As a Finnish entrepreneur who has been importing goods from China for years, I’ve navigated the complex process of international shipping countless times. Whether you’re bringing in electronics, textiles, or furniture, understanding how goods are shipped from China to Finland is crucial for a smooth supply chain. In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experiences, covering everything from choosing the right shipping method to tracking your cargo.
Shipping Methods: Sea vs. Air
Shipping from China to Finland by Sea
For large – scale or non – urgent shipments, shipping from China to Finland by sea is the most common choice. Major Chinese ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo serve as the starting points for countless vessels heading to Finnish ports such as Helsinki, Kotka, and Hamina.
If you have a substantial amount of goods, a Full Container Load (FCL) is a great option. You’ll rent an entire container, which can be either 20 – foot or 40 – foot in size. The process begins when your supplier in China packs the goods into the container at their warehouse or at a designated container yard. Once sealed, the container is transported to the port and loaded onto a cargo ship.
The journey by sea is relatively long, taking anywhere from 30 to 45 days for a direct route. However, it’s also the cheapest shipping from China to Finland for large volumes. For example, shipping a 20 – foot container filled with furniture from Shanghai to Helsinki might cost between €1,500 and €3,000, depending on the season and the shipping line.
If your shipment isn’t large enough to fill an entire container, Less than Container Load (LCL) is an alternative. In this case, your goods will share space with other shippers’ items in a single container. While LCL is more cost – effective for smaller orders, it can take longer due to the need to consolidate and de – consolidate cargo at various ports.
Air Shipping from China to Finland
When time is of the essence, air shipping from China to Finland is the way to go. Chinese airports like Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport offer regular flights to Helsinki – Vantaa Airport.
The process starts with your supplier preparing the goods for air transport, ensuring they meet all safety and packaging requirements. The cargo is then transported to the airport and handed over to the airline or a freight forwarder. Once cleared by Chinese customs, the goods are loaded onto the aircraft.
Air freight is significantly faster than sea freight, with transit times typically ranging from 1 to 3 days. This makes it ideal for high – value, time – sensitive items such as electronics components or fashion samples. However, it comes at a higher cost. Expect to pay between €3 and €8 per kilogram, depending on the weight and nature of your goods.
The Shipping Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Order Placement and Preparation
First, you place an order with your Chinese supplier. They’ll then start preparing the goods for shipment, which includes proper packaging to protect the items during transit. For example, fragile goods like ceramics will be wrapped in bubble wrap and packed in sturdy boxes with sufficient cushioning.
Step 2: Choosing a Freight Forwarder
A freight forwarder plays a crucial role in the shipping process. They’ll handle all the logistics, from arranging transportation to dealing with customs documentation. When I first started importing, I made the mistake of trying to handle everything myself, which led to delays and confusion. Now, I always rely on a professional freight forwarder to streamline the process.
Step 3: Documentation
Proper documentation is essential for a smooth shipping process. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (for sea freight) or air waybill (for air freight), and any other relevant certificates depending on the nature of your goods. For instance, if you’re importing food products, you may need a phytosanitary certificate.
Step 4: Customs Clearance in China
Before the goods can leave China, they must clear Chinese customs. Your freight forwarder will submit the necessary documents and ensure that all regulations are met. This process usually takes 1 – 3 days, but it can be longer if there are any issues with the documentation or if the goods require inspection.
Step 5: Transit
Once cleared by Chinese customs, the goods begin their journey to Finland. During this time, it’s important to have a reliable shipping from China to Finland tracking system in place. Most freight forwarders offer online tracking tools that allow you to monitor the progress of your shipment in real – time. I’ve found this incredibly useful, as it gives me peace of mind and allows me to plan my inventory accordingly.
Step 6: Customs Clearance in Finland
When the goods arrive in Finland, they must go through customs clearance again. Your freight forwarder will handle this process, paying any applicable duties and taxes on your behalf. Finland has a value – added tax (VAT) of 24% on most imported goods, in addition to any specific import duties depending on the product category.
Step 7: Delivery
After clearing Finnish customs, the goods are transported to your designated location, whether it’s a warehouse, store, or business premises.
Why Choose China Top Forwarder
Over the years, I’ve worked with several freight forwarders, but China Top Forwarder stands out from the rest. They have a deep understanding of the China – Finland shipping route and are experts at navigating the complexities of international shipping.
They offer competitive shipping from China to Finland price options, whether you choose sea or air freight. Their team is proficient in handling all types of documentation, ensuring that your shipments clear customs smoothly in both China and Finland. With their advanced shipping from China to Finland tracking system, I can always stay informed about the status of my cargo.
In addition, their customer service is top – notch. Whenever I’ve had a question or faced an issue, their responsive team has been quick to provide solutions.
Final Thoughts
Shipping goods from China to Finland may seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and a reliable partner like China Top Forwarder, it can be a seamless process. Whether you prioritize cost – effectiveness with sea freight or speed with air freight, understanding each step of the shipping journey is key to ensuring your imports arrive safely and on time.
If you’re planning to import goods from China to Finland, I highly recommend reaching out to China Top Forwarder. Contact them today to discuss your shipping needs and experience hassle – free international shipping.