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

With its superior geographical location and highly developed water, land and air transportation networks, the Netherlands has become one of the most important commodity distribution centers in Europe. Its logistics network is mainly spread around the two major cargo hubs of Rotterdam Port and Amsterdam Airport. Goods originating from the Netherlands can reach major markets in the EU within 24 hours.
If you are shipping to the Netherlands, you’ve come to the best resource. Shipments to Holland are quite simple with CFC. Once you start your shipment with us, we can take care of all the major steps from door to door. Our primary aim is to alleviate the stress of your goods journey from China to the Netherlands.
Netherlands Customs
When importing goods into the Netherlands from outside the European Union (EU), you will usually have to pay import duties. You will also have to pay VAT (21%) and in some cases excise duty, consumption tax or other levies. Dutch importers are liable for these charges at the time of clearing the goods.
Holland applies EU tariffs, which are based on the Harmonized System of product classification. All EU member states apply the same common customs tariff (CCT). Under the CCT, different rates of duty apply to different products, depending on their nature, source or origin and their economic sensitivity.
Sea Freight from China to Netherlands
Large container ships carry goods from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao) to ports in the Netherlands, with Rotterdam being the main destination. Ocean freight is suitable for bulk cargo transportation and is relatively cost-effective for long-distance transportation.
We offer two different types of container shipments: consolidated and 20GP/40GP/40HC full container.
Top Container Ports in Netherlands
The Port of Rotterdam is the most important port in the Netherlands and even in Europe. It connects to more than 1,000 ports around the world, and its cargo volume accounts for nearly 80% of the Netherlands.
China is the main partner of the Port of Rotterdam, and more than a quarter of the containers transshipped in Rotterdam come from or are destined for China. From Rotterdam, goods can be distributed throughout Europe. There are three important European rail freight corridors, namely Rotterdam-Giana, Rotterdam-Lyon, and Rotterdam-Poland/Czech Republic.
Other Holland major ports are:
- Port of Amsterdam
- Port of Moerdijk
- Port of Scheveningen
- Port of Vlaardingen
- Zeeland Seaports
- Port of Harlingen
- Port of Den Helder
Sea Freight Cost from China to Netherlands
The container freight rate can vary according to not only to the origin port in China and the destination port in Spain, but also to the carrier and shipping route prefered. At CFC we operate in a wide range of ports in Holland and offer the best rates for FCL or LCL shipments.
⬇️How much is shipping to a business address in Netherlands by SEA?⬇️
| 26KG+ | 51KG+ | 101KG+ | 1001KG+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| €1.50/kg | €1.25/kg | €1.10/kg | €1.10/kg |
Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Netherlands
The ocean shipping duration from China to the Netherlands can vary due to several factors, including the chosen shipping carrier, service type, customs procedures, and the distance between the origin and destination.
The direct route from Shenzhen Port to Rotterdam cost an average travel time of 24 shipping days.
Air Freight from China to Netherlands
CFC’s air freight service provides you with the peace of mind that your cargo is in safe hands. Let us handle the logistics, so you can focus on your business.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines operate direct passenger and cargo flights between the Netherlands and China, with direct flights from Amsterdam to cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Hong Kong.
Air China Cargo and China Cargo Airlines also operate China-Netherlands cargo business.
Top Airports in Netherlands
Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport has been one of the four major aviation hubs in Europe for many years, and has established direct flights with 332 airports in nearly 100 countries and regions.
There are only a few smaller airports beyond this, such as Rotterdam-The Hague, Eindhoven and Maastricht-Aachen.
Air Freight Cost from China to Netherlands
As an end to end supply chain service provider, we offer:
- Airport-to-airport services
- Door-to-airport services
- Airport-to-door services
- Door to door services
⬇️How much is shipping to a business address in Netherlands by AIR?⬇️
| 26KG+ | 51KG+ | 101KG+ |
|---|---|---|
| €6.95/kg | €6.55/kg | €6.30/kg |
Whatever your needs, we can tailor a solution to add value to your business. We offer all kinds of air freight services, including customs handling and distribution to your end customer.
Air Freight Transit Time from China to Netherlands
Shipping your cargo across the ocean by air is the fastest option. Your goods can reach Netherlands in as little as 1-3 days. While that’s longer than the actual flight time, remember that your cargo needs to pass customs and security checks, which adds to the overall transit time.
Economy-class air service takes longer: 7-10 days. You’ll pay less for services with longer delivery times.
Working with CFC

Rail transport connecting China and Europe has become increasingly popular in recent years. The China-Europe rail service provides an intermediate option between sea and air freight. Trains depart from various cities in China and arrive at destinations such as Rotterdam or Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Rail freight is faster than sea freight but slower than air freight, so it is suitable for certain types of goods.
Whether your shipment needs to be sent in the quickest time or for the best price, you are at the right place. CFC can manage all your shipping needs from China to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Breda, Arnhem, Amersfoort, Maastricht or any city in Netherlands.
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
Only $19.99
The ultimate step-by-step ebook about sourcing and importing from China, for Worldwide Importers and Ecommerce Businesses [2026]
Supplier Verification
Check your potential suppliers in China – get the verification report in 24 hours. Protect your business, avoid scams and frauds.
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.
--- Chris G., Canada
Click for more reviews