Shipping from China to Spain is a mature and stable trade lane. But costs, transit time, and customs requirements vary significantly based on how you handle the shipment. This practical, updated guide helps you ship to Spain with confidence and control.
Shipping methods from China to Spain
Sea freight from China to Spain
Sea freight remains the most economical solution for commercial shipments.
You can choose:
- FCL (Full Container Load): Recommended for cargo above 15–18 CBM
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for smaller volumes
Main ports in Spain
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Algeciras
- Bilbao
Typical transit time:
25–35 days port-to-port, depending on routing and congestion.
Ocean freight is commonly used for furniture, machinery, building materials, general cargo, out-of-gauge cargo, and DG cargo.
Air freight to Spain from China
On the other hand, air freight is faster but comes at a higher cost.
Best for:
- High-value goods
- Preshiable cargo
- Urgent orders
- Electronics and time-sensitive cargo
Typical transit time:
5–10 days, including customs clearance.
Rates are volatile and strongly affected by fuel surcharges and peak seasons.
Door-to-door shipping
Generally, door-to-door shipping combines international transport, customs clearance, and inland delivery.
- Available for sea freight and air freight
- Can be arranged as DAP or DDP
- Widely used for shipping to Barcelona and inland Spanish cities
This option reduces coordination work and is particularly practical for first-time importers and e-commerce sellers delivering to inland locations via Barcelona or Madrid. But remember to require clear cost breakdowns in advance.
As a leading freight forwarder in China, we can evaluate your shipment and recommend the most efficient option based on cost, transit time, and customs requirements.
Shipping cost from China to Spain (Updated reference)
| Shipping Method | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| LCL Sea Freight | USD 80 - 150/CBM |
| FCL 20GP | USD 1,200 - 2,500 |
| FCL 40HQ | USD 1,900 - 3,800 |
| Air Freight | USD 3.5 - 6.5/kg |
| Express | USD 8 - 15/kg |
What really affects cost
- Cargo volume or chargeable weight
- Container type (standard, flat rack, open top, reefer)
- Fuel surcharges
- Peak season (Aug–Oct, pre-Christmas)
- Port congestion and equipment availability
Therefore, importers should always focus on total landed cost, not just the ocean or air rate.
Transit time from China to Spain
| Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (Port to Port) | 28 - 38 days |
| Sea Door-to-Door | 40 - 58 days |
| Air Freight (Airport to Airport) | 3 - 5 days |
| Air Door-to-Door | 10 - 15 days |
| Express | 3 - 5 working days |
Delays usually occur due to port congestion, customs inspections, or incomplete documentation rather than the transport itself. Here are articles that explain the most common reasons behind them and provide practical guidance on how to resolve these issues effectively.
Customs clearance in Spain: Key regulations to note
Spanish customs strictly apply EU regulations. Importers should pay special attention to:
- Accurate HS code classification
- Realistic declared value matching payment records
- Product compliance with EU standards (CE, REACH, RoHS, etc.)
- Mandatory EORI registration before import
First-time importers are more likely to be selected for inspection.
Required documents for Shipping to Spain
Standard documents required for customs clearance in Spain include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (sea freight) or Air Waybill (air freight)
- EORI Number (mandatory for EU importers)
Special or additional documents (When Applicable)
Depending on the cargo type, Spanish customs may also require:
- Certificate of Origin (for preferential duty or trade compliance)
- Import License (for restricted goods)
- MSDS (mandatory for dangerous goods)
- CE Declaration of Conformity (for electronics, machinery, toys)
- 1 Certificate (if applicable under trade agreements)
Instead, all imports must be declared using the EU Single Administrative Document (SAD), filed in Spain as the DUA (Documento Único Administrativo).
China export customs clearance (Brief overview)
However, customs clearance for shipping from China to Spain does not start at the Spanish port—it begins at the origin.
Before cargo departs from China, exporters must complete China export customs clearance, including export declaration, HS code verification, and all required compliance checks.
To better understand the export-side requirements and common risks, this article provides a clear and practical explanation of the process:
China Export Clearance GuideBecause China export clearance and Spain import clearance must align perfectly, even small documentation or compliance errors can result in delays, additional inspections, or unexpected costs.
Airsupply, with extensive experience in both Chinese export procedures and Spanish/EU import regulations, helps importers minimize risk and keep shipments moving smoothly.
DDP shipping to Spain: When it works and when it doesn’t
DDP shipping from China to Spain is suitable when:
- You do not have an EU EORI number
- You prefer a fixed, all-in landed cost
- You are shipping to multiple locations across Spain
DDP is not recommended when:
- You need to reclaim import VAT in Spain
- You want direct control over customs declarations
- Your cargo value is high, and tax exposure is significant
In these cases, DDP can reduce transparency and increase overall costs.
Conclusion
Shipping from China to Spain works best when cost planning, transit time, and regulatory compliance are aligned from the beginning. We provide reliable freight solutions from China to Spain, covering ocean freight, air freight, door-to-door delivery, and customs coordination. Explore our solution now!
