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Best shipping services provider from China to France.
Introduction
Since 2013, Welltrans Logistics has been a trusted partner for shipping from China to France, offering reliable, fast, and cost-effective solutions. Our comprehensive services include Air Freight, Sea Freight, Rail Freight, and Door-to-Door Delivery, ensuring seamless transportation from Chinese ports to destinations across France. With over a decade of expertise, we provide tailored logistics solutions to meet your unique needs.
Why Ship from China to France?
Growing Trade Between China and France
In recent years, the trade relationship between China and France has shown a significant upward trend, with both nations recognizing each other as crucial trading partners. Despite global economic challenges, bilateral trade volumes between China and France have continued to grow. This not only demonstrates the resilience of both economies but also signals immense potential for future cooperation. France, as a key European economy, has an increasing demand for Chinese goods; concurrently, China views France as an important trading and goods supply partner within the EU. While some trade imbalances and political complexities exist, both sides are actively working to strengthen their economic and trade ties.
Top Products Shipped from China to France
China’s robust manufacturing capabilities make it a leading exporter of a diverse range of products to France. Based on recent trade data, here are some of the top products frequently shipped from China to France:
- Electromechanical Products: As a testament to China’s competitive edge in manufacturing, electromechanical products are a primary export to France. For instance, in Q1 2024, electromechanical products accounted for 48.4% of Ningbo’s total exports to France, underscoring their significant importance.
- Telephones (Mobile Phones) & Other Transmitting/Receiving Equipment: These electronic goods are among China’s top exports to France, ranking among the top three Chinese export commodities to France in 2022.
- Automatic Data Processing Machines & Parts: Falling under the electronics category, China boasts a mature industry in this field, with a large volume of these products exported to France. This category also stood as one of China’s top three export commodities to France in 2022.
- Furniture: China’s well-developed furniture industry offers cost-effective solutions. According to relevant data, China’s furniture exports to France are substantial, with a 24.3% increase in Q1 2024 exports to France.
- Toys: China is a major global producer and exporter of toys. This sector is a significant export to France, with a notable 28% increase in toy exports from China to France in Q1 2024.
China as a Global Manufacturing & Export Hub
China is widely known as the world’s largest manufacturing base and exporter. From electronics and textiles to machinery and furniture, Chinese factories supply goods to nearly every country across the globe — with France being one of the key importers in Europe.
Thanks to its advanced production capacity, strong supply chain, and competitive pricing, sourcing products from China remains the top choice for global businesses. With thousands of suppliers and world-class ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo, China enables efficient large-scale exports.
At Welltrans Logistics, we help bridge the gap between Chinese manufacturers and global buyers by offering seamless shipping solutions from China to France — whether by sea, air, or rail.
Best Ways to Ship from China to France
France, as a key European destination, benefits from three primary shipping methods: Air Freight, Sea Freight, and Rail Freight. Each method offers unique advantages depending on your cargo size, urgency, and budget.
Air Freight from China to France
Air freight is the fastest way to ship goods from China to France, ideal for time-sensitive shipments.
- Transit Time: 4–5 days for standard air freight; 10–15 days for DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) air freight.
- Cost: $6.5–$9.5 per kg (lower rates for shipments over 300 kg, starting at $6.5/kg).
- Key Airports in France:
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): One of the world’s busiest airports, handling over 50 million passengers annually and serving as a major cargo hub.
- Paris Orly Airport (ORY): A key hub for Air France and other carriers, handling significant cargo volumes.
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS): A major logistics hub for southeastern France.
- Other notable airports: Nice (NCE), Marseille (MRS), Bordeaux (BOD), and Nantes (NTE).
- Advantages:
- Fastest shipping method for urgent deliveries.
- Competitive rates for small to medium-sized shipments.
- Direct and transit services available.
- Considerations: Costs are based on weight, with additional charges like fuel surcharges and terminal fees.
Sea Freight from China to France
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option, suitable for large or heavy shipments.
- Transit Time: 20–27 days (port-to-port); 30–35 days (door-to-door DDP).
- Cost:
- LCL (Less than Container Load): $100–$250 per cubic meter.
- FCL (Full Container Load):
- 20ft container: $3,050–$4,550.
- 40ft container: $3,850–$5,550.
- Key Chinese Ports: Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin, Dalian, Xiamen, Yingkou.
- Key French Ports:
- Port of Marseille: A major global port handling over 100 million tons of cargo annually.
- Port of Le Havre: A key gateway for containerized cargo.
- Other ports: Bordeaux, Lyon.
- Advantages:
- Cost-effective for bulk shipments.
- LCL option allows small businesses to ship smaller volumes at lower costs.
- Reliable schedules with fixed delivery timelines.
- Considerations: Longer transit times compared to air or rail freight.
Rail Freight from China to France
Rail freight offers a balance between speed and cost, making it a popular choice for many importers.
- Transit Time: 15–18 days (port-to-port); 25–30 days (DDP).
- Cost: $5,500–$8,000 for a 40ft container; $120–$180 per net ton.
- Key Routes: Direct trains from Beijing to Paris and Wuhan to Lyon, via Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and Poland.
- Advantages:
- Faster than sea freight, more affordable than air freight.
- Ideal for medium to large shipments.
- Environmentally friendly compared to air freight.
- Considerations: Limited to specific routes and schedules.
Door-to-Door Shipping (DDP/DDU)
Our door-to-door service simplifies the shipping process by handling everything from pickup at the supplier’s location in China to delivery at your address in France. This includes:
- Pickup: Collecting goods from your supplier.
- Transportation: Coordinating inland and international transport (air, sea, or rail).
- Customs Clearance: Managing all documentation and duties.
- Delivery: Final delivery to your doorstep.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller covers all costs, including tariffs and taxes, so you receive your goods without additional fees.
- Cost: $8.5–$15.00 per kg (air); $300 per cbm (sea).
- Transit Time: 10–15 days (air); 25–30 days (sea); 25–30 days (rail).
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Buyer handles duties and taxes upon arrival.
Courier Services
For small parcels, our courier services via DHL, FedEx, TNT, and Aramex offer fast delivery with significant discounts.
- Transit Time: 5–7 days.
- Cost: $12 per kg for packages up to 30 kg.
- Advantages: Includes customs clearance and competitive rates for small shipments.
Consolidation Services
For businesses sourcing from multiple suppliers, our consolidation service streamlines the process:
- Collect goods from different suppliers across China.
- Store in our warehouses located in major Chinese cities.
- Handle customs clearance and documentation.
- Combine shipments for cost-effective transport.
Shipping Costs from China to France (Updated March 2026)
Shipping costs from China to France vary depending on the method, cargo weight, volume, and route. Welltrans Logistics offers Sea Freight, Air Freight, Rail Freight, DDP, and Express options to meet your needs. Below is a summary of costs for each method, followed by detailed tables for sea and air freight routes.
| Shipping Method | Cost Range | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| LCL (Sea) | $100–$250 per cbm | 20–27 days (port-to-port); 30–35 days (DDP) |
| FCL (20ft) | $3,050–$4,550 | 20–27 days (port-to-port); 30–35 days (DDP) |
| FCL (40ft) | $3,850–$5,550 | 20–27 days (port-to-port); 30–35 days (DDP) |
| Air Freight | $6.5–$9.5 per kg ($6.5 for 300+ kg) | 4–5 days; 10–15 days (DDP) |
| Rail Freight | $5,500–$8,000 (40ft); $120–$180 per ton | 15–18 days; 25–30 days (DDP) |
| Courier | $12 per kg (up to 30 kg) | 5–7 days |
Sea Freight Costs from China to France
ea freight is ideal for large or heavy cargo, offering cost-effective rates with transit times of 20–35 days (port-to-port) or 30–35 days (door-to-door DDP). Below are estimated costs for major routes:
| Departure Port in China | Arrival Port in France | Estimated Transit Time | Cost (20ft Container) | Cost (40ft Container) | LCL Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Marseille | 35–40 days | $3,050 | $4,150 | $100–$200 per cbm |
| Ningbo | Le Havre | 36–42 days | $3,550 | $4,150 | $100–$200 per cbm |
| Shenzhen | Fos-sur-Mer | 30–40 days | $3,150 | $3,850 | $100–$200 per cbm |
| Guangzhou | Dunkirk | 32–41 days | $3,250 | $3,950 | $100–$200 per cbm |
| Qingdao | Marseille | 33–45 days | $3,550 | $4,250 | $100–$200 per cbm |
| Hong Kong | Le Havre | 25–30 days | $3,250 | $3,850 | $100–$200 per cbm |
| Tianjin | Marseille | 30–35 days | $3,650 | $4,350 | $100–$200 per cbm |
| Dalian | Le Havre | 30–35 days | $3,250 | $3,650 | $100–$200 per cbm |
| Xiamen | Fos-sur-Mer | 24–30 days | $3,050 | $4,050 | $100–$200 per cbm |
| Yingkou | Dunkirk | 30–35 days | $3,150 | $3,850 | $100–$200 per cbm |
Learn more about shipping cost from China to France via our knowleague center.
Air Freight Costs from China to France
Air freight is the fastest option, ideal for high-value or time-sensitive cargo, with transit times of 4–8 days (standard) or 7–15 days (DDP). Costs range from $5–$12 per kg, with door-to-door shipments of 200 kg costing approximately $1,500–$1,800. Below are estimated air freight rates for major routes, reflecting July 2025 market conditions:
| Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in France | Estimated Transit Time | Cost (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 4–8 days | $5.0–$9.5 |
| Beijing Capital (PEK) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 4–8 days | $5.2–$9.8 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 4–8 days | $4.8–$9.2 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) | Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) | 4–8 days | $4.5–$9.0 |
| Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) | Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) | 4–8 days | $5.0–$9.5 |
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) | 4–8 days | $5.3–$9.7 |
| Beijing Capital (PEK) | Marseille Provence (MRS) | 4–8 days | $5.5–$10.0 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) | Marseille Provence (MRS) | 4–8 days | $5.0–$9.5 |
| Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 4–8 days | $4.7–$9.3 |
| Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 4–8 days | $5.1–$9.6 |
Notes:
- Costs are based on standard air freight rates and may vary due to fuel surcharges, airport fees, or cargo type (e.g., hazardous materials or perishables).
- For shipments over 200 kg, bulk discounts may apply, reducing rates closer to $4.3–$6 per kg.
- Transit times exclude customs clearance and inland transport, which may add 1–3 days.
- Contact Welltrans Logistics for precise quotes tailored to your shipment’s weight, volume, and route.
Learn more about shipping cost from China to France via our knowleague center.
How Long Does It Take to Ship from China to France by Different Methods?
How Long Sea Shipping From China To France
| From | To | Transit Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | China | France | 25 to 30 days |
| Sea Freight DDP | China | France | 30 to 35 days |
| Sea Freight | Hong Kong | France | 25 to 30 days |
| Sea Freight | Chongqing | France | 27 to 30 days |
| Sea Freight | Fuzhou | France | 24 to 30 days |
| Sea Freight | Huangpu | France | 23 to 30 days |
| Sea Freight | Nansha | France | 23 to 30 days |
| Sea Freight | Shanghai | France | 26 to 30 days |
| Sea Freight | Guangzhou | France | 23 to 30 days |
| Sea Freight | Shenzhen | France | 23 to 30 days |
| Sea Freight | Xiamen | France | 24 to 30 days |
The transit time from China to France is approximately 20–27 days for port-to-port shipping, while door-to-door shipping takes approximately 30 to 35 days by sea.
How Long Does Air Freight Take from China to France
Shipping goods from China to France via air freight takes between 4 to 5 days and is an economical and the fastest method for importing products. Shipments via express delivery typically take 5 to 7 business days for completion.
| Departure Airport in China | Arrival Airport in France | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 4–6 days |
| Beijing Capital (PEK) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 4–7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 5–7 days |
| Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) | Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) | 5–8 days |
| Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) | Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) | 5–8 days |
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Marseille Provence (MRS) | 5–7 days |
| Beijing Capital (PEK) | Marseille Provence (MRS) | 5–8 days |
Notes:
- Transit times include flight duration and ground handling but exclude delays from customs clearance or intermodal transfers, which may add 1–3 days.
- Express delivery (e.g., via DHL, FedEx, UPS) is faster (3–7 days) but costs more, typically $10.5 per kg.
- DDP air freight includes customs clearance and door-to-door delivery, extending transit times to 7–15 days but simplifying logistics for importers.
- Costs for air freight range from $5–$12 per kg, with bulk shipments over 200 kg potentially reducing to $4.3–$6 per kg. For example, a 200 kg shipment from PVG to CDG costs approximately $1,500–$1,800 door-to-door.
How Long It Takes from China to France by Rail
For businesses seeking a balance between speed and cost, rail freight via the China-Europe Railway Express is a viable alternative to air and sea freight. Transit times from China to France by rail typically range from 15–20 days, significantly faster than sea freight (25–40 days) but slower than air freight. For example, a shipment from Xi’an Rail Terminal to Valenton Terminal, Paris, takes approximately 15–18 days. Rail freight costs $6,800–$9,500 for a 40ft container or $150–$250 per cbm, making it more economical than air freight for medium-sized shipments.
Comparison with Air Freight:
- Speed: Air freight (4–8 days) is 2–3 times faster than rail (15–20 days), making it preferable for urgent goods.
- Cost: Rail freight is cheaper than air freight ($5–$12/kg), ideal for non-urgent, high-volume cargo.
- Suitability: Rail suits inland origins (e.g., Chengdu, Chongqing) and bulk goods, while air freight is better for high-value or lightweight items.
In this Section you can learn more about shipping lead time from China to France.
Door to Door Shipping From China To France
Door-to-door service is an integrated transport solution where Welltrans Logistics manages the entire process from the origin (your supplier’s location in China) to the final destination (your address in France). This service includes picking up the goods, managing transport (air, sea, or rail), handling customs clearance, and delivering the goods to your door.
Door-to-door service usually includes:
- Pickup: Collecting the goods from the Chinese supplier or manufacturer.
- Transportation: Coordinating inland transportation within China and international transportation to France (air, sea, or rail).
- Customs clearance: Handling all necessary customs documents and formalities at the origin and destination.
- Delivery: Delivering the goods from the French port, airport, or rail terminal to the consignee’s address.
When the door-to-door transport service includes DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms, the seller is responsible for all aspects of the logistics process and bears all related costs, including transportation fees, tariffs, VAT, and customs clearance fees. This means the buyer only needs to sign for the goods upon receipt, without dealing with customs clearance or paying additional fees.
Door to Door Shipping Time From China To France
- DDP air freight to France typically takes 10–15 days.
- DDP sea shipping to France typically takes 30–35 days.
- DDP rail freight to France typically takes 25–30 days.
DDP Shipping from China to France
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping means that Welltrans Logistics, as the seller, bears all costs and risks in France, including transportation costs, insurance premiums, tariffs, and other import fees. For buyers, this ensures no additional fees upon arrival and eliminates the need to handle complex customs clearance procedures.
Why use DDP shipping from China to France?
- Reduce trade barriers: DDP eliminates the need for importers to navigate cumbersome customs clearance procedures and pay high tariffs, reducing trade barriers and promoting bilateral trade.
- Improve trade efficiency: With the seller handling all transportation and customs clearance, buyers only need to receive the goods, simplifying the import process and improving efficiency.
- Promote SMEs in international trade: For small and medium-sized enterprises, international logistics and customs can be complex and costly. DDP provides a straightforward solution, enabling easier participation in global trade.
- Reduce risks: In today’s complex trade environment, increased tariffs and non-tariff barriers create uncertainty. DDP reduces buyer risks by having the seller cover all tariffs and import fees.
DDP Shipping Cost from China to France
| From | To | Transit Time | LCL Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight DDP | China | France | 25 to 30 days | $300 per cbm |
| Air Freight DDP | China | France | 10 to 15 days | $8.5 to 15.00 per kg |
Customs Clearance Documents
To import goods from China to France, the following documents are required:
- Commercial Invoice: Details the value and description of the goods.
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: Proof of shipment provided by the carrier.
- Packing List: Lists the contents and specifications of the shipment.
- Certificate of Origin: Verifies the country of origin for customs purposes.
- Import License: Required for restricted or regulated items.
Welltrans Logistics handles all customs documentation, ensuring compliance and a smooth import process.
Why Welltrans Logistics?
As a leading freight forwarder, Welltrans Logistics simplifies international shipping with:
- Specialized China-to-France Expertise: With over a decade of experience on the China-to-France route, we have established long-term partnerships with trusted customs brokers, trucking companies, and warehousing services in France, ensuring seamless customs clearance and efficient last-mile delivery.
- Expertise: In-depth knowledge of China-to-France shipping routes.
- Transparency: Real-time cargo tracking and clear cost breakdowns.
- Efficiency: Streamlined processes to avoid delays.
- Flexibility: Solutions for businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises.
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