Today, we’ll dive into the freight options for shipping from China to Poland and the steps involved in navigating customs clearance. We also will break down key aspects like duties and taxes in Poland, demystifying industry jargon so you can make informed decisions. Keep reading!
How much does it cost to ship from China to Poland?
Shipping costs from China to Poland vary based on the method of transport, package size, and shipping requirements. Here’s an overview of current rates:
Air shipping cost per kg
- Standard air freight: $8–$11 per kg for general cargo.
- Express delivery: $15–$35 per kg, suitable for urgent, door-to-door shipments.
Sea Freight cost
- Shenzhen to Gdańsk:
- 20’GP container: approximately $3,000
- 40’GP container: around $4,960
- LCL to Warsaw: $55–$150 per CBM, depending on cargo size and requirements.
Key considerations
Shipping rates fluctuate with seasonal demand, carrier pricing strategies, and market trends. For instance, peak seasons like pre-holiday periods often see higher costs, while off-season rates can be more competitive. For accurate and competitive pricing, our logistics experts can provide transparent, all-inclusive quotes tailored to your needs.
What shipping modes are available from China to Poland?
Air Freight from China to Poland
Airfreight from China to Poland is a top choice for time-sensitive and high-value shipments. Major cargo can be flown directly to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) or other Polish destinations like Wroclaw (WRO) and Krakow (KRK) in just 3 to 5 days.
While air freight costs are higher than sea or rail transport, it offers unparalleled speed, reliability, and convenience. It also provides flexibility in scheduling, making it easier to handle tight deadlines or fluctuating supply chain demands.
Air cargo from China typically departs from major hubs in China like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. These established routes ensure consistent service to Poland, catering to various industries and shipment sizes.
Sea freight from China to Poland
Sea freight is the most cost-effective way to ship goods from China to Poland. Beyond affordability, it can handle large, bulky shipments and even hazardous materials.
There are three main vessel types used in sea freight: container ships, breakbulk vessels, and RO-RO (roll-on/roll-off) ships, each suited to different cargo needs.
When shipping from China to Poland, you can choose between two primary methods:
- FCL (Full Container Load): A single client’s goods fill an entire container. This option is not only more cost-effective per unit but also faster.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Smaller shipments share container space with other clients heading to the same destination. While flexible, LCL involves extra handling (e.g., warehousing, paperwork), making it slower and slightly more expensive per unit than FCL.
Typically, westbound containers take around 40 days to reach Poland’s main port, Gdańsk, from major Chinese seaports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Qingdao. With comprehensive coverage of key ports in both countries, we simplify the China-to-Poland shipping process, offering reliable and tailored solutions for your needs.
Rail Freight from China to Poland
Rail shipping from China to Poland has emerged as a key logistics method, offering a perfect balance of cost and speed. It’s cheaper than air freight and significantly faster than sea freight, making it a popular choice in today’s supply chains.
Poland is a vital gateway for China-Europe freight trains, with approximately 90% of these trains either transiting or arriving in Poland. Major hubs like Malaszewice and Warsaw are central to this network.
The average transit time for rail freight from Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Zhengzhou to Lodz, Poland, is 15 days on average. Rail services connecting China to Poland have been operational for years, consistently delivering thousands of TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually.
How much is the import tax in Poland?
As a member of the European Union, Poland adheres to the EU’s unified trade policy. This means import duty rates remain consistent across all member states.
Import taxes and duties depend on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of the goods, their classification, and shipping terms. Here’s a simplified breakdown of Poland’s import tax system:
1. Value-added tax (VAT)
Poland’s VAT rate is typically 23%. This percentage applies to the customs value of the goods plus any duty charges. For instance, if your shipment has a CIF value of $10,000 and incurs $500 in duty, the VAT calculation would include both amounts.
2. Customs duties
Duty rates vary depending on the product’s Harmonized System (HS) code. Each product category has a specific duty rate. You can check accurate duty rates in the TARIC database (Integrated Tariff of the European Community).
Managing duties and taxes can be challenging, especially for businesses with frequent shipments. Our ASLG DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping service streamlines the process by handling all customs-related formalities.
How to ensure smooth customs clearance in Poland?
Efficient shipping from China to Poland relies on proper documentation, accurate labeling, and compliance with international standards. These steps are critical to avoiding delays during customs clearance.
When your cargo arrives at a seaport, rail terminal, or airport in Poland, it must undergo customs clearance before release. This process typically takes 1–2 days after the cargo’s arrival and is often completed the same day, provided all documents are in order.
What documents are needed?
- Commercial invoice: Details the value and description of goods.
- Packing list: Provides specific shipment details like weight, volume, and item count.
- Bill of lading or air waybill: Proof of shipment and delivery instructions.
- Permits or certificates: Product-specific documents, such as health or safety certificates (if applicable).
At Airsupply, our in-house customs brokers in Poland seamlessly handle your import customs declaration. From ensuring compliance with local regulations to managing paperwork, we take care of every step, giving you peace of mind.
What is the cheapest shipping way for Poland from China?
Finding the most cost-effective shipping solution from China to Poland depends on your budget, timeline, and shipment type. With direct partnerships with first-hand carriers, ASLG provide highly competitive rates to cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and beyond.
We offers a comprehensive range of logistics services, including sea, air, rail, and multi-modal transport, ensuring safe and timely delivery tailored to your needs.
FAQs:
How long does shipping from China to Poland take?
Shipping time from China to Poland varies based on the transportation method you choose:
- Air freight: Perfect for urgent shipments, typically arriving within 3–5 days.
- Sea freight: Ideal for large shipments, this option takes approximately 30–45 days.
- Rail freight: A balanced choice between cost and speed, with transit times of 15–20 days.
- Express shipping: The fastest option is deliveries in 1–3 days.
Which products are prohibited from importing into Poland?
- Unapproved pharmaceuticals
- Tobacco without proper labeling
- Narcotics and recreational drugs
- Materials related to child exploitation
- Counterfeit money, brands, or knock-offs
- Firearms, ammunition, or explosives without permits
- Endangered plants, animals, or derivatives (CITES listed)
- Hazardous waste
- Radioactive materials without licenses
- Pirated media or fake trademarks
- Illegally exported cultural artifacts
- Goods from embargoed countries without authorization
Which Incoterm is most commonly used?
The most commonly used Incoterms for importing goods from China to Poland are:
- EXW (Ex-Works): You handle everything from the supplier’s factory onward. It is ideal for those seeking oversight of the shipping process.
- FOB (Free on Board): The supplier covers local costs up to the port, leaving you in charge of international shipping and beyond. It’s a well-balanced option for most importers.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The supplier manages shipping and insurance to your port, offering convenience but often at a higher cost and reduced flexibility.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The supplier handles everything, including customs clearance, taxes, and delivery to yourdoor, offering the highest level of convenience for you.
At Airsupply, we simplify your logistics, whether you’re working with EXW, FOB, or CIF terms. Our end-to-end service includes freight management, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery, making your shipping from China to Poland seamless.
