Shipping From China To Switzerland

If you have reached this page, please take a closer look at our shipping services from China to Switzerland. Currently, we operate stable logistics channels from major Chinese ports such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Qingdao to Basel Port, Switzerland.
For air freight, we can arrange shipments to Zurich Airport, ensuring fast and reliable delivery. If you require DDP (Delivered Duty Paid / double customs clearance with tax included) services, we can handle this smoothly as well. Both air freight and sea freight support DDP shipping, allowing you to receive your goods at home with minimal effort and no customs concerns.
If you would like to learn more about our shipping from China to Switzerland, please continue reading for detailed service information and transport options.

How to ship from China to Switzerland

BAT Logistics regularly ships cargo from China to Switzerland. Although Switzerland is a landlocked country, there are multiple reliable transport solutions available. For shipments from China to Switzerland, we offer sea freight combined with rail transport, China–Europe railway services, air freight, express shipping, as well as DDP (door-to-door, duty-paid) dedicated lines. In addition, we also provide dangerous goods transportation services, including battery shipments.

Below are the shipping methods we usually arrange for our clients.

Shipping Methods from China to Switzerland

Sea Freight from China to Switzerland

As Switzerland has no seaports, sea freight cargo must be routed through major European ports and then transferred inland by rail or truck.

FCL (Full Container Load)

  • Typical transit time: 35–45 days from ports such as Hamburg or Rotterdam, including inland transport to Switzerland

  • Common delivery points: Basel, Zurich, Bern

  • Estimated cost for a 20ft container to Europe: approximately EUR 1,100–2,200

FCL shipping is ideal for full-container cargo such as machinery, industrial equipment, auto parts, and batteries.

LCL (Less than Container Load)

  • Transit time: 40–50 days

  • Cost: approximately EUR 30–120 per CBM, depending on destination city and shipment volume
    (The larger the volume, the more competitive the rate we can offer.)

BAT handles Switzerland-bound LCL shipments every week and has strong experience with mixed cargo and dangerous goods, including battery shipments.

Rail Freight from China to Switzerland

Rail freight is one of the most commonly used shipping methods to Switzerland.

  • Transit time: 16–24 days door to door, depending on origin city and border procedures

  • Cost: approximately EUR 110–240 per CBM

Based on our experience, rail freight is particularly suitable for auto parts, electronics, and industrial components.

Rail freight is faster than sea freight and more cost-effective than air freight, which is why many Swiss customers choose this option.

Air Freight from China to Switzerland

For urgent or high-value cargo, we usually recommend air freight.

  • Destination airports: Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA)

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

  • Cost: approximately EUR 4.2–8.0 per kg, depending on weight and season

Express Shipping from China to Switzerland

  • Carriers: DHL / UPS / FedEx

  • Transit time: 2–4 working days

  • Mainly suitable for parcels and shipments under 68 kg per carton

Most express shipments are loose cartons. For dangerous goods such as batteries, BAT can also provide UPS palletized shipping solutions.

  • Cost: approximately EUR 5.0–7.0 per kg

Sea freight from China to Switzerland

When shipping goods from China to Switzerland by sea, it is important to understand that Switzerland is a landlocked country. As a result, sea freight shipments must first arrive at major European hub ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, or Antwerp, and are then transported into Switzerland by truck or rail to inland destinations including Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.
Below is an overview of our operational process for shipping cargo from China to Switzerland via sea freight:
 

FCL shipping from China to Switzerland

 
When shipping full container loads (FCL) from China to Switzerland by sea, you first need to confirm the cargo weight and volume to determine whether FCL is the most economical and cost-effective option.
We handle 100–200 FCL shipments to Switzerland every year, with most cargo moving under FOB terms, while some shipments are arranged under DAP or DDU terms to Switzerland.
If you choose us as your booking agent, you can significantly reduce the problems caused by lack of experience. With over 20 years of freight forwarding experience, we are able to efficiently handle your FCL sea freight booking needs and ensure a smooth and reliable shipping process from China to Switzerland.
 

LCL shipping from China to Switzerland

 
Shipping from China to Switzerland by LCL (Less than Container Load) is the most suitable option for small shipments, especially for cargo under 5 CBM. You should first confirm whether your cargo has a small volume and weight, typically below 5 CBM, and whether you can accept a transit time of 35–55 days.
You also need to confirm whether you already have a freight forwarder in China who can provide warehousing services for your goods. If all of the above conditions are met, please contact us next to confirm the LCL shipping cost. We will provide you with our warehouse address, so your supplier can deliver the cargo to our warehouse. From there, we will arrange container consolidation and shipment to Switzerland.
Generally, there is at least one weekly sailing available for this route.
 

The booking process for sea freight.

 
  1. You confirm the cargo details with your factory/supplier (product name, quantity, weight, and volume).
  2. Provide this information to us so we can confirm the most suitable shipping method (FCL or LCL).
  3. We send you the booking information for the factory’s sales team to complete.
  4. Once the completed booking is returned to us, we arrange the space booking based on the cargo readiness date.
  5. The shipping line issues the Shipping Order (SO). Container loading or warehouse delivery must be completed two days before the port cut-off time stated on the SO.
  6. For FCL shipments, the container is loaded at the factory’s designated address. For LCL shipments, cargo is delivered to our warehouse.
  7. The factory provides export documents (customs declaration documents, etc.).
  8. Customs clearance is completed, and the cargo is loaded onto the vessel.
This is the complete process for arranging your sea freight shipment with us. We provide tailor-made logistics solutions based on each customer’s specific requirements, and meeting your needs is the continuous driving force behind our work.

Air freight from China to Switzerland

Air freight is the preferred solution for urgent shipments from China to Switzerland. BAT Logistics works closely with multiple airlines, allowing us to secure cargo space at short notice. We provide a full range of services, including flight booking, documentation support, and professional packaging solutions.

I. Main Air Freight Routes from China to Switzerland

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) → Zurich Airport (ZRH)
(Direct and connecting cargo flights, flight time approximately 11–12 hours, 3–5 days airport-to-airport transit, widely used for electronics and battery shipments)

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) → Zurich Airport (ZRH)
(Cargo aircraft and passenger aircraft belly space, 3–6 days transit, suitable for batteries, industrial components, and general cargo)

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) → Zurich Airport (ZRH)
(Stable schedules operated by major airlines, 3–4 days transit, commonly used for high-value cargo)

Shenzhen / Chengdu → Middle East or European hub → Zurich / Geneva
(Transit via hubs such as Frankfurt or Dubai, 5–7 days transit, usually more cost-effective than direct flights)

II. Air Freight Process from China to Switzerland

Booking and pre-check
At BAT, we first confirm cargo details, including weight, dimensions, cargo type, and delivery timeline. For batteries or other dangerous goods, we review packaging and documentation before booking flight space.

Cargo receiving and export customs clearance
Once the cargo arrives at our warehouse, we check whether the packaging meets airline requirements and handle export customs clearance in China. The cargo is then delivered to the departure airport. If the packaging does not meet requirements, we can provide repacking services, including certified dangerous goods packaging.

Flight departure and tracking
After the flight departs, we issue the air waybill (AWB) and provide tracking information so you can monitor the shipment in real time.

Arrival in Switzerland and final delivery
If BAT is responsible for customs clearance and delivery, we prepare import clearance documents in advance. After customs clearance and duty/VAT payment in Switzerland, we collect the cargo from the airport and arrange final delivery—usually within one working day to the designated address.

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

If you are currently looking for a freight forwarder from China to Sweden, you can contact us immediately. We will provide you with detailed information on packaging and shipping services.

Rail freight from China to Switzerland

Transporting cargo from China to Switzerland by rail is, to some extent, not yet the mainstream option in the market. However, if you require rail transportation, we can arrange suitable China–Europe railway services to meet your shipping needs.
The main reasons for choosing rail freight are that it is faster than sea freight, more cost-effective than air freight, and capable of handling large-volume shipments. We can provide you with a detailed explanation of the characteristics of this transport mode, helping you gain a clearer understanding of how rail freight works and of our railway logistics services.
 
I. First, understand the main rail routes to Switzerland As of December 2025, there are mainly four railway routes from China to Switzerland:
  • Xi’an → Zurich
  • Chongqing → Geneva
  • Shanghai → Lucerne
  • Shenzhen → Lucerne
Based on our many years of professional experience, Basel is Switzerland’s only major rail freight hub. Most rail cargo is first delivered to Basel and then distributed to other cities across Switzerland.
II. Rail booking process
  1. Provide cargo details: product name, quantity, weight, and volume
  2. Prepare relevant documents, including the booking form, commercial invoice, and packing list
  3. Submit the information to us so we can arrange the booking
  4. Prepare the cargo 3–5 days before the customs cutoff time
  5. Complete export customs declaration procedures
The above outlines the key points of rail freight booking, helping you better understand the process. If you already have a demand for rail booking at this stage, feel free to contact us directly. We will arrange for a dedicated professional team to connect with you promptly and handle all related booking services.

Express shipping from China to Switzerland

Express shipping is another highly efficient option that BAT Logistics frequently uses for shipping from China to Switzerland. Express is suitable for small to medium-sized shipments and has strict limits on parcel size and weight. When your cargo meets courier requirements, express shipping is often faster—and sometimes more cost-effective—than air freight. It is also the preferred solution for samples, spare parts, and time-sensitive e-commerce orders.

In 2024, more than 85 million express parcels were shipped from China to Switzerland. The main goods included electronics, accessories, and battery-related products.

I. International Express Services from China to Switzerland

Couriers apply standard size and weight limits:

  • Maximum weight per piece: ≤ 68 kg
    (Overweight parcels require prior approval, with surcharges of CHF 15–120 per piece)

  • Maximum single side length: ≤ 108 cm

  • Maximum girth: ≤ 400 cm

Main service options:

DHL Express

  • Transit time: 2–4 days

  • Cost: approx. CHF 5.0/kg

  • Fast customs clearance in Switzerland, reliable service

UPS

  • Transit time: 3–5 days

  • Cost: approx. CHF 5.2/kg

  • Coverage across Switzerland, including remote areas

FedEx

  • Transit time: 3–6 days

  • Cost: approx. CHF 5.5/kg

  • Trusted choice for commercial shipments and samples

II. Express Shipping Process

Cargo delivery & inspection
You deliver your goods to our BAT warehouse. We check the packaging and, if necessary, repack your items to meet courier standards, especially batteries or fragile goods.

Waybill creation & dispatch
You provide the commercial invoice. We handle the rest—creating the waybill, applying labels, and providing an online tracking number so you can follow your shipment in real time.

Customs clearance in Switzerland
Once the cargo arrives, customs clearance is typically handled online. Required documents usually include your commercial invoice and packing list. If you prefer, BAT can prepay duties and VAT on your behalf. Switzerland’s standard VAT rate is 7.7%.

Final delivery
After customs clearance and tax payment, the courier delivers the goods.

III. BAT Express Services

  • Tier-1 partnerships with DHL, UPS, and FedEx for fast booking and priority handling

  • Can safely ship general cargo, batteries, electric bicycles, and other special items

  • Highly competitive rates, ensuring fast delivery while controlling costs

If you’re unsure whether express shipping or air freight is the best choice for your urgent shipment from China to Switzerland, BAT can help you compare both options and choose the most suitable solution. Don’t hesitate to contact us online.

Door to door shipping from China to Switzerland

Door-to-door shipping from China to Switzerland has become the most common and preferred logistics solution in 2025. More and more customers are choosing door-to-door services—whether it is full container sea freight, air freight, or even rail freight door-to-door.
This trend clearly shows that you would rather wait at home to receive your goods than handle the complicated processes yourself, such as booking space, customs clearance, international transportation, import clearance, and final pickup. Instead, you prefer to entrust these complex procedures to a professional freight forwarder—namely, us—to manage the entire process on your behalf.
Below, you will find more detailed information about our door-to-door shipping services, helping you understand whether our solutions can fully meet your needs and become the right reason for choosing our logistics services. Please continue reading.
 

I. Advantages of Choosing Door-to-Door Shipping

  1. Direct delivery to your door You don’t need to coordinate with multiple parties for booking, customs clearance, trucking, or documentation. This greatly reduces communication costs and allows you to focus your time and energy on activities that generate more profit.
  2. Centralized risk control by us When we handle door-to-door services, we take full responsibility for the entire transportation process. We are the primary party responsible for any risks, making cargo claims and issue resolution faster and more efficient.
  3. Lower overall costs With our all-inclusive door-to-door solutions, the total cost is often lower. Our pricing is based on long-term contract rates, which are more competitive than spot-market pricing.
  4. Guaranteed transit time We coordinate every stage of the logistics process to reduce waiting times during transfers. Compared with self-arranged shipping, delivery is typically 3–5 days faster.
  5. More professional service We are highly familiar with international logistics regulations and customs clearance requirements. By preparing correct documentation and ensuring compliant operations, we help avoid many potential risks at every stage.

II. Comparison of Four Door-to-Door Shipping Options (For Your Reference)

  1. Sea Freight LCL (Less than Container Load)
    1. Transit time: 40–50 days
    2. Cost: USD 800–1,200 for 5 CBM
    3. Best for: Small shipments, non-urgent cargo, customers seeking low-cost solutions
  2. Sea Freight FCL (Full Container Load)
    1. Transit time: 35–45 days
    2. Cost:
      • 20GP: USD 1,500–2,500
      • 40GP: USD 2,800–3,500
    3. Best for: Large volumes (≥15 CBM), stable orders, heavy or bulky cargo
  3. Rail Freight
    1. Transit time: 18–24 days
    2. Cost: USD 1,800–2,500
    3. Best for: Medium-sized shipments (10–50 CBM), moderate urgency, balanced cost and transit time
  4. Air Freight
    1. Transit time: 5–10 days
    2. Cost: USD 5–8/kg
    3. Best for: Urgent cargo, high-value goods, samples, or small batches
  5. International Express
    1. Transit time: 3–7 days
    2. Cost: USD 8–10/kg
    3. Best for: Samples and urgent small shipments
The above is a brief overview of door-to-door shipping services. By now, you should have a clear understanding of how these solutions work. With this knowledge, you can confidently choose a reliable freight forwarder to handle your shipments from China to Switzerland.
Since you’ve learned so much about door-to-door shipping, we invite you to take the next step and contact us. Let us provide you with a more professional consultation and customized logistics services tailored to your needs.

Battery shipping from China to Switzerland

About shipping batteries from China to Switzerland， at BAT, we make it simple and safe. Batteries are considered Class 9 dangerous goods, including lithium-ion (UN3480/UN3481) and lithium metal batteries (UN3090/UN3091). Each type has its own packaging and transport rules, and we make sure everything is done correctly so your shipment arrives safely.

Switzerland’s main entry points are Basel and Geneva ports, and Zurich and Geneva airports. How you ship depends on your needs:

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

Sea freight – more cost-effective for large shipments.

Rail and express delivery – good for smaller shipments or special types of batteries.

Shipping battery process:

Check your battery type and choose the right shipping method with us.

Prepare documents and packaging: you’ll need a commercial invoice, packing list, MSDS, UN38.3 report, and UN-compliant packaging. Don’t worry—we can provide certified packaging if you need it.

Export customs in China – we take care of everything for you.

Import customs in Switzerland – you can use your own broker, or let us handle clearance and duty/VAT payments.

Door-to-door delivery – we make sure your batteries reach your address in Switzerland safely, or coordinate with your local carrier.

At BAT, we transport all kinds of batteries—power banks, EV batteries, energy storage systems, e-bike batteries—and offer flexible DAP/DDP options. You can relax knowing your shipment is handled safely, efficiently, and professionally from China to Switzerland.

Shipping cost from China to Switzerland

Shipping costs from China to Switzerland are a concern for everyone. Since you are reading this, it is likely the part you care about the most. We deeply understand that the level of freight charges can be a key factor influencing whether your products succeed in the market.
Given the current global economic situation, corporate profits are increasingly squeezed—both product margins and freight service margins are at a low point. Despite this, we offer you the most competitive rates, lower than the market average.
Thanks to years of accumulated industry resources and experience, we are able to achieve this.
Below is an overview of our freight charges. Please review it carefully, and contact us promptly if you have any questions.
 
Original Translation
I. Ocean Freight Rates
  1. FCL (Full Container Load) Reference Prices:
  • Shanghai / Ningbo → Basel / Zurich, 20GP: Ocean freight: $800–$1,200 + Terminal charges ¥500 + Customs clearance ¥300 + European inland transport €400 + Customs & clearance €300 + Duties/VAT (7.7%) + Delivery CHF200
  • Shenzhen / Guangzhou → Geneva / Bern, 40HQ: Ocean freight: $1,400–$1,800 + Terminal charges ¥800 + Customs clearance ¥300 + European inland transport €600 + Customs & clearance €400 + Duties/VAT (7.7%) + Delivery CHF250
  1. LCL (Less than Container Load) Reference Prices:
  • Shenzhen → Zurich: Ocean freight: $80–$130/CBM + Consolidation fee $50/CBM + Terminal charges ¥150/CBM + Unpacking fee €20/CBM + Inland transport €40/CBM + Customs clearance €200 + Duties/VAT (7.7%) + Delivery CHF150
II. Rail Freight Rates
  • 5 CBM, Shanghai / Shenzhen → Geneva: Rail freight: $350–$550/CBM + Terminal fee ¥150/CBM + Customs clearance ¥300 + Transshipment fee $100/container + European inland transport €50/CBM + Customs clearance €300 + Duties/VAT (7.7%) + Delivery CHF150
III. Air Freight Rates
  • Shenzhen / Shanghai → Zurich: Air freight: $5–$8/kg + Fuel surcharge $2–$3/kg + Security inspection ¥100 + Customs clearance €200 + Duties/VAT (7.7%) + Delivery CHF150
IV. Express Courier Rates
  • DHL / UPS, 0.5–30 kg: $8–$10/kg
The above prices are approximate. For detailed and precise rates, please contact us or visit our dedicated Switzerland shipping rates page. Keywords: The price for shipping from China to Switzerland

Shipping time from China to Switzerland

Shipping from China to Switzerland depends on your chosen transport method, the type of cargo, and the shipment volume. At BAT, we take care of everything for you—from picking up your goods at the factory in China to delivering them directly to your address in Switzerland. Let me walk you through the typical transit times so you know what to expect.

Keep in mind, holidays like Chinese New Year or Christmas can affect schedules, and special cargo such as batteries or dangerous goods requires extra handling.

Shipping Time Table (China → Switzerland)

Shipping MethodType / RouteTransit Time (Door-to-Door)Notes / Cargo Type
Sea FreightFCL 20’/40’ (Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen → Zurich/Geneva)28–38 daysIdeal for bulk, non-urgent cargo like machinery, furniture, and batteries
Sea FreightLCL (Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen → Zurich/Geneva)33–43 daysSmaller shipments consolidated with other cargo; extra handling may add a few days
Rail FreightChina–Switzerland (Yiwu/Chengdu/Zhengzhou → Zurich/Basel)15–21 daysGreat for mid-value cargo, industrial parts, and e-commerce shipments; faster than sea freight
Air FreightPVG/CAN/HKG → ZRH (direct)6–11 daysHigh-value, urgent cargo, electronics, and samples
Air FreightPVG/CAN → FRA → ZRH/GVA (via transit)8–13 daysMore cost-effective than direct flights; transit adds 1–3 days
Express CourierDHL / UPS / FedEx (door-to-door)2–5 daysPerfect for small parcels, urgent samples, and documents under 30 kg
Express CourierBattery / Dangerous Goods3–6 daysRequires UN38.3 & MSDS compliance; handling time is slightly longer

At BAT, we always keep you informed at every step of the journey. If you’re shipping something urgent, air freight or express is your best option. For larger, less time-sensitive shipments, sea or rail freight can save costs while still getting your goods safely to Switzerland.For different shipping methods, we will provide you with tracking numbers and tracking websites.

Shipping agent from China to Switzerland

You may want to learn more about freight forwarders from China to Switzerland, as each company has its own strengths. Nevertheless, we are confident that we are the best freight forwarding company in China. Here is an introduction to freight forwarders to Switzerland:
  1. BAT Logistics: This is our brand. We can handle air freight, sea freight, express courier, and DDP door-to-door services to Switzerland—covering all the channels you may need.
  2. DSV Panalpina: Directly managed by Swiss customs; DDP services cover the entire country.
  3. Jiangsu Zhongrui International Logistics: Strong presence in East China; expert in LCL sea freight.
  4. Shanghai Tiantian Express International: Competitive pricing; holds an 18% market share in the China-Switzerland dedicated line.

BAT for shipping from China to Switzerland

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

We offer sea, air, express, and rail transport, all with door-to-door delivery across Switzerland. You can track your shipment in real time, whether it’s a large container or a small parcel, so you always know where your goods are.

BAT’s advantages

  • We are a direct agent for international express services, helping you handle documents and shipments quickly.

  • Certified in handling dangerous goods, including professional battery packaging, so your cargo is safe and compliant.

  • Free warehousing services at both origin and Swiss destinations, saving you time and cost.

  • Door-to-door delivery across Switzerland—Zurich, Geneva, Basel, wherever you are.

  • Experienced service team available 24/7 to support you and solve any shipping issues.

With BAT, you reduce shipping risks and operational complexity, letting you focus on your business while we make sure your goods move safely and efficiently from China to Switzerland.

Frequently Asked Questions

By air & by sea & by express
FCL:20gp: $800–$1,200 40gp：$1500-$2200
BY AIR :$5–$8/kg
BY express:$8–$10/kg
It officially came into effect on July 1, 2014.
99.7% of goods are subject to zero tariffs, and the VAT (Value Added Tax) is 7.7%.
You can check this information on the following platforms:
It depends on which shipping method you choose. Air freight is definitely the most expensive, while sea freight is more reasonably priced and likely more acceptable to you.
BY FCL/BY LCL
1.Learn more about the breakdown of shipping costs.
2.More rational packaging solutions
3.Find a reliable freight forwarder.
Price isn’t everything; compared to the high value of the goods, the shipping cost is a very small percentage, so logistics planning is the most important factor.
1.proforma invoice
2.Packing list
3.Bill of Lading
4.Certificate of Origin