Shipping From China To The Netherlands

You need to import goods from China and ship them to the Netherlands via air freight, sea freight, or express delivery. Generally, major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao, and Ningbo offer direct routes to Rotterdam. Sea freight typically takes 35-45 days, while air freight usually arrives within 3-5 days. The choice of shipping method ultimately depends on your specific requirements. Below are the detailed requirements for shipping from China to the Netherlands. Please continue reading!

How to ship from China to the Netherlands？

The Netherlands, supported by the Port of Rotterdam (the largest port in Europe) and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, handles nearly one-third of the EU’s cross-border logistics and serves as the “first gateway” for Chinese goods entering Europe. Shipping from China to the Netherlands is actually quite straightforward.

I. Shipping Methods

Sea Freight:
The most cost-effective option.

  • FCL (Full Container Load): Transit time 28–35 days; 20ft container cost approx. EUR 1,200–2,100.

  • LCL (Less than Container Load): Transit time 35–45 days; cost approx. EUR 10–100 per CBM.
    Ideal for bulky cargo such as furniture and machinery, with efficient transshipment via the Port of Rotterdam.

China–Europe Railway (Rail Freight):
A balance between transit time and cost.

  • Transit time: 18–22 days

  • Cost: approx. EUR 100–200 per CBM
    In 2025, train load rates reached 99%, with stable schedules. Suitable for e-commerce large items and industrial parts.

Air Freight:
Best choice when speed is the priority.

  • Door-to-door transit time: 8–12 days

  • Cost: approx. EUR 3.5–6.5 per kg
    In 2024, China–Netherlands air cargo volume increased by 18% year-on-year. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the key hub, ideal for high-value goods and urgent samples.

Express Shipping:
Preferred for small and urgent shipments.

  • DHL/UPS transit time: 2–5 days

  • Cost: approx. EUR 4.8–6 per kg
    In 2025, China–Netherlands cross-border express shipments exceeded 300,000 parcels per day on average. Best for parcels under 30 kg and urgent documents.

II. Shipping Process

  1. Confirm cargo type: Determine whether the goods are dangerous. For example, battery shipments require UN-certified packaging and complete battery documentation prepared in advance.

  2. Choose the shipping solution: After confirming quotes for different options (DAP, DDU, DDP, air freight, sea freight, express), select the most suitable method and submit the booking to us. We will arrange space and reservations.

  3. Prepare documents in advance: Commercial invoice (including HS code, cargo value, quantity, and EORI numbers of both buyer and seller), packing list (detailed weight and volume per carton), and CE certification.

  4. Customs declaration: We handle export customs clearance in China, so you don’t need to worry. If shipping to an airport or seaport, customs clearance documents and duty payment must be prepared in advance at destination.

  5. Delivery and receipt: After customs release at destination, you may choose our delivery service or self-pickup. Please inspect the cargo and sign for receipt after confirming there is no damage.

Sea freight from China to the Netherlands

Shipping from China to the Netherlands via ocean freight generally indicates you are a medium-to-large buyer requiring bulk transportation. While time sensitivity may not be paramount, you need to consider what products you’re shipping by sea and whether your cargo packaging meets maritime standards. You must also decide between full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) shipping—two: “two fundamentally different methods. Below is further information about FCL and LCL ocean freight.
 

FCL Shipping from China to the Netherlands

To determine when to choose FCL shipping from China the Netherlands, it generally depends on your product. If your goods are low-value, bulky, fragile, or require a fixed shipping route, you should consider FCL shipping. Opting for FCL is the most common method, as 35% of goods shipped from China to the Netherlands arrive via FCL.
1.To understand China’s major ports
Shanghai Port: Offers the most comprehensive shipping routes, serving major carriers like Maersk and MSC with numerous daily departures.
Ningbo Port: Currently the origin port for the newly launched Arctic Express service, providing fast transit times though primarily operating during the summer season.
Shenzhen Yantian Port: The gateway for all of South China, handling the highest volume of e-commerce cargo.
Qingdao Port: A key trunk port for Northern China, conveniently located near Japan and South Korea for efficient transshipment.
2.To understand the Netherlands’ major ports
Port of Rotterdam: Currently Europe’s largest port, handling 35% of goods shipped from China to the Netherlands. This is your primary port of choice.
Port of Amsterdam: A secondary port, potentially suitable for specific cargo types and inland destinations.
3.Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Process
Prepare Booking Documents
Arrange Booking
Carrier Issues Shipping Order (SO)
Cargo Loading into Container
Customs Declaration (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Customs Declaration Form)
Ocean Transportation
Upon Arrival at Destination Port
Arrange Customs Clearance
Final Door-to-Door Delivery
 

LCL Shipping from China to the Netherlands

 
LCL shipping from China to the Netherlands offers a more suitable transport method, primarily when your cargo volume is less than one cubic meter or under ten cubic meters. This economical and flexible approach is ideal for small-batch shipments from China, eliminating the need to book a full container. Simply hand your goods over to the freight forwarder, who will consolidate them with other shipments to reduce your transportation costs while ensuring more reliable shipping schedules.

Air freight from China to the Netherlands

Air freight is the preferred option for urgent shipments. If your cargo is time-sensitive, air transport is the most efficient solution. Air freight can handle loose cargo, palletized shipments, and wooden crate packaging. For dangerous goods, pallet or wooden crate packaging is commonly required.

The core air cargo hub in the Netherlands is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), which handles about 92% of the country’s total air freight volume. In 2024, air cargo volume from China to the Netherlands reached 186,000 tons, representing a year-on-year growth of 18%.

I. Main Air Freight Routes from China to the Netherlands

  • Shanghai Pudong (PVG) → AMS
    (China Eastern / KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, 2–3 flights daily, 12-hour flight time, 3–5 days transit, accounting for 45%)

  • Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) → AMS
    (China Southern Airlines, 14 flights per week, 4–6 days transit, 22% YoY cargo growth in 2025)

  • Hong Kong (HKG) → AMS
    (Cathay Pacific, 1 flight daily, 3–4 days transit)

  • Shenzhen / Chengdu → Frankfurt or Dubai → AMS
    (5–7 days transit, about 15% cheaper than direct flights, accounting for 35%)

II. Air Freight Process from China to the Netherlands

  1. Booking & pre-departure preparation
    Based on cargo volume, weight, commodity type, and delivery timeline, contact us in advance to reserve flight space.

  2. Cargo receiving & export clearance
    After receiving the cargo, our warehouse checks the packaging to ensure airline compliance. We then handle export customs declaration. Once cleared, the cargo is delivered to the airport awaiting departure.

  3. Flight departure & tracking
    After departure, we provide the air waybill and tracking link, enabling real-time shipment tracking.

  4. Arrival & import customs clearance in the Netherlands
    Before arrival, electronic shipment data is transmitted to Dutch Customs. You need to prepare clearance documents such as the packing list, commercial invoice, and EORI number. For DDU or DDP shipments, we handle customs clearance and duty payment on your behalf, often processed simultaneously.

  5. Cargo pickup & final delivery
    After customs clearance and tax payment, the cargo is collected from the airport terminal. You may appoint your own agent or authorize us to collect and deliver. We can arrange delivery across the Netherlands within one working day.

III. Why Choose Batteryshipment

  1. 20+ years of air freight forwarding experience, covering all major routes above, with a 90% direct-flight space guarantee and 95% on-time delivery rate.

  2. Certified for dangerous goods transportation, including professional DG packaging solutions.

  3. End-to-end DDP services (customs clearance, duty payment, and delivery), supported by real-time tracking and a 24/7 dedicated customer service team, simplifying the entire cross-border

Rail freight from China to the Netherlands

Rail freight from China to the Netherlands: By choosing rail transport, you opt for a solution that is more efficient than sea freight and more cost-effective than air freight—a middle ground option. If your shipments involve larger volumes but still require reasonable transit times, I recommend selecting rail transport for shipments from China to the Netherlands. Below is a detailed overview to help you make the right choice.
1.Main Rail Routes
For rail routes from China to Europe, you need to understand the primary export rail ports on the Chinese side and the main destination ports in Europe.
Main Departure Cities in China:
Chengdu: At Alashankou / Manzhouli ports, the main routes are the backbone lines of China-Europe freight trains, running directly to Tilburg with 5-7 weekly departures, which should largely meet your needs.
Xi’an: At the Alashankou exit, operations focus on frequent cross-border e-commerce trains and pilot green freight services, operating 4-6 times weekly.
Zhengzhou: At Erenhot / Alashankou ports, Zhengzhou’s connections to Europe are well-established, with 4-6 weekly departures.
 
Netherlands Destination:
Tilburg: The primary hub for China-Europe freight trains in the Netherlands, featuring large container yards and a rail distribution center. Goods are distributed throughout the Netherlands within 24 hours and reach Western European countries like Belgium, Germany, and France within 2-3 days.
Rotterdam: A sea-rail intermodal hub seamlessly connected to the Port of Rotterdam, ideal for cargo requiring further maritime distribution.
Amsterdam: A secondary terminal.

Express shipping from China to the Netherlands

For urgent shipments, international express courier is another efficient option. However, express services have strict parcel size and weight limits. If your shipment meets courier requirements, express shipping is often more cost-effective than air freight for shipments of a few hundred kilograms. Express is also the preferred choice for samples and small, time-sensitive orders.

The Netherlands is one of China’s key cross-border e-commerce markets. In 2024, the volume of express parcels shipped from China to the Netherlands reached 280 million pieces, marking a 22% year-on-year increase.

I. International Express Services

International couriers impose size and weight restrictions:

  • Maximum weight per piece: ≤ 68 kg
    (Overweight shipments require prior booking, with surcharges of €15–€120 per piece)

  • Maximum single side length: ≤ 108 cm

  • Maximum girth: ≤ 400 cm

Service options:

  • DHL: 2–4 days transit, approx. €4.6/kg, fast and reliable delivery

  • UPS: 3–5 days transit, approx. €4.8/kg, strong coverage across most Dutch cities

  • FedEx: 3–6 days transit, approx. €5/kg

II. Core Express Shipping Process

  1. Cargo delivery & inspection
    Deliver the goods to our warehouse, where our team inspects and repacks them to meet courier requirements.

  2. Waybill creation & dispatch
    Provide us with the customs invoice. On the same day, we prepare the shipment, apply labels, and issue the tracking number with an online tracking link.

  3. Customs clearance at destination
    After arrival, you submit clearance documents online—usually just the commercial invoice and packing list—and pay import duties. We can also prepay duties on your behalf at cost.

  4. Final delivery
    Once customs clearance and tax payment are completed, parcels are delivered during business days.

III. Batteryshipment Express Courier Services

  1. Tier-1 agent partnerships with DHL, UPS, and FedEx, enabling fast waybill issuance and professional packing services.

  2. Ability to ship general cargo as well as batteries, electric bicycles, and other special goods.

  3. Competitive express rates to help reduce overall shipping costs while maintaining speed and reliability.

Door to door shipping from China to the Netherlands

Door-to-door shipping services from China to the Netherlands are a common logistics solution. By choosing door-to-door service, you aim to minimize handling complexities and simply receive goods at a designated location. This places higher demands on freight forwarders, requiring them to manage every step—from picking up goods at Chinese factories to delivering them to final Dutch warehouses. This approach allows you to receive shipments more effortlessly, reduce the complexity of coordinating intermediate links, and focus more on your core products and operations. It minimizes the need for excessive coordination between various intermediaries.
 
Door-to-door shipping method
Door to door services can be arranged via:
1.Sea Freight (FCL & LCL)
2.Air Freight
3.Rail Freight
4.Express Courier
Choose the method that best suits your current situation.

Battery shipping from China to the Netherlands

Battery Shipping from China to the Netherlands requires strict compliance with international transport rules and EU import regulations. The Netherlands is a major entry point to Europe, supported by Rotterdam Port and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).

Lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods, including lithium-ion (UN3480 / UN3481) and lithium metal batteries (UN3090 / UN3091). Each battery type has different transport and packaging requirements.

Shipping methods vary by urgency and volume.
Air freight is used for urgent or high-value batteries.
Sea freight is more cost-effective for bulk shipments.
Rail and express are suitable for specific battery types and smaller volumes.

Proper documentation is critical. Typical files include UN38.3 test report, MSDS, commercial invoice, packing list, and compliant UN packaging and labels. Incorrect paperwork often causes delays or customs holds.

Simplified Shipping Process:

1.Confirm the battery type and select the appropriate transportation method.

2.Prepare required documents (packing list, commercial invoice, MSDS, UN38.3) and compliant packaging (UN boxes, wooden crates, pallets). Our warehouse can provide approved packaging if needed.

3.Complete export customs declaration in China, which is usually handled by us.

4.Arrange import customs clearance in the Netherlands. You may use your own local customs broker, or we can manage clearance and duty/tax payment on your behalf.

5.Choose delivery by Batteryshipment or your designated Dutch carrier for final door-to-door delivery.

Batteryshipment provides battery shipping from China to the Netherlands with DG-certified handling, flexible DAP / DDP services, and door-to-door delivery. We support shipments of power banks, EV batteries, energy storage systems, and e-bike batteries, helping cargo move safely and smoothly into the EU market.

Shipping cost from China to the Netherlands

Shipping costs from China to the Netherlands depend on various factors, including your chosen mode of transport, cargo weight, dimensions, seasonal fluctuations, and destination port service charges. The following details outline the transportation methods available from China to the Netherlands and their associated costs, helping you select a solution that fits your budget.
 

Sea Freight Cost from China to the Netherlands

 
FCL
20GP：USD1,250-25,00
40GP: USD 18,00-35,00
Main ports: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen → Rotterdam
LCL
Per CBM :USD 30 – 100 / CBM
Min:1CBM
 

Air Freight Cost from China to the Netherlands

 
Weight RangeEstimated Cost (USD/kg)
45–100 kgUSD 5.5 – 8.0
100–300 kgUSD 4.8 – 6.5
300 kg+USD 4.2 – 6.2
Main airports: Shanghai (PVG), Shenzhen (SZX), Guangzhou (CAN) → Amsterdam (AMS)
 

Rail Freight Cost from China to the Netherlands

 
ModeEstimated Cost
Rail LCLUSD 120 – 220 / CBM
Rail FCL (40HQ)USD 5,500 – 8,500
Main rail hubs: Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing → Rotterdam / Venlo
 

Express Courier Cost from China to the Netherlands

 
CarrierEstimated Cost
DHL / UPS / FedExUSD 6 – 10 / kg
Best for: Samples, documents, small parcels (<100 kg)

Shipping time from China to the Netherlands

The transit time from China to the Netherlands depends primarily on the mode of transport, the volume of the goods, and the type of goods. For example, dangerous goods typically take longer to transport than ordinary goods; sea freight is much slower than air freight. Even holidays, such as Christmas and Chinese New Year, can affect transit time.

Shipping Time Table (China → Netherlands)

Shipping MethodType / RouteTransit Time (Door-to-Door)Notes / Cargo Type
Sea FreightFCL 20’/40’ (Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen → Rotterdam)28–35 daysBulk, non-urgent cargo like furniture, machinery, batteries
Sea FreightLCL (Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen → Rotterdam)35–45 daysSmaller shipments; consolidation adds extra time
Rail FreightChina–Netherlands (Yiwu/Chengdu → Rotterdam)18–22 daysMid-value goods, e-commerce, industrial parts
Air FreightPVG/CAN/HKG → AMS (direct)8–12 daysUrgent, high-value goods, electronics, samples
Air FreightPVG/CAN → FRA → AMS (via transit)10–14 daysSlightly slower but more cost-effective; add 1–3 days for transit
Express CourierDHL / UPS / FedEx (door-to-door)2–5 daysSmall parcels, urgent samples, documents; max 30kg per package
Express CourierBattery / Dangerous Goods3–6 daysRequires UN38.3 & MSDS compliance; slightly longer handling

Shipping agent from China to the Netherlands

1.Sino-shipping logistics
2.dfhfreight logistics
3.TopShipping
4.Bansar logistics

Why choose Batteryshipment for shipping from China to the Netherlands？

Batteryshipment provides reliable and efficient shipping solutions from China to the Netherlands. With over 20 years of shipping experience, we can handle general cargo as well as batteries and battery-related products.

We offer sea freight, air freight, express courier, and rail transport, with door-to-door delivery across the Netherlands. Every shipping method includes tracking options.

Batteryshipment Advantages:

  1. Direct agent for international express services.

  2. Certified for dangerous goods handling, including battery packaging.

  3. Free storage services available.

  4. Door-to-door delivery across the Netherlands.

  5. Professional service team available 24/7.

By choosing Batteryshipment, your cargo can be shipped safely and efficiently from China to the Netherlands, minimizing risks and operational complexity, allowing you to focus on your core business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sea freight: 35-40 days
Air freight: 3-7 days
Express: 4-7 days
Rail freight: 35-45 days
Door-to-door delivery by sea or air freight will add 1-2 business days.

Sea freight：10-100€/CBM
Air freight：5.3-12€/KG
Rail freight：3-7€/KG
Express shipping：4-8€/KG

Depending on your shipping needs, if you prioritize low cost, sea freight and rail freight are the most suitable options; if you prioritize speed, express delivery and air freight are the preferred choices.

Yes，of course，Batteryshipment can provide this service.

1.Weapons, explosives, and firearms
2.Narcotics and illegal drugs
3.Hazardous chemicals not approved for transport
4.Certain food, plants, and animal products requiring permits
5.Counterfeit or pirated goods

Typically,  packing list, commercial invoice, and CE certificate are required. If the goods are dangerous goods, an MSDS and UN report are also necessary.

Of course，you can choose various transportation channels.

When importing goods into the Netherlands, you must pay 21% VAT on most products. VAT is calculated on the total cost, including goods value, shipping, and import duties. It can often be reclaimed if you are a registered business.