1. Check the product before you order
Confirm that the product can be sold in the EU and which rules apply: CE marking, REACH and RoHS for chemicals and electronics, food-contact or toy safety rules, labelling. Find the commodity code and check the duty rate, including any anti-dumping duty on Chinese goods, in TARIC.
2. Agree the Incoterm and the paperwork
Most importers buy FOB or FCA from a Chinese port or warehouse and appoint their own forwarder. Ask the supplier for a commercial invoice and packing list that match the goods exactly, and agree packaging, marks and a pre-shipment inspection if quality matters.
3. Choose the transport mode
Transit times are indicative and vary by service, season and port congestion. Compare live options with the Cargo.it estimator.
| Mode | Indicative transit to Italy | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL / LCL | about 30–40 days port to port via Suez; longer when services route around Africa | Most goods, the lowest cost per kg |
| Rail | about 18–25 days to European terminals, plus final delivery | Middle ground between sea and air |
| Air | about 1–3 days airport to airport; about 3–7 days door to door | Urgent, light or high-value goods |
4. Prepare customs clearance
Make sure you have an EORI number. Your customs broker lodges the import declaration, using the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill, and you pay import duty and 22% Italian VAT (or the applicable reduced rate). Main Italian entry ports for Chinese cargo include Genoa, La Spezia, Trieste and Venice.
5. Plan the final delivery
After clearance the goods move from the port, terminal or airport to your warehouse. Check delivery appointments, unloading equipment and whether the container must be returned empty within the free days to avoid demurrage and detention charges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from China to Italy take?
By sea roughly 30–40 days port to port via Suez (longer if routed around Africa), by rail about 18–25 days to European terminals, by air a few days. Add time for clearance and delivery.
Do I need an import licence to import from China?
Most goods need no licence, but you do need an EORI number and the product must meet EU rules. Some goods, such as certain food, chemicals or dual-use items, need permits.
What does it cost to ship a container from China to Italy?
Container rates change weekly with capacity and routing. Use the Cargo.it estimator for a current range and ask a forwarder for a full quote including local charges.