Shipping from China to Serbia Cost and Time

China and Serbia have established solid economic and trade relations in recent years. With the advancement of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, trade cooperation between the two countries has deepened and the scale of trade has continued to expand. In May 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid state visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary respectively.

China has been Serbia’s largest importer and second largest trading partner for many consecutive years. The bilateral trade volume between China and Serbia has increased eightfold in the past 10 years, reaching 4.35 billion US dollars in 2023. Many companies have begun to pay attention to how to efficiently transport goods from China to Serbia. This article will introduce in detail the relevant knowledge of transporting goods from China to Serbia, including China and Serbia. Import and export products, transportation methods, transportation costs, transportation time and customs clearance documents, etc.

What products does Serbia import and export to China?

China’s exports to Serbia

Mechanical equipment: including electrical equipment, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, etc.
Electronic products: such as mobile phones, computers, household appliances, etc.
Textiles and clothing: various clothing, shoes, hats and textile fabrics.
Automobiles and parts: complete automobiles and their parts.
Daily consumer goods: furniture, lamps, toys, etc.

The “China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement” stipulates that Serbia will include automobiles, photovoltaic equipment, solar panels, lithium batteries, communication equipment, mechanical equipment, refractory materials, some agricultural and aquatic products, etc. that China is focused on, into zero tariffs. The tariff on relevant products will be from the current 5% to – 20% gradually reduced to zero;

Serbian exports to China

Produce: fruits (e.g. apples, berries), vegetables and grains.
Mineral products: copper, zinc and other mineral products.
Chemical products: basic chemical raw materials and fertilizers.
Food and Beverages: Wine, dairy and processed foods.
Lumber and wood products: Lumber and wood products used in furniture and construction.

The “China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement” stipulates that China will include generators, electric motors, tires, beef, wine, nuts, etc. that Serbia is focused on, with zero tariffs. Tariffs on relevant products will also be gradually reduced to zero from the current 5%-20%.

Shipping from China to Serbia

Shipping from China to Serbia, you can choose from a variety of transportation methods, including sea freight, rail transportation, and air freight. Here’s a detailed look at each shipping method:

Sea Freight from China to Serbia

If you are looking for a cost-effective way to ship goods from China to Serbia, then you should probably choose sea shipping.
Maritime transportation is the preferred method of bulk cargo transportation, mostly using container ships, sometimes bulk carriers or ro-ro ships, oil tankers, etc. Although the shipping time is longer, the cost is relatively low. It can start from Shanghai Port, Ningbo Port, etc. in China, pass through Mediterranean ports, such as Piraeus Port in Greece, and then reach Serbia by land transportation. It takes about 30-45 days

FCL (Full Container Load): Shipping a container filled specifically for one customer from China to Serbia. Generally speaking, we provide FCL shipping services to Serbia, including 20-foot containers and 40-foot containers (20GP, 40GP and 40HQ). Full container shipping is more cost effective.
LCL (Less 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. If your goods cannot fill the entire container, we can always provide LCL (less than one container shipping) service from China to Serbia.

The Meaning Of LCL VS FCL Shipping, The Differences And How To Choose

Serbia’s main shipping port

Port of Belgrade

The port’s location in the Serbian capital is crucial for facilitating domestic and international trade, with an annual transport volume of approximately 1 million tons.
Key trading partners and strategic importance: The port plays a leading role in trade activities with key European partners such as Germany, Italy and Hungary. It is also of strategic importance as it provides an effective link between Eastern and Western Europe.
Business Background: If you are considering expansion into the European market, the Port of Belgrade may be an important part of your strategy as it has modern facilities and good connections with Europe’s main trade routes.

Port of Novi Sad

The port, located in Serbia’s second-largest city, handles approximately 1.6 million tons of cargo annually.
Main trading partners and strategic importance: The port mainly handles agricultural products and has close trade links with Turkey, Romania and France. It also plays a strategic role in connecting the northern and southern regions of Serbia.
Business background: If your business is related to agriculture, the Port of Novi Sad can provide you with a strong network and efficient infrastructure for your freight.

Port of Pancevo

The port is located on the south bank of the Danube River and handles approximately 2.5 million tons of cargo per year.
Main trading partners and strategic importance: The port is mainly engaged in the petroleum and chemical industries and maintains strong trading relations with Russia and other Eastern European countries. It is also considered an important port in the Balkans.
Business Background: If your business involves petroleum or chemical products, incorporating the Port of Pancevo into your logistics could be a game-changer as it has the ability to specifically handle such cargo.

Port of Smederevo

The port is located on the Danube River and handles approximately 1 million tons of cargo per year.
Major trading partners and strategic importance: The port mainly exports steel and agricultural products and maintains strong trade ties with China and European countries. It is worth noting that the port houses Serbia’s only steel plant.
Business Background: If your business involves steel trading, the Port of Smederevo may be crucial to your shipping strategy as it has specialized infrastructure for these industries.

Air freight from China to Serbia

Air freight is suitable for high-value and urgently needed goods. Although it is more expensive, it is the fastest. You can depart from China’s Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other airports, fly directly or transfer via a European hub airport to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Shipping time is about 3-7 days.

Serbia main international airports

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Cargo volume: With annual cargo volume exceeding 22,500 tons in 2019, it is Serbia’s busiest cargo airport.
Main trading partners: Main trading partners include China, Russia, Germany, Italy, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Strategic importance: As Serbia’s largest and busiest airport, it is an important hub for cargo in Southeast Europe. Its strategic location enhances connectivity to other European countries, Asia and the Middle East.
Distinctive features: It has a modern freight center and a free zone, providing tax and customs benefits for businesses. Facilitates all types of freight including general cargo, special cargo and dangerous goods.
For your business: If you are exporting to or importing goods from South-Eastern Europe, Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport may be strategic for your business due to its connectivity. The airport’s comprehensive facilities and free zone advantages can also effectively reduce costs and simplify your logistics processes.

Nis Constantine Airport

Cargo volume: Although smaller than Belgrade, the airport has been growing rapidly in recent years as cargo volumes have increased.
Main trading partners: The main trading partners are mainly European countries, including Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
Strategic importance: Niš Constantine Airport is located in southern Serbia and is a strategic gateway to the Balkans.
Distinctive features: Serves multiple airlines and has good road connections, ensuring efficient transportation of goods to other parts of Serbia and neighboring countries.
For your business: Given its low operating costs, Niš Constantine Airport can be a fruitful option for businesses looking for affordable transportation to Southeast Europe. Its growing production capacity and extensive regional connectivity are promising for companies planning to strengthen their foothold in the Balkans.

Rail transport from China to Serbia

With the opening of China-Europe freight trains, rail transportation has become a fast and economical option, especially suitable for medium-volume goods.
Route: Depart from Yiwu or Chongqing in China, arrive in Hungary via the China-Europe Railway, and then transfer to Serbia. The transportation time is about 15-20 days.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship From China To Serbia In 2025?

The final shipping cost from China to Serbia depends on several factors, including cargo type, weight, volume, shipping method and shipping distance. 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 Serbia

• How much does it cost to ship a 20-foot container from China to Serbia?
  The average price for shipping a 20-foot container from China to Serbia is US$2,050 to US$3,550. Shipping schedules for 20-foot containers from China to Serbia vary by route.
• How much does it cost to ship a 40-foot container from China to Serbia?
  The average price for shipping a 40-foot container from China to Serbia is US$3,050 to US$5,550. Shipping schedules for 40-foot containers from China to Serbia vary by route.

You might want to know:

Container Shipping Rates From China To Serbia

These are the average prices to ship a container from China to Serbia with the cheapest rates for loading and shipping containers from the major ports in China to Serbia 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 Serbia.

Air Freight Cost Per Kilogram From China To Serbia

Air freight from China to Serbia costs approximately $4.5 to $10.5 per kilogram, and cargo must weigh at least 45 kilograms to qualify for air freight. Air freight from China to Serbia 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.

How long does it take to ship from China to Serbia?

The above description of how to get from China to Serbia has already explained the transportation time. It takes 30 to 50 days for sea transportation, 18 to 25 days for rail transportation, and 3 to 8 days for air transportation.
Actual shipping time depends on a variety of factors, such as shipping method, departure/destination terminal, selected services and routes, weather, seasonal changes in shipping markets, etc.

Door to Door Shipping from China to Serbia

Door to Door Shipping from China to Serbia means that the logistics company picks up the goods from the place of shipment (factory or warehouse) in China, transports them by sea or air, and finally delivers the goods to the delivery address in Serbia, without the customer having to worry about the whole process.

Door to Door service usually includes: door-to-door pickup, export customs declaration, international transportation, customs clearance at the destination port, customs duty payment and final delivery. Customers only need to provide the goods information and the delivery address, and the freight forwarder is fully responsible for the rest of the process. This method is very friendly for buyers who have no customs clearance experience or are importing for the first time.

There are two main types of door to door service: Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). DDU means that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s location, but the buyer is responsible for paying all duties, taxes and fees incurred after the goods arrive. DDP means that all costs (freight, duties and taxes) are included until the final destination, providing a worry-free experience for the consignee.

learn more: Door to Door Shipping from China

Door-to-Door Shipping (DDP) Process from China to Serbia

1. Determine the demand for goods
   The buyer and seller confirm the type, quantity, specifications and other details of the goods, and the two parties sign a contract to explicitly use the DDP terms.
2. Choose the mode of transportation
   The seller chooses the appropriate mode of transportation based on the nature, quantity and urgency of the goods, which can be sea, air or multimodal transport.
3. Prepare the goods
   The seller prepares the goods according to the order, packing and labeling to meet international transportation standards.
4. Export customs clearance
   The seller handles export customs clearance in China to ensure that the goods leave the country legally. This includes preparing and submitting necessary export documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin.
5. International transportation
   The goods are shipped to Serbia by sea or air, and all transportation costs and insurance premiums are borne by the seller and the transportation risks are borne by the seller.
6. Import customs clearance
   After the goods arrive in Serbia, the seller is responsible for handling import customs clearance procedures and paying customs duties and other import taxes. This usually requires submitting necessary documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc.
7. Final Delivery
   After customs clearance is completed, the seller arranges for the transportation of the goods and delivers the goods to the destination specified by the buyer. The goods are delivered to the buyer’s designated location on time, and the buyer receives and inspects the goods to confirm that the goods meet the contract requirements. All costs and risks of this process are still borne by the seller.

DDP Shipping from China to Serbia

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) transportation means that the freight forwarder is responsible for the entire transportation, paying tariffs and completing customs clearance, and the goods are delivered directly to the consignee. This method is the “most worry-free” international logistics mode for customers. Especially in the case of complicated import and export procedures, language barriers, and unclear regulations, DDP service can effectively reduce risks and uncertainties.

DDP service is particularly applicable to goods shipped to Serbia. Since Serbia is not a member of the European Union, its tariffs and import regulations are slightly different from those of neighboring countries. If the buyer is not familiar with local regulations, customs clearance may face delays or even returns. With the DDP service, the freight forwarder will prepare all declaration documents, pay relevant taxes and fees, and ensure that the goods pass through customs smoothly.

Experienced logistics companies such as Basenton usually complete the pre-shipment preparations in China and cooperate with local customs clearance agents or truck delivery companies in Serbia to ensure that every link from the port to the consignee is smooth and error-free. Common modes of transportation include: air freight + truck delivery, sea freight DDP, full container + customs clearance and transshipment, etc.

In general, DDP is suitable for scenarios that require “ready-to-use” such as Amazon FBA, overseas warehouse replenishment, and sample transportation. Although the cost is slightly higher than EXW or FOB, it is in exchange for great convenience and certainty.

Customs clearance documents for shipping from China to Serbia

Shipping from China to Serbia requires the preparation of complete customs clearance documents to ensure smooth customs clearance of the goods. The following are the main customs clearance documents:

• Commercial Invoice: Details the goods information, value and trade terms.
• Packing List: Lists the contents and quantity of each packaging box.
• Bill of Lading: Ocean bill of lading or air waybill, issued by the carrier.
• Certificate of Origin: Proves that the goods are produced in China and can be used for tariff concessions when necessary.
• Import License: Certain products are required, such as medicines, food, etc.
• Inspection Certificate: Such as the quality and conformity certificate provided by a third-party inspection agency.
• Insurance Certificate: Proof of freight insurance.
• Technical specifications and product manuals: Detailed equipment technical specifications and operating manuals for review by customs and relevant departments.

Freight forwarding service from China to Serbia

As the “world’s factory”, China exports a large number of goods to Eastern European countries every year. Among them, Serbia is one of the important nodes along the “Belt and Road” and its import demand continues to grow. In this context, professional freight forwarding services have become the core bridge connecting the trade between the two countries.

Freight forwarding is not just about transporting goods, but also a comprehensive logistics platform that provides full-process and full-solution support. Professional freight forwarding can provide customers with: logistics consulting, transportation plan design, document review, customs declaration and inspection, warehousing and transshipment, destination country customs clearance, insurance purchase and other services, so as to make cross-border transportation efficient, safe and compliant.

At present, the common modes of transportation from China to Serbia include:

• Air transport: suitable for products with high timeliness requirements, usually 7-12 days to arrive;
• Sea freight/LCL: suitable for large-volume, cost-sensitive goods, with a timeliness of 30-40 days;
• China-Europe train + truck delivery: with railway transportation as the core, transferred to Belgrade and other places, with excellent cost-effectiveness;

Choosing a reliable Chinese freight forwarding company is very important, especially for a market like Serbia. It is recommended to find a service provider with rich customs clearance experience in Central and Eastern Europe and a local delivery network.

For example, Basenton has many years of experience in operating in the European market and can provide customized logistics solutions and DDP door-to-door delivery, which is suitable for many types of goods and industry scenarios.

Shipping from China to Serbia involves multiple links and detailed preparations. By choosing the right mode of transportation, working with a reliable logistics partner, and preparing complete customs clearance documents, you can ensure that your goods reach their destination smoothly.
The trade relations between China and Serbia continue to deepen, providing enterprises with good cooperation opportunities. We hope this guide can provide valuable reference and guidance for your import and shipping business.