Shipping from China to Greece: Everything You Need to Know

Shipping from China to Greece sounds like a lot of moving parts, right?
You’ve got the cost, the delivery time, and figuring out what method works best for your shipment.

Whether you’re a business owner trying to stock up on products or an eCommerce seller, the thought of shipping from China to Greece might make your head spin.

Here’s the deal:
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
In fact, if you’ve got the right strategy, you can save time, avoid unnecessary costs, and get your products to Greece without any hiccups.

By the time you finish reading this, you’ll know exactly how to ship smarter, pick the right method, and avoid rookie mistakes.

Why Ship from China to Greece?

First off, why is shipping from China to Greece such a big deal?

Well, China is one of the largest manufacturing hubs in the world.
You can find just about anything made there—from electronics to clothing, machinery to furniture.

Greece, on the other hand, is a perfect place to import those goods.
It’s got a growing economy, a strategic location in the Mediterranean, and a robust market for all kinds of products.

If you’re sourcing products from China and selling in Greece, or across southern Europe, you’re in good company.
Here’s why shipping from China to Greece is worth the effort:

• Affordable goods: China’s low manufacturing costs make it a go-to source for businesses looking to save.
• Growing demand: Greece’s market is expanding, and imports from China are becoming a key part of that growth.
• Strategic location: Greece is a gateway to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, making it ideal for reaching customers across multiple countries.

Shipping Methods from China to Greece

There are four main shipping methods to get your products from China to Greece:

1. Sea Freight
2. Air Freight
3. Express Shipping
4. Rail Freight

Each method has its perks and drawbacks.
Let’s break down each one so you can make an informed decision.

1. Sea Freight: The Budget-Friendly Option

When you think of shipping from China, sea freight is probably what comes to mind first.

Why choose sea freight?

• It’s by far the cheapest way to ship large quantities of goods.
• Perfect for heavy, bulky items that take up a lot of space.
• You can ship a Full Container Load (FCL) if you’ve got a large shipment or go Less-than-Container Load (LCL) if you’ve only got a smaller load to ship.

The downside?
It’s slow. Expect a delivery time of 30-45 days.

But, if time isn’t a huge factor, sea freight is a great choice.

When to use sea freight:

• You’re shipping large quantities of goods.
• Delivery isn’t urgent.
• You want to save money and don’t mind waiting a little longer for your goods to arrive.

Pro Tip:
If you don’t need a full container, LCL shipping (less-than-container load) is a smart option.
You can share a container with other shippers, lowering the cost significantly.

2. Air Freight: Speed Comes at a Price

Need your products in Greece fast?
Air freight is your go-to option for speed, but it comes at a premium price.

Why choose air freight?

• Fast delivery: Your goods will arrive in 5-10 days, depending on the route and logistics.
• Ideal for high-value or time-sensitive products.
• Air freight is more secure for delicate or perishable items.

The downside?
Air freight can get expensive—especially for larger shipments.

When to use air freight:

• You need fast delivery.
• Your shipment is small, high-value, or time-sensitive.
• You’re okay with spending more for speed.

Pro Tip:
Air freight costs are determined by weight and volume.
For light but bulky items, air freight can get pricey, so make sure it’s worth the investment.

3. Express Shipping: The Premium Service

If you need a hassle-free option and don’t mind paying a little more, express shipping is the way to go.

Why choose express shipping?

• Door-to-door service, so you don’t have to worry about logistics.
• Includes customs clearance.
• Fastest shipping method, with delivery in 3-7 days.

The downside?
It’s the most expensive option available.

When to use express shipping:

• You’re shipping small packages or product samples.
• You need something delivered quickly.
• You want the convenience of door-to-door service without worrying about the logistics.

Pro Tip:
Use trusted carriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS for express shipping.
They offer tracking and guarantee fast delivery times.

4. Rail Freight: The Hybrid Option

Rail freight is gaining traction as a reliable middle ground between air and sea.
It’s faster than sea freight and cheaper than air freight.

Why choose rail freight?

• It’s cost-effective for medium-sized shipments.
• Faster than sea freight (15-20 days), but not as fast as air.
• Eco-friendly option.

The downside?
Rail freight is not as widely available for all routes and regions.
It works best when shipping through Europe’s inland rail networks.

When to use rail freight:

• You want a balance between cost and speed.
• Your shipment is headed to an area with good rail infrastructure.
• You don’t mind a slightly longer transit time (compared to air).

Pro Tip:
Rail freight is great if your goods are heading to northern Greece or major European hubs like Germany or France, where rail networks are more developed.

Shipping Costs from China to Greece

Let’s talk money—how much does it cost to ship from China to Greece?

The cost depends on several factors:

• Shipping method (air is more expensive than sea).
• Size and weight of your shipment.
• Time of year (shipping costs spike during peak seasons).

Here’s a rough idea of the costs:

• Sea Freight: $1,000–$3,500 for a 20ft container.
• Air Freight: $5–$8 per kg.
• Express Shipping: $10–$20 per kg.
• Rail Freight: $3–$6 per kg.

Pro Tip:
Get multiple quotes from different freight forwarders and compare them.
Freight rates can vary, so don’t settle for the first quote you get.

Shipping Times from China to Greece

How long will your shipment take to reach Greece?
Here’s a quick rundown:

• Sea Freight: 30–45 days.
• Air Freight: 5–10 days.
• Express Shipping: 3–7 days.
• Rail Freight: 15–20 days.

Pro Tip:
Be aware of peak seasons, like holidays or Chinese New Year, when shipping times can get longer.

Customs in Greece: What You Need to Know

Customs is a necessary part of international shipping.
But if you’re prepared, it doesn’t have to be a headache.

Documents You’ll Need

1. Commercial Invoice: Details what’s in your shipment.
2. Packing List: Breaks down the contents of your shipment.
3. Bill of Lading (for sea) or Airway Bill (for air).

Taxes and Duties

• VAT (Value Added Tax): Greece is part of the EU, so VAT will apply.
• Import Duties: This depends on the HS code of the product you’re shipping.

Pro Tip:
Hire a customs broker to handle the paperwork.
It’s a small investment to save you time and avoid delays.

Common Shipping Problems and How to Avoid Them

1. Delays

Why it happens: Port congestion, customs issues, or bad weather.
How to avoid it:

• Plan ahead and allow for extra time during peak seasons.
• Choose a reliable freight forwarder with a proven track record.

2. Hidden Costs

Why it happens: Additional fees or unclear quotes.
How to avoid it:

• Always ask for an all-inclusive quote that covers everything.

3. Damaged Goods

Why it happens: Poor packaging.
How to avoid it:

• Invest in high-quality packaging.
• Consider shipping insurance.

Wrapping It Up: Shipping from China to Greece

Shipping from China to Greece doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.
Pick the right method, plan ahead, and know your costs.

Whether you’re a business owner, wholesaler, or eCommerce seller, shipping smarter