Over the past 60 years, China-France economic and trade cooperation has expanded, with bilateral trade volume and mutual direct investment growing steadily. France has become China's third-largest trading partner in the EU, with total bilateral trade volume of $78.9 billion in 2023.
Freight transportation between China and France is typically carried out by sea, with the majority of shipments being containerized. The main ports for shipping between the two countries are Shanghai and Ningbo in China, and Le Havre and Marseille in France. Are you planning to move your consignment from China to France? Do you feel difficult in finding the right information about regulations and different modes of transport? Don't worry, GOWIN Logistics is here to help.
Shipping from China to France Methods
BY OCEAN – FCL or LCL service.
Cost-effective for large-volume shipments, sea freight provides economical transportation of goods to major seaports, with options for both full container loads (FCL) and less than container loads (LCL).
Major Seaports of France
Ocean ports
Port of Le Havre. The anchor of France's Atlantic ports, Le Havre is the nation's second-largest and is ranked fifth in Northern Europe. ...
Port of Marseille.
Major Ports in China
Shanghai,
Ningbo,
Shenzhen,
Xingang
FCL or LCL Shipping China to France: How to Choose?
The two crucial factors to consider when choosing between FCL and LCL are the weight and dimensions of the shipment. For example, if the shipment consists of only one or a few pallets, it may be cheaper to ship them by LCL.
But you also have to consider the nature of your shipment: Do you request less loading and unloading procedures? Paying the FCL flat fee for larger shipments is cheaper than the unit price on LCL.
What are the transit time from China to the Frabce?
The transit time for shipments from China to the France can vary depending on several factors, including the chosen shipping method, the specific origin and destination locations, and any potential delays due to customs clearance or unforeseen circumstances. Here are approximate transit times for common shipping methods:
What is the Cheapest Method of China to France Shipping?
Sea shipping is a popular choice for international goods transportation due to its affordability compared to air or rail freight. It provides a cost-effective solution, offering advantages in terms of speed and convenience.
There are various factors that contribute to the lower costs associated with sea shipping when compared to air or rail freight. One key factor is the extensive network of ports available along sea routes. For instance, Shanghai in China and Le Havre in France are prominent ports that facilitate shipping. By selecting a port closer to the destination, shipping expenses can be reduced.
Sea shipping also presents more options for transporting large cargo. As the size of the shipment increases, the cost per unit decreases when using sea transport as opposed to air or rail. Each mode of transportation has its own limitations regarding the types of items that can be shipped and the space they occupy in containers. Consequently, sea shipping proves to be a more cost-effective choice for accommodating sizable shipments.
What is the import tariff in France?
Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports
France is party to the European Union's Common Customs Tariff, therefore preferential rates apply to imports from countries which the EU has signed agreements with. Duties range from 0-17%, with the general tariff averaging 4.2%.
What supporting documentation is required for customs clearance?
The main documents you need for customs clearance are the commercial invoice and the air waybill. You may need additional documents depending on the origin, destination and commodity of the shipment, these include: Certificate of origin. Export/Import license/permit.
Air Freight Service From China To France
The biggest advantage of airfreight is its speed. Items leaving China can arrive in France within 1-2 days. This is optimal for high-value items since they spend less time in transit. However, there are a few trade-offs for that speed.
Airfreight is generally more expensive than sea. It's also better for small items because airlines have weight and volume restrictions. Airfreight also uses more fuel than alternatives, so if carbon footprint is a concern for you and your company ethic, you'll want to opt for sea freight.
Keep in mind that airfreight normally only involves delivering goods to an airport in France, not to the inventory's ultimate destination. Additional transportation accommodations must be made to get your shipment to its final destination. The exception, of course, is if you've arranged for door-to-door transportation. As discussed above, door-to-door delivery allows arrangements to be made to transport the goods from the airport to their end destination, as well as clearance through France customs.
Airports in France
Charles de Gaulle Airport – Paris's main international airport. Orly Airport – Paris's second international airport.
Door-to-door Delivery From China To France
We offer a variety of options of shipping from China to Europe services tailored to meet your specific requirements and budget. Our comprehensive range of Door-to-Door service includes:
Air Freight: Ideal for time-sensitive shipments, air freight offers fast transit times and reliable delivery to major airports across the France.
Sea Freight: Cost-effective for large-volume shipments, sea freight provides economical transportation of goods to major seaports, with options for both full container loads (FCL) and less than container loads (LCL).
Door-to-door service involves the seamless transportation of goods or packages from the sender's location directly to the recipient's doorstep. Here's a step-by-step outline of how this service method typically works:
- Booking and Arrangement, we would ask for the cargo details along with the pickup address in China and the delivery address in Amerca to finalize our quote and solution.
Once our quote and solution be approved by shipper, we will start the booking and pickup arrangement.
- Pickup: GOWIN Logistics arranges for the pickup of the goods from the sender's location in China. This could involve sending a truck to collect the items.
- Documentation: The goods are properly packaged to ensure safe transportation. GOWIN Logistics handles the necessary documentation, including customs paperwork for export from China and import into the United States. This may include invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
- International Transportation: The goods are transported from the pickup location in China to the destination address in America. Depending on the chosen shipping method (air freight, sea freight, or land transportation), the transit time may vary.
- Customs Clearance: Upon arrival in the United States, the goods go through customs clearance procedures. GOWIN Logistics will have the U.S. agent handles these procedures, which may involve inspections and payment of any applicable duties or taxes.
- Last-Mile Delivery: Once customs clearance is completed, the goods are transported from the port or airport to the recipient's doorstep in America. This last-mile delivery is often handled by local trucking services or delivery companies affiliated with the GOWIN Logistics.
- Tracking and Communication: Throughout the shipping process, the shipper and consignee can track the progress of their shipment online or through communication with the shipping company. They receive updates on the status of the shipment, including estimated arrival times and any relevant information about delays or changes.
- Delivery Confirmation: Once the goods are successfully delivered to the recipient's doorstep, confirmation of delivery is obtained. This may involve obtaining a signature or other proof of receipt from the recipient.
Our experienced logistics team will guide you through the document preparation process, ensuring that all required paperwork is completed accurately and in compliance with relevant regulations. By carefully managing the documentation process, we aim to expedite customs clearance and facilitate the timely delivery of your shipment to its destination in France
FAQs about China to France Shipping
What are the China to France shipping options?
GOWIN Logistics, a trusted shipping agent China to France, offers:
Sea freight (FCL/LCL) – Best for cost-effective bulk freight from China to France.
Air freight – Fast China to France delivery (1–7 days).
How much does shipping from China to France cost?
The shipping cost China to France depends on mode:
Sea freight (LCL): ~US$20–US$150/m³
Sea freight (FCL 20ft): ~US$1,500–US$3,500
Air freight: ~US$3–US$5/kg Request a quote from our freight forwarder China to France for exact China to France shipping rates.
How long does shipping China to France take?
Shipping from China to France transit times vary:
Sea freight: 30–40 days (FCL/LCL) to major China to France ports like Le Havre or Marseille.
Air freight: 1–7 days (door-to-door) for freight from China to France.
What is the cheapest way to ship cargo in China to France logistics?
LCL sea freight is the most economical for small freight from China to France (shared container space). For large volumes, FCL sea freight offers better shipping cost China to France for shipping from China to France. Consult a shipping agent China to France for tailored options.
Do you offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) for shipping from China to France?
Yes! GOWIN, as a leading freight forwarder China to France, handles customs clearance, taxes, and door delivery under DDP terms, simplifying your China to France import process for China to France shipping.
Can you assist with customs clearance for China to France shipments?
Absolutely. As a licensed freight forwarder China to France, we manage:
French import tariffs & VAT for freight from China to France
Required documentation (e.g., EUR1 form, commercial invoice) for shipping China to France
Compliance with EU regulations for China to France shipping
How do I track my shipping from China to France?
GOWIN, your reliable shipping agent China to France, provides 24/7 online tracking for all China to France shipments (sea/air). Clients receive real-time updates via email or our platform for shipping China to France.
What's the difference between FCL and LCL in China to France shipping?
FCL (Full Container Load): Dedicated container (ideal for 10+ CBM) for freight from China to France.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Shared space (cost-effective for <10 CBM) for shipping from China to France. Choose based on your shipping cost China to France needs with our freight forwarder China to France.
Which French ports do you service for shipping from China to France?
We deliver freight from China to France to all major China to France ports, including:
Le Havre
Marseille
Dunkirk
Paris (via river/rail) Our shipping agent China to France ensures efficient China to France shipping to these destinations.
Why choose GOWIN as your freight forwarder China to France?
25+ years of China to France logistics expertise
Competitive shipping cost China to France & transparent pricing
End-to-end shipping China to France service (warehousing, customs, last-mile delivery)
Need a China to France shipping quote?
Contact us at +86-21-36718808 or Email Us.
(Prices and transit times are estimates; actual rates depend on cargo details and market conditions.)
