As one of the global manufacturing centers, China has increasingly close logistics links with the European market, especially Ireland, as an important member of the European Union, has a stable and strong demand for Chinese goods. With the increase in logistics demand, understanding the process, cost, timeliness and precautions of shipping from China to Ireland are the key to ensuring the smooth development of business.
Logistics Overview from China to Ireland
Ireland is the third largest island in Europe, located to the west of the United Kingdom. Its geographical location makes it an important hub for maritime transportation. Ireland’s ports and air transport facilities make the country an ideal transit point for Chinese goods to enter the European market
Major Ports
- Dublin Port: Ireland’s largest port, handling most of the imported goods with efficient customs and excellent distribution.
- Cork Port: A deep-water port for large ships, well connected to the road and rail networks.
- Shannon Port: Specializing in bulk cargo, with simplified customs procedures, it is important for the pharmaceutical industry and agriculture.
Major Airports
- Dublin Airport (DUB): As Ireland’s largest airport, it is a major air cargo hub. It has complete international cargo handling facilities and efficient customs procedures, and is an important entry point for goods.
- Cork Airport (ORK): Located in the south of Ireland, Cork Airport is another important air cargo airport that provides essential services for cargo imports.
- Shannon Airport (SNN): Provides cargo services, making it a strategic location for cargo from China.
How to Ship from China to Ireland
As a member of the European Union, Ireland’s import policies are consistent with EU regulations. As a global manufacturing center, China exports a wide range of goods to Ireland, including electronics, clothing, machinery and equipment, household goods, etc. There are two main modes of transportation: air and sea.
Sea Freight
Sea freight is one of the most reliable and economical modes of transportation, especially for businesses that need to transport large quantities of goods. One of the main advantages of choosing sea freight is that it has lower transportation costs, which is ideal for businesses with tight budgets or who need to transport large quantities of goods.
It can carry a variety of types of goods, from standard consumer goods to specialized industrial equipment. Sea freight is more environmentally friendly and has a lower carbon footprint per unit of cargo.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation. This fast mode of transportation is particularly beneficial for industries that deal with perishable goods, electronics, and fashion goods, as timely delivery is essential to meet consumer demand and maintain inventory levels.
In addition, air transport is more reliable in scheduling. It can be flexibly scheduled according to the flight schedule, with less contact in air transport, less damage to the packaging, and higher safety.
Learn the detailed steps of transporting from China to Ireland to help you better plan your transportation plan.
Cargo preparation and export declaration
Ensure that the packaging of the goods meets international transportation standards, correctly declare the export according to the HS code, avoid customs clearance problems, and export DDP goods. You need to prepare an EU declaration of conformity (such as CE certification, etc.).
Choose the right transportation service
Choose the right transportation method according to the characteristics of the goods and your own needs.
Export customs declaration and shipment
Export customs declaration is arranged by the freight forwarder. Sea freight needs to be booked in advance, and the peak season (such as September-November each year) needs to be booked two weeks in advance. Air freight needs to check the flight space and air waybill (AWB).
International transportation and customs clearance at the port
During transportation, provide real-time tracking and monitoring services to keep you informed of the transportation of goods throughout the process.
If you use the DDP service, the freight forwarder will handle tariffs and customs clearance procedures at the destination. Customs clearance documents:
- invoice
- Packing list
- Contract
- Customs declaration
- Export license (if special goods are involved).
Final delivery
The last mile delivery is completed through local delivery companies (such as DPD, An Post).
Shipping Cost from China to Ireland
The cost of shipping from China to Ireland is determined by the mode of transportation and is also affected by many factors:
- Cargo type: Different types of goods may require special handling, such as cold chain goods, dangerous goods, bulk commodities, etc., which will be charged extra.
- Insurance cost: Usually the insurance cost is about 0.1% – 1% of the total value of the goods.
- Packing cost: If the goods require special packaging (such as wooden boxes, bubble film, etc.), additional costs will be added.
- Destination cost: Including unloading costs at the destination port, distribution costs, etc.,
- Seasonal fluctuations: Freight rates usually increase during peak seasons (such as holidays, Spring Festival, etc.).
Tariffs for Shipping from China to Ireland
Tariffs are mainly managed by Irish Customs and the EU’s common tariff policy. Tariff rates and import regulations may vary depending on the type of goods.
Tariff rates
Tariff rates for most goods are usually between 0% – 12%, depending on the category of goods.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
All goods imported into the EU are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). The standard VAT rate in Ireland is 23%
Sea Freight Cost from China to Ireland
Shipping costs from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou) to Dublin Port in Ireland vary depending on LCL and FCL shipping. The following is a common range of costs from China to Ireland:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | LCL shipping cost | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Dublin | $55-$135 | $1550-$2850 | $3000-$5000 |
| Shenzhen | Dublin | $60-$145 | $1600-$3000 | $3050-$4850 |
| Ningbo | Dublin | $65-$140 | $1500-$2900 | $3150-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Cork | $65-$135 | $1550-$2750 | $3050-$4700 |
| Shenzhen | Cork | $50-$135 | $1600-$3000 | $3000-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Cork | $55-$145 | $1500-$2950 | $2950-$4850 |
| Shanghai | Belfast | $50-$150 | $1750-$2750 | $3150-$4950 |
| Shenzhen | Belfast | $65-$150 | $1550-$2850 | $3000-$4900 |
| Ningbo | Belfast | $65-$135 | $1750-$3000 | $3050-$4950 |
Air Freight Cost from China to Ireland
Air freight costs are usually calculated based on the actual weight of the goods and the volumetric weight. The volumetric weight is calculated as: length × width × height ÷ 6000 (in centimeters). The following is the cost range for shipping from China to Ireland:
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Ireland) | Cost Range (USD/kg) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Dublin | $6.0 – $10.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Dublin | $5.2 – $9.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Dublin | $6.5 – $8.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Shannon | $5.5 – $9.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Shannon | $6.3 – $9.5 |
| Beijing Capital | Shannon | $5.5 – $8.8 |
| Shanghai Pudong | Cork | $6.0 – $8.5 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Cork | $6.5 – $10.8 |
| Beijing Capital | Cork | $5.0 – $9.0 |
Find out about shipping rates from China to Europe with the following articles:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to the UK?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Germany?
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to France?
Shipping Time from China to Ireland
The time it takes to ship from China to Ireland depends on the mode of transport you choose, the type of goods, the specific route and season. Here is an overview of the time it takes for different modes of transport:
Sea Freight Time from China to Ireland
The shipping time from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) to Dublin Port or Cork Port in Ireland is generally 25-35 days
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Shipping time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Dublin | 25-32 days |
| Shenzhen | Dublin | 26-33 days |
| Ningbo | Dublin | 26-31 days |
| Shanghai | Cork | 25-35 days |
| Shenzhen | Cork | 26-34 days |
| Ningbo | Cork | 26-35 days |
| Shanghai | Belfast | 27-32 days |
| Shenzhen | Belfast | 26-35 days |
| Ningbo | Belfast | 27-33 days |
Air Freight Time from China to Ireland
It usually takes 4 to 7 days to ship from major airports in China (such as Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport) to Dublin Airport in Ireland, which includes the time for loading, flight, transfer, etc.
| eparture Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Ireland) | Shipping time (days) |
| Shanghai Pudong | Dublin | 4-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Dublin | 4-6 days |
| Beijing Capital | Dublin | 4-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Cork | 4-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Cork | 5-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Cork | 5-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Belfast | 4-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Belfast | 5-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Belfast | 4-7 days |
Learn more about timeliness in the following articles:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to the UK?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Germany?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to France
Door-to-Door Shipping from China to Ireland
Door-to-Door shipping service means that the goods are delivered directly from the shipping location in China (such as factories, warehouses, etc.) to the destination in Ireland (such as the address specified by the customer). This mode of transportation usually includes all transportation links, customs clearance, delivery and other services.
There are two main types of services: Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP):
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Under this arrangement, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s door. However, the buyer is responsible for all applicable duties, taxes and customs clearance fees after the goods arrive in Ireland. Allowing buyers to better control customs costs and responsibilities,
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): On the contrary, under this arrangement, the seller bears all costs associated with the delivery process. This includes duties, taxes, and any other costs incurred during the transportation process. Provides a hassle-free experience.
Advantages
- Convenience: The entire logistics process is managed by a single supplier, relieving the burden of arranging multiple modes of transportation for enterprises.
- Save time: By utilizing integrated services, enterprises can avoid coordinating multiple transportation arrangements and potential delays.
- Reduced risk: All logistics needs are addressed through a single point of contact, minimizing the risk of miscommunication and streamlining operations.
- Flexibility: Door-to-door services can be customized to accommodate different shipment sizes and delivery times, enabling businesses to choose the most appropriate option for their specific needs.
Common Problems and Solutions Shipping from China to Ireland
Cargo delays
Arrange shipments in advance, choose experienced freight forwarders, and avoid peak season congestion
Customs clearance
Prepare complete documents in advance to ensure that HS codes and declared values are accurate
Freight rate increases
Sign a transport contract or lock the cabin before prices rise
Cargo damage/loss
Purchase insurance, standardize packaging, and choose a reputable carrier
DDP quotes are unclear
Ask clearly whether taxes, delivery fees, and customs clearance fees are included
Through this article, you can plan your transportation method reasonably, choose a reliable logistics service provider, and transport goods from China to Ireland efficiently and economically. For real-time prices, please consult UbestShipping. We will provide customized services within 24 hours.