Key Takeaways:
How long does it take from China to France:
- By air: Commonly 5-10 days
- By sea: Comonly 30-45 days, depending on the shipping mode
- By railway: Commonly 15-20 days
How much does it cost from China to France:
- By air: Commonly €5-10/kg
- By sea: For FCL 2000-5000 € and LCL150-300 €, depending on the shipping mode
- By railway: Commonly €110-170
Shipping Methods from China to France
If you want to ship goods from China to France, you have three main shipping options to choose from: sea freight shipping, air freight shipping, and rail freight.
 Sea Freight Shipping from China to France
Sea freight is a common and cost-effective method of transporting goods from China to France. There are two main sea freight options:
- FCL (Full Container Load): The shipper has enough cargo to fill an entire shipping container. This is faster since only the shipper’s goods are in the container.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): For smaller shipments, cargo is consolidated with other shippers’ goods to fill a container. This is more economical but has a longer transit time due to the consolidation process.
Sea freight is suitable for a wide range of products, and it can take large volumes and heavy goods at once. If you want to ship cargo from China to France, which may not be urgent, sea freight may be the best shipping solution for you.
Air Freight from China to France
Air freight is another option, and it is a fast and reliable method for transporting goods from China to France, particularly for time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable products.
Air freight increases security and reduces the risk of damage, which offers a more reliable and consistent delivery schedule.
Rail Freight from China to France
When talking about rail freight from China to France, the China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) must be considered.
China-Europe Railway Express (CRE), also known as the China Railway Express, operates along three main corridors: the eastern, central, and western routes.
These routes pass through several countries, such as Russia, Belarus, and Poland, before reaching their destinations in Europe. While the eastern route primarily serves Chinese exports from coastal regions like Yiwu, the central route carries goods from central China and southern coastal provinces like Guangdong.
The CRE provides a faster transit time than sea freight, but the cost of shipping is a little bit higher.
The rail route is suitable for high-value industrial products such as vehicles, electronics, computer equipment, and promotional and seasonal products that require faster delivery than sea freight but at a lower cost than air freight.
What is the Ship Routes from China to FranceÂ
Sea Freight Routes from China to France
The main ports in France for receiving cargo from China are Le Havre, Marseille, Dunkirk, Fos-sur-Mer, and Brest.
- Nansha (CNNSA) to Le Havre (FRLEH)
- Shanghai to Le Havre
- Ningbo to Le Havre
- Shenzhen to Le Havre
- Marseille (FRMRS) to Da Chan Bay (CNDCB)
Air Freight Routes from China to France
- Beijing to Lyon
- Shanghai to Paris
- Shenzhen to Paris
- Chengdu to Paris
- Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
Rail Road Routes from China to France
The main freight train stations in France for cargo from China are Lyon and Paris.
- Wuhan to Lyon
- Zhongding Shanxi to Paris
How Much Does It Cost to Ship From China to France?
Sea Shipping Cost from China to France
| Container shipping service from China to France | Type of container | Ocean freight rates from China to France: |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai China to Le Havre | 20 foot container FCL | average price from: $3550 /20FT |
| 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $5000 /40FT | |
| Shenzhen China to Le Havre | 20 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 /20FT |
| 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $4850 /40FT | |
| Ningbo-Zhoushan China to Le Havre | 20 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 /20FT |
| 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $4850 /40FT | |
| Hong Kong China to Le Havre | 20 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150/ 20FT |
| 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $4850 /40FT | |
| Guangzhou China to Le Havre | 20 foot container FCL | average price from: $3550/ 20FT |
| 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $5000 /40FT | |
| Qingdao China to Le Havre | 20 foot container FCL | average price from: $3550 /20FT |
| 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $5050 /40FT | |
| Tianjin China to Le Havre | 20 foot container FCL | average price from: $3150 /20FT |
| 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $4850 /40FT | |
| Dalian China to Le Havre | 20 foot container FCL | average price from: $3250 /20FT |
| 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $4650 /40FT | |
| Xiamen China to Le Havre | 20 foot container FCL | average price from: $3050 /20FT |
| 40 foot container FCL | average price from: $5050 /40FT |
Air Shiping Cost from China to France
| Origin City | Destination City | Air Freight Cost (EURO/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Paris | Standard: 4-8 |
| Express shipping: 8-10 | ||
| Beijing | Paris | Standard:3-7 |
| Express shipping:8-15 | ||
| Guangzhou | Paris | Standard:4.2-7.5 |
| Express shipping:8.2-9.5 | ||
| Shenzhen | Paris | Standard:4-8 |
| Express shipping:6.5-9.5 | ||
| Hong Kong | Paris | Standard:4-8 |
| Express shipping:7-10 | ||
| Tianjin | Paris | Standard:6-8 |
| Express shipping:8.5-10 | ||
| Xiamen | Paris | Standard:4.2-6.5 |
| Express shipping:6.8-8.5 | ||
| Chengdu | Paris | Standard: 3.12-5.8 |
| Express shipping:4-7 | ||
| Hangzhou | Paris | Standard:5-8 |
| Express shipping:7-9.5 | ||
| Ningbo | Paris | Standard:3.5-5.8 |
| Express shipping:6.5-9.8 | ||
| Qingdao | Paris | Standard: 5-6.5 |
| Express shipping:6.5-9.5 | ||
| Chongqing | Marseille | Standard:3.5-5.8 |
| Express shipping:6.8-8.5 | ||
| Zhengzhou | Marseille | Standard:6.5-9.5 |
| Express shipping:9-15 | ||
| Shanghai | Lyon | Standard:3.5-7.5 |
| Express shipping: 6.8-8.5 | ||
| Guangzhou | Lyon | Standard:7.2-9.8 |
| Express shipping:6.5-8.5 | ||
| Tianjin | Lyon | Standard:6.5-8.2 |
| Express shipping:7-10 | ||
| Xiamen | Lyon | Standard:4.2-6 |
| Express shipping:7-8.5 | ||
| HongKong | Lyon | Standard:3.5-7.9 |
| Express shipping:8.4-9.8 | ||
| Shengzhen | Lyon | Standard:3.8-7.7 |
| Express shipping: 5-7.5 |
Rail Freight Cost from China to France
Net ton shipping costs by rail typically range from €110 to €170.
Please note that the rates shown are only estimates to provide an indication of pricing. Actual quotes will vary depending on the specific details of the shipment, such as the goods, weight, dimensions, delivery timeline, and other requirements. We work with each customer individually to develop customized shipping solutions tailored to your needs and budget. You can expect competitive pricing that aims to deliver great value.
Please contact us to discuss your shipping needs – Luckystar looks forward to putting together an unexpected price for you. We will offer you the cheapest way to ship your goods, we are your most trustworthy shipping company.
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to France
How Long Does Sea Freight from China to France?Â
| From | To | Transit time |
| Fuzhou | Marseille | 24 to 30 days |
| China | Marseille | 30 to 35 days |
| Hong Kong | Marseille | 23 to 30 days |
| Shanghai | Marseille | 26 to 30 days |
| Guangzhou | Marseille | 23 to 30 days |
| Shenzhen | Marseille | 23 to 30 days |
| Xiamen | Marseille | 24 to 30 days |
| Tianjin | Marseille | 25-35 days |
| Ningbo | Marseille | 25-37 days |
| Fuzhou | Le Havre | 28-30 days |
| Shanghai | Le Havre | 32-37 days |
| Ningbo | Le Havre | 31-40 days |
| Qingdao | Le Havre | 31-35 days |
| Dalian | Le Havre | 34-38 days |
| Shenzhen | Le Havre | 26-46 days |
| Yinkou | Le Havre | 20-25 days |
| Tianjin | Le Havre | 35-42 days |
| Xiamen | Le Havre | 20-25 days |
How Long Does Air Freight from China to France?Â
| Origin City | Destination City | Air Shipping Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Paris | 3-4 days |
| Beijing | Paris | 3-5 days |
| Guangzhou | Paris | 3-7 days |
| Shenzhen | Paris | 8-10 days |
| Hong Kong | Paris | 2-3 days |
| Chengdu | Paris | 7-10 days |
| Chongqing | Paris | 3-7 days |
| Dongguan | Paris | 3-7 days |
| Shenyang | Paris | 5-7 days |
| Wuhan | Paris | 3-7days |
| Hong Kong | Lyon | 5-6days |
| Shenzhen | Lyon | 5-7days |
| Xiamen | Lyon | 7-9days |
| Shanghai | Lyon | 5-7 days |
| Guangzhou | Lyon | 5-7 days |
| Tianjin | Lyon | 5-7days |
| Zhengzhou | Marseille | 5-7 days |
| Chongqing | Marseille | 5-7days |
Factors Affecting Shipping Time
While shipping time estimates provide a general guideline, there are various factors that can influence the actual duration of a shipment. Some regularly encountered elements that affect how long it will take to ship from China include:
- Type of Vessel: Larger container ships or bulk carriers have higher cargo capacities but slower speeds than specialized roll-on/roll-off vessels or car carriers. Ship type impacts estimated time of arrival.
- Weather Conditions: Unfavorable weather like storms can cause delays if ships need to alter course or wait out bad conditions. Seasonal weather patterns also affect certain routes.
- Port Congestion: Busy ports with high traffic or that are understaffed/inefficient may lead to longer wait times for vessels to berth, load/unload cargo which delays overall journey times.
- Route Schedule: Ships adhere to set schedules with planned stops at multiple ports. Any delays early on like missed departure can cause knock-on effects down the line.
- Cargo Inspections: Customs inspections of cargo for security, compliance or health reasons may cause delays in some ports before clearance is given.
Necessary Documents for Shipping from China to France
When shipping goods from China to France, it is crucial to have the correct documentation ready. You will need to prepare a well-organized dossier to ensure smooth customs clearance with Chinese and French authorities and compliance with government regulations related to international trade.
- Commercial Invoice: The document should clearly show the value, quantity and nature of the goods you are transporting.
- Packing List: Include a detailed packing list. This should outline each item in your shipment, its weight and packaging details. It ensures that all parties know what the carrier is loading.
- Bill of Lading (B/L): A bill of lading is a formal contract between you and the carrier. This is necessary to release the goods on arrival and to deal with any claims that may arise.
- Certificate of Origin: Prepare a Certificate of Origin. This proves where your goods were manufactured and is important for applying tariffs and understanding trade agreements.
- Export License: If your goods are controlled, you will need an export license from the Chinese government. Check in advance to avoid delays.
- Insurance Documentation: This is essential to protect your company’s assets from damage or loss in transit.
Is There an Import Tax from China to France?
Duties and taxes are calculated based on the value of the goods, trade agreements, commercial invoice, HS tariff code of the product, and origin of the goods.
Since there is no preferential trade agreement between China and France, a certificate of origin will not allow exemption from customs duties.
Imports from China to France are subject to 20% VAT, customs duties up to 17%, and a 4.2% general tariff, calculated based on the CIF value.
Customs duties and taxes apply to both businesses and individuals importing from China. The duty-free threshold is €150. Above that, the duty rate varies based on the type of goods.
- Electronic products – 0-2%
- Furniture – 0-2.7%
- Footwear – 8-17%
- Textiles – 8-12%
As a professional shipping company, we help our customers to correctly classify and evaluate shipments to minimize customs duties. If you have goods to ship or you want to import goods from China to France, please contact us.
What Items Are Prohibited to Bring into France?
Prohibited Items: These items may not be transported under any circumstances.
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Weapons, Explosives, and Ammunition
- counterfeit
- Hazardous Waste
- endangered plant and animal species
Restricted Items: Certain conditions or restrictions apply to these items.
- Alcohol: requires a special import license
- Tobacco and tobacco products: subject to taxes and import quotas.
- Medicine: Appropriate documentation and approval are required.
- Food: Must comply with health and safety regulations.
- Electronics: Certain types require specific safety standards.
- Cultural relics: Authorization is required for export and import from China to France.
Please be sure to check with the freight forwarder for the latest, detailed list of prohibited and restricted items.
Why Choose Us? Luckystar Logistic
Established in 2022, Luckystar is an esteemed member of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and operates as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). The company’s mission is to deliver superior service quality at reduced costs, primarily serving China, the USA, Canada, and Europe. With core team members boasting over 20 years of experience in logistics, Luckystar brings considerable expertise to the table. Since its inception, the company has been dedicated to offering global door-to-door shipping and logistics solutions, emphasizing dependability, adaptability, and responsiveness.
We’re not just a company; we are experts in transportation! Offering industry-leading solutions, we take pride in providing premium shipping services at a fraction of the cost of other freight forwarders, both in China and across the globe. Here’s why partnering with us is the smart move:
Accuracy You Can Count On:
Say goodbye to delivery delays and hello to timely delivery, which is vital for businesses needing to deliver goods swiftly to their customers.
Your Passport to Global Reach:
Our wide network of delivery destinations virtually covers the entire globe, offering extraordinary opportunities for businesses aiming to expand their reach. You can be assured that your package will find its way to almost any corner of the world, taking your business global!
Track with Ease:
Say goodbye to guesswork. Our stringent procedures afford you a live tracking mechanism, making it easy for you to follow your shipment’s progress at every stage of its journey. Stay informed and enjoy peace of mind, knowing exactly where your shipment is anytime you need to know.
Personalized Service, Every Step of the Way:
One of our dedicated team members will personally oversee your shipment from start to finish. This, coupled with our commitment to transparency and constant communication, ensures you are kept updated on the progress of your cargo every step of the way.
When shipping hazardous materials, it’s crucial to work with experienced service providers to ensure that your shipment is handled safely and efficiently. By partnering with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your shipment is in good hands.
Are you looking for an experienced freight forwarder to assist you in shipping? Contact us. We’re always ready to help. Offering the unbeatable cheapest shipping rates for international shipping, our services are more affordable than you’d believe. Don’t hesitate! Get in touch with us today.