Finland has long been an important Nordic trading partner of China, and the two countries have close economic relations. From January to November 2023, the bilateral import and export volume of goods between China and Finland was US$7,583.6066 million, of which the total value of China’s exports to Finland was US$3,021.984 million, and the total value of China’s imports from Finland was US$4,561.6226 million.

So, if you are planning to import Chinese products to Finland, this article on shipping from China to Finland is perfect for you! This page outlines important information about sea and air freight from China to Finland. You can find detailed information about different shipping options, costs, transit times, customs clearance procedures, and import and export ports here.

What are your options for shipping from China to Finland?

When you import from China to Finland, you can choose to ship by air or sea. Each mode of transportation has certain advantages and disadvantages. You will find more information about these in the following sections.

Sea Freight From China to Finland

When shipping via ocean freight, you have two options:

Full Container Load (FCL)
You pay for the use of the entire container
This is used for sending heavy and large cargo
Your cargo will be blocked throughout the process
Benefits include less handling, less risk of damage, and less opportunity for delays

Less than Container Load (LCL)
Your shipment is shipped with other shippers’ shipments
This is the cheapest option when shipping small shipments
You only pay for the space your goods use
Suitable for frequent loading and unloading of small cargo

Major ports in finland

Helsinki Helsingfors
Port overview:
Finland’s main foreign trade port.
Specializing in the import of consumer goods.
Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea.
Handles more than half of Finland’s imported goods.
Owner: City of Helsinki.
Annual container throughput: >509,000 TEU.
UN/Article Code: FIHEL.

Uriborg (Oulu)
Port overview:
It consists of three independent ports at the mouth of the Olujoki River.
Container freight from all over the world is handled at the Oritikan Terminal Complex.
The largest port in the Gulf of Bothnia.
As a major logistics center, it has sea, rail and road routes.
Owner: City of Oulu.
Annual container throughput: >51,000 TEU.
UN/ARTICLE CODE: FIOUL.

Hamina Kotka
Port overview:
It was formed in 2011 from the merger of the ports of Hamina and Kotka.
The port with the largest container throughput in Finland.
Musalo Container Terminal is the largest container terminal in Finland, with an annual throughput of 1.5 million TEU.
Located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Finland.
Owner: HaminaKotka Satama Oy.
Annual container throughput: >55,000 TEU.
UN/Article Code: FIKTK.

Rauma
Port overview:
Ideal for West Finland buyers.
The largest container port on the west coast of Finland.
Nearly 250,000 TEUs were handled in 2017.
Featuring impressive container terminals, warehousing facilities and new port roads.
Owner: Port of Rauma.
Annual container throughput: >278,000 TEU.
UN/ARTICLE CODE: FIRAU.

Air Freight From China to Finland

If time is of the essence and you need to ship your goods from China to Finland quickly, then air freight is what you need. The distance between China and Finland is relatively long, and air transportation generally takes about 4 to 8 days. This includes the time required for customs clearance and delivery. Note that the price you pay for speed and flexibility is likely to be much higher than with ocean shipping.

Why choose air freight from China to Finland?

• Recommended if you care more about speed than cost
• Ideal for perishable and fragile goods
• It provides a higher level of security
• Your goods won’t be handled frequently, so there’s less risk of damage
• Rates are more cost effective for shipments under 100 kg

Main airports in Finland

Helsinki
Airport overview:
Finland’s main international airport.
Located north of the city center.
Cargo facilities are primarily located in the southeastern area of the airport.
The state-of-the-art cargo center is dedicated to storing and handling large quantities of temperature-sensitive cargo.
China Internet Airport: Beijing Capital Airport, Guangzhou Airport, Nanjing Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport.
IATA code: HEL.

Shipping costs from China to Finland in 2024

The final shipping cost from China to Finland depends on several factors. Before preparing a quote, your freight forwarder may ask for the following details:

Nature of your shipment
Your preferred shipping method (FCL, LCL, air freight)
The weight and dimensions of your shipment
Origin and destination
Service type (e.g. port-to-port, door-to-door)

Container Shipping Rates From China To Finland

These are the average prices to ship a container from China to Finland with the cheapest rates for loading and shipping containers from the major ports in China to Finland for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) with all types of cargo such as: commercial cargo, vehicles, or personal effects for international shipments to Finland.

Container shipping service to Finland	Type of container	Ocean freight rates to Finland:
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai to Finland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average prices from: $3250 20FT average prices from: $4850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao to Finland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average prices from: $3550 20FT average prices from: $4850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen to Finland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average prices from: $3250 20FT average prices from: $4850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin to Finland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average prices from: $3550 20FT average prices from: $5050 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo to Finland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average prices from: $3350 20FT average prices from: $4850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong to Finland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average prices from: $3550 20FT average prices from: $4650 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou to Finland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average prices from: $3250 20FT average prices from: $4850 40FT

Air Freight Price From China To Finland

POL-POD	Beijing PEK  –  Helsinki HEL
AIRLINE	CA ( Air China )
FLIGHT	Daily
ROUTE	Via Frankfurt FRA
T/T	4-6 Days

WEIGHT RANGE	+100 KG	+300 KG	+ 500 KG	+ 1000 KG
UNIT PRICE ( USD/KG)	$10.2-$12.6	$9.8-$11.6	$8.4-$9.5	$7.3-$8.5

How Long Does It Take To Ship Goods From China To Finland

Shipments via air carriers typically take 5 to 8 days to arrive, while LCL or FCL ocean shipments take 38 to 46 days to arrive.

Sea From time China To Finland

The maritime trade route from China to Finland travels west from the People’s Republic of China, bypassing much of Europe to reach the Nordic country. The estimated shipping times for FCL and LCL shipping from China to Finland are as follows:

Shanghai to Helsinki – 46 days for FCL, 38 days for LCL
Shenzhen to Helsinki – 43 days FCL and LCL
Xiamen to Helsinki – 46 days for FCL, 42 days for LCL
Shekou to Helsinki – 43 days FCL

Air From time China To Finland

Air freight is much faster than sea freight. When your goods are shipped from the following airports in China, you should arrive in Helsinki within the following times:

Shanghai-Pudong – 8 days
Shenzhen – 5 days
Xiamen – 5 days

Factors to consider when shipping from China to Finland

• Transportation method and route selection: Choose the most appropriate transportation method, such as air or sea, based on factors such as cargo type, urgency, and budget. It is also crucial to choose the best shipping route that minimizes shipping time and costs.
• Shipping Costs: Analyze all related costs, including shipping fees, duties, taxes, and handling fees. An accurate budget helps prevent unexpected expenses and ensures a transparent cost structure.
• Packaging and Labeling: Properly pack and label your shipment to protect it during shipping and facilitate customs clearance. Comply with international packaging and labeling standards to avoid delays or fines.
• Customs Documentation: Ensure that all required customs documentation, such as invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin, are accurately completed and submitted. Complying with customs regulations is crucial to avoid delays and penalties.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about Chinese and French import regulations. Comply with product standards, safety requirements and any specific regulations for your goods.
• Insurance: Consider purchasing cargo insurance to protect your goods from potential damage, loss, or theft while in transit.
• Delivery Time: Plan your shipments ahead of time to accommodate production lead times, shipping schedules, and any potential delays in shipping or customs.
• Transportation Infrastructure: Assess China and Finland’s transportation infrastructure, including port facilities, transportation networks and distribution options. Choose a reliable partner to handle and deliver your shipments.
• Incoterms: Clearly define terms of sale using internationally recognized Incoterms. Understanding these terms can help determine the responsibilities and obligations between the buyer and seller.
• Cultural and Language Considerations: Be aware of cultural differences and language barriers that may arise when communicating with suppliers, freight forwarders, and customs authorities. Effective communication is crucial to a smooth shipping process.

Main products imported from China to Finland

• Consumer Electronics: This category includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics.
• Textiles and Clothing: Clothing, fabrics, and textiles such as silk, cotton, and synthetic materials are often imported.
• Machinery and industrial heavy equipment: includes excavators, manufacturing machinery, construction equipment and industrial tools.
• Toys and Games: A wide variety of toys and games, including electronic toys, board games and stuffed animals.
• Furniture: All types of furniture, from home furniture to office furniture.
• Home Appliances: Kitchen appliances, household gadgets and white goods.
• Auto Parts: Parts and components for the automotive industry.
• Plastics and plastic products: plastic raw materials and plastic finished products.
• Gifts and Novelty Items: Unique and novelty items perfect for gift giving.
• Consumer Products: A broad category that includes items such as housewares, kitchen appliances, and personal care products.

Customs Clearance From China To Finland

Your commercial cargo shipments need to comply with local and international rules and regulations for customs clearance for export from China and into Finland. Sometimes the process is complicated and requires the correct documentation for your shipment, and a freight forwarder can help you.

When importing from China to Finland, the following requirements need to be met:

• commercial invoice
• packing list
• Certificate of Origin
• Letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• Sea waybill or air waybill (Linkshare will provide it to you)

Basic documents required for shipping from China to Finland

• Commercial Invoice: This document should include a detailed description of the goods, value and terms of sale (e.g. FOB, CIF). Ensure product descriptions and pricing are accurate and specify the currency used.
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): For ocean or air shipments, these documents serve as proof of shipment and ownership of the goods respectively. Make sure the information matches the commercial invoice.
• Packing List: A detailed list of the contents of a shipment, including quantity and weight. It helps customs officials verify the contents of goods and ensure proper handling.
• Certificate of Origin: This document confirms the country of origin of the goods. Under existing trade agreements, it may be necessary to prove that goods meet specific origin criteria to qualify for preferential tariffs.
• Licenses and Permits: Certain goods, such as hazardous materials or controlled substances, may require special licenses or permits to be imported. Make sure you obtain the necessary approvals before shipping.
• Customs Declaration: These forms detail the contents of your shipment and are usually required for customs clearance. Make sure it is done accurately as inaccuracies may cause delays.
• Certificate of Insurance: If you have cargo insurance, please bring a copy of the insurance certificate and policy details with you to cover potential losses during transportation.