Key Takeawyas:
Transit times of shipments from China to Spain:
- Air shipping :3-5
- Sea shipping:30-50
- Rail Freright:18-20
Costs of shipments from China to Spain:
- Air Freight: €5/kgÂ
- Rail Freight: €1300/TEU
- Less than Container Load (LCL): €50
- Full Container Load (FCL) 20-foot: €1600
- Full Container Load (FCL) 40-foot: €2800-3800
- Express Shipping from China to Spain: €8/kg
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.
Shipping Methods from China to Spain
There are three shipping options for importing goods from China to Spain: sea freight, air freight, and rail freight.
Sea Freight from China to Spain
Sea freight is the most popular and cost-effective option for shipping goods from China to Spain. It is particularly suitable for large volumes of cargo and goods that are not time-sensitive. Sea shipping is cheaper than air freight. There are two modes to choose when you decide to take see freight: FCL and LCL.
Advantages:
- Lower shipping costs compared to air freight
- Ability to transport large and heavy cargo
- Suitable for a wide range of goods, including bulk and oversized items
Disadvantages:
- Longer transit times compared to air freightÂ
- Potential for delays due to weather conditions or port congestion
- Less flexibility in terms of scheduling and routing
When shipping goods via ocean freight, you can choose between LCL or FCL shipping.
Air Freight from China to Spain
Air freight is a faster but more expensive option for shipping goods from China to Spain. It is ideal for time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable goods.
Advantages:
- Faster transit times compared to sea freight
- More reliable and predictable delivery schedules
- Reduced risk of damage or loss during transit
Disadvantages
- Higher shipping costs compared to sea freight
- Limited cargo capacity and restrictions on certain types of goods
- Potential for delays due to flight cancellations or security issues
Rail Freight from China to Spain
Rail freight has emerged as an increasingly popular alternative to sea and air freight for shipping goods from China to Europe, including Spain. The China-Europe Railway Express, part of the Belt and Road Initiative, offers an efficient overland route connecting China to Europe.
However, only a small number of direct trains reach Madrid, and the rest need to be transferred through Germany or other European countries, so the efficiency of freight is still relatively limited.
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Spain?
Sea Shipping Time from China to Spain
| Port of origin | Destination Port in Spain | Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Shenzhen | Port of Valencia | 45 |
| Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan | Port of Malaga | 45 |
| Port of Hong Kong | Port of Vigo | 45 |
| Port of Guangzhou | Port of Santander | 48 |
| Port of Qingdao | Port of Bilbao | 48 |
| Port of Tianjin | Port of Barcelona | 48 |
| Port of Dalian | Port of Valencia | 28 |
| Port of Xiamen | Port of Malaga | 30 |
| Port of Yingkou | Port of Bilbao | 30 |
Air Shipping Time from China to Spain
| Departure City | Destination Airport in Spain | Estimated Transit time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | BCN (Barcelona) | 4-5 days |
| Shanghai | MAD (Madrid) | 4-5 days |
| Shenzhen | BCN (Barcelona) | 5 days |
| Shenzhen | MAD (Madrid) | 5-6 days |
| Beijing | MAD (Madrid) | 2-4 days |
| Hongkong | BCN(Barcelona) | 3-5 days |
| Hongkong | MAD (Madrid) | 3-5 days |
| Beijing | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 2-3 days |
| Shanghai | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 3 days |
| Shenzhen | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 3-4 days |
| Guangzhou | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 3 days |
| Hong Kong | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 3 days |
Rail Shipping Time from China to Spain
Railway freight delivery time is related to many factors, such as delivery route, whether there is transit, customs clearance speed, etc. Under normal circumstances, the time limit for direct flights to Madrid is 10-15 days, which is much faster than sea freight, while the transit European trains take 15-20 days or even longer.
Factors Affecting Shipping Time between China and Spain
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.
- Seasonality: During peak seasons, rates can soar due to higher demand.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Spain?
Sea Shipping Cost From China to Spain
| Container shipping service from China to Spain | Type of container | Ocean freight rates from China to Spain: |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai China to Algeciras | 20 foot container FCL | $1150 |
| 40 foot container FCL | $3150 | |
| Shenzhen China to Algeciras | 20 foot container FCL | $2150 |
| 40 foot container FCL | $3850 | |
| Ningbo-Zhoushan China to Algeciras | 20 foot container FCL | $2150 |
| 40 foot container FCL | $3850 | |
| Hong Kong China to Algeciras | 20 foot container FCL | $2150 |
| 40 foot container FCL | $3850 | |
| Guangzhou China to Algeciras | 20 foot container FCL | $2150 |
| 40 foot container FCL | $3850 | |
| Qingdao China to Barcelona | 20 foot container FCL | $2150 |
| 40 foot container FCL | $3850 | |
| Xiamen China to Algeciras | 20 foot container FCL | $2150 |
| 40 foot container FCL | $3850 |
Air Shipping Cost From China to Spain
| Departure Airport in China | Destination Airport | Price Per KG (EURO) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | BCN (Barcelona) | 6.5 |
| Shanghai | MAD (Madrid) | 6.5 |
| Shanghai | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 3.3-7.5 |
| Shenzhen | BCN (Barcelona) | 6-8.8 |
| Shenzhen | MAD (Madrid) | 6-8.8 |
| Shenzhen | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 4-8 |
| Beijing | BCN (Barcelona) | 3.4-7.2 |
| Beijing | MAD (Madrid) | 3.8-7.5 |
| Beijing | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 4-8 |
| Guangzhou | BCN (Barcelona） | 5-8.8 |
| Guangzhou | MAD (Madrid) | 5-8.3 |
| Guangzhou | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 5-7.5 |
| Hongkong | BCN (Barcelona） | 5-9 |
| Hongkong | MAD (Madrid) | 4.5-8.8 |
| Hongkong | Zaragoza (ZAZ) | 3-7.5 |
Rail Shipping Cost From China to Spain
The average cost of a 40-foot container from China to Spain by rail is approximately €7,400 to €9,200.
For smaller shipments, the price per kilogram varies depending on the destination city and weight:
- To Madrid:
- ≥45 kgs: 3.6-6.0 EUR/kg
- ≥100 kgs: 2.9-5.3 EUR/kg
- ≥300 kgs: 2.6-5.1 EUR/kg
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 Much is Import Tax from China to Spain?
The import tax from China to Spain generally consists of two components: customs duties and value-added tax (VAT).
Customs Duties: The amount of customs duty depends on the type of goods being imported, and typically ranges from 0% to 17%.
The VAT is calculated based on the value of the goods, plus the costs of international shipping, insurance, and import tariffs. The standard VAT rate for importing products into Spain is 21%. However, a reduced rate of 10% or 4% applies to certain products.
For shipments from companies, if the goods value is €22 or less (excluding shipping and insurance), no duties or taxes are paid. From €22 to €150, only VAT is paid at 21%.
For shipments between individuals, the threshold is €45. Below that, no duties or taxes are paid.
Bicycles made in China may have an additional anti-dumping duty of 48.5%.
Necessary Shipping Documents for Shipping from China to Spain
When your goods are imported from China to Spain, you need to prepare some documents in advance. It will help you save you time and make your goods go quickly in the process.
- Commercial Invoice: A legal document between the buyer and seller detailing the goods being sold, their value, and terms of the transaction. It is used by customs to determine duties owed.
- Packing List: It provides details on the contents of the shipment, including item descriptions, quantities, weights, and package numbers. It should match the details on the commercial invoice.
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight):Â acts as a contract between the shipper and carrier and a receipt for the goods. It contains key shipment details.
- Certificate of Origin: certifies the country where the goods were manufactured. Used to determine duties and eligibility for preferential trade agreements.
- Insurance Certificate:Â it provides proof that the shipment is insured in case of loss or damage.
- Customs Declaration Forms: like the Single Administrative Document in the EU to provide information to customs for assessing duties. You need to submit these forms in advance.Â
Having complete and accurate documentation is critical to avoid customs delays and penalties when shipping from China to Spain. Working with an experienced Luckystar Logistic can help ensure all required documents are in order.
What Cannot be Shipped to Spain?
When transporting goods, it is important to understand restricted and prohibited items so that you can prepare declaration materials in advance or remove such products from shipments.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited from being shipped from China to Spain under any circumstances:
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Explosives, fireworks, and ammunition
- Firearms and weapons, including replicas
- Counterfeit products
- Lottery tickets and gambling devices
- Live animals
- Human remains
- Endangered animal products (e.g. ivory, reptile skins)
- Untreated wood and agricultural products
- Tobacco products
Restricted Items
These items may be shipped but are subject to certain restrictions and requirements:
- Alcohol and alcoholic beverages – limited quantities, special packaging required
- Cosmetics and supplements – must have proper labeling in English
- Valuables like cash, precious metals – value limits apply
- Products of animal origin – may require permits under CITES
- Medicines and medical devices – prescription items prohibited
Please be noted that cosmetics are prohibited entirely for individual imports into the Canary Islands.
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 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.