Shipping from China to Sweden is at an all-time high. In 2023 alone, China’s exports to Sweden were worth US$9.47 Billion. For those looking to tap into this lucrative market, we’ve got great news for you.

Winsky has compiled this easy-to-understand guide to explain everything about shipping from China to Sweden. “We’ll explain the shipping methods available, the cost implications, transit times, and the customs clearance procedures.” Ultimately, this article will help you have a smooth, quality shipping experience. Let’s get started.

Multiple shipping methods are available from China to Sweden, with pros and cons. Here’s an overview of these methods:

Sea freight is a pivotal component of international trade and the “cheapest way to ship large goods from China to Sweden.” The only “disadvantage is that your goods” may “take weeks to arrive.” When considering sea freight, you’ll encounter two common terms: LCL and FCL. You can choose these types of “container options” based on your cargo volume.

LCL (Less than Container Load): Use this option if you’re not shipping enough goods to fill an entire container. “It allows you to pay only for the space you use, sharing the rest of the container with other shippers’ goods.” This option can be more “cost-effective” for “smaller shipments” but may involve longer “delivery times” because your goods will be “consolidated in China before departure and then deconsolidated in Sweden upon arrival.” “Winsky Freight can help you consolidate your shipments into an LCL shipping container. Contact us if you need an LCL freight booking space.”

FCL (Full Container Load): This option means renting an entire container (20ft or 40ft) for your goods. It’s suitable for larger shipments > 15cbm, and you pay a flat rate, regardless of whether it’s fully loaded or not.” It is also “faster and safer” since the container goes directly from the Chinese port to the Swedish port without needing consolidation.

Before choosing a shipping port, consider the type of goods, proximity to the origin and destination, the frequency of sailings, and the transit times.

The major shipping ports you can use from China are:

• Shanghai: One of the world’s busiest ports, offering regular shipments to Sweden.
• Ningbo: Close to Shanghai but less congested, making it a good alternative.
• Shenzhen: Located in the Pearl River Delta, it’s ideal for South China exports.
• Xiamen: A key port in the Southeast of China.
• Qingdao: Known for its significant trade with Europe, it serves northern China.

In Sweden, the essential ports are:

• Gothenburg: Sweden’s largest port and a primary entry point for trade. This port serves other Nordic countries like Norway and can handle large shipping vessels.
• Stockholm: As the capital city, its port is vital for goods destined for the central region of Sweden.
• Malmo: Located in the South, it’s convenient for distribution across other Scandinavian countries.

Helsingborg: Second-largest container port in Sweden and well-connected by road and rails to the Northern and Baltic Seas.

When you need to “ship goods quickly” from China to Sweden, “air freight” provides a “faster alternative” to “sea freight”, though at a higher cost. “This method suits urgent or high-value items such as perishables and electronics, where speed outweighs cost considerations.”

“Air freight operates” on a port-to-port basis. “This means your goods are shipped from the airport closest to your supplier in China directly to the nearest airport to your destination in Sweden.” “Unless you choose a door-to-door service,” you must arrange “further transportation” from the Swedish airport to the final destination.

“Air freight charges are not solely based on gross weight (actual weight). They may also be calculated based on volumetric weight if it exceeds the gross weight.” If your cargo is lightweight but bulky, the volume might translate into a higher chargeable weight. The weight used is referred to as the  ‘chargeable weight’. Air freight is suitable for cargo with a chargeable weight > 200kg.

“Flights to Sweden mainly take off from Beijing Capital (North), Shanghai Pudong (East), and Guangzhou Baiyun (South) airports in China.” Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo are the major Swedish airports receiving cargo flights from China. Each of these airports has direct and indirect flights available. When selecting an airport, consider:

• Proximity to the supplier and destination.
• Frequency of flights and available routes.
• Cargo handling capabilities and facilities at the airport.
• Costs associated with each airport.

Goods shipped by air from China to Sweden should arrive in 3 to 10 days, depending on the “chosen airport and routes”:

• Direct routes can deliver your cargo as quickly as the second day.
• Indirect routes take longer due to stopovers but are more economical.

When planning airfreight from China to Sweden, choose the right airports, understand the weight calculations, and consider the costs before selecting an air freight service. You can consult Winsky for expert guidance on the best air shipping options.

Express freight is the fastest and most convenient shipping option from China to Sweden. Since it’s a door-to-door option, your goods will arrive at your doorstep within 2-5 working days. However, it is also the most expensive shipping method, and is best used for shipping samples or urgent shipments from suppliers.”

The process includes several key steps handled by your freight forwarder: the pickup of goods from the factory in China, preparation of export customs clearance documents, and coordination with express couriers who assist with import customs clearance and deliver the goods at your doorstep in Sweden.

Express courier services are carried out by global carriers giants like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and TNT.

“Train freight” from China to Sweden has become a popular option because it is “faster than sea freight but cheaper than air freight.” It is therefore perfect for shipments that are too large “or costly for air freight but require faster delivery than what sea freight” can provide. There’s a well-established network of rail links between China and Sweden, and here are reasons why you should consider rail freight:

Time Efficiency: It’s a direct shipping route that is safe, stable, and much faster than sea transportation.

Cost Savings: Train freight can save you up to 50% in costs over air freight.

One-Stop Shop: We offer door-to-door pick-up and door step delivery at an all-inclusive price. From the supplier in China till the goods reach your destination in Sweden, every logistics is covered.

Flexibility: Goods can be shipped LCL or FCL, with trains running 3-4 times per week.

There is a direct cargo railway line from Shenzhen in China to Sweden: Goods are picked up in Shenzhen and transported to Chengdu or Chongqing. From there, they travel to Alashankou, cross Kazakhstan and Russia, and then pass through Polish Mara. After customs clearance in Hungary or the Czech Republic, UPS takes over for the final leg of the delivery to Sweden.

Shenzhen Pick UP→ Chengdu/Chongqing→Alashankou→Kazakhstan→Russia→Polish Mara→ Customs clearance in Hungary/Czech→UPS Pick up→UPS End Delivery to Sweden.

The estimated shipping times for train freight from China to Sweden are as follows:

• Shenzhen to Chengdu/Chongqing: 3-5 days.
• Transit time of the train: 14-16 natural days.
• Customs clearance + UPS pick-up: 3-5 working days.
• UPS end delivery: 2-5 working days.

Overall, the door-to-door delivery time from China to Sweden is about 30 days. However, bad weather, port congestion, or customs inspections, may lead to delays.

Express couriers deliver within 2-5 working days from any part of China” to any destination in Sweden.

Air freight from China to Sweden takes 3-10 days from airport to airport. Delivery times may be extended during peak shipping season.

Sea shipping takes about 25-35 days from port to port. The shipping time depends” on the port-to-port distance and the duration of customs procedures.

Train shipping from China to Sweden takes about 16 days from station to station. Door-to-door delivery takes around 28-35 days, but may be longer if there is port congestion or customs delays.

The shipping cost from China to Sweden depends on “the shipping mode, the shipment size, and the shipping method used.

Express freight is the most expensive shipping option due to its speed and convenience. You’ll be charged based on the weight and volume your goods occupy. Here’s an average price rate from China to Sweden dated 20-May, 2024:

Air freight costs also depend on the weight and volume of your cargo. They may fluctuate with prevalent fuel prices and season of the year (costs increase during peak shipping seasons). The table below gives the average prices for shipping from China to Sweden as of May, 2024. When you’re ready to ship, contact us for a shipping quote.

Sea freight costs are affordable and depend on:

• The type and size of your goods
• The type of Container options chosen (FCL or LCL)
• Incoterm used (e.g. FOB, CIF, DDP)
• Your chosen shipping carrier
• Port-to-port distance
• Type of route taken
• Season of the year

Below is the average shipping cost estimate from Chinese ports to Swedish ports dated 25-May, 2024 for you information:

Rail freight rates depends on container type and time of the year. We can also provide you with door-to-door delivery including import custom clearance, below is the latest DDP train freight from China to Sweden dated 25-May, 2024 for you reference:

Navigating import customs clearance from China to Sweden involves understanding the necessary documentation and procedures to ensure a smooth clearance process. Follow this simple clearance guide when shipping:

Begin by gathering all essential documents, which include:

• Single Administrative Document
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
• Certificate of Origin
• Import License (if applicable).
• Customs Value Declaration

You can submit the import declaration electronically yourself or through an authorised representative. Then, find the classification code for your goods. The classification of your goods will determine if you need a license for import, as some items like food, plants, and chemicals are restricted.

Upon arrival in Sweden, your goods must be presented for import clearance. You or your customs broker must file a customs declaration and submit the required documents. Then pay the import duties and taxes calculated based on the value of your goods.

For a smooth customs clearance process, it’s advisable to work with a knowledgeable freight forwarder who can guide you through the requirements and ensure all documentation is correctly prepared and submitted. Winsky can help you facilitate Swedish import clearance to prevent delays and extra costs. Contact us today.

Sweden adheres to the EU’s common customs tariff, where customs duties are calculated based on the CIF value of the goods and their HS code. You can confirm the HS Code for your goods on the TARIC database.

For imports into Sweden, any package valued over 22 euros is subject to import tax. In addition to customs duties, you must also pay VAT” on your imports. Sweden applies a standard VAT rate of 25%. However, reduced rates apply to certain items; for instance, foodstuffs are taxed at 12% (excluding alcoholic beverages and tobacco), and books at 6%. Additionally, some goods might be subject to anti-dumping duties, which are significantly higher than standard rates. Your freight forwarder will provide you with the most current information on custom duties so you budget accordingly before shipping.

Door-to-door shipping is flexible and simplifies the logistics of getting your goods from the manufacturer directly to your doorstep in Sweden. We offer two door-to-door shipping options from China to Sweden- DDU and DDP.

DDU Shipping- DDU shipping is a door-to-door service that does not handle import customs clearance and duties. It’s a common choice for express freight services like DHL, UPS, and FedEx. Your goods will be delivered right at your door, but you’ll be responsible for clearing them through customs and paying applicable duties. DDU might be cheaper upfront, but it is more stressful and time-consuming for you.”

DDP Shipping- It’s a popular option used by many businesses shipping from China to Sweden. Everything is done for you in DDP shipping. The goods are picked up from your supplier’s factory in China and stored in our warehouse till they’re ready for export. We also handle export and import customs clearance, VAT duties, local operations, and last-mile delivery, which makes it an entirely stress-free option for you.”

DDP sea freight- Takes around 38-45 days door-to-door from pick up to delivery.

DDP air freight- Takes around 14 days door-to-door from pick up to delivery.

DDP train freight- Takes around 35 days door-to-door from pick up to delivery.

Winsky Freight’s door-to-door service is all-inclusive. Depending on your requirements and budget, we can provide DDU and DDP shipping from China to Sweden.

Cargo insurance isn’t compulsory, but we recommend it when shipping from China to Sweden, especially for high-value goods.” “Without insurance, the maximum compensation offered by shipping carriers is $100, which is not sufficient to cover the value of your goods if there’s a loss or damage.” Given that the value of a single carton box already exceeds $500, insuring your cargo is the wise thing to do.

Importers love to track their shipment and know the real-time location of their package for peace of mind and proper inventory planning. Winsky Freight can always help you track your cargo, regardless of the shipping method used. If you prefer to track the shipment yourself, here’s how to go about it:

“Express Couriers: Tracking shipments sent via DHL, UPS, or FedEx is straightforward. Visit the courier’s website and enter your tracking number for real-time updates on your shipment’s location.”

DDP Air or Sea Freight: Your freight forwarder will provide you with a tracking number that you can use to monitor your shipment on the designated tracking site.

Please consult your freight forwarder if you have any questions about tracking your shipment or need an estimated arrival date.

Winsky Freight is a trusted Chinese freight forwarder with over 15 years of experience. We have successfully handled thousands of shipments for our clients from China to different parts of Europe, Australia, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. We offer the most affordable shipping thanks to our extensive network across many countries. What makes our services different?

We have exclusive deals with shipping carriers and logistics companies that enable us to offer competitive shipping rates at the shortest delivery time possible.

Winsky prioritizes the safe handling and packaging of goods to prevent loss and damage.

Our customer service is built on good communication and responsiveness. We understand that clients value being well-informed throughout the shipping process, and our team is dedicated to guiding you at every shipping stage.

With over 15 years of expertise in shipping goods and clearing customs between China and Sweden, we understand how to navigate the various challenges of international logistics and provide effective solutions that meet your needs.

Our thorough understanding of the customs process in Sweden ensures you meet all legal requirements to avoid delays and fines.

We offer our clients extra services like warehousing, packaging, low insurance premiums, and distribution support.

Shipping with Winsky Freight is very simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to our shipping procedures from China to Sweden.

1. Inform us once your goods are ready. We or your supplier will arrange pickup from the factory to our warehouse.
2. We’ll request that the supplier prepare all necessary shipping documents.
3. We inspect the goods when they arrive at our warehouse to verify the content, weight, and dimensions. Then, we provide you with feedback for confirmation.
4. We send you a shipping invoice for payment confirmation. Our pricing is transparent, and all costs are agreed upon before shipping.
5. We manage the export customs clearance process for sea freight shipments.
6. We give you the sea freight tracking number so you can monitor your shipment in transit.
7. Once the goods arrive at the destination seaport, our local partner in Sweden completes the import customs clearance and duty payments.
8. After clearing customs, our local partner will organize the delivery of your goods to your final destination in Sweden using truck or courier services.

Winsky accepts different payment methods to suit your international shipping needs.

• T/T Bank Transfer- Our primary option for bulk payments. It is secure and widely used for international transactions.
• PayPal- This is a quick option, but it is only suitable for smaller transactions due to PayPal’s higher handling fees, which are around 4.7% per transaction.
• com (formerly TransferWise)- A popular third-party payment platform known for its fast international transfers and lower bank handling fees. It is a fast and cheap payment method.
• MoneyGram- A reliable service for sending money quickly across borders.
• Western Union- One of the most popular means of transferring money internationally. It is fast and convenient for shipping transactions.

Now that you understand the shipping procedures from China to Sweden, you’re ready to embark on your shipping journey. Remember, the right freight forwarder can make your logistics process stress-free and affordable. With Winsky’s dependable and high-quality service, you can expect an exceptional shipping experience, even during the busiest seasons. Reach out  to us today if you need help with shipping, and we’ll respond within minutes.