Iceland is close to the Arctic Circle and attracts Chinese tourists with its unique scenery and topography such as volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and aurora. Iceland is one of the top ten countries that Chinese tourists most want to visit.

China has been Iceland’s largest trading partner in Asia for many years. Chinese home appliances, electronic products, clothing, furniture and textiles enter Iceland, and Iceland’s fishery products and mineral products enter China.

Logistics can be costly and time consuming, given the distance between Iceland and China. Air freight is reliable and readily available, but expensive. Sea freight is available and cheaper, but it is less frequently available directly to and from Iceland.

As an importer in Iceland, you would think that the logistical process will be complicated. After all, Iceland is an island with no direct road and rail connections. In practice however this is less difficult than you might think, especially with the expert help of CFC. Keep reading to learn more.

Iceland Customs

Iceland’s customs register is based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). Electronic data interchange, EDI, in customs clearance has been introduced and clearance can be made through customs in some minutes.

All buyers need calculate the total actual cost including customs fees before actually importing it.

Import Documents

An importer shall submit to customs authorities import documents, no later than 3 months from the date of arrival of the vessel which transported the goods to the country.

The following documents shall be submitted with an import declaration:

• Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Bill of freight
• Certificate of Origin

Import Duty

The general rule is that import charges are to be paid when importing goods to Iceland from China in accordance with the customs tariff that has legal validity in Iceland.

You can check the latest tariff rate here, https://www.skatturinn.is/english/companies/customs-matters/customs-tariff/

Import VAT

Goods imported to Iceland are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). The standard VAT rate is 24 percent, with a reduced rate of 11 percent for foods, books, magazines, and other necessities.

Free Trade Agreement between Iceland and China

The Iceland-China Free Trade Agreement is the first FTA signed between China and a European country.

Iceland implements zero tariffs on almost all products imported from China.

Contact CFC to issue your own CO to benefit from the FTA.

Sea Freight from China to Iceland

The cheapest way to ship cargo from China to Iceland is to deliver by sea, transfer to vessel and ship to Reykjavik port, then deliver by road to final destination in Iceland.

Ports in Iceland

Iceland’s cargo transportation mainly relies on sea transportation. Iceland’s coastline is about 4,970 kilometers long, and there are 62 ports and docks along the coast, 15 of which can berth cargo ships.

The newly built Sundahofn Port in Reykjavik is the most important foreign trade port, handling about 70% of the country’s imports, exports and transit transportation.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Iceland

Transport costs are very important for you as a shipper and that is why we directly offer you the cheapest transport solution for pallet or container transport to Iceland. Cheap pallet and container transport combined with the best customer service is what we stand for.

The delivery address, the dimensions and weight of the consignment, the duration and the postcode all determine the rate of your pallet and container transport to a destination in Iceland.

For example. The port-to-port container rate from Shenzhen China to Reykjavik Iceland is $8,000 USD for 1x40HC.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Iceland

For example. The port-to-port transit time from Shenzhen China to Reykjavik Iceland is around 45 days.

For private deliveries, we can make an appointment with the recipient and proactively inform them about the delivery time. Depending on the destination in Iceland, we can deliver your pallet and container as early as one or two working days after pick-up.

Air Freight from China to Iceland

The distance between the capital of China and the capital of Iceland is exactly 7777 kilometers. The two countries are so far apart that there are currently no direct flights, and cargo needs to transfer through airports in third countries on the European continent.

CFC’s air freight transport services are a reliable option for your air freight transport shipments. Whether it is delivery to the airport, door-to-door or any other combination, we can provide the solution that meets your specific needs.

Airports in Iceland

Iceland has 18 airports of various sizes, 8 of which have good runway conditions and 4 can provide international flight services, with Keflavík International Airport (Reykjavík-Keflavík Airport, KEF) currently the main one.

Chinese goods going to Iceland usually need to transfer in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Paris, Frankfurt, London in Europe, and Boston and New York in the United States.

Air Freight Cost from China to Iceland

CFC specialises in air freight pallet transport to Iceland. We offer competitive air freight rates, clear quotes and fast personal communication. We ensure that your pallet reaches its destination in Iceland in the best, cheapest and fastest way.

For instance. The courier DHL rate is rough $7 per kilograms.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Iceland

DHL or FedEx needs 5-8 days for door-to-door, while the general air may needs 7-10 days.

Working with CFC

Whether it is pallet transport, parcel delivery, express shipments or freight to Iceland from China, with us you are assured of a hassle-free and efficient service. Our global network of transport partners enables us to deliver your goods anywhere in the world. Regardless of the destination, we always find the best solution for your freight.

• International transport from China to Iceland
• Regional transport Iceland
• Customs documentation Iceland
• Precise lead times and competitive prices
• High delivery security in Iceland

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