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Businesses looking to move goods quickly across continents often choose cheap air freight from Shenzhen to France as the most efficient solution. It offers speed, reliability, and competitive pricing for time-sensitive shipments. Whether you’re shipping electronics, fashion products, or industrial goods, understanding the process helps you save time and money while avoiding customs issues.
Why Choose Air Freight from Shenzhen to France?
Air freight is the preferred shipping method for importers who value fast delivery, high security, and stable transit schedules.
Key benefits include:
- Speed: 3–7 days door-to-door transit.
- Safety: Lower risk of damage or loss.
- Flexibility: Multiple daily flights from Shenzhen to Paris and Lyon.
- Efficiency: Reduced storage and inventory costs.
In today’s global trade environment, air freight keeps supply chains agile and supports just-in-time manufacturing for European importers.
How Cheap Air Freight from Shenzhen to France Works
Shipping cargo by air may seem complex, but with a professional forwarder, the process becomes seamless.
Step-by-step breakdown:
- Pickup & cargo preparation — Goods collected from your supplier in Shenzhen.
- Export customs clearance — Documentation submitted to Chinese Customs.
- Airline booking & departure — Cargo loaded onto scheduled or chartered flights.
- Import clearance in France — Duties and VAT processed by French Customs.
- Final delivery — Goods delivered to your warehouse, FBA center, or customer.
This streamlined process ensures end-to-end visibility and compliance for all types of cargo.
Major Airports for Air Freight from Shenzhen to France
| Origin Airport (China) | Destination Airport (France) | Transit Time (Days) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 3–5 | Fastest and most frequent route |
| Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) | Lyon–Saint Exupéry (LYS) | 4–6 | Ideal for southern France |
| Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) | Marseille Provence (MRS) | 5–7 | Best for bulk commercial cargo |
Flights from Shenzhen operate daily with top carriers such as Air France Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and China Southern Airlines.
Air Freight Cost from Shenzhen to France
| Service Type | Transit Time | Cost (USD/kg) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Air Freight | 5–9 days | $3.5–$5.0 | Cost-conscious bulk cargo |
| Standard Air Freight | 3–6 days | $5.5–$7.5 | General commercial goods |
| Express Air Freight (DHL/UPS/FedEx) | 2–4 days | $8.5–$12.0 | Urgent, small parcels |
Pro Tip: Shipping larger volumes via consolidated air cargo can cut total freight costs by up to 20%.
Required Customs Documents for Air Freight to France
Smooth customs clearance is vital for fast delivery.
| Document | Purpose | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Declares product value and description | Supplier |
| Packing List | Details contents, weight, and dimensions | Supplier |
| Air Waybill (AWB) | Proof of shipment and tracking number | Carrier / Forwarder |
| Certificate of Origin | Confirms country of manufacture | Supplier / Chamber of Commerce |
| Import Declaration | Required for customs clearance in France | Broker |
Note: Importers must have an EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) to process customs declarations in France.
Customs Duties and VAT in France
France follows EU customs regulations, meaning duties and taxes apply to imports from China.
- Import Duty: 0–12%, depending on product category.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 20% (standard rate).
- Customs Brokerage Fee: €30–€80 depending on cargo value.
For smoother logistics, opt for DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services — your freight forwarder manages all duties, taxes, and documentation on your behalf.
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight Comparison
| Factor | Air Freight | Sea Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 3–7 days | 30–40 days |
| Cost | $4–8/kg | $80–120/CBM |
| Cargo Type | Small, high-value | Large, non-urgent |
| Reliability | Very high | Moderate |
| Carbon Emissions | Higher | Lower |
If your shipment needs to reach France quickly or holds high value, air freight offers the best balance of speed and reliability.
How to Calculate Air Freight Weight
Airlines charge based on chargeable weight, which is determined by comparing actual and volumetric weight.
Formula:
(Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000 = Volumetric Weight (kg)
Example:
If your cargo box measures 80×60×50 cm and weighs 20 kg:
Volumetric weight = (80×60×50) ÷ 6000 = 40 kg
→ You’ll be charged for 40 kg since it’s higher than actual weight.
Understanding this helps you optimize packaging and lower total freight costs.
Estimated Transit Time from Shenzhen to Major French Cities
| Destination City | Airport-to-Airport | Door-to-Door (Including Customs) |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 3–4 days | 5–7 days |
| Lyon | 4–5 days | 6–8 days |
| Marseille | 5–6 days | 7–9 days |
| Toulouse | 4–6 days | 6–8 days |
Transit times vary slightly depending on flight routes and customs processing.
Conclusion
Choosing cheap air freight from Shenzhen to France gives importers the best mix of speed, reliability, and cost control. With efficient customs clearance, frequent flight schedules, and professional freight support, it’s ideal for businesses seeking fast turnaround times.
Partnering with Top China Forwarder ensures your shipments reach France quickly and safely — so you can focus on growth while we handle logistics from start to finish.
Request a Quote
Our experts at Top China Forwarder will customize a plan for your air freight from Shenzhen to France, including pickup, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery. Ship smarter, save more, and stay ahead of your competition.
Q1: How long does air freight from Shenzhen to France take?
Typically 3–7 days, depending on flight routes and customs clearance efficiency.
Q2: What’s the cheapest way to ship goods by air to France?
Book economy air freight or consolidated shipments for the lowest cost per kilogram.
Q3: Can I ship directly to Amazon FBA warehouses in France?
Yes, DDP air freight services include customs clearance and direct delivery to FBA centers.
Q4: Do I need to pay customs duty for goods from China?
Yes, France applies import duty and 20% VAT based on the product’s HS code.
Q5: How can I track my air shipment?
You can use your Air Waybill (AWB) number to get real-time tracking updates.