In the globalized world of commerce, safely and efficiently transporting goods from China’s manufacturing centers to markets in Italy and throughout Europe is crucial. Door-to-door shipping services are becoming the preferred option for trade between China and Italy. This article will provide a detailed introduction to door-to-door shipping between the two countries.
What is Door-to-Door Shipping?
Door-to-Door Shipping Door-to-door shipping, as the name suggests, involves a freight forwarder picking up goods from the shipper’s warehouse, packaging, transporting, and clearing customs, and finally delivering them directly to the recipient’s designated address in Italy. Compared to traditional port-to-port shipping, door-to-door services cover the entire logistics chain, significantly simplifying the process. Advantages include:
- Easier operation: With traditional port-to-port shipping, the buyer is responsible for customs clearance and picking up goods at the destination port, which can be prone to delays due to incomplete paperwork. With door-to-door shipping, the freight forwarder handles the entire process.
- Saves time and effort: The consignee eliminates the need to travel to the port or customs broker, eliminating tedious steps.
- Reduces hidden costs: Port collection fees, storage fees, and customs clearance delays are avoided.
Door-to-Door Shipping Process From China to Italy
The entire shipping process is handled by a freight forwarder or service provider, eliminating the need for customers to intervene at multiple stages. The following are the key steps for door-to-door shipping from China to Italy:
Confirming the Transportation Plan and Quote
Before shipping begins, the shipper and the freight forwarder confirm the cargo information and provide a quote (including customs clearance, delivery, and taxes).
Pickup Service
The freight forwarder will arrange a vehicle to pick up the goods from the factory or warehouse at the agreed time, including handling and loading services.
China Export Customs Clearance
The freight forwarder or its partner customs broker will handle export formalities, including customs code classification and inspection.
International Transport
The international transport segment will be arranged based on the selected transportation method:
- Air Freight: Suitable for time-sensitive shipments, typically arriving in 5-8 days.
- Sea Freight (FCL/LCL): Relatively low-cost and suitable for bulk shipments, typically 25-40 days (depending on the port).
- Railway (China-Europe Express): Suitable for time-sensitive shipments, typically 18-25 days.
Customs Clearance in Italy
Upon arrival in Italy, the freight forwarder or local agent will arrange customs clearance, provide an EORI number (Italian or EU Importer Identification Number), declare the value and tax number, and pay import VAT and customs duties (if applicable).
Destination Delivery
After customs clearance, we arrange for truck or courier delivery to the final address.
Which Cities in China are Suitable for Shipping to Italy?
As the world’s factory, China boasts numerous established export hubs and logistics centers. Shipping to Italy is available from various Chinese cities, meeting the transportation needs of various businesses and individuals:
Shenzhen / Guangzhou
Located near manufacturing bases (Dongguan, Zhongshan, Foshan, etc.), they offer high export volumes and are suitable for electronics, clothing, furniture, and other products.
Shanghai / Ningbo
China’s largest integrated port complex, with comprehensive supporting facilities, suitable for machinery, daily necessities, chemicals, and more.
Chengdu / Xi’an (inland cities)
A core hub city for the China-Europe Railway Express, with rail transportation primarily serving direct routes to Milan, Italy, or via transit to various locations in Europe.
Factors to consider when choosing a shipping city:
- Distance from the source: Choose a port or railway hub close to the factory.
- Transportation method: Sea freight via coastal routes, rail via inland cities.
- Time vs. cost: Air freight is fastest but most expensive, while sea freight is the cheapest.
- Customs clearance and delivery included: Choose a city with door-to-door service to avoid transit issues.
Door-to-Door Shipping Costs from China to Italy
Understanding the cost structure of door-to-door shipping can help shippers control costs and make sound shipping decisions. A standard door-to-door (DDP) quote typically includes the following:
- Domestic Pickup Fee: Transportation costs from the factory/warehouse to the port/airport
- Export Customs Brokerage Fee: Includes customs brokerage fees, commodity inspection, and documentation costs
- International Freight: Air/Sea/Rail Freight
- Customs Clearance Fee in the Destination Country: Includes Italian customs declaration and document processing
- Import Taxes: Includes VAT and customs duties (paid by the freight forwarder for DDP shipments)
- Destination Delivery Fee: Final delivery from the port/warehouse to the buyer’s designated address
| Shipping Mode | Cost (August 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DDP Sea Freight (LCL) | $350 – $500/CBM | Suitable for cargo less than 15 cubic meters |
| DDP Sea Freight (FCL) | $3,500 – $6,550 | Excellent value for medium/large French imports; rates down vs July |
| DDP Air Freight | $10.50 per kg | Fastest for urgent or high-value cargo (CDG, Lyon, Marseille); more affordable than July |
| DDP Rail Freight | $550 – $700/CBM | Balance of speed and environmental impact |
Learn more about fees: How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Italy?
Notes on Customs Clearance and Declaration
Customs clearance and declaration are two critical steps in door-to-door shipping. Incomplete information or incorrect declarations can lead to shipment delays, heavy fines, or even customs seizure.
- Accurate commercial invoices and packing lists: The cargo description, HS code, and value must be clearly stated.
- VAT and customs duties: Italy is part of the European Union, and import tax standards are transparent; declared values must be accurate.
- Sensitive goods: Batteries, liquids, food, and cosmetics require advance confirmation of transportability.
- EORI Number: The consignee must register an EORI number in Italy for customs clearance.
- Avoid under-declaration or concealment: This can easily lead to customs delays, fines, or even shipment rejections.
How to Choose a Reliable Door-to-Door Freight Forwarder
Door-to-door freight is a one-stop service, involving multiple stages and responsibilities, including cargo pickup, export declaration, international transportation, customs clearance at the destination, and final delivery. Choosing a reliable, professional, and transparent service provider is crucial.
Proper Qualifications
Choose a company with international freight forwarding qualifications and a good reputation.
Transparent Quotes
Clear fee structure, no hidden fees.
Strong Customs Clearance Capabilities
Familiar with Italian and EU customs clearance policies, and able to quickly handle VAT issues.
Various Transportation Options
We offer sea, air, and rail options to flexibly meet customer needs.
Customer Service and Tracking System
Enables real-time shipment tracking and prompt response to issues.
Through this article, we can understand that door-to-door transportation from China to Italy, with its “one-stop, worry-free, and safe” characteristics, can greatly reduce operational difficulty and potential risks for door-to-door transportation of various goods.