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

Goods importing to Portugal can be a complicated process, and that’s where we come in! Here at CFC, we specialise in the safe transport of cargo from China to Portugal, providing you with professional rail freight, sea freight, and air freight solutions.
Portugal Customs Entry
When products enter the European Union from third countries (e.g. importing from China), they need to be declared to customs authorities according to their classification in the Combined Nomenclature. All products entering the European Union are classified under a tariff code that carries information on duty rates and other levies on imports and exports.
After loading in China, the exporter send several documents that will allow the importer to release the cargo in the customs. Be aware on the details in the documents. Little inaccuracies can drive to major problems, which ultimately can lead to the apprehension of the goods. If you don’t have the knowledge, looking for an experienced partner can be important.
Goods brought into the European Union customs territory are, from the time of their entry, subject to customs supervision until customs formalities are completed. Such goods are covered by a Summary Declaration, which is filed once the items have been presented to customs officials.
The Summary Declaration is completed by the person who brought the goods into the customs territory of the European Union, by any person who assumes responsibility for carriage of the goods following such entry, or the person in whose name the person referred to above acted.
The Single Administrative Document serves as the European Union importer’s declaration. This form describes goods and their movement around the world and is essential for trade outside the European Union or trade of non-EU goods. It encompasses both customs duties and VAT and is valid in all Member States. The declaration is made by whomever is clearing the goods, normally the importer of record or an agent on behalf of the importer.
Air Freight from China to Portugal

Air freight shipping to Portugal from China has never been easier. CFC provides the most reliable air freight forwarding services with the cheapest air rates.
Portugal’s major airlines include TAP Air Portugal and SATA. TAP Air Portugal is responsible for domestic routes and international routes to more than 30 countries and regions in the world; SATA is a smaller airline that is responsible for routes between Porto, Faro, Lisbon, major cities in Spain and important cities in Western Europe.
Top Airports in Portugal
Portugal’s air traffic is mainly handled via the three main airports of Lisbon, Porto and Faro, with Lisbon Airport serving as the main hub.
- LIS – Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Airport)
- OPO – Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport)
- FAO – Faro International Airport
Air Freight Cost from China to Portugal
Several factors influence air freight charges, including the following:
- Distance and Destination: The distance between the origin and destination airports affects the charges due to fuel consumption and transportation logistics.
- Weight and Volume: Heavier and bulkier shipments incur higher charges due to the limited capacity of aircraft and increased handling requirements.
- Freight Class: Certain types of goods, such as hazardous materials or oversized items, may have specific classifications that affect the charges.
- Time Sensitivity: Urgent or time-sensitive shipments may incur higher charges due to the need for expedited handling and priority placement on flights.
- Seasonal Demand: Peak seasons or high-demand periods can lead to increased charges as airlines prioritize capacity allocation for profitable routes.
⬇️How much is shipping to a business address in Portugal by AIR?⬇️
| 26KG+ | 51KG+ | 101KG+ |
|---|---|---|
| €7.05/kg | €6.65/kg | €6.40/kg |
Air freight charges are subject to market conditions, including fuel prices, currency exchange rates, and demand-supply dynamics. Fluctuations in these factors can result in changes to the overall cost.
Air Freight Transit Time from China to Portugal
There are direct flights to Lisbon from China. The express flight takes 1-2 days, while the economical flight takes 4-5 days.
Sea Freight from China to Portugal
Container shipping offers a reliable and efficient means of transporting goods to Portugal from China. Transporting goods internationally has become seamless, thanks to advanced shipping solutions like those offered by CFC. Our service is all about container shipping and less than container shipping to Portugal.
Top Container Ports in Portugal
The ports on the Portuguese mainland include: Leixoes and Viana do Castelo in the north; Aveiro and Figueira da Foz in the center; Lisboa and Setubal in the Lisbon region; Sines in the Alentejo region; Faro and Portimao in the Algarve region, a total of 9 ports.
Currently, the Port of Sines and the Port of Lisbon have opened direct cargo routes with China.
Sea Freight Cost from China to Portugal
Here’s a breakdown of the elements that determine the final shipping cost:
Distance and Route:
Costs escalate with the increase in distance. Popular routes might be expensive due to higher demand.
Weight and Size of the Container:
Heavier and larger containers like the specialized containers require more resources to ship, affecting the price.
Custom and Duties:
Each country has distinct customs regulations and duties, not typically included in the initial shipping cost.
Type of Goods:
Certain goods may incur additional fees due to the need for special handling or adherence to international regulations.
Insurance:
Consider insurance costs, which vary depending on the value of the shipped goods and the chosen coverage.
⬇️How much is shipping to a business address in Portugal by SEA?⬇️
| 26KG+ | 51KG+ | 101KG+ | 1001KG+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| €1.80/kg | €1.50/kg | €1.35/kg | €1.30/kg |
Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Portugal
The estimated transportation time to send a container to Portugal ranges from 30 to 35 days. The route and distance between the port of origin and the destination port are the most important, but not the only factors in determining this. However, keep in mind that unanticipated situations may arise during transit, resulting in delays.
Working with CFC

We make transport from China to Portugal easier and cheaper. CFC is not only for transport to well-known destinations such as Lisbon, Porto, Gaia, Amadora, Braga, but also offers solutions for less popular places elsewhere in Portugal.
CFC is the expert in transport between Portugal and China. As experts, we know better than anyone how to get your products transit including border-crossing on time and without problems. Fast, careful and easy! Curious about the costs?
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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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
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