Shipping costs from China to Finland generally range as follows: approximately $2,500–$4,800 for a 20-foot sea container and $2,800–$5,500 for a 40-foot container; rail transport costs $1–$3 per kilogram, while air freight costs $5–$10 per kilogram. Transit times are typically 30–45 days for sea freight and 3–8 days for air freight. Additionally, SYNHOPE LOGISTICS offers Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and door-to-door shipping services from China to Finland.
Finland has long been an important Nordic trading partner of China, and the two countries have close economic relations. From January to November 2023, the bilateral import and export volume of goods between China and Finland was US$7,583.6066 million, of which the total value of China’s exports to Finland was US$3,021.984 million, and the total value of China’s imports from Finland was US$4,561.6226 million.
So, if you are planning to import Chinese products to Finland, this article on shipping from China to Finland is perfect for you! This page outlines important information about sea and air freight from China to Finland. You can find detailed information about different shipping options, costs, transit times, customs clearance procedures, and import and export ports here.
shipping from China to Finland
When shipping from China to Finland, you can choose to ship by air or sea. Each mode of transportation has certain advantages and disadvantages. You will find more information about these in the following sections.
Sea Freight From China to Finland
When shipping via ocean freight, you have two options:
Full Container Load (FCL)
You pay for the use of the entire container
This is used for sending heavy and large cargo
Your cargo will be blocked throughout the process
Benefits include less handling, less risk of damage, and less opportunity for delays
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Your shipment is shipped with other shippers’ shipments
This is the cheapest option when shipping small shipments
You only pay for the space your goods use
Suitable for frequent loading and unloading of small cargo
Major ports in finland
Helsinki Helsingfors
Port overview:
Finland’s main foreign trade port.
Specializing in the import of consumer goods.
Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea.
Handles more than half of Finland’s imported goods.
Owner: City of Helsinki.
Annual container throughput: >509,000 TEU.
UN/Article Code: FIHEL.
Uriborg (Oulu)
Port overview:
It consists of three independent ports at the mouth of the Olujoki River.
Container freight from all over the world is handled at the Oritikan Terminal Complex.
The largest port in the Gulf of Bothnia.
As a major logistics center, it has sea, rail and road routes.
Owner: City of Oulu.
Annual container throughput: >51,000 TEU.
UN/ARTICLE CODE: FIOUL.
Hamina Kotka
Port overview:
It was formed in 2011 from the merger of the ports of Hamina and Kotka.
The port with the largest container throughput in Finland.
Musalo Container Terminal is the largest container terminal in Finland, with an annual throughput of 1.5 million TEU.
Located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Finland.
Owner: HaminaKotka Satama Oy.
Annual container throughput: >55,000 TEU.
UN/Article Code: FIKTK.
Rauma
Port overview:
Ideal for West Finland buyers.
The largest container port on the west coast of Finland.
Nearly 250,000 TEUs were handled in 2017.
Featuring impressive container terminals, warehousing facilities and new port roads.
Owner: Port of Rauma.
Annual container throughput: >278,000 TEU.
UN/ARTICLE CODE: FIRAU.
Air Freight From China to Finland
If time is of the essence and you need to ship your goods from China to Finland quickly, then air freight is what you need. The distance between China and Finland is relatively long, and air transportation generally takes about 4 to 8 days. This includes the time required for customs clearance and delivery. Note that the price you pay for speed and flexibility is likely to be much higher than with ocean shipping.
Why choose air freight from China to Finland?
- Recommended if you care more about speed than cost
- Ideal for perishable and fragile goods
- It provides a higher level of security
- Your goods won’t be handled frequently, so there’s less risk of damage
- Rates are more cost effective for shipments under 100 kg
Main airports in Finland
Helsinki
Airport overview:
Finland’s main international airport.
Located north of the city center.
Cargo facilities are primarily located in the southeastern area of the airport.
The state-of-the-art cargo center is dedicated to storing and handling large quantities of temperature-sensitive cargo.
China Internet Airport: Beijing Capital Airport, Guangzhou Airport, Nanjing Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport.
IATA code: HEL.
You may also be interested in:: Shipping from China to Sweden
Shipping from China to Finland: Rates, Transit Times, and DDP
| Shipping Method | From China to Finland (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 2,650 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Freight(40ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,400 for a 40ft container |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 100 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 500 for 100kg (Approx. USD 5.0 per kilo) |
| Rail Freight | Approx. USD 8,000 to USD 12,000 for a full container load |
| Door-to-Door Shipping | Approx. USD 5.5 to 10 per kgs or approx. USD150 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 5.5 to 10 per kgs |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 100 to 300 per cbm (m3) |
| DDP Rail Freight | Approx. USD 200 to 400 per cbm (m3) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 10.5 per Kgs |
You might be interested in: Shipping from China to Finland: Rates, Transit Times, and DDP
The final shipping cost from China to Finland depends on several factors. Before preparing a quote, your freight forwarder may ask for the following details:
Nature of your shipment
Your preferred shipping method (FCL, LCL, air freight)
The weight and dimensions of your shipment
Origin and destination
Service type (e.g. port-to-port, door-to-door)
Cost Of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container From China To Finland
Shipping a container from China to Finland typically costs between USD 2,500 and USD 5,500. The table below lists the cheapest prices for loading and shipping containers from major ports in China to Finland. These prices are for 20-foot and 40-foot containers (FCL) that can be used to load all types of cargo, such as commercial goods, vehicles, or personal belongings, for international transport to Finland.
| Container shipping service to Finland | Type of container | Ocean freight rates to Finland: |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai to Finland | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average prices from: $2650 20FT average prices from: $3350 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao to Finland | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average prices from: $2950 20FT average prices from: $3650 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen to Finland | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average prices from: $2750 20FT average prices from: $3450 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin to Finland | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average prices from: $3050 20FT average prices from: $3850 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo to Finland | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average prices from: $2950 20FT average prices from: $3750 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong to Finland | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average prices from: $3050 20FT average prices from: $3950 40FT |
| How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou to Finland | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL | average prices from: $2950 20FT average prices from: $3850 40FT |
Related recommendations:
- Sea Freight From China | Door to Door and DDP Sea Freight- SYNHOPE LOGISTICS
- Sea Freight From China | Door to Door and DDP Sea Freight- SYNHOPE LOGISTICS
Air Freight Price From China To Finland
| WEIGHT RANGE | +100 KG | +300 KG | + 500 KG | + 1000 KG |
| UNIT PRICE ( USD/KG) | $5.2-$9.6 | $4.8-$8.6 | $4.2-$7.5 | $3.6-$6.5 |
Taking air shipment from Beijing to Finland as an example:
| POL-POD | Beijing PEK – Helsinki HEL |
| AIRLINE | CA ( Air China ) |
| FLIGHT | Daily |
| ROUTE | Via Frankfurt FRA |
| T/T | 4-6 Days |
| Cost | $5 to $10 per kilogram |
How long does it take to ship from China to Finland?
Shipments via air carriers typically take 3 to 8 days to arrive, while LCL or FCL ocean shipments take 30 to 45 days to arrive.
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight + Road | 30 to 45 days |
| Rail Freight | 16 to 22 days |
| Air Freight | 3 to 8 days |
| Express Shipping | 2 to 5 days |
Sea Freight From time China To Finland
The maritime trade route from China to Finland travels west from the People’s Republic of China, bypassing much of Europe to reach the Nordic country. The estimated shipping times for FCL and LCL shipping from China to Finland are as follows:
| Departure Port in China | Arrival Port in Finland | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Port | Port of Helsinki | 30-40 days |
| Ningbo Port | Port of Helsinki | 32-42 days |
| Shenzhen Port | Port of Kotka-Hamina | 33-43 days |
| Qingdao Port | Port of Turku | 35-46 days |
| Tianjin Port | Port of Helsinki | 36-48 days |
Shanghai to Helsinki – 36 days for FCL, 38 days for LCL
Shenzhen to Helsinki – 40 days FCL and LCL
Xiamen to Helsinki – 36 days for FCL, 42 days for LCL
Shekou to Helsinki – 41 days FCL
Air Freight From time China To Finland
Air freight is much faster than sea freight. When your goods are shipped from the following airports in China, you should arrive in Helsinki within the following times:
Shanghai-Pudong – 7 days
Shenzhen – 5 days
Xiamen – 5 days
Shipping from China to Finland: Rates, Transit Times, and DDP
Door to Door Shipping is an integrated logistics service where goods are picked up from the seller’s location (e.g., a factory or warehouse in China) and shipped directly to the buyer’s designated destination (e.g., a home, office, or warehouse in Finland). This service covers every step of the shipping process, eliminating the need for customers to coordinate with multiple service providers.
Door to Door Shipping Process from China to Finland:
Door to Door Shipping from China to Finland involves multiple stages, each of which is critical to the successful delivery of the goods. Here is an overview of how this service works:
- Pickup Arrangement: The freight forwarder coordinates with the seller to arrange pickup, which can be arranged at the seller’s warehouse or any designated location.
- Shipping to China Port/Airport: After picking up the goods, the goods will be transported to the nearest port or airport for shipment. Depending on the selected mode of transport (such as air or sea freight), this journey can vary greatly in terms of time and cost.
- China Customs Clearance: Goods must clear customs before being shipped to China, which involves preparing and submitting the necessary documents. SYNHOPE LOGISTICS is able to handle this process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and minimizing delays.
- International transport: The goods are then loaded onto a ship or plane and shipped to Finland. During this phase, the Chinese freight forwarder SYNHOPE LOGISTICS will keep in touch with the seller and buyer to provide updates on the progress of the goods.
- Final shipment: After the goods arrive at the Finnish port or airport, they must clear customs in Finland and then be shipped directly to the address specified by the buyer.
- Shipment confirmation: Finally, the freight forwarder will confirm the shipment to ensure that the buyer receives the goods on time and intact.
There are two main options for door to door service: DDU and DDP. Most people choose DDP.
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Under DDU, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to the buyer’s location, but is not responsible for import duties, taxes, or customs clearance. The buyer is responsible for paying these fees when the goods arrive.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): DDP services include all costs and responsibilities, including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance. The seller handles everything, providing an all-inclusive service with less hassle for the buyer.
DDP Shipping From China to Finland
DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) is a shipping method where the seller bears all costs and risks. The seller is responsible for all shipping, customs clearance, taxes, etc. until the goods are delivered to the buyer’s designated location. The DDP method provides greater convenience for buyers. Buyers only need to pay the final price without worrying about customs clearance and other costs.
With DDP shipping from China to Finland, buyers can enjoy perfect logistics services and sellers can reduce potential liability risks. DDP shipping costs are relatively high, but its convenience and efficiency are favored by many companies.
What are the benefits of DDP Shipping From China to Finland?
- Reduced complexity: DDP shipping minimizes the complexity of international trade for Finnish buyers. They don’t have to worry about arranging transportation, customs clearance, or dealing with import duties and taxes. This simplicity simplifies the logistics process.
- Transparent costs: With DDP shipping, the seller is responsible for all costs, including freight, duties, and taxes. This provides buyers with clear and predictable costs, making budgeting and financial planning simpler.
- Efficient customs clearance: The seller is responsible for all customs formalities and ensures that the goods comply with Finnish import regulations. This reduces the risk of customs-related delays or issues, ensuring a smoother customs clearance process.
- Reduced Risk: DDP shipping transfers most of the risk from the buyer to the seller. The seller is responsible for any potential issues or damage during shipping, helping buyers avoid unexpected costs or hassles.
- Save Time: Finnish buyers can save time because they don’t have to spend time and energy coordinating logistics or dealing with customs formalities. This allows them to focus on other important aspects of their business.
Factors to consider when shipping from China to Finland
- Transportation method and route selection: Choose the most appropriate transportation method, such as air or sea, based on factors such as cargo type, urgency, and budget. It is also crucial to choose the best shipping route that minimizes shipping time and costs.
- Shipping Costs: Analyze all related costs, including shipping fees, duties, taxes, and handling fees. An accurate budget helps prevent unexpected expenses and ensures a transparent cost structure.
- Packaging and Labeling: Properly pack and label your shipment to protect it during shipping and facilitate customs clearance. Comply with international packaging and labeling standards to avoid delays or fines.
- Customs Documentation: Ensure that all required customs documentation, such as invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin, are accurately completed and submitted. Complying with customs regulations is crucial to avoid delays and penalties.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about Chinese and French import regulations. Comply with product standards, safety requirements and any specific regulations for your goods.
- Insurance: Consider purchasing cargo insurance to protect your goods from potential damage, loss, or theft while in transit.
- Delivery Time: Plan your shipments ahead of time to accommodate production lead times, shipping schedules, and any potential delays in shipping or customs.
- Transportation Infrastructure: Assess China and Finland’s transportation infrastructure, including port facilities, transportation networks and distribution options. Choose a reliable partner to handle and deliver your shipments.
- Incoterms: Clearly define terms of sale using internationally recognized Incoterms. Understanding these terms can help determine the responsibilities and obligations between the buyer and seller.
- Cultural and Language Considerations: Be aware of cultural differences and language barriers that may arise when communicating with suppliers, freight forwarders, and customs authorities. Effective communication is crucial to a smooth shipping process.
Main products imported from China to Finland
- Consumer Electronics: This category includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics.
- Textiles and Clothing: Clothing, fabrics, and textiles such as silk, cotton, and synthetic materials are often imported.
- Machinery and industrial heavy equipment: includes excavators, manufacturing machinery, construction equipment and industrial tools.
- Toys and Games: A wide variety of toys and games, including electronic toys, board games and stuffed animals.
- News: All types of furniture, from home furniture to office furniture.
- Home Appliances: Kitchen appliances, household gadgets and white goods.
- Auto Parts: Parts and components for the automotive industry.
- Plastics and plastic products: plastic raw materials and plastic finished products.
- Gifts and Novelty Items: Unique and novelty items perfect for gift giving.
- Consumer Products: A broad category that includes items such as housewares, kitchen appliances, and personal care products.
Customs Clearance From China To Finland
Your commercial cargo shipments need to comply with local and international rules and regulations for customs clearance for export from China and into Finland. Sometimes the process is complicated and requires the correct documentation for your shipment, and a freight forwarder can help you.
When importing from China to Finland, the following requirements need to be met:
- commercial invoice
- packing list
- Certificate of Origin
- Letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
- Sea waybill or air waybill (SYNHOPE LOGISTICS will provide it to you)
Basic documents required for shipping from China to Finland
- Commercial Invoice: This document should include a detailed description of the goods, value and terms of sale (e.g. FOB, CIF). Ensure product descriptions and pricing are accurate and specify the currency used.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): For ocean or air shipments, these documents serve as proof of shipment and ownership of the goods respectively. Make sure the information matches the commercial invoice.
- Packing List: A detailed list of the contents of a shipment, including quantity and weight. It helps customs officials verify the contents of goods and ensure proper handling.
- Certificate of Origin: This document confirms the country of origin of the goods. Under existing trade agreements, it may be necessary to prove that goods meet specific origin criteria to qualify for preferential tariffs.
- Licenses and Permits: Certain goods, such as hazardous materials or controlled substances, may require special licenses or permits to be imported. Make sure you obtain the necessary approvals before shipping.
- Customs Declaration: These forms detail the contents of your shipment and are usually required for customs clearance. Make sure it is done accurately as inaccuracies may cause delays.
- Certificate of Insurance: If you have cargo insurance, please bring a copy of the insurance certificate and policy details with you to cover potential losses during transportation.
Freight Forwarding from China to Finland
About SynhopeLogistics | Xinjiang Freight Forwarder familiar with the China-Finland route and EU customs clearance policies is crucial to ensuring a smooth export process. Although located in Northern Europe, Finland’s logistics rely on the EU’s integrated transport system, resulting in more stringent customs clearance, tax, and compliance procedures than in other regions.
SYNHOPE LOGISTICS has long been involved in the China-Europe logistics corridor and has a thorough understanding of Finland’s customs clearance procedures, customs documentation requirements, tax number systems (such as EORI numbers), and common EU import and export regulations. Whether you are exporting general merchandise or photovoltaic products, solar panels, electronic components, or machinery, we can provide compliant and efficient transportation solutions.
We not only have a comprehensive transportation network but also have established strong partnerships with local customs brokers and courier teams in Finland. Upon arrival at the Port of Helsinki or Vantaa Airport, customs clearance and delivery can be swiftly completed, covering major industrial and commercial areas.
SYNHOPE LOGISTICS provides more than just transportation services; it offers comprehensive solutions that integrate logistics consulting, risk management, and cost optimization. We are committed to opening up efficient logistics channels from China to Finland for our customers, making the export process easier and more reliable.
