Shipping From China to France Reliable Freight Forwarder

EFANDA Logistics provides professional shipping solutions from China to France, including sea freight, air freight, rail freight, and door-to-door services.

We support shipments to Le Havre, Marseille, Paris, Lyon, and other major French ports and cities, offering reliable transit times, experienced EU customs clearance, and competitive freight rates.

From commercial cargo and e-commerce shipments to project and oversized cargo, we tailor logistics solutions to meet France and EU import regulations, ensuring smooth customs clearance and on-time delivery.Get Your Personalized Shipping Quote Today!

25–35 Days

Sea Freight to France

3–5 Days

Air Freight to France

24/7 Support

Dedicated Logistics Experts

Shipping From China to France
$2.5/kg

Starting Price

Our Shipping Services from China to France

Sea Freight, Air Freight & Door-to-Door Solutions for France Importers

Sea Freight from China to France

Cost-effective ocean freight for bulk and commercial shipments to France. FCL & LCL available.

Competitive sea freight rates – request a quote

Air Freight from China to France

Fast and secure air cargo solutions for urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments to France.

Fast air freight with transparent pricing

Door-to-Door from China to France

Complete door-to-door logistics from pickup to delivery in France.

No hidden charges

Why Choose EFANDA Logistics for China–France Shipping

Specialized freight forwarding solutions with proven experience in France customs, ports, and delivery networks.

Competitive Rates

Direct contracts with carriers and optimized routing via major China ports help reduce shipping costs without hidden fees.

Fast Transit

Optimized sea and air schedules with reliable ETD/ETA, minimizing delays caused by transshipment or port congestion.

Customs Expertise

Deep understanding of France import regulations, HS codes, and documentation requirements to reduce clearance risks.

24/7 Dedicated Support

Dedicated customer support team available 24/7, providing timely assistance and reliable support for all your logistics needs.

Table of Contents

With the growing trade relationship between China and France, more importers, eCommerce sellers, and manufacturing companies are looking for reliable solutions for shipping from China to France. Whether you are importing consumer goods, machinery, automotive parts, or bulk raw materials, choosing the right shipping method is critical for controlling costs, transit time, and customs risks.

As an experienced international freight forwarder, EFANDA Logistics provides end-to-end shipping solutions from China to France, including sea freight, air freight, and door-to-door delivery. This guide offers a clear overview of shipping options, costs, transit times, and best practices to help businesses make informed logistics decisions when shipping goods from China to France.

Sea Freight From China to France

Sea freight from China to France is the most commonly used shipping method for international trade due to its cost efficiency and capacity for large-volume cargo. It is especially suitable for businesses importing heavy, oversized, or non-urgent goods.

Compared with air freight, ocean freight provides significantly lower shipping costs, making it the preferred choice for long-term supply chains and large-scale imports from China to France.

When to Choose Sea Freight

Sea freight is the ideal option when:

  • Your shipment volume is large or heavy

  • Cost control is more important than speed

  • Your goods are not time-sensitive

  • You are shipping full containers or consolidated cargo

For many importers, sea freight shipping from China to France offers the best balance between cost and reliability, especially for FCL and LCL shipments.

Common use cases for sea freight:

  • Industrial equipment and machinery

  • Furniture and home goods

  • Building materials

  • Bulk consumer products


Key Ports and Routes

China–France sea freight routes are well-established, connecting major Chinese ports with France’s primary seaports through Asia–Europe shipping lanes.

Major ports in China:

  • Shanghai

  • Ningbo

  • Shenzhen

  • Guangzhou

  • Qingdao

Main ports in France:

  • Port of Le Havre (largest container port)

  • Port of Marseille-Fos

  • Port of Dunkirk

Most ocean freight from China to France transits through the Suez Canal, with stable weekly sailings offered by major shipping lines.

RouteTypical Transit Time
Shanghai → Le Havre28–35 days
Shenzhen → Marseille30–38 days
Ningbo → Le Havre29–36 days

Types of Sea Freight Services

EFANDA Logistics provides flexible sea freight services from China to France, tailored to different shipment sizes and cargo types.

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL shipping from China to France is recommended when you have enough cargo to fill an entire container. It offers better security, faster handling, and lower per-unit shipping costs for large shipments.

FCL advantages:

  • Dedicated container for your cargo

  • Reduced risk of damage or contamination

  • More predictable transit times

Available container types include 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ, and special equipment for oversized cargo.


Less than Container Load (LCL)

LCL shipping from China to France is suitable for smaller shipments that do not require a full container. Your goods are consolidated with other cargo, helping reduce overall shipping costs.

LCL is ideal for:

  • Small and medium-sized importers

  • Trial orders or seasonal shipments

  • Flexible inventory management

EFANDA manages consolidation, documentation, and customs coordination to ensure smooth LCL shipments from China to France.


Roll-on/Roll-off Ship (RoRo Ship)

RoRo shipping from China to France is designed for vehicles and wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, buses, and construction machinery. Cargo is driven directly onto the vessel without containerization.

RoRo shipping benefits:

  • Cost-effective for vehicles and heavy equipment

  • Reduced loading and unloading risks

  • Efficient handling for oversized cargo

This service is commonly used for automotive exports and project cargo shipping from China to France.

Air Freight From China to France

Air freight from China to France is the fastest international shipping solution for time-sensitive, high-value, or lightweight cargo. For businesses that prioritize speed, reliability, and inventory turnover, air shipping offers a clear advantage over sea freight.

EFANDA Logistics provides flexible and cost-efficient China to France air freight services, covering airport-to-airport, door-to-airport, and full door-to-door delivery options to support different business needs.


When to Choose Air Freight?

Air freight is the best choice when:

  • Your cargo is urgent or time-critical

  • Products have high value or short market cycles

  • Shipment volume is small to medium

  • You need stable and predictable delivery times

Typical goods shipped via air freight from China to France include:

  • Electronics and consumer devices

  • Fashion and seasonal products

  • Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals

  • Samples, spare parts, and urgent replenishment cargo

Compared with ocean freight, air freight significantly reduces transit time, helping businesses shorten supply chains and respond faster to market demand.


Key Airports and Routes

China–France air freight routes are well-developed, with daily or multiple weekly flights connecting major international airports.

Main departure airports in China:

  • Shanghai Pudong (PVG)

  • Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)

  • Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX)

  • Beijing Capital (PEK)

  • Hong Kong International (HKG)

Major arrival airports in France:

  • Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

  • Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)

  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

RouteAverage Transit Time
Shanghai → Paris CDG3–5 days
Shenzhen → Paris CDG3–5 days
Guangzhou → Lyon4–6 days

EFANDA coordinates air carriers, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery to ensure smooth air freight shipping from China to France.


Types of Air Freight Services

EFANDA offers multiple air freight solutions from China to France, allowing businesses to balance speed and cost.

Air Freight TypeBest ForFeatures
Standard Air FreightGeneral cargoCost-effective, reliable schedules
Express Air FreightUrgent shipmentsFastest transit, premium service
Consolidated Air FreightSmall shipmentsLower cost through cargo consolidation
Charter FlightsLarge or special cargoDedicated aircraft, flexible timing

Our team selects the optimal air freight option based on cargo type, delivery deadline, and budget requirements.

Door to Door Shipping From China to France

Door to door shipping from China to France is a complete logistics solution that covers the entire shipping process—from supplier pickup in China to final delivery at your warehouse or business location in France.

With EFANDA’s door-to-door service, importers no longer need to coordinate multiple service providers. We handle freight transportation, export and import customs clearance, documentation, duties coordination, and last-mile delivery.


How Door-to-Door Shipping Works

EFANDA’s China to France door to door shipping process includes:

  1. Pickup from factory or warehouse in China

  2. Export customs clearance in China

  3. International transportation (air or sea freight)

  4. Import customs clearance in France

  5. Final delivery to the consignee’s address

This all-in-one solution reduces risks, saves time, and ensures full visibility throughout the shipping process.


Benefits of Door to Door Shipping

Choosing door to door freight from China to France offers several advantages:

  • Simplified logistics management

  • Transparent shipping costs

  • Reduced customs risks and delays

  • One point of contact for the entire shipment

Service ModeBest For
Air Door to DoorUrgent or high-value cargo
Sea Door to DoorLarge-volume or cost-sensitive shipments
DDP ShippingImporters wanting duty-inclusive pricing

EFANDA also provides DDP shipping from China to France, helping customers avoid unexpected customs charges and ensure smooth delivery.


Why Choose EFANDA for Door to Door Shipping

As an experienced freight forwarder from China to France, EFANDA Logistics offers:

  • Professional customs brokerage support

  • Competitive shipping rates

  • Strong airline and shipping line partnerships

  • Dedicated customer service and real-time shipment tracking

Whether you need air freight, sea freight, or a fully managed door-to-door solution, EFANDA ensures reliable and compliant shipping from China to France.

Shipping Costs From China to France

Shipping costs from China to France vary depending on transportation mode, cargo volume, weight, service level, and market conditions. Understanding the cost structure helps importers and businesses choose the most suitable shipping solution while controlling logistics budgets.

The two main cost components are sea freight cost from China to France and air freight cost from China to France, each serving different shipping priorities.


Sea Freight Cost From China to France

Sea freight from China to France is the most cost-effective option for large-volume and non-urgent shipments. Pricing is mainly influenced by container type, shipping route, port congestion, and seasonal demand.

Typical cost factors include:

  • Container size (20ft / 40ft / 40HQ)

  • FCL or LCL shipping

  • Departure and destination ports

  • Fuel surcharges and peak season fees

Sea Freight TypeEstimated Cost RangeSuitable For
20ft FCLLower total cost for full loadsBulk cargo
40ft FCLBest unit costLarge-volume shipments
LCL ShippingCharged by CBMSmall or medium shipments

Sea freight costs from China to France are generally stable compared to air freight, making ocean shipping ideal for long-term supply chain planning.


Air Freight Cost From China to France

Air freight cost from China to France is calculated based on chargeable weight, which considers both actual weight and volumetric weight. While air shipping is more expensive than sea freight, it significantly reduces transit time.

Main pricing factors include:

  • Chargeable weight (kg)

  • Airline route and capacity

  • Fuel and security surcharges

  • Service level (standard or express)

Air Freight ServiceCost LevelBest Use Case
Standard Air FreightMediumRegular urgent shipments
Express Air FreightHighTime-critical cargo
Consolidated Air FreightLowerSmall shipments

For high-value or time-sensitive goods, air freight from China to France offers better overall supply chain efficiency despite higher transportation costs.

Shipping Time From China to France

Shipping time from China to France is a key decision factor for importers managing inventory turnover and delivery commitments. Transit time depends on shipping mode, route, and customs clearance efficiency.


Sea Shipping Time From China to France

Sea shipping time from China to France typically ranges between 30–45 days, depending on the port of origin and destination, vessel schedule, and possible transshipment.

Route ExampleAverage Sea Transit Time
Shanghai → Le Havre35–40 days
Shenzhen → Marseille32–38 days
Ningbo → Le Havre33–42 days

Sea freight transit time is longer but predictable, making it suitable for planned shipments and cost-sensitive cargo.


Air Shipping Time From China to France

Air shipping time from China to France is significantly faster, usually taking 3–7 days including export, flight time, customs clearance, and final delivery.

Route ExampleAverage Air Transit Time
Shanghai → Paris CDG3–5 days
Guangzhou → Paris CDG4–6 days
Shenzhen → Lyon4–7 days

Air freight is the preferred solution when delivery speed is critical and delays could impact sales or production schedules.


Choosing the Right Balance Between Cost and Time

Shipping ModeCost LevelTransit Time
Sea FreightLowLong
Air FreightHighShort
Door to Door ShippingMediumOptimized

An experienced freight forwarder from China to France like EFANDA Logistics helps businesses balance shipping costs and transit time by recommending the most efficient shipping strategy.

Customs Clearance & Documents Required

When shipping from China to France, smooth customs clearance is critical to avoid delays, penalties, or unexpected costs. France, as part of the European Union (EU), applies strict import regulations and documentation requirements for both sea freight and air freight shipments.

Proper preparation and an experienced freight forwarder from China to France can significantly reduce customs risks.


Key Documents Required for Shipping From China to France

The following documents are commonly required for customs clearance in France:

DocumentPurpose
Commercial InvoiceDeclares cargo value and trade terms
Packing ListDetails cargo weight, volume, and packaging
Bill of Lading / Air WaybillProof of shipment and ownership
Certificate of OriginConfirms manufacturing origin
HS CodeDetermines customs duty & VAT
Import License (if applicable)Required for restricted goods
EORI Number (EU)Mandatory for EU importers

Accurate documentation ensures faster customs clearance and reduces inspection risks.


France Import Duties & VAT Considerations

When shipping goods from China to France, importers must pay:

  • Customs duty (based on HS code)

  • Import VAT (standard rate applies to most goods)

Incorrect HS code classification or undervaluation can lead to customs audits, fines, or cargo holds.

Working with a professional door to door shipping provider from China to France helps manage duty calculation and compliance.


Customs Clearance for Sea Freight vs Air Freight

Shipping ModeClearance SpeedRisk Level
Sea FreightMediumModerate
Air FreightFastLower
Door to Door ShippingFastestLowest

EFANDA Logistics provides end-to-end customs clearance support for both sea freight from China to France and air freight from China to France, ensuring compliance with French and EU regulations.

Common Mistakes When Shipping From China to France

Despite the growing demand for shipping from China to France, many importers still face avoidable issues due to lack of experience or incomplete planning. Below are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.


1. Incorrect HS Code Classification

Using the wrong HS code can result in:

  • Higher import duties

  • Customs delays

  • Post-clearance penalties

Always verify HS codes before shipping goods from China to France.


2. Underestimating Total Shipping Costs

Many importers only consider base freight rates, ignoring:

  • Destination port charges

  • Customs duties and VAT

  • Storage or demurrage fees

A professional freight forwarder China to France provides transparent, all-in cost estimates.


3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documents

Missing or inconsistent documents are a leading cause of customs delays. Even minor errors on invoices or packing lists can trigger inspections.


4. Choosing the Wrong Shipping Mode

Cargo TypeRecommended Shipping
Bulk goodsSea freight
Urgent goodsAir freight
Small mixed cargoLCL or air freight
End-to-end simplicityDoor to door shipping

Choosing the wrong mode can increase costs or delivery time unnecessarily.


5. Working With Inexperienced Forwarders

Not all logistics providers fully understand France customs clearance or EU compliance requirements. An inexperienced forwarder may expose shipments to compliance risks.

EFANDA Logistics specializes in shipping from China to France, offering:

  • Proven EU customs expertise

  • Transparent pricing

  • Reliable door-to-door shipping solutions


How to Avoid Shipping Problems

  • Work with a freight forwarder experienced in China–France shipping

  • Confirm HS codes and SABER requirements before shipment

  • Ensure all documents are consistent and complete

  • Consider door-to-door shipping for full control

  • Always evaluate total landed cost, not just freight rate

With years of hands-on experience handling customs clearance and freight forwarding to France, EFANDA Logistics helps importers avoid common pitfalls by managing documentation, compliance checks, and customs coordination from origin to destination.


Key Takeaway for Importers

Smooth customs clearance is not about speed alone—it’s about accuracy, compliance, and preparation. Avoiding common mistakes can save days of delay and thousands of dollars in unnecessary charges.

How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder

Choosing the right freight forwarder for shipping from China to France is one of the most important decisions for importers and businesses. A reliable forwarder does more than move cargo — they manage risk, optimize costs, and ensure compliance with French and EU import regulations.

An experienced logistics partner helps you avoid delays, unexpected charges, and customs issues across sea freight, air freight, and door to door shipping from China to France.


Key Criteria When Selecting a Forwarder

When evaluating a freight forwarder from China to France, importers should focus on the following critical criteria:

Key FactorWhy It Matters
Route ExpertiseFamiliarity with China–France shipping lanes
Customs KnowledgeCompliance with France & EU regulations
Service CoverageSea, air & door to door shipping
Cost TransparencyClear, all-in freight quotations
CommunicationDedicated account support
Network StrengthReliable carriers & local agents

1. Proven Experience in China–France Shipping

A qualified forwarder should demonstrate hands-on experience in shipping from China to France, including:

  • Major Chinese ports and airports

  • Key French ports and customs procedures

  • EU VAT and duty compliance


2. Strong Customs Clearance Capabilities

Customs is a critical stage in international shipping. The right forwarder should offer:

  • HS code verification

  • Document pre-checks

  • Import VAT and duty guidance

  • Fast customs clearance in France

This is especially important for door to door shipping from China to France, where customs delays impact final delivery.


3. Flexible Shipping Solutions

Cargo TypeRecommended Solution
Bulk goodsSea freight
High-value or urgentAir freight
Small shipmentsLCL or air freight
Full-service needsDoor to door shipping

A professional freight forwarder provides multiple options and helps importers choose the most cost-effective solution.


4. Transparent Pricing & Risk Control

Hidden charges are a common issue in international logistics. A reliable freight forwarder China to France should provide:

  • Clear cost breakdowns

  • Advance notice of surcharges

  • Risk management support

Why Work With EFANDA Logistics

EFANDA Logistics is a trusted logistics partner specializing in shipping from China to France, offering reliable, compliant, and cost-effective freight solutions for global importers and businesses.


What Sets EFANDA Logistics Apart

EFANDA AdvantageBenefit for Importers
China–France ExpertiseOptimized routes & compliance
Full-Service CoverageSea, air & door to door shipping
Customs SpecialistsSmooth France & EU clearance
Transparent PricingNo hidden costs
Dedicated SupportOne-on-one logistics experts

End-to-End Shipping From China to France

EFANDA Logistics provides complete logistics solutions, including:

  • Sea freight from China to France (FCL & LCL)

  • Air freight from China to France

  • Door to door shipping

  • Export & import customs clearance

  • Documentation & compliance support

By managing the entire shipping process, EFANDA ensures reliability, cost control, and peace of mind.


Your Reliable Freight Forwarder From China to France

Whether you are shipping your first container or managing regular imports, EFANDA Logistics helps you:

  • Reduce shipping risks

  • Control logistics costs

  • Improve delivery timelines

  • Stay compliant with French regulations

Contact EFANDA Logistics today to get a tailored shipping solution for your business and ensure smooth, efficient shipping from China to France.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear answers to the most common questions about shipping from China to France

The best shipping method depends on your cargo type, volume, budget, and delivery time.

  • Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for bulk and commercial shipments.
  • Air freight is ideal for urgent or high-value cargo.
  • Rail freight offers a balance between cost and transit time for EU-bound shipments.
    EFANDA helps you choose the most suitable solution based on your needs.

Transit time varies by shipping mode and destination port:

  • Sea freight: 30–40 days (China to Le Havre or Marseille)
  • Rail freight: 18–25 days
  • Air freight: 3–7 days
    Door-to-door delivery times may vary depending on customs clearance and final delivery location.

Shipping costs depend on factors such as cargo weight, volume, shipping method, season, and fuel surcharges.
For sea freight, FCL and LCL rates differ by container size and port.
For air freight, pricing is calculated per chargeable kilogram.
Contact EFANDA to get a customized and competitive shipping quote.

Yes. EFANDA provides full export customs clearance in China and works with experienced partners to support import customs clearance in France and across the EU, ensuring compliance with EU regulations, VAT, and required documentation.

Yes. EFANDA provides door-to-door shipping solutions from suppliers in China to warehouses, distribution centers, or final addresses in France, including customs clearance and local delivery.

With a strong logistics network, competitive rates, and experienced customs handling, EFANDA offers reliable, transparent, and efficient shipping solutions from China to France, helping businesses reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency.

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