With the continuous development of trade in Central and Eastern Europe, the demand for logistics and transportation between China and Bulgaria is growing day by day. Bulgaria is gradually becoming an important node for Chinese enterprises to enter the European market. This article will introduce the cost of transporting containers from China to Bulgaria in detail.
Overview of Bulgarian Trade
In recent years, with the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the economic and trade cooperation between China and Bulgaria has grown steadily. As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria has a superior geographical location and is a gateway to Eastern Europe, the Balkan Peninsula and the EU market.
- Port of Varna: It is one of the most important ports in Bulgaria and the main maritime logistics hub in Bulgaria. It has the ability to handle bulk commodities, container transportation and bulk cargo transportation.
- Port of Burgas: Close to the borders of Turkey and Greece and adjacent to the Black Sea, it is one of the largest ports in Bulgaria. It has modern facilities and can handle container and bulk cargo transportation ports for bulk and liquid cargo.
Introduction to 20ft and 40ft Containers
Container transportation is the most common logistics method in China Insurance Trade. Understanding the basic situation of standard containers will help you choose a reasonable transportation plan.
| Container type | Internal dimensions (length × width × height) | Maximum load | Suitable cargo type |
| 20ft container (20GP) | 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m | About 28 tons | Heavy cargo, small volume goods |
| 40ft container (40GP) | 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m | About 26-27 tons | Large volume, moderate weight goods |
| 40ft high cabinet (40HQ) | Height 2.69m | About 26-27 tons | Furniture, home appliances, light bulky goods, etc. |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Bulgaria
The cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Bulgaria is affected by several factors. Container shipping costs are usually dynamic. The following are the factors that affect shipping costs
- Routes and voyages: The cost of shipping from major ports in China to ports in Bulgaria varies depending on the distance and route used.
- Seasonal fluctuations: Due to seasonal fluctuations in global trade, especially around holidays (such as Chinese New Year, Christmas in Europe and the United States), the demand for container transportation will fluctuate, leading to higher freight rates.
- Container types: Different types of containers (standard containers, refrigerated containers, open top containers, etc.) also have different prices. Refrigerated containers are more expensive because they require special equipment and conditions.
- Fuel prices: Ocean shipping costs are affected by fluctuations in international oil prices. When oil prices rise, shipping companies may increase fuel surcharges (BAF), which will affect the overall transportation costs.
- Port charges: Different destination ports will have different charging standards, including container loading and unloading, storage, security inspection and other costs.
- Supply and demand in the shipping market: When there is high demand for container shipping globally or in a specific region, freight rates will rise, and vice versa.
The following are common ranges of rates:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Varna | $1550-$3050 | $3500-$5000 |
| Shenzhen | Varna | $1500-$3000 | $3450-$4950 |
| Ningbo | Varna | $1550-$2900 | $3650-$4850 |
| Qingdao | Varna | $1450-$3050 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shanghai | Burgas | $1600-$3100 | $3650-$4850 |
| Shenzhen | Burgas | $1550-$3050 | $3500-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Burgas | $1450-$3050 | $3750-$4950 |
| Qingdao | Burgas | $1550-$2950 | $3350-$4800 |
Here are the costs for shipping containers from China to other regions:
Cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Greece
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Turkey
Customs Clearance Shipping from China to Bulgaria
After arriving in Bulgaria, importers need to submit a series of customs clearance documents to the Bulgarian Customs. Because Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, it needs to comply with the EU’s import customs clearance requirements. The documents usually required include:
- Commercial Invoice: Lists the description, quantity, unit price and total price, payment terms and other information of the goods. The invoice should indicate the detailed information of the seller and the buyer.
- Packing List: Used to help customs check the actual arrival of goods.
- Bill of Lading: The bill of lading is used to prove the transportation of goods, including carrier, mode of transportation, destination, etc.
- Customs Declaration: Importers need to fill out the customs declaration form to declare the specific situation of the imported goods.
- Certificate of Origin: If the goods enjoy the EU preferential tariff policy, a certificate of origin is necessary.
- Health and Safety Certificates: If you are importing special goods such as food, medicine, cosmetics, chemicals, etc., you will also need to provide relevant health, safety or inspection certificates.
- Special Permits or Certifications: For some special goods (such as high-tech products, controlled materials, etc.), importers may need to apply for specific import permits.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
During the process of shipping from China to Bulgaria, some common problems may arise in the transportation, customs clearance and logistics involved. Here are some FAQs:
Does it require special licenses to ship from China to Bulgaria?
Depending on the type of goods, some products may require specific licenses. Common situations include:
- Special goods such as food, medicines, chemicals may require health and safety certification.
- High-tech products may require export licenses or dual-use licenses.
- Sensitive goods (such as dual-use items) are subject to strict international trade controls.
What to do if the goods are lost or damaged during transportation?
In order to prevent the loss or damage of goods during transportation, it is recommended to purchase transportation insurance. If damage or loss occurs, you can claim compensation according to the terms of the insurance policy. Make sure the liability terms are clear in the bill of lading or transportation agreement so that problems can be effectively resolved when they occur.
Do you need to meet specific standards when clearing customs in Bulgaria?
As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria’s imported goods must comply with relevant EU regulations and standards. Specifically include:
- Product safety standards: such as CE certification, RoHS certification, etc., especially electronic products.
- Health and environmental standards: such as food safety, chemical registration (REACH), animal and plant quarantine, etc.
- Value-added tax: Imported goods must pay value-added tax, usually 20%.
How to ensure the safety and tracking of goods during transportation?
Most transportation companies and freight forwarding companies provide cargo tracking services, which can track the location of goods in real time through the bill of lading number or the tracking number provided by the freight forwarding company. Make sure to choose a logistics company with a good reputation to improve the safety of transportation.
Transport 20-foot or 40-foot containers from China to Bulgaria. If you need FCL or LCL transportation services from China to Bulgaria, we can provide you with a one-stop solution for sea transportation DDP. Please feel free to consult us!