Enjoy trustworthy delivery from China to Italy with GWT Worldwide. Businesses are offered personalized professional air freight, ocean shipping and express delivery services. Take advantage of our experience in customs, our warehouse services and openly competitive prices. Your reliable choice for shipping between Italy and China.
Your Direct Route from Chinese Suppliers to Italian Markets
GWT Worldwide provides full-service shipping and logistics for goods from China to Italy. Using our knowledge of air freight, sea shipping, rail transport and express delivery, we ensure that our business clients have secure and budget-friendly solutions for import.
Air Freight: Fast Shipping from China to Italy
Shipments happen within 3-5 days, making them suitable for urgent jobs, costly goods and seasonal or electronics items.
Among the services we offer to Italy is our air freight.
- Flights that run directly from UK to Rome, Milan, Venice and other major Italian airports
- Using consolidated air freight to lower your expenses.
- Delivery service directly to the address
- Keeping sensitive goods at the right temperature during transport
- Clearance of cargo with the help of customs professionals
Ocean Freight: Cost-Effective Shipping Solutions
Shows the best results for: Large shipments, industrial goods, furniture and materials for construction
Choose from:
- Have FCL containers directly shipped to ports in Italy.
- When your shipment is smaller, you can go with LCL (Less than Container Load).
- Specialized materials for large cargo
- Consistent departures are available from the significant ports in China such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Guangzhou
- Visitors arriving at important Italian locations such as Genoa, Naples, La Spezia and Venice
China-Europe Railway Transport
Shipping takes 15-18 days which is right for: Medium-urgency orders
Benefits include:
- An airborne delivery produces a smaller carbon impact than other types of transport.
- Courier shipping is usually less expensive than flying your goods.
- Faster than shipping goods over the ocean
- Frequent service to the important logistics areas in northern Italy
Express Shipping & Courier Services
Delivery Time: One to three days It’s perfect for shipping small samples and documents.
We join forces with international courier companies including:
- Various delivery services such as DHL, FedEx, UPS and TNT, are trusted companies.
- Door-to-door tracking
- Set up delivery times are given.
- The company offers services just for sending shipments via e-commerce.
Customs Clearance for Italian Imports
You need to know a lot to get used to Italian habits. Some of what we provide includes:
- All customs documents must be fully prepared.
- Assigning a code to products according to global rules
- Duty and VAT must be cared about when shipping goods.
- Adherence to rules for bringing products into the EU and Italy
- Apart from food, customs and consumer products also require a representative and a liaison.
Specialized Services for Italy-China Trade
- For Amazon FBA, label products, pack them and send them to Italian Amazon fulfillment centers.
- In both China and Italy, storage is provided by warehousing solutions.
- People throughout Italy and the countries in the EU get your products through Distribution Services.
- E-commerce Logistics is created just for online sellers aimed at Italian buyers.
- End-to-end visibility along with better control in Supply Chain Management
Why Choose GWT Worldwide for China-Italy Shipping?
- Both Chinese exporting and Italian importing are well understood by us.
- Storage and shipping are offered at low prices and with the most efficient routes available.
- Reliability: You’ll be sure to get your order quickly and know where it is at any point.
- Customization means logistics are adapted to support what your business needs.
- All goods get shipped meeting the required regulations.
Contact GWT Worldwide Today
Want to make your China to Italy shipping a bit easier? Speak with our professionals to get a personalized quote and shipping plan that fits your business.
GWT Worldwide – The Connection Linking China’s Manufacturing to Italy
Freight Shipping Cost from China to Italy
Overview of Costs by Shipping Mode
| Shipping Mode | Cost (May 2025) | Transit Time | Best Suited For |
| Sea Freight (20′ container) – Genova | $1,920 | 20–30 days | Large, bulky shipments |
| Sea Freight (40′ container) – Genova | $2,850 | 20–30 days | Extra‑large shipments |
| Rail Freight (40HQ container) – Milano | $10,200 | 18–25 days | High‑value or heavy goods |
| Rail Freight (LCL) – Milano | $225 per CBM | 18–25 days | Small to medium loads |
| Air Freight | $4.00 per kg | 4–7 days | Urgent, high‑value items |
Choose between having more space or going faster. You should consider air freight if you are shipping small, expensive goods. You get the most competitive rate with full‑container sea freight when sending large or heavy goods.
Estimating Shipping Costs and Effective Budgeting
- Break down charges
- Lowest possible freight rate
- Extra costs linked with changes in oil prices
- Fees for customs duties and VAT
- Underwriting, stocking and managing trade goods
- Track market trends
- Holidays or busy times of the year
- Geopolitical events
- The amount of port congestion
- Partner with experts
- Freight forwarders such as Guanwutong usually provide instant quotes and an itemized list of the fees.
Understanding Import Tax and Duties
Impact of Import Taxes on Overall Shipping Costs
VAT and customs fees may add a large amount to your total shipping cost. VAT in Italy can be 4% to 22%, depending on what you buy. Correct HS‑code classification is very important, since wrong codes may result in unwanted fees. When shipping costs DDP, the seller takes care of all charges up to the final shipment destination.
| Product Category | Product Value (€) | Duty Rate (%) | Duty (€) | VAT (22%) (€) | Total Tax (€) | Landed Cost (€) |
| Electronics | 10,000 | 4.0 | 400 | 2,200 | 2,600 | 12,600 |
| Clothing | 5,000 | 12.0 | 600 | 1,100 | 1,700 | 6,700 |
| Machinery | 20,000 | 2.5 | 500 | 4,400 | 4,900 | 24,900 |
| Furniture | 8,000 | 6.0 | 480 | 1,760 | 2,240 | 10,240 |
| Toys | 3,000 | 4.5 | 135 | 660 | 795 | 3,795 |
Navigating Legal Compliance in International Shipping
- Correct classification
double-check HS codes with your goods so that there are no issues or extra charges. - Full value declaration
Not informing the customs service in full about your risks is against the law and so is overly describing your goods for the purpose of raising duties. - Know local rules
Always check the Italian laws concerning permitted and prohibited items. - Use specialists
Same as customs brokers, expert forwarders deal with paperwork to minimize wait times.
Shipping from China to Italy: Transit Times
Transit Times by Shipping Mode
Comparing Transit Times Across Different Shipping Modes
| Shipping Mode | Transit Time | Notes |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 30–45 days | Depends on route and port handling speed |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 25–40 days | Often prioritized for loading |
| Air Freight | 5–8 days | Fast but cost‑intensive |
| Express Shipping | 3–5 days | Best for urgent door‑to‑door deliveries |
| Rail Freight | 18–22 days | Cost‑speed balance, fewer weather delays |
Mitigating Factors Affecting Transit Times
- Weather impacts
Storms sometimes cause ships and flights to take longer routes. Check the weather reports and add some extra days to your schedule. - Port congestion
If ports are busy, offloading becomes slower. Try using different ports or shipping during times that are not as busy. - Customs inspections
Tip: You will experience a hold when any of your documents are incomplete or incorrect. Double‑check paperwork. - Operational hiccups
When factories are temporarily shut for Chinese New Year, shipments are delayed. Allow ample time to build the lead.
Warning yourself about these issues and working with capable freight forwarders helps you improve your China–Italy logistics operations and prevents expensive surprises.
Door to Door Shipping from China to Italy
Advantages of Door-to-Door Services
- Simplified logistics
Because of one company, products move from China to Italy without a change in management. - Less handling
Lowers the amount of handling products, protecting them from harm or being lost. - Faster delivery
Packet delivery is faster because of short and straight routes.
Example: Designer furniture is delivered safely from the factory to a showroom without needing to be reloaded.
Choosing the Right Door-to-Door Service
| Factor | What to Check |
| Reliability | On-time records and customer feedback |
| Price vs. Value | Compare quotes, but watch for hidden fees |
| Geographic coverage | Pickup and delivery zones across China and Italy |
| Customs and regulatory expertise | Proven experience with Italian import rules |
Platforms like Guanwutong offer real‑time tracking and detailed fee breakdowns.
Sea Freight from China to Italy
Benefits of LCL and FCL Shipping
Overview of Sea Freight Options
| Shipping Type | Cost (May 2025) | Transit Time |
| LCL (per CBM) | $225 | 35–45 days |
| FCL 20‑ft container (Genova) | $1,920 | 20–30 days |
| FCL 40‑ft container (Genova) | $2,850 | 20–30 days |
- LCL is usually the cheapest option for shipments up to 15 CBM, as goods are stored together with others in the container.
- FCL: One container used for your shipment; lower risk that your goods are damaged.
Selecting a Sea Freight Forwarder and Top Shipping Routes
- Cost & speed
Weigh up the time you need your freight vs. how much you will be charged for it. - Customs know‑how
Work with experts who know the rules of Chinese export and Italian import. - Route reliability
Via Suez Canal is the main route; be alert to seasonal and political disturbances.
Air Freight from China to Italy
Advantages and Considerations of Air Freight
| Aspect | Details (May 2025) |
| Rate | $4.00 per kg |
| Transit Time | 4–7 days |
| Ideal for | Urgent, high‑value cargo |
Choosing the Right Air Freight Forwarder
- Speed
Fast services, as flights leave daily for Milan and Rome. - Security
There is a lower chance of theft or damage for items that are easy to steal. - Cost structure
Fuel surcharges and handling fees are part of your cost; you can review the breakdown upon request.
For crucial electronics or goods that won’t keep, air freight guarantees fast arrival but at higher fees.
Express Shipping from China to Italy
Benefits and Use Cases for Express Shipping
- Rapid delivery
Items are delivered within 3–5 days. - High reliability
Running trains on fixed timings makes them less likely to be delayed. - Real‑time tracking
Always monitor how everything is progressing as you go along.
Ideal for:
- Supplies required yesterday
- Sudden orders or orders for replenishment
- Products that call for special attention to protect them
Example: A fashion label uses express shipping to get runway samples to Milan ahead of schedule.
Understanding Costs and Transit Times, Including DDP Options
How can businesses manage the expenses and complexities of express shipping
| Item | Details |
| Rate | $5–$10 per kg (depending on weight and speed) |
| Transit Time | 3–5 days |
| Service | Door‑to‑door delivery |
- Premium price covers the quick processing, tracking and handling you receive.
- If you choose DDP, the seller handles all the duties and taxes, so you won’t need to pay anything extra and the clearance process is faster.
Having a DDP system in place means handling customs is easier and customers can clearly see how much their packages will cost.
Key Ports in China and Italy for Shipping
Major Chinese Ports for Exports to Italy
| Port | Strengths |
| Shanghai | World’s busiest container hub; extensive global routes |
| Shenzhen | Fast customs clearance; ideal for tech and urgent cargo |
| Guangzhou | Versatile facilities; handles a wide variety of goods |
Major French Ports for Imports from China
| Port | Advantages |
| Genoa | Italy’s largest seaport; comprehensive freight network |
| Venice | Excellent links to central and eastern Europe |
| Livorno | Close to industrial centers; efficient inland transport |
Select the ports and routes that are suited for your logistics needs to improve your supply chain.
Freight Forwarders from China to Italy
Role of Freight Forwarders in the Shipping Process
Freight forwarders make sure that goods are collected in China and properly delivered to Italy. They direct trucks to different countries, manage carriers and manage important documents, allowing for proper shipping. Using these extra services, they deal with customs quickly, organize paperwork and offer real‑time updates for your shipments.
In such a case, a forwarder may switch from an air to a sea carrier to keep to the schedule and lower expenses.
Selecting the Right Freight Forwarder for Your Needs
| Criteria | What to Look For |
| Trade‑lane expertise | Proven success on China–Italy routes |
| Global network | Strong partnerships in both origin and destination |
| Service breadth | Options for warehousing, consolidation, and delivery |
| Customer support | Responsive teams that tackle issues quickly |
Focus on a forwarder who understands Italian customs and has resources at hand to quickly deal with hold‑ups.
How to Ship from China to Italy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing Your Shipment: Documentation, Packaging, and Labeling
- Documents
You should gather a commercial invoice, a packing list and a bill of lading. All goods, values and HS codes must be included correctly in every form. - Packaging
Pack your product with sturdy items and secure it so it does not break while travelling. You should use anti‑static protection if you have electronic equipment. - Labeling
Write contents, handling instructions and the destination address legibly so Chinese and Italian customs are satisfied.
Navigating Customs and Tracking Your Shipment
- Customs clearance
Visit your forwarder’s or carrier’s website to check the status of your item. Notifications about growing delays help you plan accordingly. - Real‑time tracking
By selecting reliable partners such as Guanwutong, you can manage your Italy–China shipments quickly, safely and without interruptions to your supply chain.
Using these recommendations and finding the right expert such as Guanwutong, will help you reduce risks, streamline your shipments and control your supply chain.
Alibaba and Shipping: Streamlining the Process
Leveraging Alibaba for Efficient LCL, FCL, and Door-to-Door Shipping
With Alibaba, you can easily find and book LCL, FCL and door‑to‑door services from suppliers and logistics partners worldwide. Using its platform, you can look at different companies, open talks for better rates and find shipping plans that meet your needs and schedule.
Tips for Reducing Costs and Enhancing Efficiency through Alibaba
- Match mode to need
If your shipment is not large, use LCL, for full containers use FCL and for convenience you can use door‑to‑door shipping. - Negotiate rates
If your shipment is not large, use LCL, for full containers use FCL and for convenience you can use door‑to‑door shipping. - Leverage tech tools
You can follow shipments, create schedules and get updates on your logistics dashboard from Alibaba. - Use Trade Assurance
Make sure you do not miss out on your products and avoid tricky compliance matters with the guarantee program on Alibaba.
Conclusion
Shipping from China to Italy is convenient and well-covered, with adaptable options to suit various needs in logistics. Air freight is convenient for time-critical and value goods, with delivery in 5–9 days. Ocean freight is the cheapest option for large shipments, with transport lasting around 30–40 days. Express shipping delivers the fastest method (2–5 days) for small, urgent packages.
By choosing the proper shipping option according to your type of cargo, time frame, and budget—and with the cooperation of a well-reputed freight forwarder—companies can guarantee hassle-free, timely, and cost-effective transportation from China to Italy.
