Shipping from China to Italy: Customs, Cost, Transit Time and More [2026]

China is Italy’s fourth largest trading partner in the world and its largest trading partner in Asia, and Italy is China’s fourth largest trading partner in the European Union.

Italy has a more than 7200 km of coastline and its position in the center of the Mediterranean makes it a dominant point for international cargo shipping and transport services by both air and sea into Europe.

shipping from china to italy

Read our guide below on shipping to Italy from China and start your international shipment today!

Italy Customs

Italian customs – Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli follows The Union Customs Code (UCC) and other EU-level regulations.

All products entering the EU are classified under a tariff code that carries information on duty rates and other levies on imports and exports, any applicable protective measures (e.g., antidumping); external trade statistics, import and export formalities, and other non-tariff requirements.

Sea Freight from China to Italy

The journey of your cargo begins with careful planning, continues through loading and transport, and concludes with timely and efficient unloading at the destination.

CFC assists in preparing all necessary documentation and customs procedures, and your cargo is inspected for compliance with international standards. Then, it is carefully loaded into containers or onto vessels by skilled personnel and monitored through advanced tracking systems throughout its voyage.

While air freight is faster, ocean freight remains the preferred choice for many businesses due to its cost-effectiveness, lower carbon footprint, and reliability. CFC provides both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL) shipments. The decision typically hinges on cost, load size, and speed.

Top Container Ports in Italy

Italy’s ports are nature’s darlings. Their enviable Mediterranean perch grants them unparalleled access to key trade routes and natural harbors. From the Adriatic gateway of Trieste to the Tyrrhenian treasure of Genoa, these ports have been powerhouses for centuries, linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.

  • Port of Trieste
  • Port of Genoa
  • Port of Livorno
  • Port of Cagliari
  • Port of Gioia Tauro
  • Port of Ravenna
  • Port of Venice
  • Port of Messina
  • Port of Augusta
  • Port of Taranto
  • Port of Naples
  • Port of La Spezia
  • Port of Salerno
  • Port of Savona
  • Port of Civitavecchia

Sea Freight Cost from China to Italy

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

26KG+51KG+101KG+1001KG+
€1.60/kg€1.40/kg€1.20/kg€1.20/kg

Our unique relationship with ocean freight cargo partners mean we can provide the most cost-effective shipping options for your business. For example. Please get in touch with our quotation team to acquire an accurate rate to ship your container to the main container ports in Italy.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Italy

The route from Shenzhen Port to Genoa Italy cost an average travel time of 25 shipping days.

Air Freight from China to Italy

Air freight shipping with CFC has several benefits compared to other modes of transportation:

  • Speed is one of the significant advantages of air freight shipping, making it an ideal choice for transporting time-sensitive cargo.
  • Air freight services can enable you to connect directly with more remote destinations in Italy, thus providing greater reach.
  • The reliability of air cargo is high, with closely adhered schedules and a reduced risk of delays due to weather conditions.
  • Airports, being secure facilities, provide an additional layer of protection for high-value or sensitive cargo, making air freight shipping a secure mode of transportation.

China – Italy Direct Flights

At present, Italy and China have opened 12 direct flights.

  • Air China: Rome-Beijing, Rome-Hangzhou, Milan-Beijing, Milan-Shanghai, Milan-Wenzhou
  • China Eastern Airlines: Rome-Shanghai, Rome-Wenzhou
  • China Southern Airlines: Rome-Guangzhou
  • Hainan Airlines: Rome-Chongqing, Rome-Shenzhen
  • Sichuan Airlines: Rome-Chengdu
  • Italy Neos Airlines: Milan-Nanjing

Top Airports in Italy

Italy has several major airports that handle cargo, including Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), the busiest airport in Italy. Milan-Malpensa (MXP) is Italy’s largest airport in terms of freight and cargo.

Air Freight Cost from China to Italy

CFC offers a full spectrum of air freight services including air consolidation, daily direct, onboard courier, and aircraft charter services.

The journey of your cargo begins with the booking process, during which CFC’s experts prepare all necessary documentation and ensure proper adherence to Italy’s customs clearance procedures. Cargo is carefully inspected, packaged, and loaded onto aircraft by skilled personnel, with rigorous quality control measures in place. We track your cargo throughout its journey, with real-time updates to keep you informed. Upon arrival at the destination airport, your cargo is unloaded, cleared through customs, and efficiently transported to its final destination.

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

26KG+51KG+101KG+
€7.05/kg€6.65/kg€6.40/kg

If you’re looking for an accurate calculation of prices for sending air freight, many variables are involved, and air rate this week might be considerably more or less than for the next week, even the next few days.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Italy

For extra fast shipping from China to Italy, you’ll need to send your commodities as air freight. It’s the only way to ensure delivery within days rather than weeks. You will be able to get shipments from most China cities to either Milan or Rome in a week or perhaps slightly longer.

Working with CFC

Shipping from China to Italy end

When it comes to international shipping to Italy from China, CFC wants to make your shipping experience straightforward and budget friendly. Whether you’re a business seeking affordable logistics solutions or an individual sending packages, we are a leading player in logistics and transportation.

CFC can manage all your shipping needs from China to Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples, Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Venice, Palermo or any city in Italy.

Start Shipping Today

CFC News - Sept. 2, 2026

Top-10 Global Container Port Throughput in H1 2026:
1. Shanghai, China
2. Ningbo-Zhoushan, China
3. Singapore, Singapore
4. Shenzhen, China
5. Qingdao, China
6. Guangzhou, China
7. Tianjin, China
8. Busan, Korea
9. LA/LB, USA
10. Port Kelang, Malaysia

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The ultimate step-by-step ebook about sourcing and importing from China, for Worldwide Importers and Ecommerce Businesses [2026]

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My machine arrived in good order and I am happy with CFC's shipping arrangements. I received quotes from other forwarding companies but they kept changing the amounts. Your quote was exact and there were no hidden charges. I would be happy to recommend CFC to other importers of goods from China.

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