Shipping From China To Spain

When exporting goods from China to Spain, the first thing you should confirm is that Spain is also a member of the European Union. As a result, its export and import procedures are very similar to those of other EU countries. If you want to learn more about Shipping from China to Spain, the main transportation method is sea freight, with air freight, rail freight, and express delivery serving as supplementary options.
 
In 2024, trade between China and Spain reached USD 40.8 billion. The main traded products include clothing, chemical products, furniture, toys, and related goods. Spain is the fifth-largest trading country in Europe. At this point, you should already have a general understanding of the overall trade background.
 
Based on your specific cargo situation, you can choose the most suitable shipping method. Below is a detailed introduction to shipping from China to Spain—please continue reading to find the answers you are looking for.

How to ship from China to Spain

At BAT, we ship cargo from China to Spain every week, so we know exactly how to move your goods efficiently. Spain’s main entry points include Valencia, Barcelona, Algeciras, and Bilbao, with Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN) as the key air cargo airports.

If you need to ship from China to Spain, you just tell us what you’re shipping, the volume, and the delivery address. We’ll handle the rest. BAT offers sea freight, rail freight, air freight, express shipping, and DDP door-to-door services, including battery and dangerous goods.

For large shipments, sea freight is the most economical option.

FCL is best for cargo over 15 CBM, with transit times around 30–40 days.

LCL works well for smaller volumes, with weekly sailings to Spain.

If you need a faster solution, rail freight takes about 20–28 days door to door and is a good balance between cost and speed.

For urgent cargo, air freight delivers to Spain in 6–10 days, while express shipping (DHL / UPS / FedEx) is ideal for small parcels and can arrive in 2–4 working days.

From pickup in China to final delivery in Spain, BAT manages customs clearance, documents, and local delivery, so you don’t need to coordinate with multiple parties. You ship, we handle everything.

Sea freight from China to Spain

Sea freight from China to Spain is mainly divided into two types: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). The typical sea transit time is around 35–40 days, and this shipping method is also the most cost-effective option.
If your cargo is large in volume, heavy in weight, and relatively low in value, sea freight is undoubtedly your first choice. If your shipment is only 1–2 CBM and you do not want to bear the cost of a full container, you can choose LCL shipping instead.
Therefore, no matter which option you choose, selecting a reliable freight forwarder is the most important factor to ensure smooth and efficient sea freight from China to Spain.

FCL shipping from China to Spain

 
For FCL (Full Container Load) shipping, the first priority is to pay close attention to the shipping route, as the route determines whether you can meet your required transit time and freight cost.
  • Direct routes: From major Chinese ports to main Spanish ports, with a transit time of 25–35 days (for example: Shenzhen Yantian → Valencia: 28 days, Shanghai Yangshan → Barcelona: 30 days).
  • Transshipment routes: Via hubs such as Singapore or Malta, with a transit time of 35–45 days. These routes are cheaper than direct services, but they carry a risk of delays at the transshipment ports.
Therefore, you should choose the appropriate route and shipping line based on your specific requirements for time, cost, and reliability when arranging FCL shipping.
 

LCL shipping from China to Spain

For LCL shipping from China to Spain, you first need to understand what LCL (Less than Container Load) means. LCL refers to a shipping method where the freight forwarder consolidates cargo from multiple customers into one container and arranges shipment to the designated port in Spain.
In this process, you need to ask your supplier to deliver the cargo to the freight forwarder’s warehouse in China. The forwarder will then complete the container consolidation and ship the container. After the cargo arrives at the destination port in Spain, the local agent will deconsolidate the container, and you can collect your cargo from the deconsolidation warehouse according to your shipping documents.
After cargo arrival, you will need to pay import duties, VAT, and local destination charges before releasing the goods. Therefore, understanding the local destination fees in advance is very important, as they are also an essential part of the total shipping cost when using LCL shipping from China to Spain.
 

Main Ports in Spain

 
  1. Port of Valencia Located in the city of Valencia, it is currently the largest container port in Spain and a key hub port in the Mediterranean. It is also the world’s first fully automated port. The port has a free trade zone and is well connected by rail and highway, allowing cargo to be distributed efficiently to inland Europe. Major cargo types include automobiles, chemical products, and agricultural goods.
  2. Port of Barcelona Located in northeastern Spain, it is the third-largest container port along the Mediterranean coast and the second-largest port in Spain. It is also a multi-purpose port with a long history and well-developed facilities, handling containers, bulk cargo, Ro-Ro cargo, and cruise ships. The Port of Barcelona is an important logistics hub in Southern Europe.
  3. Port of Algeciras Located in southern Spain, it is the western gateway of the Mediterranean and a major transshipment hub connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The port handles an annual throughput of over 50 million TEU, making it one of the busiest ports in Europe.

Air freight from China to Spain

If you need to ship cargo quickly from China to Spain, air freight is the fastest option and one of BAT’s most commonly used services. We work closely with several airlines serving Spain, such as CA, EK, LH, and 7L. Even during peak seasons, we can help you secure suitable cargo space.

At BAT, we manage the entire air freight process from China to Spain. This includes flight booking, document preparation, cargo inspection, packaging, customs clearance, tax payment, and final delivery in Spain. If you are shipping batteries or other special cargo, we check everything before departure to make sure it meets airline and IATA requirements.

Major Cargo Airports in China

For air freight from China to Spain, we mainly operate through the following airports:

  • 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)

  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO)

Major Cargo Airports in Spain (for Shipments from China)

Most air cargo from China enters Spain through these airports:

  • Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)

  • Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)

  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ)

  • Valencia Airport (VLC)

  • Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Madrid and Barcelona are the most used airports for international cargo. Zaragoza is often used for distribution within Spain and Europe.

Main Air Freight Routes from China to Spain

Shanghai (PVG) → Madrid (MAD) / Barcelona (BCN)
Direct and connecting flights are available. Flight time is about 12–13 hours. Airport-to-airport transit usually takes 3–5 days. This route is widely used for electronics and battery shipments.

Guangzhou (CAN) → Madrid (MAD)
Both freighter aircraft and passenger belly space are available. Transit time is usually 3–6 days. This route is suitable for general cargo, industrial parts, and batteries.

Hong Kong (HKG) → Barcelona (BCN)
This is a very stable route with multiple airlines. Transit time is normally 3–4 days. It is often used for high-value or time-sensitive cargo.

Shenzhen / Chengdu → European hub → Spain
Cargo is routed via hubs such as Frankfurt or Paris, then transferred to Spain. Transit time is around 5–7 days. This option can be more cost-effective when direct flights are limited.

Air Freight Process from China to Spain

Booking and pre-check
You send us your cargo details, including weight, dimensions, cargo type, and delivery time. If batteries or dangerous goods are involved, BAT checks the packaging and documents before booking.

Cargo handling and export customs clearance
After the cargo arrives at our warehouse, we check the packaging to meet airline standards. We then handle export customs clearance in China and deliver the cargo to the airport. Certified DG repacking can be arranged if needed.

Flight departure and tracking
After departure, we issue the air waybill (AWB). You can track your shipment in real time. We keep you updated during the whole process.

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

For dangerous goods, including batteries, we can also arrange delivery using certified DG trucks in Spain.

If you are looking for a reliable freight forwarder for air freight from China to Spain, just send us your cargo details. BAT will advise you on packaging, documents, transit time, and the most cost-effective air shipping solution.

Rail freight from China to Spain

If you choose rail freight from China to Spain, it usually means your cargo has a higher value, more time-sensitive delivery requirements, an acceptable mid-range budget, and that you already have a basic understanding of rail transportation. In addition, rail freight is especially suitable when your final destination is close to the main railway terminals.
Under these conditions, rail freight becomes a suitable option for shipping goods from China to Spain. Below is a more detailed introduction to rail freight from China to Spain. Please read carefully to determine whether rail transport is the right choice for your shipment.

Main routes

Origin StationDestinationDistance (km)Train FrequencyExit Border Port
YiwuMadrid13,2001–2 trains per weekAlashankou
Xi’anMadrid13,0002–3 trains per weekAlashankou
ChengduZaragoza12,8001 train per weekKhorgos
ChongqingValencia13,1001–2 trains per weekAlashankou
Shenzhen / GuangzhouMadrid13,3002 trains per weekAlashankou

Main cabinet types

Container TypeVolumeMax PayloadSuitable Cargo
20GP28–30 m³21 tonsMedium & small general cargo, mechanical parts
40GP58–60 m³26 tonsFurniture, home appliances, garments
40HQ68–70 m³26 tonsLight & bulky cargo, large e-commerce shipments
LCL (Consolidation)Based on actual volumeNo single-container limitSmall shipments (≥1 CBM)

Main Railway Terminals in Spain

1.Zaragoza Railway Terminal Located in Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon Autonomous Community in Spain. The terminal is currently operated by COSCO SHIPPING Ports Spain. It connects with major ports such as Bilbao and Valencia, serving central and southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula, with its influence extending to Northern Europe, including Cologne and Ludwigshafen. The terminal is equipped with 6 railway tracks—5, 5 tracks with a length of 800 meters and 1 track of 750 meters. Its annual handling capacity exceeds 165,000 TEUs, making it one of Spain’s most important inland rail logistics hubs.
2.Valencia Railway Terminal Valencia is a key port city on the eastern coast of Spain, and its railway terminal is one of the major destinations of the China–Europe Railway Express. The Valencia terminal connects Spain’s domestic rail network with other European regions and plays a vital role in cargo transportation from China to Spain and neighboring European markets.

Express shipping from China to Spain

If you need a fast and reliable way to ship cargo from China to Spain, express shipping is one of the best options. BAT ships over 6 tons of cargo daily via express, helping customers deliver small to medium-sized shipments and e-commerce goods smoothly.

In 2024, imports from China to Spain were about US$46.6 billion, making Spain a major destination for Chinese goods such as electronics, machinery, vehicles, and furniture.

If your cargo meets courier size and weight limits, express shipping is usually faster than air freight, and in some cases more cost-effective—especially for urgent parcels or samples.

International Express Services from China to Spain

Most couriers have clear rules for size and weight:

  • Maximum weight per piece: ≤ 68 kg

  • Maximum length (single side): ≤ 108 cm

  • Maximum girth: ≤ 400 cm

(Overweight or oversized parcels may require special approval and extra fees.)

BAT offers the following main express options:

DHL Express

  • Transit time: 2–4 days

  • Best for urgent parcels and small cartons

  • Fast customs clearance in Spain

UPS

  • Transit time: 3–5 days

  • Covers all of Spain, including small and medium cities

FedEx

  • Transit time: 3–6 days

  • Commonly used for commercial shipments and samples

BAT Express Shipping Process from China to Spain

Pickup and cargo check
You can deliver the goods to our BAT warehouse in China, or we can arrange pickup. We check the packaging first. If your cargo includes batteries or fragile items, we can repack it to meet courier requirements.

Waybill creation and dispatch
You provide the commercial invoice and packing list. BAT handles the rest, including waybill creation, labeling, and shipment dispatch. We provide a tracking number so you can monitor your shipment online.

Customs clearance in Spain
After arrival, customs clearance and taxes (duty or VAT) are required. Main documents are the commercial invoice and packing list. If you choose DDP, BAT can prepay duty and VAT on your behalf.

Final delivery
After customs clearance, the courier delivers the shipment directly to your address in Spain—usually within one working day.

Why Choose BAT for Express Shipping

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

  • Can ship general cargo, batteries, e-bikes, and special items

  • Competitive pricing with stable transit times

  • DDP options available, including prepayment of duty and VAT in Spain

If you are unsure whether express shipping or air freight is better for your urgent shipment from China to Spain, just send us your cargo details. BAT will compare both solutions and help you choose the best option.

Door to door shipping from China to Spain

When you choose door-to-door shipping from China to Spain, it strongly tests a freight forwarder’s overall capabilities, especially whether they can provide multiple door-to-door transport solutions.
 
We are able to arrange air freight, sea freight, and rail freight door-to-door services. With our professional customs clearance and delivery partners in Spain, we can offer a more reliable and professional one-stop logistics solution, ensuring smooth transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery to your door.

Battery shipping from China to Spain

At BAT, we make shipping batteries from China to Spain simple, safe, and reliable. Batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods, including lithium-ion (UN3480/UN3481) and lithium metal batteries (UN3090/UN3091). With over 20 years of experience, our team is fully certified to handle dangerous goods and ensures your batteries are transported professionally.

Spain’s main entry points include Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Valencia (VLC), and Zaragoza (ZAZ) airports, as well as sea ports like Valencia, Barcelona, and Algeciras. The best shipping method depends on your needs:

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

  • Sea freight – cost-effective for large shipments.

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

Our Battery Shipping Process from China to Spain

1. Check your battery type and choose the shipping method
You tell us what type of battery you’re shipping and your delivery timeline. BAT helps you select the best option — FCL/LCL sea freight, air freight, rail, or express shipping from China to Spain.

2. Prepare documents and packaging
You need a commercial invoice, packing list, MSDS, UN38.3 test report, and UN-compliant packaging. We inspect your packaging in our warehouse before shipment and can provide certified dangerous goods packaging if needed.

3. Export customs in China
BAT handles all the paperwork and export clearance for your batteries, so you don’t have to worry about documentation.

4. Import customs in Spain
You can use your own customs broker, or let BAT handle clearance and duty/VAT payment. We have dedicated battery shipping lanes to Spain — you hand over the batteries, and we take care of customs, taxes, and delivery.

5. Door-to-door delivery
We make sure your batteries arrive safely at your address in Spain. If needed, we coordinate with your local carrier for final delivery.

At BAT, we ship all kinds of batteries — power banks, EV batteries, energy storage systems, e-bike batteries, and more. We offer flexible DAP, DDP, or DDU options to suit your needs.

If you want a reliable way to ship batteries from China to Spain, just send us your cargo details. BAT will guide you through the process, recommend the best shipping method, and make sure your shipment arrives on time and meets all regulations.

Shipping cost from China to Spain

The following is a reference guide to shipping costs from China to Spain. These figures are for reference only and should not be considered final prices. For detailed and accurate pricing, please contact us directly.
 

Sea freight Cost from China to Spain

TypeSpecificationBase FreightSuitable Cargo
FCL (Full Container Load)20GPUSD 1,000–1,800Cargo ≥15 CBM, machinery/furniture
FCL40GPUSD 1,600–2,500Cargo ≥25 CBM, bulk goods
FCL40HQUSD 1,700–2,600Light/bulky goods, large volume
LCL (Less than Container Load)Loose CargoUSD 30–90/CBM (charge by greater value)Cargo <15 CBM, small replenishment orders
 

Rail freight Cost from China to Spain

Service TypeQuoteSuitable Cargo
FCL (Full Container Load)20GP: USD 3,500–4,500Time-sensitive bulk cargo, e.g., home appliances / clothing
LCL / Loose CargoRMB 17–22 / kgCargo 500 kg–10 CBM, cross-border e-commerce
Door-to-Door DDPRMB 20–25 / kgCustomers without customs clearance ability, require all-inclusive service

Air Freight Cost from China to Spin

Translation (Table Format)
Service TypeQuoteSuitable Cargo
Commercial AirRMB 45–60 / kgHigh-value / urgent goods, e.g., electronic components
Air Express LineRMB 38–50 / kgBulk shipments for cross-border e-commerce
Courier (DHL/UPS)RMB 60–80 / kgSmall batch samples / documents, nationwide delivery

Shipping time from China to Spain

Shipping from China to Spain depends on your transport method, cargo type, delivery address, and shipment volume. At BAT, we handle everything—from picking up your goods in China to delivering them to your address in Spain. Here’s a clear look at typical transit times, so you know what to expect.

Keep in mind that holidays like Chinese New Year, Christmas, or Spain’s national holidays can cause delays. Special cargo, like batteries or other dangerous goods, also needs extra handling time.

Shipping Time Table (China → Spain)

Shipping MethodType / RouteTransit Time (Door-to-Door)Notes / Cargo Type
Sea FreightFCL 20’/40’ (Shanghai / Ningbo / Shenzhen → Valencia / Barcelona / Algeciras)28–38 daysBulk cargo, machinery, furniture; weight can affect transit slightly
Sea FreightLCL (China main ports → Valencia / Barcelona)33–45 daysSmaller shipments; consolidation/deconsolidation may add a few days; cost varies with weight
Rail FreightChina–Spain (Yiwu / Chengdu / Zhengzhou → Madrid / Zaragoza)18–26 daysFast and cost-effective for industrial parts, electronics, and e-commerce; weight limits apply
Air FreightPVG / CAN / HKG → MAD / BCN (direct)6–10 daysHigh-value or urgent shipments; cost depends on weight and season
Air FreightChina → FRA / AMS → MAD / BCN (via transit)8–14 daysEconomical option with 1–3 extra days for transit; suitable for standard cargo
Express CourierDHL / UPS / FedEx (door-to-door)2–5 daysSmall parcels, urgent samples, or documents under ~68 kg
Express CourierBatteries / Dangerous Goods3–7 daysRequires UN38.3 & MSDS; weight and packaging affect timing

At BAT, we make shipping simple and transparent:

  • For sea or rail freight, we handle pickup in China, export customs, main transport, import clearance in Spain, and final delivery.

  • For air freight or express, we focus on speed, stable flight schedules, and fast customs clearance in Spain.

You’ll always get tracking numbers, so you can see exactly where your shipment is.

If your cargo is urgent, air freight or express is usually the best. If it’s large or flexible on time, sea or rail freight can save you money.

Send us your cargo details, and we’ll help you choose the most efficient and cost-effective shipping solution from China to Spain, tailored to your goods and schedule.

Import Tax and VAT in Spain for Goods from China

 
  1. Calculation Formula
  • Customs Duty = CIF value × applicable duty rate (CIF = FOB + Freight + Insurance)
  • Import VAT = (CIF value + Customs Duty) × applicable VAT rate
  • Total Tax Cost = Customs Duty + Import VAT
  1. Practical Example (Clothing, Full Container) Assume: Shipping from China → Spain, 20GP container of clothing, CIF value €10,000, duty 12%, VAT 21%.
  • Customs Duty = 10,000 × 12% = €1,200
  • Import VAT = (10,000 + 1,200) × 21% = €2,352
  • Total Tax Cost = 1,200 + 2,352 = €3,552

Customs Clearance in Spain for Imports from China

Importing goods from China to Spain can seem complicated, but at BAT, we make customs clearance fast, simple, and worry-free. Whether it’s electronics, clothing, machinery, or batteries, we handle every step so you can focus on your business.

Spain requires proper import declarations, invoices, packing lists, and sometimes certificates or licenses, plus VAT (usually 21%) and possible customs duties. At BAT, we make sure all documents are correct and can prepay duties and VAT for you if you choose DDP, so your shipment clears customs without delays.

How BAT Helps You Move Cargo Quickly

Document check: We review your commercial invoice, packing list, and any special certificates to meet Spanish customs requirements.

Smooth submission: BAT submits your documents to Aduanas and monitors approval, communicating directly with customs to avoid holdups.

Duties & taxes handled: With DDP, we prepay VAT and duties, so your cargo is released quickly. For standard import or DAP, we guide you through payments step by step.

Door-to-door delivery: From major ports and airports like Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Valencia (VLC), and Algeciras, we take your cargo straight to your warehouse, office, or store.

With BAT, customs clearance in Spain for imports from China isn’t just easier—it’s faster, safer, and more reliable.

Send us your cargo details today. Our team will provide a customized solution, including documentation, duties, and delivery, so your goods reach Spain without any hassle.

Freight Forwarder from China to Spain

2.Kuehne+Nagel
3.DHL Global Forwarding
4.Sinotrans Europe
5.4PX
6.ABL Logistics

BAT for shipping from China to Spain

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

Why Choose BAT for Imports to Spain?

  • Over 20 years of international shipping experience, including handling dangerous goods such as lithium batteries.

  • Direct partnerships with carriers and couriers, allowing fast booking and efficient document handling.

  • Certified dangerous goods handling, including professional battery packaging to ensure safety and compliance.

  • Free warehousing in China and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, etc.) to save time and reduce logistics costs.

  • Door-to-door delivery across Spain, covering major ports and airports like Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Valencia (VLC), and Algeciras.

  • Dedicated shipping lines to Spain (DDP) covering customs clearance, delivery, and tax payment in one service.

  • Experienced team available 24/7 to quickly resolve any shipping issues.

Contact us online today!

Frequently Asked Questions

FCL:1800-2800USD
LCL:30-90USD/CBM
Air freight:6-9USD/KG
BY SEA:35-45DAYS
BY AIR :3-8DAYS
For large quantities of goods BY FCL&BY LCL
For small goods
BY Express
If you need faster delivery, choose air freight.If you want a cheaper price, choose sea freight.
Air freight, sea freight, and rail transport are all handled using the DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping method.
Proforma Invoice & Packing List & Booking Confirmation
Translation: 6-Step Practical Customs Clearance Process
  1. Pre-declaration and document submission
  2. Customs review of documents
  3. Tax calculation and payment
  4. Customs inspection
  5. Release notification
  6. Pickup and final delivery
This depends on your specific needs; please confirm the final terms with the supplier.
Customs duties need to be paid; a VAT refund can be arranged.
Yes ,We can ship batteries goods from China to Spain.