Shipping from China to Portugal is a prime route for European importers, Amazon sellers, and global brands sourcing from Asia. This tutorial provides a complete, up-to-date, and practical overview of everything you need to know. It covers shipping methods, costs, transit times, customs procedures, documentation, duties, and tips to avoid delays. With this information, you’ll be able to make smarter, more informed shipping decisions.
Table of Contents:
Shipping methods from China to Portugal
You have several transport choices depending on urgency, budget, and cargo type:
Sea freight (Most popular & cost-effective)
Sea freight is the backbone of freight to Portugal and is ideal for medium to large shipments.
FCL: Full Container Load
- Recommended for shipments above 15–18 CBM
- Lower cost per unit
- More secure and stable transit schedule
- Ideal for bulky, heavy, or wholesale orders
LCL: Less than Container Load
- Cost-effective for small shipments
- You share container space with others
- Transit may be slightly longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation
Main Portuguese ports:
- Port of Sines– Deep-water port, major container hub
- Port of Lisbon– Convenient for central Portugal
- Port of Leixões– Best for northern Portugal
- Port of Setúbal – Handles both containers and bulk
Sea freight from China to Portugal remains the most cost-effective shipping option for quantities exceeding a few cartons.
Air freight (Fast and reliable)
Air freight is best for urgent orders, high-value goods, fashion items, electronics, or replenishment shipments.
Advantages:
- 3–7 days to Portugal
- Higher cargo security
- Stable airline routes
- Higher cost than sea freight
- Sensitive to airline strikes and capacity shortages
Lisbon Airport (LIS) and Porto Airport (OPO) handle the majority of air cargo from China.
Express courier (Fastest door-to-door option)
Ideal for samples, documents, and small parcels.
Common carriers:
- DHL
- UPS
- FedEx
- TNT
Delivery time: 1–4 days door-to-door.
Express services are simple, predictable, and include customs clearance. Prices are significantly higher per kg, but convenient for e-commerce and urgent shipments.
At ASLG, we help you choose the most suitable transportation route based on your cargo type, budget, and delivery requirements. Whether you need the fastest express service or the most cost-effective sea freight solution, our team designs optimized, high-value shipping plans. We ensure your goods move from China to Portugal smoothly, safely, and at the best possible cost.
Transit time from China to Portugal
Below are typical transit times under normal conditions:
| Mode | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight | 24–34 days |
| Air Freight | 3–7 days |
| Express Courier | 1–4 days |
Shipping costs from China to Portugal
Shipping costs vary based on seasonality, fuel surcharges, cargo type, weight, and available capacity. The table below summarizes the average market price ranges for different shipping methods.
| Method | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight – FCL (20ft) | USD 2,400–4,400 | |
| Sea Freight – FCL (40ft) | USD 4,100–6,100 | Ideal for bulk, wholesale, and heavy goods |
| Sea Freight – LCL | USD 70–190 per CBM | Cost-effective for shipments under ~10 CBM |
| Air Freight | USD 6.5–8.4/kg | Faster and more reliable for urgent goods |
| Express Courier | USD 8–15/kg | Fastest door-to-door option; varies by carrier |
For the most accurate pricing, request a customized quote from our shipping experts, as rates fluctuate weekly based on demand and capacity.
Portugal customs clearance overview
Portugal follows the European Union’s customs framework. All goods imported from China must complete EU customs clearance procedures before they can be released for delivery.
Required documents
The following documents are typically required when shipping from China to Portugal:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
- Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
- Product-specific certificates, such as CE certification, MSDS, or test reports
- HS Code declaration (correct classification is critical)
Customs officers may request additional documents depending on the product type, such as:
- Import licenses
- Compliance declarations
- Safety certificates
- Declarations for batteries, electronics, chemicals, or food products
Accurate and complete paperwork is essential for smooth and timely customs clearance.
Duties and VAT importing to Portugal
Duties (Customs Tariffs)
Import duty rates depend on the product’s:
- HS code classification
- Material composition
- Declared value
- Intended use
For most consumer goods imported from China, duty rates typically range from 0% to 12%.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Portugal applies the following VAT rates on imports:- 23% standard VAT (applies to most goods)
Reduced rates of 13% or 6%, covering items such as:
- Food products
- Books
- Magazines
- Agricultural supplies
- Certain essential goods
VAT is calculated on the total landed cost, which includes:
- CIF value (cost + insurance + freight)
- Import duties
- Other customs fees or service charges
Special customs requirements & import rules
You must follow specific customs rules depending on the product category. Typical requirements may include:
- Customs Declaration Form (DU – Declaração Aduaneira) filed by a broker or freight forwarder
- EORI number (mandatory for all EU importers)
- CE marking compliance for electronics, toys, machinery, and medical devices
- Packaging and labeling requirements for consumer products
- Restrictions or licensing for sensitive items such as chemicals, batteries, food, and pharmaceuticals
Failure to meet these requirements can cause delays, inspections, or penalties.
Impact of strikes, port congestion, and airline disruptions
Recent general strikes in Portugal have disrupted rail services, urban transport, and parts of the logistics sector. These actions primarily affect inland transportation, but they can also impact international shipping to Portugal when port operations slow down.
- Port delays: Reduced staffing at major ports such as Lisbon and Sines can slow container unloading and customs processing, resulting in longer dwell times.
- Rail disruptions: Nationwide rail strikes interrupt domestic container movement from ports to inland warehouses, affecting delivery schedules.
- Trucking delays: Driver shortages and strike-related protests can delay port pickups, inland transfers, and last-mile delivery.
- Air freight interruptions: Airline staff walkouts across Europe may reduce cargo capacity and cause short delays in air freight to Portugal.
To minimize risk, book earlier, monitor strike schedules, consider alternative ports or carriers, and work with a forwarder who can adjust routes quickly.
Tips for faster delivery & avoiding delays
- Double-check all export and import documents to ensure accuracy and avoid customs issues.
- Classify HS codes correctly to prevent inspections or clearance delays.
- Leverage strong, compliant packaging to protect goods during transit.
- Avoid peak shipping seasons such as the pre-Christmas period, Chinese New Year, and the summer shipping rush.
- Maintain clear communication with your China supplier regarding production, labeling, and documentation.
- Work with a freight forwarder that offers real-time tracking and proactive updates throughout the shipment.
Best freight forwarder from China to Portugal
ASLG delivers reliable, cost-effective, and fully customized logistics solutions for importers and e-commerce sellers shipping from China to Portugal. Our core strengths include:
- One-stop China–Portugal freight services
- Professional customs and documentation support
- China-based warehousing and value-added services
- Transparent pricing and tailored shipping routes
- E-commerce and Amazon FBA expertise
- Real-time tracking and dedicated customer support
Whether you need fast air freight, stable sea freight, or the cheapest route to Portugal, we keep your supply chain running smoothly.
FAQs: Shipping from China to Portugal
1. How long does shipping from China to Portugal take?
- Sea freight: 28–40 days
- Air freight:5–9 days
- Express courier: 3–7 days
Times may vary due to seasonal demand or strike-related disruptions.
2. What is the cheapest shipping method from China to Portugal?
Sea freight (LCL or FCL) is usually the cheapest option, especially for shipments above 1–2 CBM. For small parcels, Economy Express may also provide competitive rates.
3. How can I get an accurate shipping quote to Portugal?
You’ll need to provide details such as cargo weight, dimensions, HS code, packaging type, and desired shipping method. ASLG can prepare a customized quote within minutes.
