Shipping a package to China: all the ins & outs

China is a key trading partner for many Dutch businesses. Whether you’re supplying products to a distributor, sending goods to a customer in Beijing, or shipping a package to a factory in Shenzhen—preparation is essential. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about international shipping to China, helping you avoid surprises and ensure a smooth delivery.

Customs documents: a crucial step

When shipping outside the EU, customs forms are mandatory. For China, it’s especially important to be precise—Chinese customs are known for their strict checks. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays or even rejection of your package.

You’ll need:

A commercial invoice with a clear description of contents in English
Optionally, the correct HS codes for accurate calculation of import duties

Tip: Be as specific as possible—and write in English. So not just “accessories”, but “plastic phone case for iPhone 15”. This helps avoid confusion at customs.

Be mindful of what you’re sending

Not everything can be shipped to China. Watch out for:

Certain foods or supplements, like animal feed containing dairy ingredients
Electronic equipment without proper certification
Books or printed materials with political or religious content

Always check which products are on the restricted list beforehand. Rules may vary per province and can change regularly. Checking in advance helps you avoid your shipment being held, returned, or destroyed.

Account for local import duties and VAT

In most cases, the recipient in China pays the import duties, VAT, and customs clearance fees. Make sure to communicate this clearly with your customer or partner to avoid delays or rejected deliveries.

Tip: Indicate whether you’re shipping under DAP (Delivered At Place) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). With DAP, the recipient pays the fees; with DDP, the sender covers them. This ensures everyone knows what to expect.

Choose the right route and shipping method

There are multiple ways to ship a package to China:

Air freight: fast and suitable for smaller volumes
Sea freight: cost-effective for larger shipments, but slower
Rail transport: ideal for both small and large volumes—faster than sea, more affordable than air
Express services: best for urgent deliveries

The best option depends on what you’re shipping. How big and heavy is it? How fast does it need to arrive? Is the content fragile? Also consider the timing. For example, Chinese New Year can cause major delays due to increased shipping volume. Planning ahead helps avoid disruption.

Sending an international package? Let us help

Shipping to China requires careful preparation. With different rules, long distances, and strict customs, it pays to have a partner who knows the ropes—and can take work off your hands.

At Team Freight Forwarding, we help businesses ship internationally every day. With our TFF Xpress portal, you can manage it all yourself—or leave it completely to us.