China is Greece’s fourth largest trading partner and third largest source of imports.

Shipping from China to Greece involves a series of strategic decisions and a deep understanding of international logistics and local conditions. Navigating these challenges requires staying informed about the latest regulations, market conditions, and technological advancements in logistics and transportation.

Whether dealing with small packages or containers, the key to successful shipping operations lies in meticulous planning, expert collaboration, and continual adaptation to the dynamic shipping environment.

Greece Customs

Greece is a member of the European Union, and its foreign trade policy is formulated by the European Union. Goods flow freely between Greece and other EU member states, and trade with countries outside the EU is subject to the EU’s unified trade policy. Greece implements EU unified tariff rates.

An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is mandatory for any entity involved in customs procedures within the European Union, including Greece.

EORI number is a unique identification number in the customs territory of the EU that is granted by the competent customs authorities to economic operators, who are involved in importing and exporting businesses.

Import taxes and duties on goods shipped from China to Greece can significantly impact the overall shipping cost. Key points include:

• VAT: Typically 24% in Greece.
• Customs Duties: Vary based on the value, classification, and shipping terms of the goods.

Sea Freight from China to Greece

Loaded containers typically undergo several stages before reaching the vessel and ultimately arriving at the destination in Greece. These stages may include packing and loading, transportation to the port, customs clearance processes, ocean transit, and final delivery to the designated address in Greece. Each stage plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful and timely delivery of your goods.

Top Container Ports in Greece

The Port of Piraeus, located southwest of Athens, has been the most important port in Greece since ancient times and is regarded as the “Southern Gate” of Europe.

In addition, there are other important regional ports such as Thessaloniki Port in northern Greece, Volos Port in central Greece, Igoumenitsa Port in the northwest, Alexandroupolis Port in the northeast, and Heraklion Port in Crete.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Greece

Shipping rates are influenced by the chosen shipping method, seasonality, and fuel costs, among other factors. For instance, the port-to-port container rate from FOB Shanghai China to Piraeus is $3,000 for 1x40HQ. And rough door-to-door rate below.

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

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

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Greece

The total shipping time can vary based on factors such as the specific locations of origin and destination within China and Greece, as well as the type of shipment selected (FCL or LCL). Additionally, factors like customs clearance procedures, transit times, and any unforeseen delays can impact the overall shipping timeline.

The average ocean transit time is 30-35 days.

Air Freight from China to Greece

If speed is a priority and you need to ship your goods quickly, air freight is the ideal choice. Air freight offers a fast shipping solution, with the entire process typically completed within a week. While air freight provides rapid delivery, it comes at a higher cost compared to sea freight. Consider air freight when time is of the essence and budget is not a limiting factor.

Top Airports in Greece

Greece has a developed air transport infrastructure, which is largely characterized by the geographical nature of the country with numerous islands and the high demand from tourists.

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is the largest international airport in Greece, serving the city of Athens and region of Attica. Due to its location in south-eastern Europe, it also plays a role as a hub between Europe, Asia and Africa.

Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) is the primary airport on the island of Crete, and the country’s second busiest airport after Athens International Airport.

Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), officially Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” and formerly Mikra Airport, is an international airport serving Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece.

Air Freight Cost from China to Greece

Our air freight rates to Greece are highly competitive. Costs can vary based on the size, weight, and nature of the cargo.

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

26KG+	51KG+	101KG+
€7.10/kg	€6.75/kg	€6.50/kg

We can also ship to Greece using carriers like FedEx, DHL and UPS.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Greece

There are direct flights from Beijing to Athens, also flights transfer in Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Moscow, Dubai, Istanbul, Cairo and other places.

Express flights, including customs clearance, take about 1-3 days. Economy flights take about 5-7 days.

Working with CFC

The right forwarder acts as an intermediary between the shipper and transportation services, helping to negotiate costs and handle the logistics of shipping. An experienced forwarder is particularly valuable in navigating the intricacies of Greek shipping routes and regional logistics networks.

As your reliable supply chain partner, CFC can manage all your shipping needs from China to Athens, Thessaloniki, Piraeus, Patras, Volos, Ioannina, Larissa or any city in Greece.

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