Trade relations between China and Greece have been growing in recent years. Greece is one of China’s important trading partners in Europe. The scale and scope of trade are constantly expanding, and the logistics demand between China and Greece is growing. This article will introduce shipping from China to Greece in detail.
Introduction to Greece
Greece is an important trade channel for China to Europe, the Balkans and the Mediterranean region. China’s machinery and equipment, electronic products, household goods, clothing and textiles and other products are in great demand in the Greek market.
Greece has a developed maritime and logistics infrastructure, the most important ports of which include:
- Piraeus Port: One of the busiest container ports in Europe and an important transit hub for the China-Europe Land-Sea Express (CEELS).
- Thessaloniki Port: An important port in northern Greece, connecting Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
- Patras Port: One of the main ports connecting to other countries.
Major airports in Greece:
- Athens International Airport (ATH): The largest international airport in Greece, carrying most of the air cargo.
- Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG): An important air cargo hub in northern Greece.
Shipping from China to Greece
The main modes of transport from China to Greece are air and sea, and the choice is based on the characteristics of the goods
Sea Freight
Sea Freight is the most common and economical mode of transport from China to Greece. It can accommodate large quantities of goods and is ideal for businesses with large transportation needs. It can handle all types of goods, from standard containers to oversized goods.
Provide a range of sea transport services to meet the different needs of enterprises:
- Full container load (FCL): It is ideal for businesses with enough goods to fill an entire container, ensuring better security and faster transportation time.
- Less than container load (LCL): It is ideal for businesses with a transport volume of less than 26 cubic meters. Multiple batches of goods are consolidated into one container, saving costs while still providing reliable delivery.
Air Freight
Air Freight is a fast mode of transportation, suitable for high-value or urgent goods. It has a high degree of reliability for time-sensitive goods. The airport’s security measures reduce the risk of theft and damage.
Shipping Cost from China to Greece
When planning to import goods from China to Greece, understanding the various factors that affect shipping costs is essential for effective budgeting and cost management.
Cost of shipping from China to Greece Shipping costs consist of a variety of costs:
- International shipping costs (sea/air freight)
- Destination port costs (port/airport unloading, bill of lading fees, storage fees)
- Customs clearance and taxes (tariffs + VAT + customs clearance agency fees)
Sea Freight Cost from China to Greece
Sea freight costs are usually charged by volume or weight of goods. Usually, the cost of shipping from China to a 20-foot container is about $2,500-$3,500, and the cost of a 40-foot container is $3,500-$5,000. Depending on different influencing factors, the cost may fluctuate.
Factors affecting sea freight costs:
- Departure port (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen to Piraeus Port in Greece have different prices)
- Freight peak period (such as Spring Festival, Christmas before the price will rise)
- Fuel surcharge, terminal handling fees, destination port fees, etc.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL shipping costs | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Piraeus | $85-$115 | $2550-$3550 | $3500-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Piraeus | $95-$125 | $2500-$3500 | $3550-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Piraeus | $80-$120 | $2500-$3500 | $3450-$4650 |
| Shanghai | Patras | $85-$115 | $2450-$3650 | $3250-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Patras | $90-$125 | $2300-$3300 | $3500-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Patras | $80-$135 | $2350-$3450 | $3450-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Thessaloniki | $90-$120 | $2300-$3300 | $3450-$4650 |
| Shenzhen | Thessaloniki | $95-$125 | $2500-$3500 | $3500-$4800 |
| Ningbo | Thessaloniki | $90-$115 | $2550-$3550 | $3450-$4850 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Greece
Air freight costs are generally calculated based on the weight of the goods. The cost is about $4-$10 per kilogram, depending on the type of goods and the airline.
Factors affecting air freight costs:
- Cargo weight: The heavier the weight, the lower the unit price
- Cargo volume: The charge is based on the actual weight or volume weight (length × width × height/6000) (whichever is greater)
- Airlines and flight time: Direct flights are more expensive than transit flights, and express flights are more expensive than general cargo
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Greece) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Athens Eleftherios Venizelos | $6.0 – $9.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Athens Eleftherios Venizelos | $7.0 – $9.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Athens Eleftherios Venizelos | $6.5 – $9.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Thessaloniki Macedonia | $6.5 – $10.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Thessaloniki Macedonia | $6.0 – $9.5 |
| Beijing Capital | Thessaloniki Macedonia | $6.5 – $9.8 |
Find out about the cost of shipping from China to surrounding areas:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Italy?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Spain?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Turkey
Shipping Time from China to Greece
When importing goods from China to Greece, shipping time is a critical factor that can have a significant impact on your supply chain and business operations. It is mainly determined by the mode of transportation, but is also affected by the following factors:
- Customs clearance: Delays in customs clearance can increase overall shipping time. Ensuring all documents are accurate and complete can help speed up the process.
- Port and terminal congestion: Port and terminal congestion in China and Greece can cause delays. This is more common during peak shipping seasons or times of high demand.
- Weather conditions; adverse weather conditions can affect all modes of transportation, causing delays in departure and arrival times.
- Route selection and transshipment: Indirect routes and multiple transshipments can increase shipping time. Direct routes generally provide faster delivery.
Sea Freight Time from China to Greece
Sea transportation takes a long time. Goods depart from major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, pass through the Suez Canal, go to the Mediterranean, and arrive at major ports in Greece, usually taking 25-35 days.
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Shipping time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Piraeus | 30-35 days |
| Shenzhen | Piraeus | 28-35 days |
| Qingdao | Piraeus | 28-33 days |
| Ningbo | Piraeus | 27-32 days |
| Shanghai | Patras | 26-32 days |
| Shenzhen | Patras | 27-31 days |
| Qingdao | Patras | 26-33 days |
| Ningbo | Patras | 26-34 days |
| Shanghai | Thessaloniki | 27-33 days |
| Shenzhen | Thessaloniki | 28-32 days |
| Qingdao | Thessaloniki | 28-34 days |
| Ningbo | Thessaloniki | 29-34 days |
Air Freight Time from China to Greece
Air freight is the fastest mode of transport and is ideal for time-sensitive shipments. Direct flights are available from Athens International Airport to major airports in China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). It usually takes 4-7 days.
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Greece) | Shipping time (days) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Athens Eleftherios Venizelos | 5-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Athens Eleftherios Venizelos | 6-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Athens Eleftherios Venizelos | 4-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Thessaloniki Macedonia | 4-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Thessaloniki Macedonia | 5-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Thessaloniki Macedonia | 3-7 days |
Refer to the time efficiency of shipping from China to other countries:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Italy?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Spain?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Turkey
Door-to-Door Service for shipping from China to Greece
Door-to-door service is a comprehensive shipping solution that covers the entire logistics process from the supplier’s location in China to the final destination in Greece. The service includes every step of the shipping process, such as pickup, transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery to the recipient’s address. Door-to-door shipping can be further divided into different categories based on the type of goods and the mode of transportation:
DDP (Delivery Duty Paid)
With DDP, the seller bears all shipping costs, including customs duties and taxes. This option provides the greatest convenience for buyers because all logistics and financial burdens are managed by the seller.
Sea Door-to-door
Ocean freight is the most economical mode of transportation in international logistics, especially for large-volume and heavy cargo transportation. Compared with air freight, the cost of ocean freight is usually 3-5 times lower. It is the best choice to reduce logistics costs and is suitable for large-volume goods.
Air Door-to-door
For urgent goods, the door-to-door service by air freight can provide the fastest delivery time. This method is suitable for high-value, time-sensitive goods, ensuring that the goods are picked up from the supplier and delivered directly to the recipient’s address.
Detailed Steps for Shipping from China to Greece
Shipping from China to Greece requires multiple links, including cargo preparation, booking, export declaration, international transportation, Greek import customs clearance and final delivery to the door. The following is a complete process analysis:
Cargo preparation
Before the official shipment, ensure that the goods meet the transportation and import requirements, including packaging, documents, labels, compliance, etc. The packaging of goods should meet international transportation standards to prevent damage. Dangerous goods, battery products, etc. require additional certification (such as MSDS reports).
Booking and transportation arrangements
Choose a freight forwarder and book a cargo. Choose a reliable freight forwarding company to provide the best route and space according to the cargo situation. After booking, the freight forwarder will provide a booking number.
International transportation (China to Greece)
Transport goods from China to Greece through appropriate transportation methods
Greek import customs clearance
After the goods arrive in Greece, they need to go through import customs clearance procedures. Freight forwarders usually assist buyers in completing customs clearance. Submit customs clearance documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- EORI number (EU importer registration number)
- Import license (if applicable)
Customs duties and value-added tax (VAT)
Goods imported into Greece are subject to customs duties and value-added tax (VAT 24%), the specific tax rate depends on the HS code.
Delivery of goods
The consignee signs for the goods and checks whether the goods are intact. If there is any damage or shortage, a claim should be made to the freight forwarder or carrier in a timely manner.
Freight Forwarder from China to Greece
Choosing the right freight forwarder to ship goods from China to Greece is essential to ensure a seamless, cost-effective and reliable logistics experience. To meet the various needs of companies engaged in international trade. Here are some tips for choosing a freight forwarder:
- Professionalism: Choose a freight forwarder that is experienced and good at handling logistics between China and Greece.
- Service quality: Understand its customer service, shipping time and customs clearance experience.
- Cost transparency: Make sure the quote is clear and there are no hidden fees.
- Transportation network: Choose a freight forwarder with a global transportation network that can provide multiple modes of transportation by sea, air and rail.
- Reputation evaluation: Refer to the feedback of other customers to understand the reputation of the freight forwarder.
As a leading freight forwarder in the industry, Ubest Shipping provides professional logistics support, including not only transportation services, but also customs clearance, warehousing and last-mile delivery services.