With the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative and the deepening of China-Europe trade, the demand for freight between China and Moldova has continued to grow, and its market potential has gradually attracted the attention of Chinese exporters. Enterprises and individuals are particularly concerned about the cost and timeliness of transport from China to Moldova. This article will introduce the transportation between the two countries in detail.
Overview of Moldova Freight
Moldova is located in Eastern Europe, bordering Romania and Ukraine. It is an important hub connecting the EU and CIS countries. It is located on the main transportation route between the Black Sea and Central Europe and is an important transit country to the European market. Although Moldova’s own port facilities are limited, intermodal transport through neighboring countries (such as the Romanian Port of Constanta) can achieve efficient logistics docking.
Shipping Methods from China to Moldova
Different modes of transportation have different characteristics for different companies, types of goods and delivery time requirements. Choosing the right mode of transportation can effectively control costs and improve efficiency.
Sea Freight
Ocean transportation is one of the most economical ways to transport large quantities of goods from China to Moldova. This mode of transportation is particularly beneficial for companies with large cargo volumes. Ocean freight is suitable for a wide range of products, and with established shipping schedules and routes, businesses can ensure that goods are transported efficiently, thereby maintaining a smooth supply chain and meeting customer needs.
Moldova is a landlocked country, so it is necessary to use ports in neighboring countries for ocean freight. The main ports of entry into Moldova include:
- Port of Constanta (Romania): Constanta is the largest port on the Black Sea coast and one of the busiest ports in Europe. It is an important gateway for goods to Moldova. Once the goods arrive in Constanta, they can be transported to Moldova by land by road or rail.
- Port of Giurgiuleşti(Moldova): This is the only port in Moldova and is located on the Danube River. The port has direct access to some goods, but its throughput is limited compared to large ports.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest and most efficient way to transport goods from China to Moldova, and is ideal for businesses that need fast and reliable delivery. It is suitable for time-sensitive products such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and perishable goods, and goods can usually be delivered within a few days. Provides stronger security measures, as the cargo is closely monitored throughout the entire transportation process, minimizing the risk of loss or damage.
Moldova’s main international cargo airport is Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), located near the capital Chisinau. The airport is a major hub for air cargo, with many transfers via Istanbul, Frankfurt or Bucharest suitable for high-value, light-weight, and urgently delivered cargo.
Shipping Cost from China to Moldova
Understanding the structure of shipping costs can help customers budget reasonably and avoid unnecessary costs. The following are the components of shipping costs:
- Costs at the origin (China): customs clearance fees, document processing fees (such as bill of lading, handling fees)
- International shipping costs: based on the volume (volume or weight) and route
- Destination costs (Moldova or transit country): customs clearance fees, import taxes (VAT/tariffs, according to HS Code)
- Additional costs (if applicable): insurance premiums (0.3–0.5% of the value of the goods), additional costs for cargo inspection or detention
| Shipping Mode | Cost | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| LCL (Less Container Load) | $150 per m³ | Including basic freight, calculated by volume |
| FCL (20-foot container) | $2,500 | 20ft container port to port freight, excluding inland delivery and customs clearance |
| FCL (40-foot container) | $3,600 | 40ft container port to port freight, excluding inland delivery and customs clearance |
| Air Freight | $6.5 per kg | Floating according to route, cargo weight, volume, etc. |
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Moldova
The cost of shipping from China to Moldova is determined by the mode of transportation and is also affected by the following factors:
- Cargo attributes: whether it is dangerous goods, oversized or high-value items
- Place of departure and destination: The departure costs of first-tier ports vs inland cities are different, whether Moldova can clear customs locally or needs to enter through a transit country
- Customs clearance policy: whether the destination country imposes taxes, whether a certificate of origin is required, and whether it is easy to check
- Seasonal and market fluctuations: Freight rates usually rise during peak seasons (such as September-December), and emergencies such as holidays and port congestion will affect the overall price
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Constanta | $2550-$3350 | $3500-$5000 |
| Shenzhen | Constanta | $2400-$3500 | $3450-$4950 |
| Ningbo | Constanta | $2600-$3400 | $3650-$4850 |
| Qingdao | Constanta | $2550-$3350 | $3500-$5000 |
| Shanghai | Giurgiuleşti | $2450-$3450 | $3350-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Giurgiuleşti | $2500-$3300 | $3500-$5000 |
| Ningbo | Giurgiuleşti | $2450-$3650 | $3450-$5050 |
| Qingdao | Giurgiuleşti | $2650-$3650 | $3350-$4800 |
If you are interested in the costs of shipping from China to other countries:
How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Romania?
Shipping Time from China to Moldova
Different modes of transport determine the overall transportation time from China to Moldova. The timeliness is affected by many factors:
- Customs clearance efficiency: slow customs clearance in the transit country and Moldova may delay the time
- Port or railway congestion: delays are common especially during the peak season (September-December)
- Weather: bad weather may cause delays in transportation plans.
- Logistics coordination issues: such as waiting time for LCL cargo to be loaded, insufficient arrangement of transshipment vehicles, etc.
Sea freight usually transits from Chinese ports (such as Shanghai) to the Romanian port of Constanta and then transports to Moldova, which usually takes 30-45 days.
Air freight from major Chinese airports to Chisinau Airport in Moldova (direct flight or transit via Istanbul or Vienna) usually takes 5-7 days, depending on whether there is a transit and the frequency of flights.
| Mode of transport | Departure | Arrival | Shipping time (days) |
| Sea Freight | China | Moldova | 30-45 days. |
| Air Freight | China | Moldova | 5-7 days |
Learn more about shipping times from China to nearby areas:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Romania?
Customs Clearance and Tariffs in Moldova
Transportation from China to Moldova requires customs clearance, and the necessary documents for customs clearance
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
- Certificate of Origin (CO or Form A)
- EU CE Certification (if applicable)
Tariff Policy
Moldova has tariff preferences with the EU, and some goods can enjoy low tax rates.
| Product | Customs Duty Rate | VAT Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% | 20% |
| Clothing | 10% | 20% |
| Footwear | 15% | 20% |
| Toys | 3% | 20% |
| Machinery | 1.5% | 20% |
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder
The Role of a Freight Forwarder
Freight forwarders act as intermediaries to ensure that goods are shipped smoothly from Chinese suppliers to Moldovan buyers. They handle key logistics tasks, including:
- Document management: preparing invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading.
- Customs clearance: complying with Chinese and Moldovan regulations to avoid delays.
- Cargo tracking: providing real-time updates on the location of your cargo.
When choosing a freight forwarder for the China-Moldova route, consider:
- Experience: A freight forwarder with expertise in the Black Sea and Danube trade routes ensures smoother operations.
- Global network: Suppliers with established partnerships can optimize shipping times and costs.
- Customer support: Choose a freight forwarder with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Reputation: Choose a provider with good reviews and a proven track record.
Transporting goods from China to Moldova, choosing the right freight forwarder through this article and preparing customs clearance documents in advance can ensure smooth transportation. With the deepening of China-Europe trade, Moldova’s logistics channels will become more convenient in the future.