Shipping From China To Italy

When shipping goods from China to Italy, your choice to import products from China requires selecting the most suitable transportation method based on the nature of your cargo. Whether your goods are general cargo or dangerous goods, low-value or high-value, urgent exhibition shipments or cargo with flexible delivery timelines, all of these factors should be considered and communicated to us in advance.
Based on your specific requirements, we can provide a full range of logistics solutions, including:
  • Sea freight FCL (Full Container Load) services
  • Sea freight LCL (Less than Container Load) services
  • International express services
  • Air freight services
  • DDP / double customs clearance & tax-included shipping to Italy
Please continue reading for a detailed introduction to shipping from China to Italy, which will help you better understand each transportation option and choose the solution that best fits your cargo type, budget, and delivery timeline.

How to ship from China to Italy

BAT ships a large volume of cargo from China to Italy every year. Italy has several major seaports, including Genoa, La Spezia, Trieste, and Naples, as well as international airports such as Milan (MXP) and Rome (FCO). These locations serve as key transit hubs and final destinations for shipments entering Italy.

If you need to ship goods from China to Italy, we offer multiple transport options. From sea freight to rail, air freight, express shipping, and DDP door-to-door services, we ensure your cargo moves smoothly from China to Italy. We also handle dangerous goods transportation, including battery shipments.


Sea Freight from China to Italy

Sea freight is the most economical option for shipping cargo to Italy, especially for large or heavy shipments.

FCL Shipping from China to Italy (Full Container Load)

If your cargo is sufficient to fill a container (over 15 CBM or 7 tons), FCL shipping from China to Italy is usually the best choice.

  • Typical transit time: 28–38 days to major Italian ports such as Genoa, La Spezia, or Trieste

  • Estimated cost for a 20ft container: approximately EUR 1,200–2,400, depending on season and port

FCL shipping is ideal for machinery, industrial equipment, furniture, auto parts, and batteries. BAT handles container loading, export customs clearance, ocean freight, and final delivery to your warehouse in Italy.

LCL Shipping from China to Italy (Less than Container Load)

If your shipment volume is smaller (less than 15 CBM or 7 tons), LCL shipping from China to Italy helps you reduce costs.

  • Transit time: approximately 35–45 days

  • Cost: around EUR 35–130 per CBM, depending on volume and destination
    (The larger your shipment, the more competitive the rate we can offer.)

We handle Italy-bound LCL shipments every week. At BAT, we have extensive experience with mixed cargo and dangerous goods, including batteries, ensuring smooth consolidation and delivery. There are weekly sailings to Italian ports.


Rail Freight from China to Italy

  • Transit time: 18–26 days (door to door)

  • Main rail hubs: Milan, Verona, Turin

  • Estimated cost: around EUR 90–150 per CBM

Based on our experience, rail freight is particularly suitable for electronics, auto parts, and industrial components. It is faster than sea freight and more cost-effective than air freight, which is why many Italian importers choose this option.


Air Freight from China to Italy

If time is critical, air freight is the recommended solution.

  • Destination airports: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

  • Door-to-door transit time: 6–10 days, including customs clearance

  • Estimated cost: approximately EUR 5.0–8.5 per kg, depending on weight and season

BAT provides space booking, export documentation, customs clearance, and final delivery, so you don’t need to coordinate multiple parties. We can also arrange air shipments for batteries.


Express Shipping from China to Italy

For small and urgent shipments, express delivery is the fastest option.

  • Carriers: DHL / UPS / FedEx

  • Transit time: 2–4 working days

  • Best for: parcels and cartons under 68 kg per piece

Most express shipments move as loose cartons. For dangerous goods such as batteries, BAT can also arrange UPS palletized express solutions when required.

  • Estimated cost: around EUR 5.2–7.5 per kg


BAT’s logistics process is simple and efficient. You just tell us what you’re shipping and the destination in Italy—we handle the rest. From pickup in China to final delivery, we ensure your cargo arrives safely and on time

Sea freight from China to Italy

When choosing sea freight from China to Italy, this option is generally most suitable for bulk cargo, relatively low-value goods, and shipments that are not highly time-sensitive. In China, the main export ports for sea freight include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Ningbo, while the major ports in Italy are Genoa, Naples, and Venice.
From a freight forwarder’s perspective, sea freight services are typically divided into the following categories:
  • FCL (Full Container Load) sea freight
  • LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight
  • Sea freight DDP (double customs clearance & tax-included) services
Depending on the specific characteristics of your cargo—such as volume, weight, value, and delivery requirements—we will analyze your shipment in detail and recommend the most suitable sea freight solution from China to Italy for your needs.
 

FCL shipping from China to Italy

For FCL shipping from China to Italy, the most common container types include 20GP, 40GP, and 40HQ, with a smaller number of 45HQ and other special containers available as well.
If you would like to learn more about full container load (FCL) transportation, please provide the cargo name and product characteristics. If available, it is best to share the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), as this helps us better understand the nature of the goods. Based on the cargo details, we can accurately determine which container type is most suitable for your shipment.
Below is a detailed guide to FCL booking and shipping from China to Italy, explaining the full process and key considerations.
Major ports in China
1.Shanghai
2.Ningbo
3.Shenzhen
4.Guangzhou
5.Qingdao
6.Xiamen
7.Dalian
8.Tianjin
9.Hongkong
Major ports in Italy
1.Genoa
2.La Spezia
3.Venice
4.Trieste
Standard cabinet specifications
Container TypeInternal DimensionsVolumeMax PayloadTypical Use Cases
20GP5.89 × 2.35 × 2.39 mApprox. 28 CBM20 tonsMedium–small shipments, heavy cargo
40GP12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 mApprox. 58 CBM26 tonsLarge-volume shipments, light/bulky cargo
40HQ12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 mApprox. 68 CBM26 tonsHigh-value cargo, oversized-volume goods
20FR / 40FROpen-frame structureCustomized40 tons+Oversized and overweight machinery or equipment
Booking process for general cargo
1.Confirm cargo details: product name, weight, volume, corresponding HS code, and packaging method.
2.Choose a reliable freight forwarder – at this stage, you can contact BAT Logistics.
3.Prepare booking documents: Booking Note, commercial invoice, and packing list.
4.Submit the booking request and confirm the freight rate and sailing schedule.
5.Wait for the shipping line to review the documents and issue the SO (Shipping Order), then arrange container pickup.
Special requirements for booking shipments of dangerous goods.
1.Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate: Certificate of Packaging Performance for Dangerous Goods — the actual packaging must strictly match the certified packaging type.
2.MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet — must contain all 16 required sections.
3.Dangerous Goods Classification Identification Report: clearly specifying the UN number, hazard class, and packing group.
4.IMDG Declaration: IMDG Dangerous Goods Declaration for Sea Transport — cargo can only be loaded after approval by the maritime authority.
If you are looking for a freight forwarder with 20 years of experience in FCL sea freight booking, choosing BAT Logistics is a reliable and proven option. Please continue reading the following content to learn more.

LCL shipping from China to Italy

If you choose LCL sea freight, it is generally suitable when your cargo volume is within 15 CBM. In this case, the cost of LCL is usually lower than FCL, so you can choose LCL shipping to transport your goods.
 

Air freight from China to Italy

If you need to ship cargo quickly from China to Italy, air freight is the best solution. BAT Logistics works closely with multiple major airlines, allowing us to secure cargo space quickly, even when time is tight.

BAT provides a full-service solution, including flight booking, document preparation, and proper packaging. If you are shipping batteries or other special cargo, we make sure everything meets airline and packaging requirements before departure.


Major Cargo Airports in China:

  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

  • Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)

  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)

  • Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO)

Major Cargo Airports in Italy:

  • Naples Airport (NAP)

  • Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

  • Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

  • Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

  • Bologna Airport (BLQ)

  • Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

  • Turin Airport (TRN)

Main air freight routes from China to Italy

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) → Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Direct and connecting flights are available. Flight time is approximately 11–12 hours. Airport-to-airport transit usually takes 3–5 days. This route is widely used for electronics and battery shipments.

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) → Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Both cargo aircraft and passenger aircraft belly space are available. Transit time is around 3–6 days. This route is suitable for batteries, industrial components, and general cargo.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) → Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Major airlines operate stable schedules on this route. Transit time is typically 3–4 days. It is commonly used for high-value cargo.

Shenzhen / Chengdu → European hub → Milan or Rome

Cargo is routed via major hubs such as Frankfurt or Paris. Transit time is about 5–7 days. This option is often more cost-effective than direct flights.


Air freight process from China to Italy

Booking and pre-check

At BAT, we first confirm your cargo details, including weight, dimensions, cargo type, and delivery timeline. If you are shipping batteries or dangerous goods, we review the packaging and documents before booking the flight.

Cargo receiving and export customs clearance

Once your cargo arrives at our warehouse, we check the packaging to ensure it meets airline requirements. We then handle export customs clearance in China and deliver the cargo to the airport. If needed, we can arrange certified repacking for dangerous goods.

Flight departure and tracking

After the flight departs, we issue the air waybill (AWB). You can track your shipment in real time and stay informed throughout the journey.

Arrival in Italy and final delivery

If BAT is responsible for customs clearance and delivery, we prepare import documents in advance. After customs clearance and payment of duty or VAT in Italy, we collect the cargo from the airport and arrange final delivery. In most cases, delivery is completed within one working day.

For dangerous goods, we can also arrange delivery using certified dangerous goods trucks, including full-truckload DG transportation.


If you are looking for a reliable freight forwarder for air freight from China to Italy, feel free to contact BAT Logistics. We will guide you through packaging, documentation, and the most suitable air shipping solution for your cargo.

Rail freight from China to Italy

Choosing rail freight to Italy shows that you have made a well-informed decision after fully understanding the different transportation options and selecting the one that best suits your cargo. You have likely realized that rail transport takes about 50% less time than sea freight, while the cost is only one-quarter to one-fifth of air freight, making it ideal for high-value goods and cargo with moderate time sensitivity.
Below, you can learn more about rail freight from China to Italy.

Origin of Chinese railway transportation

1.Xi-an
2.Guangzhou
3.Chongqing
4.Chengdu
5.Yiwu
6.Ningbo
7.Shanghai
8.Qingdao
9.Tianjin
10.Zhengzhou

Port of entry

1.Horgos
2.Alashankou
3.Manzhouli
4.Erenhot

Destination in Italy

1.Milan
2.Verona
3.Bologna
4.Turin

Railway freight booking process

1.Confirm the cargo details, including product name, weight, and volume.
2.Choose a reliable freight forwarder to cooperate with.
3.Prepare the required documents: booking (BOOKING), packing list, and commercial invoice.
4.Submit the booking request and confirm the train schedule, freight rate, and surcharges.
5.Deliver the cargo to the designated warehouse.
Based on the information above, please confirm whether you would like to choose rail transport to Italy, and contact us for further details.

Express shipping from China to Italy

For shipments from China to Italy, BAT Logistics often uses express shipping as a fast and reliable solution. Express delivery is best suited for small to medium-sized cargo and e-commerce shipments, and it follows clear limits on parcel size and weight.

In 2024, China’s exports to Italy were about US$46.2 billion — so there’s a steady flow of goods moving between the two countries.

If your goods meet courier requirements, express shipping is usually faster than air freight and, in some cases, even more cost-effective. You can contact us online and share your cargo details, and we will provide you with a detailed quotation.


I. International express services from China to Italy

Express services follow standard size and weight rules:

  • Maximum weight per piece: ≤ 68 kg
    (Overweight parcels require approval and may be subject to a surcharge of EUR 15–120 per piece)

  • Maximum single side length: ≤ 108 cm

  • Maximum girth: ≤ 400 cm

The main express options offered by BAT include:

DHL Express

  • Transit time: 2–4 days

  • Cost: approximately EUR 5.0/kg

  • Fast customs clearance in Italy with stable service

UPS

  • Transit time: 3–5 days

  • Cost: approximately EUR 5.2/kg

  • Strong delivery network across Italy, including smaller cities

FedEx

  • Transit time: 3–6 days

  • Cost: approximately EUR 5.5/kg

  • Commonly used for commercial shipments and samples


II. Express shipping process from China to Italy

Cargo delivery and inspection
You can deliver the goods to our BAT warehouse, or we can arrange pickup from your location. We inspect the packaging first. If needed, we repack the cargo to meet courier requirements, which is especially important for batteries or fragile items.

Waybill creation and dispatch
You provide the commercial invoice. We take care of the rest. We create the waybill, apply labels, and share the tracking number so you can monitor your shipment online.

Customs clearance in Italy
After arrival, customs clearance and tax payment are completed online. The main documents required are the commercial invoice and packing list. If needed, BAT can prepay duties and VAT on your behalf. Italy’s standard VAT rate is 22%.

Final delivery
Once customs clearance is completed and taxes are paid, the courier delivers the shipment to your address in Italy.


III. BAT express shipping advantages

  • Direct cooperation with DHL, UPS, and FedEx for fast booking

  • Able to ship general cargo, batteries, e-bikes, and other special items

  • Highly competitive pricing with stable transit times

  • DDP options available, including duty and VAT prepayment in Italy

If you are unsure whether express shipping or air freight is the better option for your urgent shipment from China to Italy, BAT can help you compare both solutions and choose the most suitable one. Just contact us and share your cargo details—we’ll take care of the rest.

Door to door shipping from China to Italy

Door-to-door shipping from China to Italy is becoming increasingly popular, mainly because it allows you to avoid handling so many complex procedures and only requires a simple receipt of goods. If you choose this service, we can assist you throughout the process. We offer a comprehensive one-stop service, from pickup to customs clearance to final delivery. Our full-chain service has become increasingly mature. Below is the information you need to know when choosing door-to-door shipping.
 

What are the terms and conditions for door-to-door service?

Responsibility ModelMeaningIncluded CostsCustomer ResponsibilityAdvantagesDisadvantages
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)Door-to-door with taxes paid; seller bears all costs and risksFreight + Duties + VAT + Customs Clearance Fee + Delivery FeeProvide only goods and sender/receiver informationWorry-free, full-serviceHighest cost, compresses profit margin
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)Door-to-door without taxes; buyer pays import dutiesFreight + Customs Clearance Fee + Delivery FeeProvide EORI number, pay taxesModerate cost, flexibleBuyer must handle customs and pay taxes
EXW (Ex Works)Customer picks up goods and arranges entire shipmentOnly the goods themselvesResponsible for all steps (pickup, customs, transportation, clearance)Lowest costComplex operation, high risk

Door-to-door service and initial preparations

1.EORI Number: Required for imports into Italy.
2.Product Compliance: Electronics need CE certification; chemicals need REACH compliance; textiles need origin labeling.
3.Confirm Costs
4.Compliant Customs Clearance: Accurate declaration, Certificate of Origin, ICS2 submission.
5.Confirm Transit Time
6.Last-Mile Delivery: Ensure the Italian delivery address is correct and schedule the delivery time.
Please confirm that the door-to-door service you have selected meets your requirements. For further information, please contact us.

Battery shipping from China to Italy

At BAT, we make shipping batteries from China to Italy simple, safe, and convenient. Batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods, including lithium-ion (UN3480/UN3481) and lithium metal batteries (UN3090/UN3091). BAT has 20 years of experience in battery transport and holds dangerous goods handling certification. Our dedicated team ensures you get professional battery shipping services.

Italy’s main entry points are the ports of Genoa, La Spezia, and Trieste, as well as Milan (MXP) and Rome (FCO) airports. The shipping method depends on your needs:

  • Air freight – for urgent or high-value batteries.

  • Sea freight – cost-effective for large shipments.

  • Rail freight or express – suitable for small shipments or special types of batteries.


Battery shipping from China to Italy – Our process

1. Check your battery type and choose a shipping method with BAT
We help you choose the best solution, whether it is FCL/LCL sea freight, air freight, rail, or express shipping from China to Italy.

2. Prepare documents and packaging
You need a commercial invoice, packing list, MSDS, UN38.3 report, and UN-compliant packaging. Our warehouse checks the packaging before shipment. We can also provide certified dangerous goods packaging if needed.

3. Export customs in China
We handle all the paperwork and export clearance for your batteries.

4. Import customs in Italy
You can use your own customs broker, or BAT can handle clearance and duty/VAT payment for you. BAT has dedicated battery shipping lines to Italy. You just hand over the batteries, and we take care of delivery and taxes to your door.

5. Door-to-door delivery
We ensure your batteries arrive safely at your address in Italy. If needed, we coordinate with your local carrier.


At BAT, we ship all kinds of batteries—power banks, EV batteries, energy storage systems, e-bike batteries—and offer flexible DAP/DDP/DDU options.

If you are looking for a reliable way to ship batteries from China to Italy, contact us. We will guide you through the process and make sure your shipment arrives on time and meets all regulations.

Shipping cost from China to Italy

The shipping cost from China to Italy is one of your biggest concerns and a key factor in deciding whether to use our services. Therefore, shipping is also a top priority for us, and we aim to provide you with cost-effective and efficient services.
  1. Sea freight LCL: $10–50/CBM
  2. Sea freight FCL: 20GP: $1,800–$2,800; 40HQ: $3,000–$5,000
  3. Rail freight: LCL: $1.8–$2.5/kg; 20GP: $3,000–$4,500
  4. Air freight: $4–$10/kg
  5. Express courier: $6–$12/kg

Shipping time from China to Italy

Shipping from China to Italy mainly depends on your chosen transport method, the type of cargo, the delivery address, and the shipment volume.

At BAT, we handle the entire shipping process to Italy for you—from picking up the goods at your factory in China to delivering them to your address in Italy. I’ll walk you through the typical transit times, so you know what to expect before shipping.

Please keep in mind that Chinese New Year, Christmas, and public holidays may cause delays. In addition, special cargo such as batteries or dangerous goods requires extra handling time.

Shipping Time Table (China → Italy)

Shipping MethodType / RouteTransit Time (Door-to-Door)Notes / Cargo Type
Sea FreightFCL 20’/40’ (Shanghai / Ningbo / Shenzhen → Genoa / La Spezia / Trieste)30–40 daysBest for bulk cargo, machinery, furniture, building materials, and batteries
Sea FreightLCL (China main ports → Genoa / La Spezia)35–45 daysSmaller shipments; consolidation and deconsolidation add a few days
Rail FreightChina–Italy (Xi’an / Yiwu / Chengdu → Milan)18–25 daysGood balance between cost and speed; popular for industrial parts and e-commerce
Air FreightPVG / CAN / HKG → MXP / FCO (direct)6–10 daysUrgent, high-value cargo, electronics, and samples
Air FreightChina → FRA / AMS → MXP (via transit)8–14 daysMore economical than direct flights; 1–3 extra days for transit
Express CourierDHL / UPS / FedEx (door-to-door)2–5 daysIdeal for cargo, urgent samples, documents under 68 kg
Express CourierBattery / Dangerous Goods3–7 daysRequires UN38.3 & MSDS

At BAT, we always aim to keep the shipping process simple and clear for you.

If you choose sea freight or rail freight, we take care of pickup in China, export customs clearance, the main transport, import customs clearance in Italy, and final delivery.

If you choose air freight or express courier, we focus on speed, stable flight schedules, and fast customs clearance in Italy.

For all shipping methods to Italy, we provide tracking numbers and tracking websites, so you can follow your shipment at every stage.

If your cargo is urgent, I usually recommend air freight or express shipping to Italy.

If your cargo is large and not time-sensitive, sea freight or rail freight will help you reduce costs.

Just send us your cargo details. At BAT, we’ll compare all available options and offer you the best shipping solution from China to Italy.

Shipping agent from China to Italy

Choosing a suitable freight forwarder is crucial for you. An excellent freight forwarder can solve many problems in advance and minimize unnecessary losses.
1.Guangzhou BAT International Logistics Co.,Ltd
2.UPS
3.DHL
4.Fedex
5.Damco
6.Sinotrans
7.Kuehne+Nagel

Advantages of BAT Logistics to ship to Italy

At BAT, we make the entire shipping process simple and worry-free. With over 20 years of international freight experience, we handle both general cargo and special cargo, including batteries and related products, safely and professionally.

We offer sea freight, air freight, express courier, and rail freight services to Italy, all with door-to-door delivery within Italy. Whether you are shipping full containers or small parcels, you can track your cargo in real time and stay fully informed at every stage.

BAT Advantages

  • We are direct agents for international express services, helping you process documents and shipments quickly and efficiently.

  • We hold certifications for dangerous goods handling, including professional battery packaging, ensuring your cargo is safe and compliant.

  • We provide free warehousing at both origin and destination in Italy, helping you save time and reduce costs.

  • Door-to-door delivery to all addresses in Italy.

  • We can offer dedicated shipping lines to Italy, including customs clearance, delivery, and tax payment—you simply wait for the goods to arrive.

  • Our experienced service team is available 24/7, ready to support you and resolve any shipping issues at any time.

With BAT, you reduce shipping risks and operational complexity, so you can focus on your business while we ensure your goods move safely and efficiently from China to Italy.

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Imports in 2024 totaled $46.195 billion.
2.January-August 2025: $330.87 billion
1.Optimize packaging
2.Optimize transportation method
3.Optimize customs duties and taxes
4.Freight forwarder and contract negotiation
For large quantities of goods, sea freight is the preferred option.
For small quantities of goods, air freight is the preferred option.
Sample delivery via express courier
  1. Sea freight LCL: $10–50/CBM
  2. Sea freight FCL: 20GP: $1,800–$2,800; 40HQ: $3,000–$5,000
  3. Rail freight: LCL: $1.8–$2.5/kg; 20GP: $3,000–$4,500
  4. Air freight: $4–$10/kg
  5. Express courier: $6–$12/kg

In Italy, the 7% rule means some imported goods are taxed at 7% VAT instead of the standard 22%.

 
 
2.LCL:South China / East China → Singapore / Hamburg (transfer) → Genoa / Venice
3.BY AIR :Shenzhen/Hong Kong → Milan MXP/Rome FCO
1.FCL:Shanghai / Ningbo / Shenzhen → Genoa / Naples (direct) → Final delivery by truck
2.LCL:South China / East China → Singapore / Hamburg (transfer) → Genoa / Venice
3.BY AIR :Shenzhen/Hong Kong → Milan MXP/Rome FCO
1.commercial invoice
2.Packing List
3.Bill of Lading