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Shipping goods from China to Spain requires a logistics partner who can balance cost, reliability, and customs expertise. With ocean freight China to Spain, businesses benefit from flexible transit options, stable rates, and complete control over every shipping stage. Partnering with Top China Forwarder ensures your cargo moves efficiently through optimized sea routes, backed by expert customs support and end-to-end logistics visibility.
Why Choose Ocean Freight from China to Spain?
Ocean freight remains the most cost-effective way to move large volumes of goods between Asia and Europe. Spain’s major ports—Valencia, Barcelona, and Algeciras—offer excellent connectivity with Chinese ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen.
Key advantages of ocean freight include:
- Lower transportation costs per cubic meter
- Suitable for all cargo types, including FCL and LCL
- Predictable delivery schedules
- Environmentally sustainable for bulk cargo
👉 Need tailored ocean freight planning? Send Inquiry
Main Sea Routes Between China and Spain
| Chinese Port | Spanish Port | Typical Transit Time | Cargo Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Valencia | 28–32 days | FCL, electronics, machinery |
| Ningbo | Barcelona | 30–35 days | Furniture, textiles |
| Shenzhen | Algeciras | 27–30 days | E-commerce goods |
| Qingdao | Bilbao | 33–37 days | Raw materials |
| Xiamen | Valencia | 29–33 days | Mixed cargo |
Shipping via sea freight remains the preferred mode for importers handling large, heavy, or non-urgent cargo.
For high-volume shipments, explore Sea Freight solutions to optimize your costs and lead time.
How Much Does Ocean Freight from China to Spain Cost?
Rates depend on cargo type, volume, seasonality, and chosen shipping terms (FCL or LCL). Below is an overview of average shipping prices.
| Container Type | Average Cost (USD) | Cargo Volume | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20FT Container | $1,100 – $1,600 | 28 CBM | Small or dense cargo |
| 40FT Container | $1,700 – $2,200 | 58 CBM | Medium to large loads |
| 40HQ Container | $1,800 – $2,400 | 68 CBM | Lightweight, high-volume goods |
| LCL (per CBM) | $50 – $80 | 1–15 CBM | Small-volume importers |
💡 Tip: Combine multiple shipments with a Warehouse consolidation service to save space and cost.
FCL vs LCL Shipping from China to Spain
| Criteria | FCL (Full Container Load) | LCL (Less than Container Load) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | Better for high volume | Economical for small volume |
| Security | Private container | Shared space |
| Handling | Less handling | More touchpoints |
| Transit Time | Faster | Slightly longer due to consolidation |
| Customs | Simpler | Shared documentation |
Choosing between FCL or LCL depends on your shipment size and frequency. A logistics expert can recommend the best approach for your cargo profile.
Transit Times: China to Spain Ocean Freight Schedule
| Origin Port | Destination Port | Transit Days | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Valencia | 28–32 days | Weekly |
| Ningbo | Barcelona | 30–34 days | Weekly |
| Shenzhen | Algeciras | 27–30 days | Weekly |
| Qingdao | Bilbao | 33–37 days | Bi-weekly |
Transit times may vary slightly due to weather, customs clearance, and port congestion.
👉 For an optimized delivery schedule, check our Door To Door service options.
Required Documents for Ocean Freight from China to Spain
To ensure smooth customs clearance, both Chinese and Spanish authorities require proper documentation.
| Document | Purpose | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | Proof of shipment | Carrier or forwarder |
| Commercial Invoice | Value and description of goods | Exporter |
| Packing List | Weight and dimensions | Supplier |
| Certificate of Origin | Country of manufacture | Chamber of Commerce |
| Import Declaration | Entry record in Spain | Customs Agent |
| Insurance Certificate | Cargo protection record | Insurer |
Professional Customs Brokerage support simplifies complex documentation and minimizes clearance delays.
What Are the Customs Duties When Shipping from China to Spain?
Spain follows EU customs regulations. Importers must calculate duties based on product classification, CIF value, and VAT (21%).
| Product Category | Duty Rate | VAT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0–5% | 21% | CE marking required |
| Furniture | 2–6% | 21% | Subject to quality inspection |
| Textiles | 6–12% | 21% | Requires detailed HS code |
| Toys | 0–5% | 21% | Safety certification needed |
Customs charges can be reduced with accurate documentation and classification.
👉 Need customs assistance? Send Inquiry
Air vs Ocean Freight: Which Is Better for China–Spain Trade?
| Factor | Air Freight | Ocean Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $5–$10/kg | $0.5–$2/kg |
| Speed | 5–7 days | 28–35 days |
| Capacity | Limited | Large volumes |
| Reliability | High | Moderate (weather dependent) |
| Best For | Urgent, high-value goods | Heavy, non-urgent cargo |
For faster deliveries, consider Air Freight or combined sea–air solutions for balance between speed and cost.
Common Shipping Terms: EXW, FOB, CIF Explained
| Term | Seller Responsibility | Buyer Responsibility | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Goods ready at supplier | All transport & customs | Experienced importers |
| FOB (Free On Board) | Export clearance & loading | Ocean freight + import duty | Balanced responsibility |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Freight + insurance to port | Import customs only | First-time importers |
For simplified coordination, many importers prefer CIF when working with trusted partners like Top China Forwarder.
Case Example: Furniture Freight from Guangzhou to Barcelona
A Spanish retailer needed to ship 5 containers of furniture before summer.
- Service: Ocean freight, FCL
- Route: Guangzhou → Barcelona
- Transit Time: 30 days
- Challenge: Tight customs deadline
- Result: Shipment cleared within 48 hours via coordinated customs brokerage and warehouse delivery
The client saved 18% in total costs using Break Bulk for oversized items.
Why Work with Top China Forwarder?
Top China Forwarder provides complete logistics coverage for shipments between China and Spain.
Key strengths include:
- Strong carrier contracts and stable rates
- Local teams in major Chinese ports
- Real-time tracking and updates
- Dedicated EU customs partners
- Optional Import Service for full compliance
Whether shipping standard containers or specialized cargo, our team ensures seamless coordination and peace of mind.
👉 Ready to streamline your logistics? Send Inquiry
Conclusion:
With ocean freight China to Spain, importers gain cost-effective, reliable, and scalable logistics for all cargo types. By combining proper documentation, customs support, and strategic shipping methods, you can reduce costs while ensuring on-time delivery. Partnering with Top China Forwarder guarantees transparent pricing, flexible schedules, and full-service handling from origin to destination.
Ask For a Quote
Get your personalized ocean freight quote in under 24 hours. Access competitive carrier rates, reliable transit schedules, and complete customs support from China to Spain. Trusted by 5,000+ global importers, we make shipping smooth and affordable.
FAQ
Q1: How long does ocean freight take from China to Spain?
Transit time averages 28–35 days, depending on the ports and carrier schedules.
Q2: What’s the best port in Spain for imports?
Valencia is the busiest and most efficient port for containerized imports from China.
Q3: How much does a 40FT container cost?
Typically, between $1,700–$2,200, depending on route and season.
Q4: Do I need insurance for sea freight?
Yes. It’s strongly advised to use Cargo Insurance for protection against loss or damage.
Q5: Can I track my shipment?
Yes. All containers include real-time tracking through Sea Freight monitoring tools.
Q6: Does Top China Forwarder handle door-to-door delivery?
Yes. Through our Door To Door service, we manage pickup, transport, customs, and final delivery.