Shipping from China to Spain has become increasingly popular as trading relationships between the two countries continue to strengthen. Global freight shipping costs vary considerably depending on the chosen route, speed, demand for shipping capacity, and mode of transportation.
If you’re looking to import from China to Spain and need advice on regulations, duties, and organising the whole operation then this article is for you! How long does a package take from China to Spain? Get answers to this and other frequently asked questions here…
How long does a shipment take from China to Spain?
Shipment times of exporting from China depend mainly on the distance and the service chosen. Some companies can offer delivery solutions in up to 72 hours, but this may not take into account customs clearance procedures.
Couriers usually need an average of nine days to deliver goods between these countries, with fast or express shipments being delivered in one to two business days.
In general, you should typically expect ocean freight to take around four to six weeks to ship from China to Spain. The following transit times are simply a guide to ocean shipping durations:
- Shanghai to Barcelona: 35 days
- Shanghai to Valencia: 32 days
- Shanghai to Algiers: 41 days
- Guangzhou to Bilbao: 41 days
How long does a package take from China to Spain by plane?
Shipping items by plane can be completed in as little as one to two days. Freight options may include standard, economy, and expedited. The pros of air freight include this efficient fast delivery, high security, shipping tracking, and no risk of damage or theft.
What are the modes of transport from China to Spain?
Cargo can be shipped from China via sea, air, or rail:
Sea freight
Sea freight is one of the most popular shipping methods due to lower costs, higher cargo volumes, and the options of full or not full container loads. It can take from 32 up to 55 days from China’s largest commercial Port of Shanghai. Container shipping can be extremely economical and can be organised from port to port or even door to door.
Airfreight
Air shipping is by far the fastest method making the transit time for small cargo in days rather than weeks. In addition to this high speed, the security of your goods is increased.
There are generally two categories to choose from: traditional or express, and as soon as a flight becomes available your goods will be sent.
Rail shipping
Rail shipping is used less frequently but is a convenient mode of transport between countries and cities. It can be used for heavy and bulky loads and is most economical for longer distances. Rail transport can take around 15 to 18 days.
What are the main shipping seaports in Spain?
Port of Barcelona
This is Spain’s leading port and handles around 24% of the country’s foreign maritime trade. It’s part of a unique European logistics hub that includes the port itself, Barcelona El Prat Airport, Zona Franca, Mercabarna, and ZAL-Port reaching 43 million consumers in less than 48 hours.
Port of Valencia
The Port of Valencia is the nearest sea gateway to the capital Madrid and is one of the main ports of eastern Spain. It’s near to the port of Alicante in the south and east of the western side of the Gulf of Valencia. This port is able to handle a large variety of shipments.
Port of Algiers
The port of Algiers is Spain’s largest container and crude oil import port. It’s located at the crossroads between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and is about 120 km from Malaga airport.
Port of Bilbao
This port is one of the most important in Europe in terms of transport and infrastructure. It’s a logistics hub and maritime route linking it to about 900 other ports worldwide. It’s able to receive any vessel or cargo without restriction and offers intermodal links to cover any part of the Iberian Peninsula.
What are the rules of import from China to Spain?
Imported goods must be declared to customs authorities when they exit and enter a different country. The formalities of declaration, inspection, taxation and release must all be carried out before the owner can take delivery of the goods.
You can calculate customs duties and taxes by determining customs value, the origin of goods, and tariff type. The Harmonised System database is the best solution here to check any taxes and duties applied to your product.
Need someone to handle everything on your behalf?
DRG Solutions can help with any international courier services to and from China. You’ll get all the help and advice you need with regards to the best option for your delivery, from multimodal transportation solutions to storage logistics. The most suitable services will be hand-picked for your particular needs, and you can just sit back and relax whilst all the formalities are taken care of for you!
