Sea Freight to China

Ready to ship your cargo to or from China? Request a free quote or contact our team for current sailing schedules and rates.

Container shipping between Rotterdam and China's major ports

The Netherlands–China trade lane connects the Port of Rotterdam with the largest container ports on earth. We book your cargo via the port that best suits your supplier or customer:

• Shanghai — the world's busiest container port, gateway to the Yangtze Delta
• Ningbo-Zhoushan — major export hub for machinery, textiles and consumer goods
• Shenzhen (Yantian) & Guangzhou — the Pearl River Delta, heart of electronics manufacturing
• Qingdao, Tianjin & Xiamen — northern and southeastern China's industrial regions

We offer every container shipping option on this route:

• FCL (Full Container Load) — 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high-cube containers
• LCL (Less than Container Load) — pay only for the space you use in a shared container
• Reefer containers — temperature-controlled shipping for food and pharmaceuticals
• Project & out-of-gauge cargo — machinery, production lines and equipment

Port-to-port transit time between Rotterdam and Shanghai is typically around 30 to 40 days depending on carrier and routing. Need it faster? Consider rail freight from China (18–25 days via the New Silk Road) or air freight (1–3 days) — we quote all three so you can compare.

Importing from China: customs, duties and documentation

Every import from China into the EU requires import clearance, payment of duties and VAT, and increasingly strict product compliance (CE marking, product safety). On the Chinese side, exports are supervised by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). Our customs clearance specialists handle the complete process on both ends — commercial invoice, packing list, HS classification, import declaration and fiscal representation where needed — so your container clears without delays or surprise costs.

Buying on FOB or EXW terms from your Chinese supplier? We advise on the best incoterm for your situation and take over the shipment exactly where your supplier's responsibility ends.

Door-to-door: from any Chinese factory to any Benelux address

Through our partner network in China we collect cargo at the factory, truck it to the departure port and load it professionally. On arrival in Rotterdam, our own road transport network delivers anywhere in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg or beyond. Need storage or fulfilment on arrival? Our warehousing service offers flexible space near the port.

Also shipping elsewhere in Asia? We serve the entire region, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and India.

Why Benelux Trade Link for your China shipments

As an independent freight forwarder with over 20 years of experience, we combine competitive carrier contracts with personal service: one dedicated contact who knows your cargo, proactive updates from booking to delivery, and honest advice on routing and costs. Read more logistics insights on our news page.

Get your China sea freight quote today. Request a quote or contact us — we respond within one business day.

Frequently asked questions

How long does sea freight from China to the Netherlands take?

Port-to-port transit from Shanghai to Rotterdam is typically 30–40 days depending on the carrier and routing. Door-to-door, allow roughly 5–7 weeks including pre-carriage in China and customs clearance.

What does container shipping from China cost?

Rates depend on container size, port of loading and season. LCL is charged per cubic metre and is economical for smaller volumes. Request a quote for current rates.

Can you arrange pickup at my supplier's factory in China?

Yes. Through our Chinese partner network we collect at any factory or warehouse, arrange export clearance and truck the cargo to the departure port.

Do you handle import duties and VAT?

Yes. Our customs specialists classify your goods, submit the import declaration and can arrange fiscal representation, so you know the total landed cost in advance.