Shipping from China to France
SYNHOPE LOGISTICS coordinates domestic and international freight forwarding, container logistics and supply chain services. Transport planning and quotations are confirmed according to the cargo and route requirements.
Established in Xinjiang in 2026, our company coordinates sea and air freight options with carriers and freight service providers. Schedules and freight costs are assessed for each shipment from various Chinese ports, including Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Shanghai, to French ports such as Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and other destinations. The available route, service scope and quotation are confirmed against your specific shipment requirements.
SYNHOPE LOGISTICS coordinates international freight and container logistics according to cargo type, routing requirements and the agreed shipment plan.
Contact us today for the most competitive shipping costs from China to France!
Container Shipping Rates from China to France
- Shipping from China to Le Havre and Marseille
- Reliable shiping schedule
- Contract Freight With Major Carrier
LCL Freight Shipping from China to France
- Main seaports in China to Le Havre and Marseille
- Fixed Schedule with in time delivery
- Competitive freight based on per CBM or TON
Air Freight Shipping Rate from China to France
- Main airlines from China to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport,Paris Orly Airport and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
- Competitive air freight rate
- Directly and transit service both included
Courier Serivce Shipping from China to France
- Delivery to France
- Huge discount of DHL/FEDEX/TNT/ARAMEX
- Including customs clearance
Door to Door Service Shipping from China to France
- Door service by LCL/FCL/Air
- Handling all related customs document
- Including customs duty&taxes (DDP/DDU)
Consolidiation Service
- Collect cargo fm different supplier with different city
- Warehouse in every main city in China
- Custom clearance and document making
Table of Contents
What are the shipping methods from China to France?
Most countries have 2 available shipping methods from China but being an European country France has three. Air freight, Ocean freight, and Rail freight. Every shipping method has its pros and cons. Let’s discuss in brief how you can ship your goods from China to France.
Among all shipping methods, air freight is the fastest. There are two types of air shipping – standard and express. We will talk about standard air shipping in this section. Standard air shipping is cheaper than express shipping. Besides, you can ship many products at a low cost.
Air freight transit time between these two countries is seven days in general. But one thing you should know before choosing air freight shipping from China to France. The charge for your goods depends on our regular weight system.
The ocean is the most cost-effective way of shipping from China to France. Most business prefers ocean shipping to reduce their shipping costs. Moreover, you can ship anything by ocean freight which is not always the same case with air shipping. For some products, for example, you must take proper measures to import certain types of batteries by air freight.
The common perception is that sea freight is only viable for large volumes of goods. But that is not the fact. Ocean shipping has two different shipping method, LCL and FCL.
If you choose the LCL shipping method, you can import less amount of goods at a very cheap rate compared to any other shipping method. Here you only pay for the space your goods will occupy. Therefore, LCL is a lifesaver shipping method for small to medium businesses.
Rail Freight
In April 2006, China opened its first railway station in Europe, connecting the Chinese city of Wuhan to the French town of Lyon. The journey took about five days via Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and Poland. Today, there are two direct trains per week between Beijing and Paris and many other routes across Asia.
Many importers prefer train freight for shipping from China to France because it is not as expansive as air freight and much faster than ocean freight.
Sea Freight from China to France
Sea freight from China to France is currently one of the most cost-effective international transportation methods, particularly suitable for large, heavy, or bulky cargo. With its high carrying capacity and relatively stable freight rates, sea freight holds a dominant position in Sino-French trade. China’s major export ports include Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, while France’s major import ports are Le Havre and Marseille.
Full container load (FCL) shipping is suitable for corporate customers with large cargo volumes, enabling direct delivery from factories to French ports. Less than container load (LCL) shipping is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises or cross-border e-commerce sellers, effectively reducing transportation costs. Different shipping routes and shipping companies offer a variety of time options. Sea freight from Chinese ports to French ports generally takes approximately 30 to 40 days, depending on the route and transit times.
During the shipping process, shippers must prepare all export documents, such as invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and any customs clearance documents required at the destination. Although ocean freight takes a longer time, it offers relatively low costs and is the preferred method for most businesses conducting long-term trade.
SYNHOPE LOGISTICS recommends suitable routes and shipping dates based on the characteristics of the cargo, helping clients optimize warehousing and delivery cycles, thereby reducing overall supply chain costs.
Top Sea ports in France
Port of Marseille
The Port of Marseille is also one of the busiest ports in the world, handling over 100 million tons of cargo every year. It’s also one of the most modern, with a state-of-the-art container system that allows for almost-instantaneous delivery from one country to another. It’s a beautiful facility and a great example of 21st-century maritime transport.
- Port of Bordeaux
- Port of Lyon
- Port of Le Havre
Air Freight from China to France
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation for Chinese exports to France. It is suitable for high-value, urgently needed goods, or goods requiring high transport security. For example, electronic products, precision instruments, luxury goods, and medical equipment are often shipped by air. Major departure airports in China include Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an, and Beijing Capital International Airport, while the main receiving airport in France is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
For air freight, freight forwarders will arrange direct or connecting flights based on the characteristics of the cargo and its delivery date. Direct air transport can complete the shipment within 2–5 days, while connecting flights typically take 5–8 days. Although air freight is more expensive than sea freight, its speed and efficiency save businesses significant time and costs, which is particularly important during holiday sales seasons or when urgently restocking inventory.
Air freight charges are typically calculated based on the cargo’s chargeable weight (the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight). Freight forwarders will help clients evaluate quotes from different routes and airlines to select the best cost-effective option.
In addition, SYNHOPE LOGISTICS can also assist in handling air transportation needs for special cargo such as dangerous goods transportation and temperature-controlled transportation, ensuring that the transportation process is safe, legal and traceable.
Top Airports in France
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling more than 50 million passengers a year.
It’s also one of the most modern, with a state-of-the-art satellite system that brings in live flight information and a giant moving map to help travelers navigate their way around the airport. It’s a beautiful facility and a great example of 21st-century aviation.
There are two terminals at CDG: T2 and T1. T2 is where most cargo airlines fly out.
Paris Orly Airport
Orly Airport is located in the Île-de-France region in France, 20 km southeast of Paris. The airport is one of the largest in Europe (in terms of area) and one of the busiest in France, with about 80 million passengers per year. It is the main hub for Air France, an important hub for the French low-cost carrier JetBlue, and a hub for the national carrier’s subsidiary, SDRAM. Currently, Orly Airport is the busiest airport in France.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
The Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is one of the largest airports in France and is located in Saint-Exupéry, a town close to Lyon. The airport has two terminals, a T1 and a T2, and is the second busiest airport in France after Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. The airport is operated by the Groupe ADP, which also operates Paris-Orly Airport. The airport serves as a hub for Air France, Transavia France, Jeppesen Sanderson, and Loganair.
Some other important airports in France are
- NCE – Nice Airport
- MRS – Marseille Airport
- BOD – Bordeaux Airport
- BVA – Paris Beauvais Airport
- NTE – Nantes Airport
- RUN – Réunion Roland Garros
- MPL – Montpellier Airport
Rail Freight from China to France
Rail transport, a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years, has become an efficient and complementary means of transporting goods between China and Europe. China-France rail transport typically originates in western Chinese cities (such as Chongqing, Chengdu, Yiwu, and Wuhan), transits through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, and other countries, and ultimately arrives in Lyon, France, or at logistics hubs near Paris.
Rail transport offers a balanced advantage in terms of both time efficiency and cost. Compared to ocean freight, it offers shorter transit times, typically reaching France in 15–22 days, and significantly lower costs than air freight, making it suitable for medium-to-high-value or medium-volume shipments. Rail is an ideal option for manufacturers, electronics, and household goods exporters who require a stable supply chain.
The China-Europe Express train service offers a fixed frequency and reliable time efficiency, enabling both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments. Rail freight can also be combined with road transport to provide door-to-door service from Chinese factories to French warehouses.
With the continuous improvement of China-Europe trade corridors, customs clearance efficiency and security of rail transport have been significantly enhanced. SYNHOPE LOGISTICS provides customers with complete rail transportation solutions, including route planning, customs consulting, insurance and customs clearance support, to ensure that goods arrive in France smoothly and safely.
Shipping costs from China to France vary greatly depending on whether you choose air, sea or rail shipping. Air freight costs usually range from $4.5 to $9.5 per kg, while sea freight costs range from $2,250 to $4,550 for a 20ft container, and rail freight costs range from $8,000 to $12,000 for a 40ft container. You can refer to the table below:
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to France (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 2,250 to 4,550 |
| Sea freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 2,850 to 5,550 |
| Sea freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 80 to 150 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 500 for 100kg (Approx. USD 5 per kilo) |
| Rail Freight | Approx. USD 8,000 to USD 11,500 for a full container load |
| Door-to-Door Shipping | Approx. USD 5 to 10 per kgs or approx. USD 300 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 5.5 to 12 per kgs |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 200 to 400 per cbm (m3) |
| DDP Rail Freight | Approx. USD 250 to 500 per cbm (m3) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 10.5 per Kgs |
How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container from China to France, the average price to ship a 20ft container from China to France is from $2250 to $4550. The shipping timeline to ship a 20 foot container from China to France ranges depending on the route.
How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from China to France, the average price to ship a 40ft container from China to France is from $2850 to $5550. The shipping timeline to ship a 40 foot container from China to France ranges depending on the route.
| Container shipping service from China to France | Ocean freight rates from China to France: |
|---|---|
| Shipping a container from Shanghai to France | Average price from: $2650 20FT Average price from: $3350 40FT |
| Shipping a container from Shenzhen to France | Average price from: $2850 20FT Average price from: $3550 40FT |
| Shipping a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan to France | Average price from: $2750 20FT Average price from: $3450 40FT |
| Shipping a container from Hong Kong to France | Average price from: $2950 20FT Average price from: $3650 40FT |
| Shipping a container from Guangzhou to France | Average price from: $2950 20FT Average price from: $3550 40FT |
| Shipping a container from Qingdao to France | Average price from: $2950 20FT Average price from: $3650 40FT |
| Shipping a container from Tianjin to France | Average price from: $3050 20FT Average price from: $3850 40FT |
| Shipping a container from Dalian to France | Average price from: $3350 20FT Average price from: $4250 40FT |
| Shipping a container from Xiamen to France | Average price from: $3050 20FT Average price from: $4050 40FT |
| Shipping a container from Yingkou to France | Average price from: $3150 20FT Average price from: $4150 40FT |
Air Freight Cost From China To France
| 100kg per kg fee | |
| Air Freight | $4.5 – 9.5 per kgs |
The air freight cost of a 10 kg package from China to France is about 12.5 USD per kg, and 100 kg is about 5.5 USD. The price is the best for packages of 300 kg and above, with a cost of about 5 USD per kg or less. Of course, it is for reference only. Please consult the freight forwarding company for the specific cost.
This makes it a great choice for those looking for quick, yet cost-effective shipping solutions.
Air freight cost is basically a combination of various charges and surcharges, including air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, terminal fee and other surcharges. These charges are set by different airlines based on their operating costs. According to factors such as season, international oil prices and off-season, airlines revise these charges frequently to reflect market changes.
Air freight charges are calculated by the number of kilograms in a shipment, multiplied by the cost per kilogram. A fuel surcharge is applied by airlines at a set rate per kilogram , regardless of the number of miles your cargo has traveled. Fuel surcharge is another cost that you’ll need to consider when determining how much your air freight will be. This fee is applied at a set rate per kilogram and is based on international oil prices—so it fluctuates regularly.
What is the cost of shipping freight by rail from China to France
The cost of rail transport from China to France depends on the total weight or volume of your goods. If your items fill a full container, many carriers will offer a flat rate without any additional weight charges. Generally, the cost of rail transporting a 40ft container from China to France is between $8,000 and $12,000.
If there is no full container, and LCL is used for transportation, the cost per kilogram of rail transportation is usually between $2 and $4. The cost of a station that uses combined rail and truck transportation is between $3 and $5 per kilogram.
How Long Sea Shipping From China To France
| From | To | Transit time |
| China | France | 25 to 40 days |
| China | France | 30 to 45 days |
| Hong Kong | Marseille | 25 to 35 days |
| Chongqing | Marseille | 27 to 38 days |
| Fuzhou | Marseille | 24 to 36 days |
| Huangpu | Marseille | 24 to 37 days |
| Nansha | Lyon | 23 to 38 days |
| Shanghai | Lyon | 26 to 36 days |
| Guangzhou | Havre | 26 to 36 days |
| Shenzhen | Havre | 25 to 37 days |
| Xiamen | Bordeaux | 25 to 38 days |
How long does air freight take from China to France
Shipping goods from China to France via air freight takes between 3 to 7 days and it is an economical and the fastest method for importing products. Shipments from China to France via express delivery typically take anywhere between 2 to 5 business days for completion.
| Transit time | |
| Air Freight | 3 to 7 days |
| Air Freight DDP | 5 to 12 days |
How long it takes from China to France by Rail
Transportation of goods by train from China to France only takes between 16 and 22 days, which is much faster than by ship where it usually takes up to 33-45 days.
Door to Door Shipping From China To France
Door-to-door service is an integrated transport solution where the logistics provider takes care of 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 the transport (air or sea), 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 then coordinating international transportation to France (air or sea).
- Customs clearance: Handling all necessary customs documents and formalities at the origin and destination.
- Delivery: Delivering the goods from the French port or airport to the consignee’s address.
When the door-to-door transport service includes DDP terms, the seller is responsible for all aspects of the entire logistics process and bears all related costs, including transportation fees, tariffs, VAT, customs clearance fees, etc. This way, the buyer only needs to sign for the goods when they receive them, without having to deal with customs clearance or pay 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, or delivery after duty paid, means that the seller bears all costs and risks in the destination country, including transportation costs, insurance premiums, tariffs, and other import fees. For buyers, this means that there is no need to pay any additional fees after the goods arrive, and there is no need to deal with cumbersome customs clearance procedures.
Why use DDP shipping from China to France?
- Reduce trade barriers: The DDP transportation mode eliminates the need for importers to go through cumbersome customs clearance procedures and pay high tariffs, reducing trade barriers and promoting the development of bilateral trade.
- Improve trade efficiency: Since the seller is responsible for all transportation and customs clearance matters, the buyer only needs to receive the goods at the destination, which greatly simplifies the import process and improves trade efficiency.
- Promote SMEs to participate in international trade: For small and medium-sized enterprises, dealing with international logistics and customs clearance procedures can be very complicated and costly. The DDP transportation mode provides these enterprises with a simple solution, enabling them to participate in international trade more easily.
- Reduce risks: In the current complex international trade environment, the increase in tariffs and non-tariff barriers has increased the uncertainty faced by companies. The DDP transportation model reduces the buyer’s risks and uncertainties by allowing the seller to bear all tariffs and import fees.
DDP Shipping Cost From China To France
| Transit time | LCL cost | |
| Sea Freight DDP | 30 to 50 days | $ 300 per cbm |
| Air Freight DDP | 5 to 7 days | $6.5 to 12.00 per kgs |
Customs clearance documents for importing from China to France
- Commercial Invoice: A detailed invoice provided by the seller that lists the value of the goods.
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Proof of shipment provided by the carrier.
- Packing List: A comprehensive list detailing the contents of the goods.
- Certificate of Origin: A document that proves the country of origin of the goods.
- Import License: Certain restricted or regulated items require an import license.
Freight forwarders are essential to simplifying the process of international shipping from China to France. As intermediaries, they facilitate the logistics of shipping goods across borders by working with various shipping services. This includes organizing freight, negotiating freight rates, and booking cargo space.
Freight forwarders provide a range of services that enhance the shipping process:
- Documentation handling: ensuring that all shipping documents are submitted correctly and on time.
- Customs clearance: dealing with complex customs regulations to avoid delays.
- Cargo tracking: providing shippers with updates on the status of the entire shipment.
SYNHOPE LOGISTICS As one of the top freight forwarders serving China to France, we have the knowledge, expertise, and experience to provide you with the most accurate answers and the best shipping solutions. Leave it to the experts and you will be free from all the hassles and complexities of shipping and logistics.
