English
English
French
SpanishIn 2021, 5.5% of total imports into Sweden came form China, which is the country???s seventh largest source for it???s imported goods.
This trade totalled around $7.7 billion.
If you???re looking to join the importers who trade from China to Sweden, then you???ve found the right place. We???re here to answer all your questions and make sure you have everything you need to begin the importing process.
Shipping can be a complex process, but we???ve done our best to simplify each stage. We have information on the different types of shipping service available as well as the pros and cons of each.
With our help you???ll be able to navigate your way to expert logistical skills.
What Are The Options for Shipping Freight From China to Sweden?
??
There are two main ways for shipping from China to Sweden: Air freight by plane, or sea freight by ship. We???ll outline each process for you below.
Sea Freight From China to Sweden
Ocean freight can be a slow process, but it remains the most economical, especially if you???re transporting lots of goods. When shipping across the Ocean you???ll need to consider which type of container package you require.
Ocean transport involves transport via containers, and importers can choose whether to import by renting a container solely for their use (FCL) or sharing container space with others (LCL).
These containers can also be transported from the port onto railways, making them multimodal methods of freight transportation.??
A standard 40 foot container can accommodate 22 standard pallets, with a 20 foot container holding 10 pallets.
Less than Container Load (LCL):
This is suitable for small quantities of goods and when air freight is too expensive. Because the quantity is less than a container, it will cost less than full container shipping.
However, there might be a small additional time to wait LCL delivery involves the consolidation (packing) and deconsolidation (unpack) of your goods from the rest of the container items prior to departure and after arrival.
If you???re ok with your goods sharing space with other goods from other companies, then LCL shipping (also known as groupage) offers a more economical way to ship smaller quantities that make up less than half of the volume of a full container.
Full Container Load (FCL):
As the name suggests, this method of shipping uses the full shipping container and is thus suitable for loads that are at least that quantity.
If your individual quantities are less than the container, you could LCL or employ a strategy of bundling multiple orders into one container. Flat-rate pricing makes FCL shipping a good deal.
When you???re choosing between LCL and FCL, some other points to consider are:
- Are you ok with your goods sharing a container with other goods from a different company? If so, then LCL might be suitable for you.
- How many pallets is your order? If it???s over 6 pallets, you should compare the prices of FCL and LCL, as getting a full container may be a better deal, even if you can???t fill it completely.
- How important is time? FCL will be a bit quicker.
- Can your business fill a container in a timeframe that makes sense to ship them together?
- Do you wish to seal the container throughout the transportation process? FCL is your choice.
Shipping from China to Sweden by train
Air Freight From China to Sweden
If time is of the essence and you need to get your goods from China to Sweden quickly, then air freight is what you need. However, be aware that the price you pay for speed and flexibility can be a lot higher than ocean freight.????
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Goods and Cargo From China to Sweden?
There???s no set price for shipping from China to Sweden and there are numerous factors that play into a final price, such as size, weight and volume of your goods as well as the method of transport your prefer and your time requirements.
Weight and size are key factors in deciding which method of shipping to use. For smaller parcels, anywhere between 35kg and 100kg, air freight is probably going to be the most economical option for you.
Anything above that, will be more cost-effective via ocean freight, unless you need it urgently and are willing to pay a premium for air freight.
Contact us at SINO shipping to get a custom quote that takes into account your needs.
??
How Long Does it Take to Ship Cargo From China to Sweden?
It is a long distance from China to Sweden and air freight normally takes around 8 days, which includes the time needed for customs and delivery.
Ocean freight takes longer and may be anything up to 35-45 days.
??
How Long Does It Take to Ship Goods and Cargo by Sea From China to Sweden?
Shipping between China and Sweden normally takes around 5-7 weeks.
Popular routes include Ningbo to Gothenburg, Shanghai to Gothenburg and Ningbo to Helsingborg. However, it???s also dependent on the specific ports of call which could add or remove a few days from the shipping time.
For example, LCL shipping from Fuzhou to Gothenburg takes around 41 days, while FCL shipping with Ningbo to Gothenburg and Shanghai to Gothenburg both take around 46 days. Tianjin to Gothenburg takes around 48 days, while Shekou to Gothenburg will take around 39 days.
??
How Long Does It Take to Ship Cargo by Air From China to Sweden?
Air travel is of course much quicker than ocean travel, but you also need to allow for customs check and the transportation to and from airports.
Popular air routes are Shanghai-Pudong and Stockholm-Arlanda, Gothenburg, or Malmo; Shenzhen and Malmo, Fuzhou and Gothenburg.
There is also a service between Guangzhou Airport and Stockholm Arlanda. Which has a reputation for quick turnaround time for consignments.
Customs Clearance in China and Sweden
Getting your documents in order is vital to making the process of shipping run smoothly and is also a necessity for all importers.
While the list below may seem daunting, we???ll do our best to make the process run without any problems and we???ll take care of as much as we can from our end.
It can make sense for you partner with us for the customs declaration process as we have the experience and the skillset to help process your goods with all the necessary formalities.
You will still need to provide the following paperwork to the authorities in both China and Sweden:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Letter of Credit or other payment terms (depends on the contract between the parties involved)
Bill of Lading for ocean freight or Airway Bill for air freight (SINO Shipping will provide this for you).You may also be required to provide additional documentation depending on your goods, such as specific licences, permits or certificates.
Please make sure you have consulted with your freight forwarding service before shipping so you know exactly what you need to provide.
Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?
??
Ocean Freight
You can transport your goods by both FCL and LCL shipping.
There are many factors you need to consider when shipping from China to Sweden.
A standard 40 foot container can accommodate 22 standard pallets, with a 20 foot container holding 10 pallets. If you???re shipping large volumes and can fill a container, it makes sense to choose FCL (Full Container Load).
The other advantage of Full container load is that your items are kept separate from other importers.
On the other hand, LCL (Less than a Container Load) refers to shipping where your goods share space within a container with other goods.
If you???re ok with that, then LCL shipping (also known as groupage) offers a more economical way to ship smaller quantities that make up less than half of the volume of a full container.
Freight forwarders, like SINO Shipping can load your consignment or goods onto a container at many ports in China, before they are transported across the ocean.
We allow you to choose your preferred service, whether it???s dour door-to-door, port-to-port, door-to-port or port-to-door. Just let us know what you need.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR LCL FREIGHT SHIPPING
LCL shipping means your goods will share space with goods from other companies. This also means that your delivery might take a little bit longer, because of both the packing and unpacking process.
Before departure, your goods will be stored in a consolidation warehouse in China until departure, and then on arrival be held in a de-consolidation warehouse in Sweden before they are delivered to your address.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR FCL FREIGHT SHIPPING
FCL shipping means renting an entire container for your shipment. If you have a large enough cargo to occupy a container, or even most of a container, FCL shipping may make the most economical sense.
It???s also quicker than LCL shipping as there is no need to consolidate or deconsolidate your items from others.
Your container will also remain sealed throughout the journey and unless customs officials select it for inspection it will be sealed until it arrives at your address or chosen destination.
Air Freight
Air Freight is much faster than ocean freight and there are direct flights from China to Sweden on routes from Shanghai-Pudong, Shenzhen and Fuzhou.
Similarly to ocean shipping services, you can choose from port-to-port, port-to-door, door-to-port or door-to-door to meet the needs of your business.
Air shipping makes sense not only for its speed and quicker transit time, but if your goods are perishable, you need the highest level of security, or if your delivery addresses are close to the airport.
It also makes sense to ship by air freight if you want to pay less insurance and if your goods can be shipped on just a small number of pallets.
??
Ocean Cargo Port Guide
??
Cargo Ports of Origin in China
??
TIANJIN
Port Facts: Is the largest port in Northern China and a suitable option for shipping for goods originating from Beijing. The port connects to over 115 container routes.
Owned By: Tianjin Port Group Ltd.
Annual Container Volume: >16 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNTNG.
??
SHANGHAI
Port Facts: In 2019 was rated as the world???s best connected port and is also the world???s largest port, and has regular connections to Sweden. Suitable for domestic connections to Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu.
Owned By: Shanghai International Port Company Ltd.
Annual Container Volume: >40 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNSHA.
??
DALIAN
Port Facts: Dalian is known as the ???The Gateway To The Pacific??? and is China???s second largest container hub as well as the most northerly ice-free port in China.
Owned By: Dalian Port Group Company Ltd.
Annual Container Volume: >9 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNDLC.
??
NINGBO-ZHOUSAN
Port Facts: Cutting edge technology means that facilities here can load and unload incredibly efficiently. It has five terminals and is close to Shanghai.
Owned By: Ningbo-Zhousan Port Company Ltd.
Annual Container Volume: >26 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNNGB.
??
XIAMEN
Port Facts: Xiamen has nine container terminals and is in the top ten of container ports worldwide. It connects to trade routes linking it to over 50 countries, including Sweden.
Owned By: Xiamen Port Authority.
Annual Container Volume: >10 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNXMN.
??
OTHER PORTS IN CHINA
These are just some of the ports that your goods and cargo could set off from, in addition, there are plenty of other Chinese ports that can connect to Sweden, these include:
- Nansha
- Wuhan
- Zhuhai
- Dalian
- Shenzhen
- Changsha
- Chongqing
- Lianyungang
- Qinzhou
- Qingdao
- Zhongshan
- Guangzhou
- Fuzhou
- Shantou
- Nanjing
Cargo Ports of Arrival in Sweden
??
HELSINGBORG
Port Facts: The second largest port in Sweden, located in the Oresund Strait. It is an important shipping and logistics hub and connects well with road and rail links.
Owned By: Helsingborg Hamn AB.
Annual Container Volume: >280,000 TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: SEHEL.
??
GOTHENBURG
Port Facts: The largest port within the entire Nordic region, combining coastal and river ports, Gothenburg is a vital port not only for Sweden, but Norway too and can accommodate large vessels.
It is an important destination for food and textile imports and has specialist terminals for consignment discharge.
Owned By: City of Gothenburg.
Annual Container Volume: >860,000 TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: SEGOT.
??
STOCKHOLM
Port Facts: Stockholm has several ports that can handle freight and is able to accommodate large vessels up to 500ft.
It???s container port is efficient and able to handle containers in eight minutes, as well handling bulk cargo.
It is also well developed and a new container terminal was opened in 2020.
Owned By: City of Stockholm.
Annual Container Volume: >57,400 TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: SESTO.
??
NORRKOPING
Port Facts: Norrkoping connects well to rail and road services that serve the Swedish hinterlands and is known for a port that serves consumer goods bound for nearby warehouses for onward distribution.
The Pampus terminal is normally where goods and cargo from China is discharged.
Owned By: Norrkopings Hamn Och Stuveri AB.
Annual Container Volume: >132,000 TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: SENRK.
??
Flying Your Freight: Airport Guide
??
Airports of Origin in China
??
SHANGHAI-PUDONG
Airport Facts: Shanghai is one of the busiest airports for freight in the world handling almost 4 million tonnes of cargo annually.
If you???re shipping from Shanghai to Sweden (Stockholm), the process can take as little as eight days.
Swedish Airports Served: Stockholm-Arlanda.
Shanghai-Pudong to Sweden Cargo-Only Operators: None.
IATA Code: PVG.
??
SHENZHEN
Airport Facts: Shenzhen has a strategic location near the Shenzhen special economic zone if your goods are produced there. The airport is growing and has recently opened up a new terminal and second runway.
There are also direct flights to Malmo-Sturup, which means this is a good airport for direct shipping to Sweden, especially in the Malmo area.
Swedish Airports Served: Malmo-Sturup.
Shenzhen to Sweden Cargo-Only Operators: None.
IATA Code: SZX.
??
FUZHOU
Airport Facts: Fuzhou Airport was opened in 1997 to serve the region of Fujian Province and since then has grown immensely into becoming one of the thirty most busiest cargo hubs in the world.
There are also plans for expansion in the coming years, making this an airport to keep an eye on.
Swedish Airports Served: Gothenburg.
Fuzhou to Sweden Cargo-Only Operators: None.
IATA Code: FOC.
??
OTHER AIRPORTS IN CHINA
There are many other airports in China that can serve your needs and you will need to take into account the origin of your goods in order to make an economic choice SINO shipping will help you with this process and can schedule your consignment to fly to Sweden from the airports above as well as the following airports: Guangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, Qingdao, Wuhan, Xiamen, Zhengzhou and Shanghai Hongqiao. Although note that some of these airports may only fly indirectly to Sweden and this may affect the delivery time
??
Airports of Arrival in Sweden
??
STOCKHOLM-ARLANDA
Airport Facts: Stockholm-Arlanda is the largest of the two Stockholm airports and is located 37 kilometeres from the capital.
There are well established cargo facilities here and the airport plays host to international airlines operating cargo flights. This is the only airport in Sweden to have direct flights to Shanghai.
Connected Airports in China: Shanghai-Pudong.
China to Stockholm-Arlanda Cargo-Only Operators: None.
IATA Code: ARN.
??
GOTHENBURG
Airport Facts: Gothenburg is Sweden???s second largest airport located 20km outside of the city. It???s an important freight hub for the Nordic region.
Connected Airports in China: Fuzhou.
China to Gothenburg Cargo-Only Operators: None.
IATA Code: GOT.
??
MALMO-STURUP
Airport Facts: Located 28km outside of Malmo, Malmo-Sturup is Sweden???s fourth-busiest airport. There are two cargo terminals where your cargo can be received. The airport connects directly to Shenzhen.
Connected Airports in China: Shenzhen.
China to Malmo-Sturup Cargo-Only Operators: None.
IATA Code: MMX.
??
OTHER AIRPORTS IN SWEDEN
As well as the airports above, Jonkoping and Norrkoping airports can also be served and we at SINO shipping can deliver your freight via these airports.
??
Why Ship From China to Sweden With SINO Shipping?
SINO shipping has extensive experience, capacity and the skillset to ensure that your logistical needs are met.
We are a reliable partner that can ensure your imports from China to Sweden arrive on time, secure and safe.
Whether its ocean or air freight, we???ll endeavour to find the best solution for you.
Contact us today and we???ll provide you with up to the minute quotes based on the latest logistic data worldwide.
When you book with we???ll be ready and waiting to assist you at each step of journey and can help make the process of customs clearance smooth and compliant. Make your supply chain management effective with SINO Shipping.
How much does it cost to ship a package to Sweden?
The price of shipping from China to Sweden depends greatly on the variables such as
The type of product: Different products may have different transportation needs. e.g. valuable or perishable goods may need to be given specialist packaging and/or security.
The size and weight of your parcel: This is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to price. As you might expect, the larger the parcel, the greater the price.
The means of transport: Air freight is always going to be much more expensive that shipping via ocean freight. However, you may want to take into account the size, as it may make more economical sense to ship via air if your delivery is small or if quick delivery is a key facet of your business.
Your schedule: If you???re looking for a parcel quickly, then you???ll generally need to pay more. With air freight, express shipping will cost more than regular air freight shipping.
Take into account all these elements when you???re calculating you???re price and we???ll do our best to assist you to find the method of shipping that makes the most sense for you.
What is the import tax in Sweden?
Whether you need to pay import tax when importing to Sweden from China will depend on whether the value of your parcel is over the threshold established by EU rules. For Sweden, this threshold is set at 22 Euros.
Please check this before you send, as any courier company won???t be held responsible for charges incurring if the tax changes.
How can I track a package from China to Sweden?
It can help with your logistics and also your peace of mind to be able to track your package as it moves throughout the world on its journey from China to Sweden. It’ll help you plan in case of any unforeseen delays.
With SINO Shipping you???ll be able to track your package at each step of the journey through our website.
Just go to the site, and post your tracking number into the search bar and you???ll be able to see round the clock tracking on your cargo.
If you???re having any problems with this, please contact us and we???ll do our best to assist you in tracking your consignment from China to Sweden.
Is there a list of prohibited items if I want to send a package from China to Sweden?
Different countries have different restrictions so if you???re shipping from China to Sweden, then please make sure to research beforehand whether your items are on a list of restricted or prohibited goods.
Please also check with SINO Shipping regarding the lists of goods we prohibit from being sent.
If your parcel is found to contain prohibited goods, we will return it at your expense.
You should also take into account the rules and guidance on the size and weight of your package. Packages should be 2 kilos maximum including packaging and labels.
They should have a maximum measurement of 50cm on the longest side and 9 by 14cm in width and height. Cylindrical parcels should not exceed 50cm in length and the length plus twice the diameter should not exceed 100cm.