cumbersome customs declaration procedures and improve customs clearance efficiency.
Amazon FBA from China to Italy
Italy is one of the main markets for Amazon FBA in Europe. Chinese sellers can ship goods to FBA warehouses in Italy, such as Amazon logistics centers in Milan, Rome, etc., by sea, air or rail.
Amazon FBA fees usually include transportation fees, storage fees, delivery fees, etc., and the specific fees depend on the type of goods, weight and destination. Usually, DDP is used to transport from China to Amazon Italy, so the cost of Amazon FBA will be 30-40% higher than ordinary transportation methods.
The key points of Amazon FBA from China to Italy include:
- Label and packaging requirements: Ensure that the goods meet the packaging standards of Amazon FBA to avoid rejection of warehouse entry.
- VAT tax compliance: Register for Italian VAT tax number to ensure legal sales.
- Fast delivery: Choose the right logistics method to ensure that the goods arrive at the FBA warehouse on time.
Customs clearance and tariffs from China to Italy
The customs clearance process includes submitting relevant documents, paying tariffs and VAT, etc. Customs clearance time is usually 1-3 days, depending on the type of goods and customs clearance efficiency.
The documents required for customs clearance from China to Italy include:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading/airway bill
- Certificate of origin
- Import license/permit
The tariff rate varies depending on the type of goods and the country of origin. The VAT from China to Italy is usually 22%. These fees are borne by the consignee and need to be paid when the goods arrive.
In order to simplify the customs clearance process, you can choose door-to-door transportation from China to Italy. Freight forwarding companies can provide professional services to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods.
Freight Forwarding from China to Italy
Freight forwarding is a key link in transporting goods from China to Italy. Freight forwarding companies act as intermediaries and are responsible for coordinating transportation, customs clearance, delivery and other links to ensure that the goods arrive at the destination safely and on time.
By working with professional freight forwarders, customers can manage the entire transportation process from China to Italy more effectively. Freight forwarders customize transportation plans according to customer needs and provide a variety of options including sea, air, and rail transportation to ensure the best transportation timeliness and the lowest cost.
In addition, freight forwarding companies usually cooperate with multiple transportation companies and can provide you with more competitive prices and more flexible transportation plans, such as arranging LCL transportation or multimodal transportation according to your needs to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Finally, when choosing a freight forwarding company, it is recommended to consider its experience, reputation, service scope, etc. A good freight forwarding company can not only save your time and cost, but also provide you with full tracking services, so that you can always understand the transportation status of the goods.
What are the advantages of choosing Bestlink Logistics to ship from China to Italy?
Cooperate with top shipping companies
Bestlink Logistics has good cooperation with the world’s leading shipping companies, you can rest assured that your goods will arrive in Italy intact.
Most competitive freight rates
Saving freight is the top priority of every importer. If you want to enjoy competitive freight rates, you can consider hiring a reputable freight forwarder like Bestlink Logistics to enjoy more favorable prices.
Multiple modes of transportation to Italy
Whether you plan to ship goods to Italy by air, sea, rail or express, you can get all the transportation services at Bestlink Logistics.
FAQ for shipping from China to Italy
The main shipping methods from China to Italy include sea, air and rail:
Sea freight: suitable for large quantities of goods, with lower costs, but longer transportation time, generally 30-45 days.
Air freight: the fastest time, suitable for urgent goods or high-value goods, usually delivered in 3-7 days.
Rail freight: the time is between sea and air, about 18-25 days, suitable for medium-volume goods.
The specific choice depends on the type of goods, transportation budget and delivery time requirements.
The main sea ports in Italy include:
Port of Genoa: the largest port in Italy and an important container hub in Europe.
Port of La Spezia: mainly used for container transportation, connecting the European mainland.
Port of Naples: a major southern port suitable for import and export trade.
Port of Livorno: handles bulk, roll-on/roll-off and container transport.
Customers can choose the appropriate port according to the final destination of the goods to reduce inland transportation costs.
Italy’s major international cargo airports include:
Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP): Italy’s largest cargo airport, covering all parts of Europe.
Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO): suitable for the southern market, handling a large amount of international cargo.
Bologna International Airport (BLQ): suitable for small and medium-sized cargo, connecting multiple European logistics centers.
Air transport is suitable for high-value, urgent goods, such as electronic products, luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, etc.
The cost of shipping from China to Italy depends on several factors, including:
Mode of transport (sea, air, rail)
Cargo weight and volume (for larger volumes, the charge is based on volumetric weight)
Port of departure and port of destination (prices vary for different routes)
Customs clearance fees (involving import duties, VAT, etc.)
The customs clearance process involves multiple links, mainly including:
Provide relevant documents (such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, etc.)
Declare customs (ensure that the goods comply with import regulations)
Pay customs duties and value-added tax (VAT)
Deliver after customs clearance
To avoid delays, it is recommended to confirm Italian import requirements in advance and choose an experienced freight forwarder to provide customs clearance support.
DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) is a worry-free logistics solution for customers who do not want to deal with customs clearance and tariff issues. Features include:
The freight forwarder is responsible for paying import duties and VAT, and the buyer only needs to wait for delivery.
Applicable to small batches of goods, e-commerce sellers, FBA warehousing, etc.
Transparent prices, confirmed fees in advance, no hidden costs.
If you are not familiar with Italy’s customs clearance policy, DDP shipping is an ideal choice.
If you are an Amazon seller and need to transport goods to the FBA warehouse in Italy, you can choose:
Air freight + express delivery: the fastest, suitable for emergency replenishment, usually delivered in 5-7 days.
Ocean freight + truck delivery: suitable for large-scale inventory replenishment, low cost, but takes 30-40 days.
Railway transportation: comprehensive cost and timeliness, suitable for goods of moderate weight, about 18-25 days.
At the same time, make sure that the goods meet Amazon FBA packaging requirements to avoid warehouse rejection.
Factors that affect shipping time from China to Italy include:
Peak and off-season (shipping and customs clearance may be delayed during peak season)
Destination city (port cities are faster to deliver, inland areas require additional delivery time)
Customs clearance speed (customs clearance is usually smoother if all documents are complete)
Transportation method (air transport is the fastest, rail and sea transport take longer)