Are you looking for the most reliable way to ship goods from China’s tech hub, Shenzhen, to France? Whether you are a seasoned importer in Paris or an Amazon FBA seller in Lyon, navigating the logistics landscape in 2026 requires up-to-date knowledge of costs, transit times, and customs regulations.
Shipping from Shenzhen to France involves navigating complex routes, fluctuating freight rates, and strict EU customs protocols. This comprehensive guide serves as your roadmap, offering expert insights into Sea Freight, Air Freight, Rail Freight, and DDP solutions to help you optimize your supply chain.
1. Shipping from Shenzhen to France
Updated for 2026 | Reviewed by Efanda Logistics Senior Freight Team
For busy importers who need immediate answers, here is the executive summary of the current logistics market between Shenzhen and France, based on our daily operations handling over 500 TEUs monthly on this route.
Summary for Busy Importers:
- Fastest Method: Express Shipping (DHL/UPS/FedEx) is the unrivaled speed champion, delivering small parcels in just 3-5 days.
- Most Popular & Cheapest: Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) remains the backbone of global trade. It is the most economical choice for bulk cargo, with transit times ranging from 25-35 days.
- Best Balance (Speed vs. Cost): Rail Freight (New Silk Road) has emerged as a strategic middle ground, offering transit times of 15-22 days at a cost significantly lower than air freight.
- Best for E-commerce: DDP Shipping (Delivered Duty Paid) is the preferred choice for Amazon FBA sellers. It offers a hassle-free experience where the freight forwarder handles all duties and customs clearance.
- Critical Compliance: You absolutely must have a valid EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) to clear customs in France. Without it, your goods will be blocked at the border.
2. Shipping Cost from Shenzhen to France (2026 Estimates)
Understanding freight rates is crucial for calculating your landed cost. In 2026, rates have stabilized but remain subject to seasonal fluctuations (GRI), fuel surcharges, and global capacity constraints.
Sea Freight Rates (FCL & LCL)
Sea freight is the most cost-effective method for shipping large volumes.
- 20ft Container (FCL): Estimated $1,200 – $1,800. This container is ideal for heavy cargo like machinery or raw materials.
- 40ft HQ Container: Estimated $1,800 – $2,800. This is the standard for consumer goods, electronics, and textiles, offering the best price per cubic meter.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Approximately $50 – $80 per CBM. If you don’t have enough cargo to fill a container, LCL allows you to pay only for the space you use.
- Note: LCL rates often include higher destination port charges, so always compare the total landed cost with FCL if your volume exceeds 15 CBM.
Air Freight Rates
Air freight is priced based on the “chargeable weight,” which is the higher of the actual weight or volumetric weight.
- Standard Air Cargo (+100kg): $4.50 – $7.00 per kg. This is suitable for high-value electronics, fashion items, or urgent stock replenishment.
- Express Courier: $7.00 – $10.00+ per kg. While expensive, it includes customs clearance handling (excluding duties) and door-to-door delivery.
Rail Freight Rates
- Cost Efficiency: Rail freight is generally 50% cheaper than air freight while being faster than sea freight.
- Billing Structure: Like sea freight, it is billed per container (FCL) or per CBM (LCL). It is an excellent option for heavy goods that need faster delivery than ocean vessels can provide.
Pro Tip: Freight rates change weekly. To get the most accurate price for your specific shipment, contact Efanda Logistics for a real-time quote.
3. Main Shipping Methods from Shenzhen to France
Choosing the right shipping method depends on your budget, timeline, and cargo type. Here is a detailed breakdown of your options.
Option 1: Sea Freight (Best for Bulk)
Sea freight accounts for over 90% of cargo volume from China to France. It is reliable, capable of handling massive volumes, and has the lowest carbon footprint per unit.
- FCL (Full Container Load): You rent the entire container. Your goods are sealed in Shenzhen and not opened until they reach your warehouse in France. This minimizes the risk of damage and theft.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Your goods are consolidated with other shipments in a shared container. This is cost-effective for smaller shipments (1-15 CBM) but involves more handling at both origin and destination ports.
- Major Ports Route:
- Origin: Shenzhen (Yantian Port for larger vessels, Shekou Port for intra-Asia feeders and some long-haul).
- Destination: Le Havre (The gateway to Paris and Northern France), Marseille Fos (Serving Southern France and the Mediterranean), and Dunkirk.
- Carrier Insight: We work closely with major carriers like CMA CGM (France’s national carrier) to secure guaranteed space, even during peak seasons like Chinese New Year.
Option 2: Air Freight (Best for Urgent Cargo)
When time is money, air freight is the solution.
- Standard Air: Shipments move from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) or via Hong Kong (HKG) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS). You will need to arrange trucking from the airport to your final destination.
- Express Courier: Companies like DHL, UPS, and FedEx offer end-to-end visibility. This is the standard for samples, documents, and small e-commerce parcels.
- Best For: High-value electronics, medical devices, fashion samples, and emergency inventory.
Option 3: Rail Freight (The “Middle Ground”)
The China-Europe Railway Express (often called the “New Silk Road”) has revolutionized logistics between China and Europe.
- Route: Trains depart from Shenzhen (or nearby hubs like Chengdu/Chongqing), cross through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, and Germany, before arriving in France.
- Transit Time: 15-22 days. This is significantly faster than the 30+ days required for sea freight.
- Sustainability: Rail produces far fewer CO2 emissions than air freight, making it a greener choice for eco-conscious brands.
Option 4: DDP Shipping (Best for Amazon FBA)
For Amazon sellers and small businesses, DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is a game-changer.
- How it Works: The freight forwarder quotes an all-inclusive price that covers shipping, export clearance, import duties, VAT, and final delivery.
- Modes:
- DDP Air: 10-12 days (Fast replenishment).
- DDP Sea: 30-40 days (Stocking up for Q4).
- DDP Rail: 22-28 days (Balanced approach).
- Ideal For: Sellers who want to avoid the headache of dealing with French customs and tax authorities directly.
4. Transit Time from Shenzhen to France: Sea, Air & Rail
Planning your inventory requires accurate transit time estimates. Below is a comparison of the typical duration for each mode.
| Shipping Mode | Route (Port-to-Port / Door-to-Door) | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | Shenzhen to Le Havre | 25 – 30 Days |
| Sea Freight | Shenzhen to Marseille Fos | 22 – 28 Days |
| Rail Freight | Shenzhen to France (via Duisburg Hub) | 18 – 22 Days |
| Air Freight | Shenzhen (SZX) to Paris (CDG) | 3 – 7 Days |
| Express | Door-to-Door (DHL/UPS) | 3 – 5 Days |
Note: These are transit times for the main leg. Door-to-door service will add 3-7 days for pickup, customs clearance, and inland delivery.
5. Shipping to Amazon FBA France (DDP & Prep Services)
Selling on Amazon.fr requires strict adherence to Amazon’s fulfillment policies. Efanda Logistics specializes in FBA logistics.
Key FBA Warehouses in France
- CDG1 (Lauwin-Planque)
- LYS1 (Sevrey)
- ORY1 (Saran)
- MRS1 (Montélimar)
Critical Compliance Requirements
- FBA Box Labels: Every carton must have a scannable FBA shipment label. If the barcode is unreadable, Amazon may reject the shipment.
- Pallet Standards: If you are shipping pallets, they must meet EU standards (typically EPAL pallets, 80x120cm). Wooden pallets must be heat-treated (ISPM 15 compliant).
- “Made in China” Label: Every individual product unit must have a “Made in China” label. Customs in France is very strict about Country of Origin labeling.
- Official Guidelines: Always verify the latest packaging requirements on Amazon Seller Central to avoid rejection at the fulfillment center.
Our FBA Services
We act as your prep center in China. We handle labeling, poly-bagging, palletizing, and booking the delivery appointment (CARP) with Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
6. Customs Clearance & Import Duties in France
Navigating French customs (Douane) is often the most challenging part of importing. Our team at Efanda handles customs clearance for hundreds of shipments weekly, and we strongly advise verifying all documents against the Official French Customs (Douane) guidelines.
Essential Documents
To clear customs smoothly, ensure your supplier provides:
- Commercial Invoice: Must be in English/French and include detailed descriptions and HS Codes for every item.
- Packing List: Must accurately reflect the weight, dimensions, and package count.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) (for sea) or Air Waybill (for air): This is your proof of ownership and transport contract.
- Certificate of Origin: Required for certain goods to benefit from reduced tariffs under trade agreements.
Critical Requirements
- EORI Number: The Economic Operators Registration and Identification number is mandatory for any business importing into the EU. You must apply for this in the country where you first clear customs (e.g., France).
- VAT (Value Added Tax): The standard VAT rate in France is 20%. This is calculated on the value of goods + shipping cost + duties (CIF value).
- Import VAT Deferment: France now allows the reverse charge mechanism for import VAT, meaning you can account for it on your VAT return rather than paying it upfront at the border, improving cash flow.
- Import Duty: Duty rates vary by product type (HS Code). You can check the specific rate in the TARIC database. Common consumer electronics often have low or zero duty, while textiles may have higher rates.
7. Why Choose Efanda as Your Freight Forwarder from China to France?
Shipping from China requires a partner who understands both the origin and destination.
- Shenzhen Local Expert: We are headquartered in Shenzhen, the heart of global manufacturing. We can inspect your goods, audit suppliers, and consolidate cargo from multiple factories before it leaves China.
- Competitive Contracts: We hold direct service contracts with major carriers like COSCO, CMA CGM, and MSC, ensuring you get competitive rates and guaranteed space even during peak seasons.
- DDP Specialist: We remove the complexity of compliance. Our DDP service is a favorite among small businesses and Amazon sellers who want a fixed price with no hidden fees.
- 24/7 Support: We bridge the 6-7 hour time difference between China and France, ensuring someone is always available to answer your questions.
8. FAQs (People Also Ask)
What is the cheapest way to ship from Shenzhen to France?
Sea freight (LCL) is typically the cheapest option for shipments larger than 2 CBM. For very small shipments (under 100kg) that are time-sensitive, express courier might be more practical, but for pure cost savings on bulk goods, ocean freight is unbeatable.
How much is customs duty from China to France?
Duty rates depend entirely on the HS Code of your product. For example, standard LED lights might have a duty of 2-4%, while bicycles could be subject to anti-dumping duties of over 40%. Always check the TARIC database or consult Efanda before shipping.
Can I ship batteries or electronics from Shenzhen to France?
Yes, but they are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG). You must provide an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and UN38.3 test report. Efanda Logistics has extensive experience in handling DG cargo compliant with IATA and IMDG regulations.
Do you offer door-to-door service?
Yes, we offer comprehensive Door-to-Door services. We pick up from the factory in Shenzhen, handle export declaration, manage ocean/air transport, clear customs in France, and deliver directly to your warehouse or Amazon FBA center.
How does the “New Silk Road” rail shipping work?
Your goods are loaded into containers in Shenzhen, transported by truck to the rail hub (e.g., Chengdu or Xi’an), and then travel by train across Asia and Europe. The train enters the EU via Poland (Malaszewicze) and is then trucked or railed to final destinations in France. It’s a reliable, weather-resistant alternative to sea freight.
Ready to ship? Contact Efanda Logistics today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us streamline your supply chain from Shenzhen to France.
