With the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative, trade between China and Montenegro is becoming increasingly frequent, and many companies and individuals need to ship goods from China to Montenegro. Understanding the cost structure and transportation methods of shipping from China to Montenegro will help plan the entire transportation plan. This article will introduce the logistics costs between the two countries in detail.
Components of Shipping Cost from China to Montenegro
The actual quote for shipping goods from China to Montenegro usually consists of multiple components. The following are common cost components, applicable to different modes of transportation:
- Basic freight: different basic freight according to the mode of transportation
- Surcharges: fuel surcharge, peak season surcharge, currency adjustment fee, etc.
- Port of departure charges: loading and unloading fees, document fees, customs clearance fees
- Port of destination charges: customs clearance fees, port fees, storage fees
- Insurance costs: optional, usually 0.3%-1% of the value of the goods
Shipping Cost from China to Montenegro
Montenegro is located in southeastern Europe, in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, bordering Serbia to the east and Croatia to the west. Montenegro mainly imports the following products:, building materials, furniture
, daily consumer goods and automobile and motorcycle parts. The transportation cost depends on the size of the goods, the mode of transportation and the urgency. Here is a breakdown of the average costs:
| Shipping Mode | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LCL (Less Container Load) | $290 per m³ | Suitable for small shipments to Podgorica or Bar. Shared container space. |
| FCL (20-foot container) | $3,600 | Cost-effective for medium-sized shipments. |
| FCL (40-foot container) | $6,000 | Ideal for large volumes requiring dedicated space. |
| Air Freight | $10 per kg | Fastest option for high-value or time-sensitive goods. |
Main Factors Affecting Shipping Costs
When arranging to transport goods from China to Montenegro, the freight rate is not fixed, it will be affected by many factors:
Cargo volume and weight
Sea freight is charged by volume or weight, and air freight is charged by actual weight or volume weight
Choice of departure port and destination port
The distance between China’s main export ports and Montenegro’s Bar Port and the route are different, which affects the shipping price.
Special cargo
Cargo that is dangerous goods, batteries, liquids, powders or magnetic items requires special handling and the cost is usually higher
Seasonal factors
Freight will be affected by the supply and demand of the global logistics market, and freight will rise in peak seasons, such as before Christmas
Oil price fluctuations
International fuel prices will affect sea and air freight surcharges
Whether customs clearance and destination delivery services are included
DDU/DDP (tax included, delivery included) services, the cost will increase accordingly
Shipping from China to Montenegro
To export goods from China to Montenegro, choose different modes of transportation according to the characteristics and needs of the goods. The following are the characteristics of different modes of transportation:
Sea Freight
Sea transportation is the most common and cost-effective international transportation method from China to Montenegro. It can transport various types of goods and is suitable for bulk and large-volume goods. It is flexible in loading. For different types of goods, you can choose full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL)
- FCL: For customers with large quantities of goods that can fill a container, it is charged according to the full container price, with lower transportation cost units and high safety. Goods are loaded separately to avoid mixed loading and damage.
- LCL: For customers with small quantities of goods that cannot fill a full container, it is charged by volume (CBM), generally 1 cubic meter, and the frequency of shipment is flexible
| Shipping Mode | Cost | Transit Time | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL Shipping (Less than container load) | $150–$220 / CBM | 35 to 45 days | Smaller shipments. |
| FCL (Full container load) | $3,500–$4,800 | 30 to 45 days | Medium-sized bulk shipments. |
| FCL (Full container load) | $5,000–$6,000 | 30 to 45 days | Large shipments requiring dedicated space. |
Air Freight
Air transport is the fastest mode of transportation from China to Montenegro. It has fast delivery time, greatly shortens the overall supply chain time, has frequent flights, high stability, and can choose door-to-door service, but the type and weight of goods are limited. The fee is based on the billable weight (actual weight vs. volume weight, whichever is greater). Volume weight = length × width × height (cm) ÷ 6000. It is suitable for high-value goods or urgent orders.
| Shipping Mode | Cost | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | $6–$10 / kg | 4-6 days | Medium-sized, time-sensitive shipments |
Customs Clearance and Taxes in Montenegro
Import taxes and duties in Montenegro are determined based on the declared value and classification of the goods. These taxes and duties apply to all product categories. Here are the taxes and duties for different goods:
| Product | Customs Duty Rate | VAT Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% | 21% |
| Clothing | 10% | 21% |
| Footwear | 15% | 21% |
| Toys | 3% | 21% |
| Machinery | 1.5% | 21% |
Documents required for customs clearance:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or waybill
- Certificate of origin (if tariff preference is required)
- MSDS (chemical goods)
How to Reduce of Shipping Cost from China to Montenegro
Transportation costs account for a considerable proportion of the entire international trade. Use the following strategies to reduce the logistics costs from China to Montenegro:
Avoid shipping during peak seasons
Avoid peak seasons and holidays such as Christmas and the peak before the Spring Festival.
Use DDP service
Avoid customs clearance delays and fines, more controllable comprehensive costs, and reduce transit links
Prepare for customs clearance in advance
Ensure that the documents are complete to reduce demurrage.
Work with reliable freight forwarders
Freight forwarders usually strive for long-term negotiated prices with airlines and shipping companies.
Optimize packaging size
Avoid excessive volume weight and reduce billable weight.
Choose LCL (LCL)
Share the freight costs through LCL (i.e., less than one container of goods).
The cost of shipping from China to Montenegro varies depending on the mode of transportation, type of goods, and seasonal factors. By rationally planning the transportation plan, optimizing the packaging, and choosing a professional freight forwarder, you can effectively reduce costs.
Contact UbestShipping for a quote, and we will arrange a dedicated person to connect with you within 24 hours!