Shipping from China to Greece

China and Greece have maintained political relations for 50 years. Greece is an important part of the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries and the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. Over the past five years, Greece has invested in each other and cooperated closely in various fields.

In 2024, trade between China and Greece totaled US$12.866 billion, of which China’s exports to Greece amounted to US$11 billion.. China’s exports to Greece mainly include: electronic products, clothing, machinery and equipment, household appliances, furniture, etc. The main imported commodities include: medicines, petroleum, marble, etc.

As the leading freight forwarder in China, Basenton Logistics takes this opportunity to share the complete transportation guide from China to Greece for customers importing from China, including transportation methods, transportation time, costs, etc. Hope it helps you.

Shipping from China to Greece

Sea Freight and air Freight are the main modes of cargo transportation between China and Greece.

Sea Freight from China to Greece

Sea freight has become the most popular way to ship goods from China to Greece due to its low transportation costs and large capacity. It can accommodate a variety of cargo, including oversized heavy items, heavy equipment such as excavators, large precision equipment, etc., making it a cost-effective option for transporting large quantities of cargo.
However, ocean shipping requires longer transit times and is therefore less suitable for time-sensitive shipments. If you choose to ship by sea to Greece, it is crucial to conduct inventory checks and plan purchase orders in advance to reduce the risk of stock-outs.

There are many types of shipping, the more formal ones are FCL and LCL.
FCL (Full Container Load): Shipping a container filled specifically for one customer from China to Greece. Shipping FCL is more cost effective
LCL (than container load): Sharing a container with other customers who are shipping goods to the same destination at the same time. Of course, due to the extra work (consolidation, unpacking, warehousing, paperwork, etc.), the final cost per unit is higher than the full box, and the shipping time is longer. LCL is a great option for small businesses.

Major Greece ports

Port of Piraeus
The Port of Piraeus is the largest port in the Mediterranean and the fourth largest container handling port in Europe.
It is not only the gateway for goods entering and leaving Greece, but also a transshipment port to Europe (Germany, France, Italy), North Africa (Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco) and West Africa (Nigeria, Senegal).
The Port of Piraeus is 67% owned by COSCO Shipping Lines. Since COSCO Group took over, the cargo volume of Piraeus Port has increased significantly, and Piraeus Port is becoming the gateway to Europe and the Middle East under China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative.

Port of Thessaloniki
The Port of Thessaloniki is the second largest container port in Greece. It is the largest port in the Greek region of Macedonia. As a free port, it is also the main gateway to the Balkan hinterland, Romania, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Southeast Europe.

Port of Ermoupoli
Port of Ermoupoli is mainly a transshipment port to Europe, Middle East countries (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE) and other regions.

Air freight from China to Greece

Since there is no direct rail link between China and Greece, air freight is the second possible option for transporting goods. You may consider air freight services if:

• You care more about speed and security than cost.
• Your shipment is time sensitive.
• The goods you transport are perishable.
• You transport high value or luxury goods.

No matter which of the above situations you find yourself in, air freight offers a fast and reliable solution when shipping from China to Greece. However, it is important to note that air freight can be more expensive.
Air cargo capacity is limited and may not be suitable for transporting large or bulky items. Additionally, due to airline restrictions, some products may be classified as sensitive or hazardous and whether they can be transported remains a question.

Air freight from China to Greece process

1. Collect goods
   To assemble goods for customers, adjustments to packaging materials and packing lists are necessary. It is important to know that shipping goods is impossible without packaging and organization. And the material in the package must be an array. Once the goods are assembled, we can move on to the next step.
2. Transport to China airport
   After the packing steps are completed, your shipment will be transported to the truck section for transfer to the airport. Don’t worry, Basenton Logistics has selected the best trucks to transport to the airport, and your supplies are completely safe. Please remember to purchase shipping insurance.
3. Transport documents
   This part is very necessary and important. The documents are prepared for you by the Chinese freight forwarding company. These documents contain information about the goods, payment, shipping times, and other information that you should always retain. Remember, these documents will serve as your evidence. If there is a problem with the shipment, you can follow up on the received documents and inspect your shipment. Therefore, be sure to ask for documentation after the goods are delivered to the company.
4. Arrival of goods
   Your goods will enter the dedicated warehouse immediately after arriving at the destination airport in Greece by air. After a few steps and checks, the customer can pick up the goods from the warehouse.

Major Airports in Greece

Athens International Airport (ATH): As the largest and busiest airport in Greece, Athens International Airport plays a central role in shipping activities. It offers extensive cargo handling facilities and efficient connections.

Heraklion International Airport (HER): Located on the island of Crete, Heraklion Airport is an important gateway for cargo and serves the region’s unique logistics needs.

Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG): Located in northern Greece, Thessaloniki Airport is the country’s third largest airport and an important transportation hub connecting Greece to international destinations.

The final cost of shipping from China to Greece 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 Greece

• How much does it cost to ship a 20-foot container from China to Greece?
  The average price for shipping a 20-foot container from China to Greece is US$2,250 to US$4,250. Shipping schedules for 20-foot containers from China to Greece vary by route.
• How much does it cost to ship a 40-foot container from China to Greece?
  The average price for shipping a 40-foot container from China to Greece is US$2,850 to US$5,050. Shipping schedules for 40-foot containers from China to Greece vary by route.

You might want to know:

Container shipping rates from China to Greece:

These are the average prices to ship a container from China to Greece with the cheapest rates for loading and shipping containers from the major ports in China to Greece for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) with all types of cargo such as: commercial cargo, vehicles, or personal effects for international shipments from China to Greece.

Recommended related content: 

Air freight cost per kilogram from China to Greece

Air freight from China to Greece costs approximately $4.5 to $9.5 per kilogram, and cargo must weigh at least 45 kilograms to qualify for air freight. Air freight from China to Greece takes 3 to 8 days (including the time required for loading, unloading, inspection and other procedures). Please keep in mind that this fee includes air shipping only and does not include customs duties or other taxes that may arise due to importation.

From China to Greece, sea shipping takes 30 to 45 days and air shipping takes 3 to 7 days.
Actual shipping time depends on a variety of factors, such as shipping mode, departure/destination terminals, selected services and routes, weather, seasonal changes in shipping markets, etc.

Sea Freight container Time From China To Greece

The average transit time, sailing, and vessel schedule to ship your container from China to Greece from the major ports in China.

Air Freight Time From China To Greece

In most cases, air shipping from China to Greece takes 3 to 7 days, and during peak seasons, shipping times may be longer.
There are direct flights from some cities in China to Athens. The transportation time from airport to airport only takes a few hours, and air freight from China can arrive on the same day.
Direct flights:
Shanghai – Athens
Beijing – Athens

Door to Door Shipping from China to Greece

Door to Door Shipping is one of the most convenient modes of transportation in current international logistics, especially for traders, cross-border e-commerce sellers and personal cargo transportation needs from China to Greece.

Door to Door Shipping from China to Greece covers the entire logistics process from Chinese suppliers or factories to Greek consignees, including door-to-door pickup, international transportation, customs clearance and final delivery, making the entire logistics process more efficient and seamless, reducing the risk of damage or loss of goods.

Main Modes of Door to Door Shipping from China to Greece

• Air door to door: suitable for goods with high timeliness requirements, such as electronic products, fashion products, etc., usually takes 7-10 days.
• Sea door to door: suitable for large quantities or large goods, such as furniture, mechanical equipment, etc., the transportation time takes about 30-40 days.
• Rail door to door: transported to Europe by China-Europe Express, and then transferred to Greece by land, the timeliness is between air and sea, generally takes 20-25 days.

Door to Door Shipping from China to Greece can choose between DDP and DDU trade terms, and most customers choose DDP terms.

• Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): Under this arrangement, the shipper bears all costs, including freight, duties, and taxes, ensuring a seamless delivery experience for the consignee. The consignee receives the goods at the time of delivery without paying any additional fees.
• Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): This option allows the sender to bear the freight costs of shipping to the destination without paying any import duties or taxes. The consignee is responsible for customs fees at the time of delivery.

DDP Shipping from China to Greece

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping is a delivery method where the seller bears all shipping costs, tariffs and VAT. It is particularly suitable for cross-border e-commerce, B2B trade and importers who want to simplify logistics processes.

What industries are suitable for DDP Shipping from China to Greece?

• Cross-border e-commerce: For example, Amazon FBA sellers, the DDP model can ensure that the goods are delivered to the warehouse smoothly.
• Wholesalers and distributors: It can reduce the complexity of the import process and improve logistics efficiency.
• High-value goods: For example, electronic equipment, medical devices, etc., the DDP model can reduce the risk of delays caused by customs clearance issues.

DDP shipping time from China to Greece

• Air DDP: about 7-12 days (suitable for fast-moving consumer goods and small goods).
• Ocean DDP: about 35-45 days (suitable for large quantities of goods).
• Railway + truck DDP: about 20-25 days (suitable for goods that need to balance cost and time).

How to ship from China to Greece

Step one: Contact the freight forwarder; China will be given priority.
You can contact the freight forwarder in China or your country Greece. Greek freight forwarders are most likely to rely on local freight forwarders in China. Therefore, China-based freight forwarders are preferred because much of the complexity and uncertainty of international freight lies with the origin, not the destination.

Step 2: Get a shipping quote from China
Submit your shipping details and requirements to request a shipping quote from your freight forwarder.

Step 3: Connect freight forwarders with suppliers
Connect freight forwarders with your suppliers to initiate bookings and coordinate preparation, trucking, loading, customs and shipping paperwork.

Step 4: Purchase cargo insurance (optional)
This is the best way to prevent damage or loss during shipping at an affordable price.

Step 5: Arrange Customs Clearance
Be prepared for shipment arrival and customs clearance.

Or you can rely on us for one-stop door-to-door shipping solutions from China to Greece.

What documents are needed to import from China to Greece?

The requirement for importing from China to Greece is to present an English-translated commercial invoice and a detailed packing list, which must indicate the quantity, product type and shipping location details, and then provide the following documents to customs in Greece:

Goods imported from China must have the following documents:

• Bill of Lading Manifest, used for import, release and tax purposes.
• Greek tax identification number
• Tariff subheadings and location of goods
• Register as an importer in Greece
• Greek customs value declaration
• Showcasing Greece’s economic solvency
• Develop the terms of an Incoterms import agreement.
• Find a good customs broker in Greece
• Original bill of lading, sea waybill or air waybill from the shipping company
• packing list
• commercial invoice
• China Joint Certificate of Production Value and Origin (CCVO)
• A letter of authorization authorizing your customs broker to handle import customs clearance for you in Greece.

Taxes and duties for importing from China to Greece:

Importing items from China Supply Chain Management to Greece is subject to customs duties. You must pay import duties at the Greek Customs and as a general rule for imports, ad valorem taxes or customs duties are payable, which range from 0% to 100% of the CIF value of the goods shipped in the container. Additionally, you must pay value-added tax (VAT) ranging from 0% to 25%. VAT will be applied to the total import price CIF Incoterms + customs duties (duty). + General import duties to Greece, if importing from China additional duties may apply.

Freight Forwarding from China to Greece

In trade between China and Greece, an experienced freight forwarder can significantly improve overall transportation efficiency. Given Greece’s location as a logistics hub in Southeast Europe, serving as a crucial gateway to the Balkans and possessing deep-water ports like Piraeus, choosing the right freight forwarding company is critical for ensuring timely delivery and reducing overall costs. Professional freight forwarders typically offer various solutions, from sea freight and air freight to rail combined transport, tailored to the client’s product type, budget, and delivery time requirements, ensuring smooth coordination at each stage.

Excellent freight forwarders not only handle transportation execution but also act as coordinators for the cross-border supply chain. Exporting from China involves complex processes, including booking, export customs declaration, document preparation, and packaging arrangements. Upon arrival in Greece, import customs clearance, tax payment, container unloading, and inland delivery are also required. For many companies unfamiliar with local regulations or importing into Greece for the first time, a reliable freight forwarding partner can effectively mitigate potential risks such as customs delays, document errors, or additional warehousing costs.

Sea freight is the most common import channel for Greece, especially to the port of Piraeus, where there are numerous routes available and prices are relatively stable. Air freight primarily uses Athens International Airport as the entry point, suitable for time-sensitive goods such as electronics, fashion items, or high-value cargo. Freight forwarding companies provide clients with updated route and cost assessments based on market freight rate changes, available space, and seasonal factors, helping them make the best choice among different transportation modes.

At the operational level, freight forwarders are responsible for information integration and risk management. From container loading times and shipping schedule changes to the verification of documents required for customs clearance, everything needs to be planned in advance by a professional team. Many freight forwarders also offer value-added services such as warehousing, labeling, repackaging, and consolidation, enabling companies to manage cross-border inventory more flexibly. For clients with long-term shipping needs, freight forwarders can also design periodic transportation plans to help stabilize the supply chain and control costs.

For companies exporting from China to Greece, choosing a reliable freight forwarding company can significantly improve transportation efficiency. Basenton Logistics can transport goods safely and quickly from China to Greece, providing services such as sea freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, warehousing, distribution, and customs clearance.

Track and monitor your shipments

Once your goods are shipped from China, it’s important to track their progress. Basenton Logistics provides an online tracking system that allows you to monitor the status of your shipment in real time. This can give you peace of mind and help you plan for the arrival of your goods. In addition, if there are any delays or problems during transportation, you can resolve them promptly by contacting Basenton Logistics.

Track your shipments from China

Once your shipment arrives in Greece, it is important to ensure a smooth delivery to the recipient. This may involve arranging local transport or delivery services. Additionally, be prepared to handle any post-delivery issues or concerns that may arise. Working with a reliable shipping company can help minimize these risks and ensure a seamless delivery