The trade relationship between China and Hungary continues to grow, with an increasing number of businesses looking to import goods from China to Hungary.
Shipping from China to Hungary can seem complex at first, with various transport modes, routes, costs and customs procedures to navigate.
However, by understanding the key factors involved and partnering with Luckystar, importers can streamline their China-Hungary supply chains for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
This article will provide an overview of the main shipping options from China to Hungary, including sea freight, rail freight, air cargo and express courier services. It will also discuss important considerations such as transit times, costs, customs clearance, and how to optimize the shipping strategy based on your specific needs.
Whether you are a first-time importer or an established business looking to expand your product sourcing from China, this guide aims to give you the essential information and insights to successfully ship from China to Hungary.
Key Takeaways
| Transport Mode | Shipping Time | Shipping Cost | Advantages / Ideal for |
| Air Freight | 3-8 days | $3.5+ per kg | Suitable for urgent and high-value goods |
| Rail Freight | 10-25 days | $ 100 per cubic meter | Cost-effective for large shipments, slower than air |
| Ocean Freight | 28-45 days | LCL: $50-$180 per cubic meter, FCL: $500-$2500 per container | Suitable for shipping container |
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 arrange your shipments from China to Hungary. We are your most trustworthy shipping company.
What is the Bilateral Trade Between China and Hungary?
China-Hungary bilateral trade has grown rapidly over the past three decades, with China being a much larger trade partner and source of investment.
During the last 27 years, China’s exports to Hungary have increased at an annualized rate of 14.7%, from $258 million to $10.5 billion.
China’s main exports to Hungary in 2022 were Telephones, Electric Batteries, and Broadcasting Equipment.
In May 2024, China and Hungary signed a strategic partnership agreement and 18 other deals, which highlights the continued growth and deepening of China-Hungary economic relations.
How Can I Ship From China to Hungary？
There are 3 main ways to ship your cargo from China to Hungary:
- Sea Shipping
- Cheapest method, most commonly used for large shipments
- Can ship almost all types of goods, including dangerous goods with proper documentation
- FCL (Full Container Load) is more cost-effective for large shipments
- LCL (Less than Container Load) is better for smaller shipments but has a longer transit time
- Air Shipping
- More expensive than sea freight
- Best for time-sensitive, valuable, or perishable goods
- Suitable for shipments weighing 100-800 kg
- Rail Shipping
- 80% cheaper than air freight and 40% faster than sea freight
- Becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to air and sea
- Several routes from various Chinese cities to Budapest
Top Shipping Routes from China to Hungary
Rail Freight Routes
Xi’an to Budapest
- Direct FCL connection along the Silk Road via Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine (Zahony), to Budapest
- Operated by Rail Cargo Group with weekly departures
Chongqing/Chengdu/Zhengzhou/Yiwu to Budapest
- Routes from various cities in China to Budapest
Ningxia (Yinchuan) to Budapest
- The first direct train freight from China to Hungary launched in May 2024 from Yinchuan to Budapest
Sea Freight Routes
China to Hamburg/Rotterdam, then to Budapest by rail or road
- Goods shipped by sea to major European ports like Hamburg or Rotterdam
- Then transported via rail or truck to Budapest
China to Adriatic Ports (Rijeka/Koper/Trieste), then to Budapest by rail
- Shorter sea route to Adriatic ports
- Followed by rail transport to Budapest via Rijeka-Budapest railway
- Promoted as the “China-Europe Land-Sea Express
- Total transit time 28-35 days
Air Freight Routes
Major China airports to Budapest Airport
- Direct flights from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong to Budapest Ferenc Liszt
Main airports in Hungary and China
- Hungary’s Main Airports:
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)Â
- Debrecen International Airport (DEB)Â
- HévÃz-Balaton Airport (SOB)Â
- China’s Main Airports:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) –
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)Â
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)Â
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)Â
How Much Would it Cost to Ship from China to Hungary?
Here is a summary table of the shipping costs from China to Hungary:
| Shipping Method | Route/Ports | Cost (Estimates) |
|---|---|---|
| Rail Freight | Xi’an to Budapest via Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine | ~$100 per cubic meter |
| Rail Freight | Chongqing/Chengdu/Zhengzhou/Yiwu to Budapest | ~$100 per cubic meter |
| Rail Freight | Yinchuan to Budapest | ~$100 per cubic meter |
| Sea Freight | China to Hamburg/Rotterdam, then rail/truck to Budapest | LCL: $50-$180 per cubic meter, FCL: $500-$2500 per container |
| Sea Freight | China to Adriatic Ports (Rijeka/Koper/Trieste), then rail to Budapest | LCL: $50-$180 per cubic meter, FCL: $500-$2500 per container |
| Air Freight | Major China airports to Budapest Airport | $3.5-$12 per kg depending on destination |
| Express Courier | Major China cities to Budapest | $15-$35 per kg |
How Long Will Shipping Take from China to Hungary?
| Shipping Method | Route/Ports | Transit Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rail Freight | Xi’an to Budapest via Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine | Express: 11-15 days, Regular: ~15 days | Weekly departures |
| Rail Freight | Chongqing/Chengdu/Zhengzhou/Yiwu to Budapest | 16-25 days | Varies by origin |
| Rail Freight | Yinchuan to Budapest | 25 days | New route |
| Sea Freight | China to Hamburg/Rotterdam, then rail/truck to Budapest | 30-45 days total | Varies by carrier |
| Sea Freight | China to Adriatic Ports (Rijeka/Koper/Trieste), then rail to Budapest | 28-35 days total | Promoted as “China-Europe Land-Sea Express” |
| Air Freight | Major China airports to Budapest Airport | 3-8 days | Direct flights from select cities |
What is the Import Tax in Hungary?
The standard VAT rate in Hungary is 27%, which is higher than most other EU countries. This applies to nearly all services and products that do not qualify for reduced VAT rates.
- There are reduced VAT rates of 18% and 5%:
- The 18% reduced rate applies to selected dairy products, cereal products, flour, starch, and services enabling access to music and dance events.
- The 5% reduced rate applies to new residential properties, selected pharmaceutical products, audiobooks, printed books, newspapers, internet access services, local dining services, and some animal products.
Certain goods and services are exempt from VAT, such as public postal services, medical care, education, insurance, and international passenger transport.
Foreign companies may need to register for VAT in Hungary in certain situations, such as storing goods in Hungary, exceeding the distance selling threshold, or supplying goods to EU countries through Hungary.
Import duties are also imposed on goods entering Hungary from outside the EU. The rates vary based on the type of product. Hungary uses the EU’s common external tariff with an average rate of 3.6%.
When traveling to Hungary from outside the EU, there are duty-free allowances for alcohol (1L spirits, 2L wine, 16L beer), tobacco (200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250g tobacco), and a €430 value limit for other goods.
What are the Import Restrictions in Hungary?
95% of products imported into Hungary no longer require an import license.
However, licenses are still required for some goods like arms/military equipment, explosives, pyrotechnic products, security paper, uranium, radioactive isotopes, etc.
Prohibited imports into Hungary include
- weapons
- explosives
- drugs
- narcotics
- pornographic material
- radio transmitters
Importing animals, animal products, plants, and plant products may require additional certifications and inspections.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship from China to Hungary?
- Commercial Invoice
- Includes details like the exporter, producer, consignee, description of goods, quantity, value, etc.
- Used for customs clearance and determining applicable duties and taxes.
- It emized list of contents in each package of the shipment.
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight)
- Contract between the carrier and shipper with details of the shipment.
- Acts as a receipt of freight services.
- Attests to the origin of the goods being shipped.
- Several types exist between China and Hungary/EU, like Form A, Form E, etc., depending on the trade agreement.
- Allows claiming preferential tariff treatment where applicable
- Customs Value Declaration
- Declaration by the importer on the value of goods for customs valuation.
- Customs Import Declaration (Single Administrative Document – SAD)
- Used for customs clearance in the EU.
- Encompasses customs duties and VAT.
- Proof of Insurance (optional but recommended)
- Insures goods against damage, loss or theft during shipping.
- Other Specific Documents as applicable
- Depending on the type of good, additional documents may be required:
- Health/Phytosanitary/Veterinary certificates for food, plant, and animal products.
- Product testing/certification/conformity documents for manufactured goods
- Import licenses/permits for restricted items.
Can Alibaba Ship to Hungary?
Yes, Alibaba can ship products to Hungary. However, Alibaba itself isn’t a shipping company, but it acts as a B2B (business-to-business) marketplace connecting buyers and sellers. While Alibaba doesn’t directly handle shipping, many sellers on the platform can arrange shipping process to Hungary.
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 transport 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 with 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.