Shipping goods from China to Croatia can often seem like a confusing game, with issues such as understanding freight rates, transit times and customs regulations adding to the complexity.

This destination guide is designed to transform your shipping experience by explaining everything from different types of freight options including rail freight, ocean freight and air freight to customs clearance, duties, and taxes.

Croatia Customs Entry

After Croatia joined the European Union on July 1, 2013, it implemented the EU’s unified trade rules.

The customs status of the goods implies the designation of goods as Union goods and Non-Union goods.

In accordance with the Union customs regulations, the goods brought into or taken out of the customs territory of the Union are subject to customs controls which comprise of customs formalities and customs security checks.

A Croatian importer is responsible for providing the required import documentation, which consists of common trade, transport, and customs documents, as well as certificates required for quality control and licenses where appropriate. The Single Administrative Document (SAD) that is used by the European Union and most other countries is the key customs document in Croatia as well.

Goods Value	Customs Duty	VAT Tax
0 to €22	No	No
€22 to €150	No	Yes
Above €150	Yes	Yes

As of 1 July 2021, VAT – 25% will be charged on import of commercial consignments, regardless of their value.

Legal persons or trade businesses established in the Republic of Croatia or other Member States submitting an electronic declaration must have an EORI number.

Natural persons established in the Republic of Croatia are not obliged to have an EORI number when importing or exporting goods for personal use.

Air Freight from China to Croatia

As a professional international air freight forwarding service provider, CFC can ensure safer, more timely and efficient operation of international air freight from China to Croatia, and provide you with relevant extended services of international air freight from China to Croatia, which greatly guarantees the on-time arrival and timely delivery of goods, shortens the time of goods in transit, and improves the efficiency of international air freight.

Currently, there are no direct flights from China to Croatia, but freight can transfer to the capital Zagreb via multiple cities such as Frankfurt, Vienna, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Dubai, etc.

Top Airports in Croatia

Croatia has 7 international airports (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Rijeka, Pula, Osijek), the main one being Zagreb Airport.

Zagreb Airport or Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport is an international airport serving Zagreb, Croatia. It is the largest and busiest airport in Croatia.

Air Freight Cost from China to Croatia

The price of air shipping depends mainly on the dimensions of the package, its weight, and the delivery method you choose. To lower the price to a minimum, choose slower delivery methods.

⬇️How much is shipping to a business address in Croatia by AIR?⬇️

26KG+	51KG+	101KG+
€6.95/kg	€6.75/kg	€6.35/kg

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Croatia

Economy flights take 7-10 days, while express flights take 3-5 days or less.

Sea Freight from China to Croatia

Shipping LCL freight means international cargo transportation from China to Croatia in boxes, crates, and pallets by sea. It is obvious that international transportation to Croatia by sea is the cheapest way of cargo delivery from China to Croatia.

FCL shipping, or Full Container Load, is using the entire space of the container, typically a 20’ft or 40’ft container. You’re in full control of the fcl container and its contents from origin to destination, enhancing its safety. This shipping option is particularly cost-effective for larger volumes, and it provides an extra layer of security as your cargo isn’t mixed with other goods.

Top Container Ports in Croatia

There are eight major seaports in Croatia, including the Port of Rijeka, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Split, Sibenik, Ploce, Pula and Senj, which can accommodate large ocean-going ships and are managed by eight national port authorities. Among them, the Port of Rijeka is the most important, through which you can reach all of Croatia and other European countries.

Rijeka Port becomes part of the core transport network TEN-T of the European Union and a core port on the Mediterranean corridor. After the revision of the Regulation on the Trans-European Network in April 2024, the port of Rijeka, as a core port, was included in two additional corridors: the Baltic Sea – Adriatic Sea corridor and the Western Balkans – Eastern Mediterranean corridor.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Croatia

Pinning down an exact figure for shipping a container between China and Croatia isn’t cut-and-dry. Ocean freight rates can shimmy anywhere between a broad spectrum.

Variables like the Point of Loading, Destination, carrier used, nature of goods, and even monthly market swings can mean your individual shipping cost scoots up or down that range.

⬇️How much is shipping to a business address in Croatia by SEA?⬇️

26KG+	51KG+	101KG+	1001KG+
€1.95/kg	€1.75/kg	€1.65/kg	€1.60/kg

We dig deep to find you the best rates, examining your specific needs on a case-by-case basis. With us at the helm, you get insightful, bespoke shipping assistance, without breaking the bank!

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Croatia

Generally the ocean transit time is around 40 days for port to port. If to door, add 7-10 days for the customs and truck delivery.

Working with CFC

Specializing in freight shipping from China to Croatia, CFC’s core services span an expansive range, from sea and air shipments to rail and truck transport, covering every conceivable need for international shipping. Our expert team is ready to plan, manage and execute your shipping requirements with utmost precision.

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