Explore efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions from China to the Czech Republic. Learn about air freight, ocean freight, and rail freight options to ensure timely and reliable deliveries. Discover the benefits of each shipping method, costs involved, and tips for smooth international shipping from China to the Czech Republic.

 Your Step-by-Step Shipping Guide When Importing From China to Czech Republic

Looking to ship goods from China to the Czech Republic with ease? Whether you’re a business or individual, understanding the shipping process is key for a smooth transaction. This guide breaks down the essentials for safe and timely deliveries. From customs regulations to freight forwarders, get the insights you need for a successful shipping experience.

Step 1: Select Your Shipping Method

Decide between sea freight for cost savings or air freight for quicker delivery.

Step 2: Find a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Work with a trusted expert like Super International Shipping for a seamless experience.

Step 3: Secure Packing & Documentation

Ensure your items are packed securely, and all necessary paperwork is ready.

Step 4: Clear Customs with Ease

Prepare for smooth customs clearance in both China and the Czech Republic.

Step 5: Track Your Delivery

Use online tracking to stay updated on your shipment’s status at all times.

Step 6: Shipping Costs

Be clear about your shipping costs and payment terms in advance.

Step 7: Final Reception

Check and receive your goods when they arrive in the Czech Republic.

How to Importing goods From China to Czech Republic? 

When you decide to import goods from China to the Czech Republic, several steps are involved. Here’s what you need to know:

Estimate your tax liability for importing goods from China to Czech Republic

Tax liability is the amount you owe to tax authorities. Stay updated on trade rules between China and the Czech Republic to prepare for any fees or taxes. This will also help you avoid issues with customs clearance.

Typically, imports are subject to a 21% value-added tax by Czech customs. Depending on the type of goods, additional taxes or charges may apply.

Assistance with Taxes
If you want to import from China but are concerned about taxes, DFH can help. Our door-to-door shipping services include customs clearance and taxes in our price quotes. We can guide you through the tax process, no matter which shipping method you choose.

Define your shipment’s Incoterms

The term “Incoterm” might be new to you if you haven’t shipped goods internationally. Incoterms are globally recognized rules that define the duties and responsibilities of buyers and sellers in importing and exporting goods.

They specify who handles insurance, prepares shipping and customs documents, pays for shipments, tracks the goods, and manages other related tasks. Understanding and agreeing on Incoterms with your supplier helps clarify whether the supplier handles the entire shipping process until delivery, or if you will take over once the supplier is done.

Make sure you are familiar with Incoterms and understand their implications for your shipping. Commonly used Incoterms include FOB, EXW, and DDP.

Find a suitable shipping method.

There are four main shipping methods for international deliveries: Express shipping, air freight, rail freight, and sea freight. The best option depends on the size and type of goods, your shipping budget, and the urgency of delivery.

Keep reading as we explore each shipping method to the Czech Republic, helping you choose the right one for your needs.

Shipping methods from China to Czech Republic

The primary shipping methods between China and the Czech Republic are express delivery via courier, air freight, rail freight, and sea freight.

We will outline the cost estimates for each shipping method to the Czech Republic and highlight their pros and cons.

This will help you evaluate your specific needs and choose the most suitable shipping option for your requirements.

Air Freight from China to Czech Republic

Air freight involves transporting goods via air carriers or airlines with long-distance capabilities. It is the fastest shipping option to the Czech Republic.

However, air freight tends to be more expensive than other shipping methods.

It is considered safer, faster, and more convenient compared to alternatives.

Keep in mind that air freight only delivers goods to an airport in the Czech Republic, not to the final destination. Additional arrangements are needed to transport goods from the airport to their final location.

What is the Air freight shipping time from China to Czech Republic?

Air freight is the fastest option, with delivery times from China to the Czech Republic typically ranging from 3 to 6 days.

This time frame can vary based on factors such as the type of goods (bulk or non-bulk), cargo weight, and value.

What is the cost of Air freight from China to Czech Republic?

While air freight is the most convenient shipping method from China to the Czech Republic, it is not the cheapest.

The cost of air freight includes various fees, such as the air freight charge, fuel surcharge, security fee, terminal fee, and others. These fees are set by airlines based on their operating costs and can change frequently, so it’s important to get a timely quote.

The final cost is influenced by factors like the airline, shipping routes, and the season.

Typically, shipping goods via air freight from China to the Czech Republic costs between $6.00 and $8.90 per kilogram.

Main airports China to Czech Republic?

The primary Chinese airports for shipping freight to the Czech Republic are:

• Beijing Capital International Airport
• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• Hong Kong International Airport
• Shenzhen Baoan International Airport
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

Main airports in Czech Republic

The main international airports in the Czech Republic for air shipments are:

• Brno-Tuřany Airport
• Karlovy Vary Airport
• Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava
• Kunovice Airport
• Pardubice Airport
• Václav Havel Airport

Sea freight from China to the Czech Republic

Although the Czech Republic is landlocked, sea freight remains a key import method.

It is the most popular shipping option from China due to its flexibility and reliability.

Since there is no direct seaport, most shipments arrive in European ports, mainly Hamburg, Germany, before being transported by train, truck, or waterways to Prague.

Other Czech ports include Decin, Usti nad Labem, Kolin, Praha Radotín, and Melnik (Mělník).

Sea freight offers high capacity at a lower cost and can handle various cargo, including hazardous goods.

The main drawback is the long shipping time, which depends on the freight type and port locations.

This method uses containers and operates under two different container systems.

FCL Container Ship from China to Czech Republic

FCL (Full Container Load) is a sea freight option where an importer books an entire container for their goods.

Since the container has a fixed price, it is cost-effective for shipments over 15 cubic meters. Available container sizes include 20ft, 40ft, 40ft HQ, and 45ft HQ.

FCL is designed for large or heavy cargo, but the container does not need to be full. In some cases, shipping a half-filled container with FCL is cheaper than using LCL.

LCL container Ship from China to Czech Republic

LCL (Less than Container Load) is an option where goods from multiple importers share a container, and each importer pays only for their occupied space.

This method is more affordable since you don’t need to cover the cost of an entire container.

A freight forwarder will determine your required space and reserve it for you. LCL is ideal for smaller shipments between 1 and 15 cubic meters.

Cost of Sea freight shipping from China to Czech Republic

Sea freight is the most affordable shipping method from China to the Czech Republic. The cost depends on several factors, including:

• The initial port the cargo arrives at before reaching the Czech Republic.
• The type of goods being shipped.
• Container availability and ship capacity.
• The cargo size and container type.
• Current fuel prices.

For FCL shipping

• A 20ft container from Shanghai to Prague costs between $1,500 and $3,000.
• A 40ft container costs around $3,500 to $4,500.

For LCL shipping

• The cost per cubic meter is about $100 to $150.
• If the weight per cubic meter is 200 kg, the price per kg is $2 to $3, totaling around $600.

Sea freight transit time from China to the Czech Republic

Sea freight shipments to the Czech Republic usually take 30 to 50 days, depending on factors like the loading port, route, schedule, carrier, and destination port.

Estimated Transit Times for Sea Freight from China to Prague

How do we determine which seaport in China is for sea shipping?

Not all factories in China are near shipping ports, so inland transport may be needed to move goods to a port.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Port:

• Nearest port to reduce transport costs.
• Size of goods to determine suitable handling capacity.
• Planned shipping route for better efficiency.

A freight forwarder can help select the best port since they have experience shipping from China to the Czech Republic.

Main Seaports China to Czech Republic

Rail freight Route and Transit time from China to the Czech Republic

Rail freight is a key shipping option from China to Prague, Czech Republic.

It is cheaper than air freight and faster than sea freight, making it an efficient choice.

The New Silk Road rail link has improved freight transport between China and Europe, allowing suppliers to ship smaller batches more frequently. However, high-value items are rarely transported by rail.

Route taken

Rail freight transit time

Door-to-door shipping from China to Czech Republic.

Express shipping is a fast and secure door-to-door shipping method. DHL, UPS, and FedEx are the top choices for shipping from China to the Czech Republic.

Other shipping methods combine different transport modes for DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) delivery, including:

• Air freight + Express shipping
• Rail freight + Express shipping
• Ocean freight + Express shipping
• Rail freight + Truck freight

Benefits of DDP Shipping from China to the Czech Republic

• Reduces shipping costs and simplifies tax and duty payments.
• Eliminates the hassle of moving goods, hiring carriers, and tracking shipments.
• Avoids clearance issues and import levies, as freight forwarders handle them.
• Freight forwarders negotiate better rates, saving on shipping costs.
• Prevents scams, theft, and loss of goods.

Estimated Transit Time for DDP Shipping

Import tax and duties in Czech Republic

All imports to the Czech Republic are subject to import taxes, which depend on the country of origin and type of goods.

The import tax is a percentage of the goods’ value. Items worth less than $150 are usually exempt from customs fees.

As part of the European Union (EU), the Czech Republic has relatively low customs fees.

Additional taxes and fees may apply based on the type of goods. Trade Tariff provides detailed information on tariffs and regulations for imports from outside the EU.

A freight forwarder can assist in handling import taxes and duties, ensuring a smooth shipping process.

Documents Requirements for Shipping from China to Czech Republic.

The importer must ensure all required documents for customs clearance are provided when shipping from China to the Czech Republic.

These documents are submitted by the importer or freight forwarder and include:

• Packing List: Lists all items being imported, including their HS code and country of origin.
• Commercial Invoice: States the commercial value of the goods in USD.
• Bill of Lading: Issued by the shipping carrier, showing the owner and receiver of the goods. For air shipments, an airway bill is used instead.
• Arrival Notice: Notifies the consignee that the shipment is ready for pickup and is being delivered by the carrier.
• Import License: Required for sensitive goods like animals, hazardous materials, and controlled items (e.g., weapons, ammunition).
• Certificates of Origin: Verifies where the goods were shipped from in China.
• Single Administrative Document and CMR: Additional required documents for customs processing.

What goods can be imported from China to Czech Republic?

• Electrical machinery and equipment
• Machinery, including computers
• Vehicles
• Mineral fuels, including oils
• Plastics and plastic articles
• Iron and steel
• Pharmaceuticals
• Iron or steel articles
• Optical, technical, and medical equipment
• Furniture, bedding, lighting, signs, prefab buildings
• Other goods

What goods can’t be imported from China to Czech Republic?

• Checks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Products containing dimethyl fumarate (DMF)
• Animal products
• Blood and gelatine
• Non-prescription drugs
• Fabrics and fabric samples
• Foodstuffs
• Laser discs
• Liquor (Wine allowed from the EU and third countries, up to 100 liters)
• Plants and plant products
• Pornographic materials
• Radar equipment
• Tobacco and coffee
• Other items

Some Tips to save shipping costs from China to Czech Republic.

Here are some ways to reduce shipping costs from China to the Czech Republic:

• Work with an experienced freight forwarder from China.
• Optimize container space by packing goods tightly to save on container costs.
• Book in advance to save money and avoid delays.
• Choose the right shipping method based on your goods. Consider rail freight for bulk items with faster shipping times than air freight.
• Ship during off-peak seasons to secure cheaper rates.
• Prepare all required documentation in advance for smooth customs clearance.
• Plan for customs taxes and levies ahead of time.
• Compare quotes from different suppliers and freight forwarders.
• Be aware of your Incoterms and shipping method to prevent unexpected costs.
• Ensure your shipments are insured for added protection.