If you export or import food and beverages, understanding how to ship food products from China to Europe is crucial for success. Between strict EU food regulations, long transit routes, and temperature-sensitive cargo, careful planning ensures your products arrive fresh and compliant. This guide covers shipping methods, customs requirements, and proven ways to reduce logistics costs.
What Are the Main Ways to Ship Food from China to Europe?
There are three major transportation options for food exports: air freight, sea freight, and rail freight. Each has distinct advantages based on product type, shelf life, and budget.
Overview of Food Shipping Methods
| Shipping Method | Best For | Transit Time (Days) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | Fresh, high-value, or perishable foods | 5 – 9 | $5 – $9 per kg |
| Sea Freight | Dry goods, canned food, non-perishables | 30 – 40 | $1,800 – $2,400 per 20ft container |
| Rail Freight | Processed or packaged foods | 18 – 25 | $2,100 – $2,700 per 20ft container |
💡 Tip: Combine air and sea freight for mixed shipments — perishable goods by air, and long-shelf-life items by sea to balance cost and efficiency.
How to Choose the Right Shipping Method for Food Products
Choosing the correct transportation mode depends on temperature control, shelf life, and cost.
Air Freight
- Ideal for perishable goods like seafood, dairy, or fruit purées.
- Requires cold-chain logistics and temperature monitoring.
- Higher cost, but ensures freshness and fast delivery.
Sea Freight
- Best for bulk shipments and dry goods.
- Containers can be refrigerated (reefer containers) to preserve items like frozen meat or beverages.
- Longer transit but far cheaper.
Rail Freight
- Efficient middle ground between speed and cost.
- Works well for preserved food, snacks, and packaged sauces.
- Growing popularity along the China–Europe Express route.
How to Ship Frozen or Perishable Food
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -18°C for frozen, 0–5°C for chilled items |
| Container Type | Reefer container with thermostat monitoring |
| Documentation | Health certificate, temperature logs, and import permits |
| Customs Clearance | EU inspection for food safety and labeling |
What Documents Are Required for Food Exports from China?
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Declares product value and trade terms |
| Packing List | Details weight, packaging type, and volume |
| Health Certificate | Issued by China CIQ for food safety compliance |
| Certificate of Origin | Confirms the goods’ manufacturing country |
| Import License (EU) | Required for specific food categories like meat or dairy |
| Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | Proof of shipment issued by carrier |
Common Mistake to Avoid
Failing to match packaging labels with customs documentation can result in goods being held or destroyed at EU ports.
How to Comply with EU Food Import Regulations
To sell or distribute food in Europe, importers must follow EU General Food Law (Regulation 178/2002) and related directives.
Key Compliance Areas
- Labeling Requirements: Ingredients, allergens, and expiration dates must appear in EU languages.
- Traceability: Each batch must have a unique code for supply chain tracking.
- Packaging Standards: Packaging must be food-grade and free of contaminants.
- Phytosanitary Certificates: Required for plant-based or organic foods.
💡 Always verify your product’s HS Code to identify specific EU restrictions before shipping.
How Long Does It Take to Ship Food Products from China to Europe?
| Route | Transit Time (Days) | Recommended Goods |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Rotterdam (Sea) | 30 – 35 | Canned food, dry goods |
| Xi’an → Duisburg (Rail) | 18 – 22 | Snacks, sauces |
| Guangzhou → Paris (Air) | 5 – 7 | Fresh or frozen food |
Case Study – Seafood Shipment to France
A Qingdao-based exporter shipped 12 tons of frozen shrimp to Marseille via sea freight in 2024.
- Container: 40ft reefer container at -18°C
- Transit Time: 33 days
- Result: Arrived fully compliant with EU inspection, temperature logs validated
✅ Outcome: Cost reduced by 40% compared to air freight.
How to Reduce Food Shipping Costs
- Ship in full container loads (FCL) for better cost per unit.
- Plan around seasonal price hikes (avoid Lunar New Year and Q4).
- Combine air and rail routes for urgent + non-urgent cargo.
- Use local consolidation warehouses in Guangzhou or Ningbo.
- Work with experienced freight forwarders to negotiate long-term rates.
Strategic coordination across suppliers can cut logistics costs by 15–25%.
Why Choose a Professional Freight Forwarder for Food Shipping?
Shipping food internationally involves temperature control, customs compliance, and coordination across multiple carriers. A professional forwarder ensures:
- 24/7 temperature monitoring for perishable cargo.
- EU documentation compliance and pre-clearance.
- Insurance coverage for high-value goods.
- Door-to-door delivery with warehouse handling.
Partnering with experts like Top China Forwarder guarantees both freshness and legal compliance.
Conclusion
Learning how to ship food products from China to Europe efficiently requires balancing cost, speed, and safety. Sea freight remains the cheapest option for bulk dry goods, while air and rail services suit perishable or high-value items. With proper documentation, cold-chain monitoring, and a reliable logistics partner, you can confidently expand your food exports to European markets.
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Let Top China Forwarder manage your entire supply chain — from temperature-controlled storage to customs clearance. Request a free quote today and ensure your food shipments arrive fresh and compliant.
Q1: What’s the best way to ship frozen food from China to Europe?
Use reefer containers via sea freight with temperature logs to maintain -18°C.
Q2: Can I ship snacks or packaged food by rail?
Yes, rail freight is suitable for non-perishable food and has faster delivery than sea.
Q3: What documents are needed for food exports?
You need a health certificate, invoice, packing list, and EU import permit.
Q4: How long does it take to ship food by sea?
Usually 30–40 days, depending on origin port and customs inspection.
Q5: Do I need an import license to sell food in Europe?
Yes, specific categories (like dairy or meat) require EU import registration.