Shipping from China to Italy: A Comprehensive Guide

Shipping from China to Italy is a significant aspect of the trading relationship between these two countries. China and Italy have a long history of trade and economic cooperation, with both countries being major players in the global market.

If you are looking for transportation and logistics services from China to Italy, we, HYI Freight provide a diverse range of services customized to meet your specific requirements, including DAP, DDP, Air, sea, rail, and express shipment. Our guide offers comprehensive information on various aspects of your shipment from China to Italy, including transit times, rates, procedures, customs duties, and taxes. 

Table of Contents

Ocean Freight from China to Italy

Sea freight is the most common method for shipping goods from China to Italy. Although shipping by sea is slower, it offers a cost-effective solution. If you are managing a project with budget constraints, opting for sea freight would be advisable. Shipments by sea, predominantly in containers, typically take around 30-49 days from China to Italy. It is essential to regularly monitor your inventory and plan purchase orders in advance. Sea freight is popular not only due to its affordability but also because it is often the most practical and financially viable option for transporting large and bulk shipments. Another key advantage of sea freight is its versatility in accommodating nearly all types of cargo.

FCL (Full Container Load): FCL involves booking an entire container for your goods. This option is ideal for businesses with large volumes of cargo that require dedicated space. FCL shipments from China to Italy offer security, as your goods are sealed in a container and not shared with other shipments.

FCL Shipping cost: Port to port  shipping cost around $1200-$1900 for 40gp, for more specific quote, please send us an inquiry now.

LCL (Less than Container Load): LCL is suitable for businesses with smaller shipments that do not require a full container. Naturally, due to extra work (merger, disassembly, warehouse, document work, etc.), the final cost of each unit is higher than the FCL, and transportation takes longer. With LCL, your goods are consolidated with other shipments in a shared container. This option is cost-effective for smaller quantities and offers flexibility in managing inventory levels.

Our sea freight forwarding service offers comprehensive coverage of both Chinese ports and Italian ports. Some of the top ports in China include Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Qingdao, Tianjin, and Dalian, etc.

LCL Shipping cost: Port to port  shipping cost around $50-$90 for shipment within 5CBM, for more specific quote, please send us an inquiry now.

In Italy:

Genoa (ITGOA) stands out as the busiest port in the country and ranks among the top 3 in the Mediterranean Sea. It is well connected to major Italian cities like Milan, Rome, Bologna, and Venice. The Ports of Genoa, Savona, and Vado Ligure achieved a new annual container volume record in 2021, handling 2.78 million TEU.

Gioia Tauro (ITGIT) is Italy’s leading transshipment port, ranking 9th in Europe and 6th in the Mediterranean Sea. It holds the title of the largest port in Italy in terms of container throughput, managing 3.14 million TEU in 2021.

Naples (ITNAP) is another significant Italian seaport, ranking among the largest seaports in Italy and the Mediterranean Sea.

La Spezia (ITSPE) is a bustling container port situated south of Genoa in the Mediterranean Sea. It benefits from its proximity to a network of rail and highway routes.

Trieste handled a total of 0.652 million TEU in 2021, further solidifying its position as an important port in Italy.

Other notable seaports in Italy include Ancona, Bari, Catania, Livorno, Venice, Salerno, and Ravenna, among others.

If you need to ship containers from China to an Italian port, feel free to reach out to us for a sea freight quote. Contact us today to inquire about our services and get a competitive quote for your shipping needs.

Air freight from China to Italy

When coordinating time-sensitive shipments, air freight can ensure a fast delivery from China to Italy. Whether you need to make up for time lost on a delayed project, have a pressing deadline to meet, or are shipping perishable products, air freight provides a speed guarantee, albeit at a higher shipping cost.

In some cases, speed is not the sole reason for choosing air shipping. When the supply chain has a robust shipping budget for high-value goods or luxury merchandise and prioritizes rapid transit with a higher level of security, air freight becomes the preferred choice.

However, it’s important to note that not all cargo is suitable for air shipping. Oversized items may not fit in the plane, and some goods may be classified as dangerous or sensitive, restricting their air transport. It’s advisable to consult with an experienced freight forwarder before proceeding to ensure that you get the most suitable shipping solution for your needs.

The main airports in Italy include:

1. Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome

2. Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan

3. Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice

4. Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) in Pisa

5. Naples International Airport (NAP) in Naples

6. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) in Bologna

7. Florence Airport (FLR) in Florence

8. Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) in Catania, Sicily

9. Palermo Airport (PMO) in Palermo, Sicily

10. Turin Airport (TRN) in Turin

At HYI Freight, we understand the importance of seamless air freight services in facilitating international trade between China and Italy. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we offer tailored air freight solutions that cater to the unique needs of our clients.

Our range of air transportation services includes airport-to-airport, door-to-door, airport-to-door and door-to-airport options.

Air shipping cost : airport to airport cost around $3-$6/kg, takes around 2-5 days, for more specific quote, please send us an inquiry now.

Through our services, we carefully handle every stage of the journey to ensure your cargo reaches its destination exactly when you need it.

Typically air shipping time from China to Italy is 3 to 15 daysPlease note that this time frame may vary due to seasonal demand and market conditions, different shipping method, departure and destination, services and route chosen, etc.. Our extensive experience gives us the expertise to effectively meet your logistics needs.

Rail freight from China to Italy

The China-Europe Railway Express offers a new, expedited shipping option, revolutionizing transcontinental rail freight traffic from China to Europe. While traditional sea freight routes from China to Europe typically take 30-45 days, utilizing freight trains significantly slashes transit times almost by half, around 18-29 days. Not only does rail shipping provide a faster alternative, but it also offers substantial cost savings compared to air freight services.

Rail shipping from China to Italy offers a cost-effective and efficient transportation solution for businesses looking to move goods between these two countries. The rail network connecting China and Europe has become increasingly popular due to its reliability, shorter transit times compared to sea freight, and lower costs compared to air freight.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative has significantly boosted rail connectivity between China and Europe, including Italy. The rail routes linking the two countries pass through Central Asia or Russia, providing a direct and secure transportation corridor for goods.

Rail shipping from China to Italy is particularly suitable for a wide range of goods, including electronics, textiles, machinery, automotive parts, and more. The reliability and cost-effectiveness of rail transport make it an attractive option for businesses seeking to optimize their shipping operations.

We manage rail freight from various Chinese cities such as Chongqing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Changsha, Xi’an, Yiwu, Hefei, and Shenyang to Europe. If you are looking to ship from China to Italy, rail freight is a reliable option to consider. Feel free to reach out to us to request a quote and explore the possibilities of faster shipping solutions tailored to your needs.

International express from China to Italy

Express shipping services offer fast and reliable delivery options for businesses looking to streamline their supply chain and meet tight deadlines. When shipping from China to Italy, opting for an EXPRESS service can significantly reduce transit times and provide real-time tracking information for added peace of mind. HYI Freight, we have established long-term and stable partnerships with major international express companies, including DHL, FEDEX, UPS, EMS, TNT, DPD, etc, which means we are able to offer moderate cost and fast shipping time

Key Benefits of EXPRESS Shipping from China to Italy:

1. Speed: EXPRESS shipping services are known for their rapid transit times, ensuring that your goods reach Italy quickly and efficiently.

2. Reliability: With EXPRESS shipping, you can rely on a dedicated logistics network to handle your shipments with care and precision.

3. Tracking: Stay informed every step of the way with real-time tracking information, allowing you to monitor the progress of your shipment from pickup to delivery.

4. Convenience: EXPRESS shipping services often offer door-to-door delivery, making it convenient for businesses of all sizes to ship goods from China to Italy seamlessly.

DDP/DAP from China to Italy, transit time

When shipping goods door-to-door from China to the Italy, HYI Freight offers door-to-door with or without taxes services, with customs clearance done by the consignee or HYI Freight’s agent depending on the client’s preference.

By partnering with HYI Freight for your door-to-door shipping needs from China to the Italy, you can streamline the import process, manage cash flow effectively, and ensure a hassle-free delivery of goods to their final destination. 

There are door to door by express, air, slow air, sea and rail

Door to door by express from China to the Italy, transit time: 2-7 days

Door to door by air from China to the Italy, transit time: 9-15 days,

Door to door by slow air from China to the Italy, transit time: 22-35 days

Door to door by rail from China to the Italy, transit time: 30-40 days

Door to door by ocean from China to the Italy, transit time: 35-45 days

If you have any inquiries about shipment from China to Italy, please send us an inquiry now to receive a freight quote within 24 hours.

Understanding shipping costs from China to Italy is critical for businesses trading with China. Transportation charges are a fundamental aspect that can significantly impact the final landed cost of imported goods. Generally speaking, the faster you require shipping, the higher the shipping cost.

The shipping market is dynamic and changes frequently. Ocean, air, express and rail freight rates fluctuate regularly due to seasonal changes, adjustments in carrier strategies and market supply and demand forces. Each shipment is unique and customers may have different requirements based on different circumstances. These uncertainties make it challenging to provide standardized estimates of shipping costs from China to Italy.

How to ship from China to Italy?

Step 1: Initiate contact with a reputable freight forwarder, preferably one based in China. (Further insights on “why HYI Freight“)

Step 2: Provide shipment specifics and obtain a comprehensive shipping quotation from China.

Step 3: Facilitate communication between the freight forwarder and the supplier; the forwarder will handle the logistics.

Step 4: Consider acquiring cargo insurance for added protection (optional).

Step 5: Coordinate customs clearance procedures, the forwarder will handle this if ship by DDP service.

Alternatively, you can depend on our comprehensive one-stop shipping solution for seamless transportation from China to Italy.

Send us an inquiry now

Thanks for your inquiry, HY international team will be able to reply you in a working day. Please pay attention with the email suffix “@hyifreight.com

To work out the shipping cost, please offer:

  1. Product name,  material, photo.
  2. Packing information: packing list or carton size and weight.
  3. What is the address/port you want to deliver to?