Shipping From China To France
How to ship from China to France
Shipping from China to France offers multiple logistics solutions tailored to cargo type, urgency, and budget. Sea freight from China to France is the most economical option for bulk shipments, with transit times of 30–40 days to major French ports including Le Havre, Marseille, and Dunkirk. It is ideal for full container loads (FCL) and less-than-container loads (LCL) of furniture, machinery, and industrial goods. Rail freight from China to France via the China-Europe Railway provides a balance between speed and cost, typically taking 18–25 days, followed by trucking to the consignee’s address. This eco-friendly alternative suits industrial shipments and medium-volume cargo. Air freight from China to France delivers high-value or urgent goods in 5–10 days, landing at airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS), and is ideal for electronics, medical products, and perishable items. For small parcels, samples, and time-critical shipments, express shipping from China to France through DHL, FedEx, or UPS ensures 2–5 day door-to-door delivery.
Successful China-France shipping requires proper preparation and compliance. Essential documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and HS codes. Shipments containing lithium batteries or other hazardous items require UN38.3 certification, MSDS documentation, and adherence to IATA/IMDG dangerous goods regulations. EU customs mandates a valid EORI number, accurate tariff classification, and payment of French import VAT (20%) plus applicable duties. Choosing DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms simplifies customs and tax handling for a seamless door-to-door experience.
Factors influencing transit time include shipment volume, cargo type, chosen transport mode, and seasonal demand. Peak periods such as Chinese New Year or Q4 can slightly extend delivery times. Comparing modes: sea freight from China to France is slow but low-cost, rail freight from China to France balances speed and economy, air freight from China to France is fast but higher-cost, and express shipping from China to France is ideal for urgent parcels under 70kg.
Partnering with an experienced freight forwarder ensures smooth coordination of transport, accurate customs clearance, and efficient last-mile delivery. By selecting the right method—sea, rail, air, or express—businesses can optimize cost, speed, and reliability when shipping from China to France, ensuring timely delivery while remaining compliant with EU regulations.
Sea freight from China to France
FCL from China to France
LCL from China to France
Air freight from China to France
Air Freight from China to France is the fastest and most reliable method for high-value or time-sensitive goods, including electronics, medical products, e-commerce parcels, and lithium batteries. Typical door-to-door transit time is 5–10 days, depending on routing, cargo type, and customs clearance.
Trade Insights:
China exports over €60 billion annually to France by air, including electronics, machinery, and e-commerce parcels. Air freight ensures fast inventory turnover, reduces storage costs, and meets tight delivery schedules.
Major Air Freight Routes:
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) → Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), 5–7 days
Beijing Capital (PEK) → Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS), 5–8 days
Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) → Paris CDG, 6–8 days
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) → Marseille Provence (MRS), 6–9 days
Hong Kong International (HKG) → Paris CDG, 5–7 days
Air Freight Process (Step by Step):
Booking & Cargo Preparation: Reserve space with an airline, palletize goods, and prepare documents: commercial invoice, packing list, HS codes. Batteries require UN38.3 certification, MSDS, and proper DG labeling.
Pickup & Export Customs: Cargo is collected from the supplier or warehouse and scanned for security; Chinese customs clearance is completed.
Air Transport: Shipments fly on direct or transit freighters or belly cargo of passenger flights. Track real-time movement via airline/forwarder system.
French Import Clearance: Submit EORI number, HS codes, and DGD/DG documentation if required. VAT (20%) and import duties are handled, DDP option recommended for seamless delivery.
Final Delivery: Trucking from airport to consignee’s warehouse or distribution center, with door-to-door tracking.
Batteryshipment Advantage:
We handle general cargo and specialized shipments like lithium batteries and e-bikes, providing end-to-end service from China pickup to French delivery. Compliance with IATA/IMDG regulations and DDP customs service ensures smooth, timely shipping for businesses of all sizes
Rail freight from China to France
| China Origin Station | France Destination Station | Transit Countries | Transit Time |
| Wuhan / Chengdu | Dourges | Kazakhstan → Russia → Poland → France | 15–17 days |
| Xi’an / Zhengzhou | Lyon | Alashankou → Kazakhstan → Russia → Germany → France | 16–18 days |
| Chongqing / Yiwu | Paris | Khorgos → Russia → Belarus → Germany → France | 17–19 days |
| Chengdu | Antwerp (transit to France) | Alashankou → Kazakhstan → Russia → Poland → Belgium | 16–18 days |
- Rail Transport vs Other Modes Comparison
| Comparison | China–Europe Rail | Red Sea Sea Freight | Air Freight |
| Transit Time | 15–18 days | 30–35 days (direct) | 3–5 days |
| Cost | $3,500–5,200 / 40HQ | $3,000–4,200 / 40HQ | $12,000–18,000 / 40HQ |
| Reliability | High (95% on-time) | Medium (impacted by Red Sea crisis) | High |
| Space Availability | Medium (tight in peak season) | Low (during Red Sea crisis) | High |
| Environmental Impact | Excellent (30% lower CO₂ than sea) | Good | Poor |
| Hazardous Goods Compatibility | Good (supports RID/ADR) | Medium (LCL restrictions) | Poor (strict limitations) |
Express shipping from China to France
Shipping parcels from China to France requires speed, reliability, and compliance. Express shipping is ideal for small parcels, urgent e-commerce orders, samples, and high-value goods like electronics, documents, fashion items, and lithium batteries. Leading carriers—DHL shipping from China to France, FedEx shipping from China to France, and UPS shipping from China to France—offer door-to-door services with typical delivery in 2–5 business days, and premium options in 1–3 days.
Key Express Shipping Options
| Carrier | Service | Transit Time | Max Weight | Battery Support | Key Features | Long-Tail Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Door-to-Door | 2–4 days | 70 kg | Yes, UN38.3 & MSDS | Real-time tracking, DDP option | DHL shipping from China to France |
| FedEx | International Priority | 3–5 days | 68 kg | Yes, lithium battery approved | Customs handling, e-commerce support | FedEx shipping from China to France |
| UPS | Express Saver / Express | 3–5 days | 70 kg | Yes, UN38.3 & MSDS | Integrated pickup & fast clearance | UPS shipping from China to France |
| SF Express | International | 5–7 days | 50 kg | Limited lithium battery | Cost-effective, domestic pickup | SF Express shipping from China to France |
Step-by-Step Express Shipping Process
Booking & Pickup – Schedule courier pickup from the supplier or warehouse, providing shipment details including weight, dimensions, and declared value.
Packaging & Documentation – Package goods according to EU safety standards; batteries require UN38.3 and MSDS. Prepare commercial invoice, airway bill, and HS codes.
Chinese Export Clearance – Carrier manages export approval, security checks, and document submission.
Air Transport – Parcels fly via dedicated express flights or cargo space on passenger aircraft.
French Import Clearance – Courier handles EORI registration, French VAT (20%), and import duties; DDP ensures prepaid taxes for smooth delivery.
Final Delivery – Door-to-door delivery with real-time tracking updates.
Why Choose Express Shipping for Batteries
Shipping lithium batteries and e-bikes via express services requires strict compliance. Batteryshipment specializes in battery shipping from China to France, ensuring UN38.3/MSDS-certified packaging, correct labeling, and full coordination with DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Our 20+ years of experience make express battery delivery safe, fast, and reliable, giving businesses peace of mind and minimizing customs delays.
Benefits of Express Shipping
Fastest Transit: 2–5 days for standard parcels, 1–3 days for premium.
Door-to-Door Convenience: Pick-up, customs clearance, and delivery handled by one carrier.
Battery-Friendly Compliance: Ensures safe transport of lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes.
Real-Time Tracking: Full visibility from China to France.
Door to door shipping from China to France
1.Door-to-Door Shipping Options
| Transportation Mode | Transit Time | Reference Price | Suitable Cargo | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best Use Case |
| Air DDP | 7-10 days | $6-12/kg | Urgent orders, high-value items, small shipments (≤500kg) | Fastest transit, smooth customs clearance, very low loss rate (0.1%) | Highest cost, volume limitations (≤1CBM per piece) | Samples, urgent replenishment, luxury goods |
| Sea DDP (FCL) | 30-35 days | $4,000-6,500/40HQ | Large shipments (≥15CBM), heavy cargo, non-urgent items | Lowest cost, suitable for bulk goods, stable capacity | Slowest transit, heavily affected by Red Sea crisis | Furniture, building materials, industrial raw materials |
| Sea DDP (LCL) | 35-40 days | $150-280/CBM | Medium and small shipments (0.5-15CBM), e-commerce parcels | Flexible, no need to fill a full container | More expensive than FCL, longer unpacking time | Cross-border e-commerce, small orders, samples |
| Rail DDP | 18-22 days | $4,000-6,000/40HQ | Hazardous goods (lithium batteries / chemicals), high-value, time-sensitive | Stable transit, moderate cost, suitable for hazardous goods | Peak season capacity limited, route options restricted | Lithium batteries, auto parts, electronics |
| International Express | 3-5 days | $20-30/kg | Small parcels (≤30kg), documents, samples | Fastest and most convenient for small parcels | High cost for heavy cargo | Urgent documents, small parcels, samples |
2.Door-to-Door Shipping vs Traditional Shipping
| Comparison | Door-to-Door (DDP) | Traditional Shipping (FOB/CIF) | Advantage Analysis |
| Responsibility | Forwarder handles entire process; shipper only needs to receive | Shipper responsible for customs clearance, taxes, and final delivery | Door-to-door reduces shipper workload and lowers risk |
| Operational Complexity | Low (shipper only provides cargo info and recipient address) | High (shipper handles customs, taxes, and delivery) | Ideal for beginners, SMEs, and e-commerce sellers |
| Transit Reliability | High (forwarder tracks entire shipment; timing controllable) | Medium (customs delays possible) | More predictable delivery, easier planning |
| Cost Transparency | High (all-included quotation; no hidden fees) | Low (additional customs or delivery charges possible) | Easier budgeting and cost control |
| Risk Management | High (forwarder assumes transport, customs, and delivery risks) | Medium (shipper bears clearance and delivery risks) | Suitable for high-value cargo and sensitive goods |
Battery shipping from China to France
Shipping lithium batteries and battery-powered products (like e-bikes, power tools, and EV batteries) from China to France requires strict compliance with IATA/IMDG regulations for air/express shipments, as well as EU safety standards such as CE marking. Non-compliance can cause severe delays, fines, or cargo seizure at French customs.
Key Compliance Requirements
Battery Classification & Labeling – Correct UN numbers (UN3480, UN3481) and DG labels are mandatory for carrier acceptance.
Certification & Documentation – UN38.3 test reports, MSDS, and DG-certified packaging are required. Express shipments via DHL, FedEx, UPS shipping from China to France also require proper documentation.
Pre-Booked DG Space – Carriers approved for dangerous goods must confirm cargo space before shipment.
Step-by-Step Shipping Process
Cargo Preparation & Packaging – Batteries are packed according to IATA/IMDG standards with protective materials and hazard labels.
Booking & Pickup – Courier or freight collection is arranged from supplier or warehouse in China.
Export Customs Clearance – Submit commercial invoice, packing list, HS codes, and battery certifications for Chinese customs approval.
Transport to France – Batteries are shipped via air freight, sea freight, express courier, or rail.
French Import Clearance – EORI number, accurate HS codes, and compliance documentation are mandatory. VAT (20%) and duties may apply; DDP service simplifies payment.
Final Delivery – Cargo is delivered to the consignee’s address with real-time tracking.
Transport Advantages
Air Freight – Fastest option for urgent or high-value batteries; typical transit 5–7 days to Paris (CDG) or Lyon (LYS). Supports large and small shipments while maintaining compliance.
Sea Freight – Cost-effective for bulk battery orders; transit 30–40 days to Le Havre or Marseille, ideal for industrial or automotive shipments.
Express Shipping – Best for small parcels or e-bike batteries; door-to-door delivery in 2–5 business days via DHL/FedEx/UPS shipping from China to France, with integrated customs handling.
Rail Freight – Balanced speed and cost; transit 18–25 days to French terminals, suitable for medium-volume shipments.
All modes ensure regulatory compliance, proper documentation, and secure handling, with Batteryshipment providing end-to-end services including pickup, labeling, customs clearance, DDP service, and final delivery.
Batteryshipment Advantage
With 20+ years of experience in general and hazardous cargo, Batteryshipment guarantees safe, compliant, and timely battery shipping from China to France by air, sea, rail, or express. We manage all documentation, pre-clear cargo, and ensure door-to-door delivery, making cross-border battery logistics seamless for e-commerce, industrial, or automotive clients.
Shipping cost from China to France
1.Shipping Cost from China to France by FCL (Full Container Load)
| Container | Origin → Destination | Base Freight | Surcharges (THC/DOC/BAF/NEF) | Total Reference Price | Transit Time |
| 20GP | Shanghai → Le Havre | $2,200-2,800 | $800-1,200 | $3,000-4,000 | 30-35 days |
| 40HQ | Shenzhen → Marseille-Fos | $3,200-4,200 | $1,000-1,600 | $4,200-5,800 | 32-35 days |
| 40GP | Guangzhou → Le Havre | $3,000-3,800 | $900-1,400 | $3,900-5,200 | 30-33 days |
| 20GP | Ningbo → Le Havre | $2,300-2,900 | $850-1,250 | $3,150-4,150 | – |
- THC (Terminal Handling Charge): ¥1,200-1,500/container (~$160-200)
- DOC (Documentation Fee): ¥500/shipment (~$70)
- BAF (Fuel Surcharge): 18-20% of freight (~$400-800)
- NEF (Red Sea Rerouting Fee): €214/TEU (~$230), effective from Sep 2025
- Peak Season Surcharge (PSS): $200-500/container (Nov-Dec)
2.Shipping Cost from China to France by LCL (Less than Container Load)
| Cargo Type | Billing Basis | Reference Price | Surcharge | Total Reference Price | Transit Time |
| General Cargo | By volume (CBM) | $150-280/CBM | $30-50/CBM | $180-330/CBM | 35-40 days |
| Heavy Cargo | By weight (kg) | $1.2-2.0/kg | $0.3-0.5/kg | $1.5-2.5/kg | 35-40 days |
| Hazardous Goods | By volume (CBM) | $250-400/CBM | $80-120/CBM | $330-520/CBM | 38-42 days |
3.Shipping Cost from China to France by Air
| Cargo Type | Weight Range | Reference Price | Billing Method | Transit Time |
| General Cargo | ≤100kg | $8-12/kg | Chargeable weight = max(actual weight, volumetric weight L×W×H ÷6000) | 3-5 days |
| General Cargo | 100-500kg | $6-9/kg | Same as above | 3-4 days |
| General Cargo | >500kg | $5-7/kg | Same as above | 2-3 days |
| Hazardous Goods (Lithium Batteries) | ≤100kg | $12-18/kg | UN38.3 certificate required, SOC ≤30% | 5-7 days |
| Cold Chain Cargo | >100kg | $7-11/kg | Temperature-controlled container surcharge $300-500 | 3-5 days |
4.Shipping Cost from China to France by Rail Freight
| Container | Origin → Destination | Base Freight | Surcharges (Port handling / Fuel / Peak Season) | Total Reference Price | Transit Time |
| 40HQ | Wuhan → Dourges | $3,000-3,800 | $500-800 | $3,500-4,600 | 15-17 days |
| 40HQ | Xi’an → Lyon | $3,200-4,000 | $550-850 | $3,750-4,850 | 16-18 days |
| 40HQ | Chengdu → Paris | $3,300-4,100 | $600-900 | $3,900-5,000 | 17-19 days |
| 20GP | Chongqing → Dourges | $2,200-2,800 | $400-600 | $2,600-3,400 | 16-18 days |
- Port Handling / Transfer Fee: $200-300/container (Alashankou / Khorgos)
- Fuel Surcharge: $150-250/container
- Hazardous Goods Surcharge: $500-800/container (Lithium batteries / Chemicals)
- Peak Season Surcharge: $200-350/container (Nov-Dec)
5.Shipping Cost from China to France by Express
| Courier | Weight Range | Reference Price | Transit Time | Advantages |
| DHL/UPS/FedEx | ≤0.5kg | $25-35 | 3-5 days | Global coverage, fastest delivery |
| DHL/UPS/FedEx | 0.5-5kg | $20-30/kg | 3-5 days | Door-to-door pickup, full tracking |
| DHL/UPS/FedEx | 5-30kg | $18-25/kg | 3-5 days | Suitable for small batch samples |
Shipping time from China to France
Shipping time from China to France depends on the transport method, cargo type, and urgency. Choosing the right mode ensures cost-efficiency and timely delivery while complying with EU import regulations.
Sea Freight Time from China to France
Transit: 30–40 days door-to-door
Best for: Bulk cargo, non-urgent shipments (machinery, furniture, industrial goods)
Ports: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou → Le Havre, Marseille, Fos-sur-Mer
Advantages: Cost-effective for large volumes, safe for standard batteries in compliant packaging
Typical Sea Freight Transit Table
| Shipment Type | Port of Origin | Port of Destination | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL (Full Container Load) | Shanghai | Le Havre | 25–35 |
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | Shenzhen | Marseille | 30–40 |
| FCL | Guangzhou | Fos-sur-Mer | 28–38 |
Air Freight Time from China to France
Transit: 5–10 days door-to-door
Best for: High-value or time-sensitive goods (electronics, medical devices, e-bikes)
Airports: Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), Shenzhen (SZX), Guangzhou (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG) → Paris CDG, Lyon LYS, Marseille MRS
Advantages: Fast, reliable, supports battery shipping from China to France by air with IATA compliance
Typical Air Freight Transit Table
| Origin Airport | Destination Airport | Transit Time (Days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVG (Shanghai) | CDG (Paris) | 5–7 | Direct or one-stop |
| PEK (Beijing) | LYS (Lyon) | 6–8 | One-stop common |
| HKG (Hong Kong) | MRS (Marseille) | 7–10 | Transit via major hub |
Express Shipping Time from China to France
Transit: 2–5 business days (premium 1–3 days)
Best for: Small parcels, samples, urgent e-commerce orders, lithium batteries
Carriers: DHL shipping from China to France, FedEx shipping from China to France, UPS shipping from China to France
Advantages: Door-to-door, integrated customs clearance, real-time tracking, ideal for sensitive or high-value cargo
Typical Express Transit Table
| Courier | Origin City | Destination City | Transit Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL | Shanghai | Paris | 2–4 |
| FedEx | Shenzhen | Lyon | 3–5 |
| UPS | Guangzhou | Marseille | 2–5 |
Rail Freight Time from China to France
Transit: 18–25 days
Best for: Medium-volume shipments, industrial goods, eco-friendly alternative
Route: China-Europe Railway → French terminals → trucking to final destination
Advantages: Balanced cost and transit time, reliable schedule, lower carbon footprint
Typical Rail Freight Transit Table
| Origin City | Destination Terminal | Transit Time (Days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xi’an | Le Havre | 18–22 | Regular weekly trains |
| Chongqing | Marseille | 20–25 | Includes trucking to port |
| Zhengzhou | Paris | 18–23 | Combined rail & truck |
Key Considerations
Customs clearance, VAT (20%), and import duties can affect total delivery time.
Peak seasons (Q4, Chinese New Year) may add 1–3 days.
Partnering with an experienced forwarder like Batteryshipment ensures accurate transit estimates, proper documentation, and smooth delivery for both general cargo and battery shipments.
Shipping agent from China to France
Why choose Batteryshipment for shipping from China to France？
Shipping from China to France can be complex due to customs regulations, VAT, import duties, and cargo safety requirements. Batteryshipment provides over 20 years of experience in China to France shipping, offering reliable solutions for sea freight, air freight, rail freight, and express courier services. Our expertise ensures shipments are handled efficiently, whether sending general cargo, electronics, or lithium batteries.
Comprehensive Shipping Options: We specialize in sea freight from China to France, ideal for bulk goods; air freight from China to France, best for urgent or high-value shipments; rail freight from China to France, balancing speed and cost; and express shipping from China to France via DHL, FedEx, and UPS for small parcels or e-commerce orders.
Specialized Cargo Handling: Battery shipment from China to France by air, sea, rail, or express requires strict compliance with IATA/IMDG rules, UN38.3 certification, and proper labeling. Batteryshipment manages all documentation, DG packaging, and carrier approvals to ensure smooth transport and customs clearance.
End-to-End Logistics: Our services cover pickup, packaging, labeling, export and import customs clearance, and DDP delivery in France. With real-time tracking and expert handling of HS codes, EORI registration, and VAT (20%), we reduce delays and simplify cross-border logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sea, air, rail, and express.
DAP/DDP/DDU.
Depends on weight, volume, and transport mode. Batteryshipment provides transparent DDP quotes.
Sea: 30–40 days，door to door need add 1-3 days
Rail（door to door）: 18–25 days
Air: 5–10 days，door to door need add 1-3 days
Express（door to door）: 2–5 days.
Customs duty plus 20% VAT. Batteryshipment can handle all taxes via DDP.
Sea freight LCL for bulk, express for small parcels. Batteryshipment optimizes cost vs. speed.
| Aspect | DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | DAP (Delivered At Place) |
| Incoterms® Rule | Applicable to all transport modes (2020/2030 edition) | Applicable to all transport modes (2020/2030 edition) |
| Delivery Point | Goods arrive at buyer’s named place in France (e.g., warehouse, address) | Goods arrive at buyer’s named place in France (same as DDP) |
| Seller’s Responsibilities | – Arrange full transport (China → France)- Clear export customs (China)- Clear import customs (France)- Pay ALL import costs: duties, VAT, customs fees- Deliver goods to buyer’s door (no unloading required for sea/rail) | – Arrange full transport (China → France)- Clear export customs (China)- Deliver goods to buyer’s named place (no import clearance/duties)- No responsibility for import customs or taxes |
| Buyer’s Responsibilities | – Unload goods (if required)- Take possession after delivery- No customs/tax obligations | – Clear import customs (France)- Pay ALL import costs: duties, VAT, customs fees- Unload goods (if required)- Take possession after delivery |
| Risk Transfer | Transfers to buyer after delivery at the named place in France | Transfers to buyer after delivery at the named place in France |
| Cost Transfer | Seller pays all costs until delivery (including import duties/taxes) | Seller pays all costs until delivery (excluding import duties/taxes) |
| Insurance | Seller typically buys cargo insurance (to cover risks until delivery) | Seller typically buys cargo insurance (same as DDP) |
- CMA CGM (French line): CMA CGM Track & Trace
- Maersk: Maersk Tracking
- MSC: MSC Tracking
- COSCO SHIPPING: COSCO Tracking
- Third-Party Platforms:
- CargoSmart: CargoSmart Tracking (sea/air/rail)
- MarineTraffic: MarineTraffic (track vessel location in real time)
Air Freight
- Airline Websites:
- Air China: Air China Cargo Tracking
- China Southern Airlines: CS Cargo Tracking
- Air France-KLM: AFKL Cargo Tracking
- Third-Party Tools:
- 17TRACK: 17TRACK Air Cargo (supports AWB/airline tracking)
- WorldACD: WorldACD Tracking (air freight-specific)
Rail Freight
- Official Rail Platforms:
- China Railway Express: CR Express Tracking (English available)
- DB Schenker: DB Schenker Tracking (for rail shipments via Germany)
- Third-Party Tools:
- CargoSmart (as above)
- 17TRACK (supports rail tracking)
- DHL: DHL Tracking
- UPS: UPS Tracking
- FedEx: FedEx Tracking
- China Post EMS: EMS Tracking (or China Post Website)