Poland is a Central European country bordered by seven neighboring countries. It is known as one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, with 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a diverse urban landscape.

In recent years, Poland has given full play to its own advantages, consolidated the basis for cooperation with China, jointly built the “Belt and Road” and promoted China-EU trade. As of 2021, Poland has become China’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe for 14 consecutive years. Poland is about 7,000 kilometers away from China, and bilateral economic and trade exchanges often rely on freight transportation.

Air freight from China to Poland is one of the most expensive routes, but also one of the fastest. The most popular shipping option from China to Poland is sea shipping, which takes longer than air shipping but is also cheaper.

Choose the best shipping method from China to Poland

Choosing the best shipping method from China to Poland is crucial. There are many ways, such as land, air or sea transportation, each with its own advantages. If you have time, sea shipping may be cheaper for large quantities. However, if you need your items to arrive quickly, air freight will be faster, although it may be more expensive. The best method to use will depend on your unique requirements, spending limits, and how quickly you need your goods in Poland.

Sea Freight from China to Poland

Sea freight is the cheapest way to ship your goods from China to Poland. In international trade, sea freight is the most popular mode of transporting goods from one China to another, accounting for more than 90% of global freight volume every year.

Low transportation costs are just one of the advantages of ocean shipping. It is also capable of handling bulk cargo as well as cargo classified as dangerous goods. Generally speaking, we use three types of ships for sea transportation: container ships, breakbulk ships and ro-ro ships.

FCL (Full Container Load): Shipping a container filled specifically for one customer from China to Poland. Full container shipping is more cost effective.

LCL (Less Than Container Load): Sharing a container with other customers who are shipping goods to the same destination at the same time. Of course, due to the extra work (consolidation, unpacking, warehousing, paperwork, etc.), the final cost per unit is higher than the full box, and the shipping time is longer. LCL is a great option for small businesses.

In addition to regular FCL and LCL shipping, if you have OOG cargo from China to Poland, flat rack and open top containers are the solution, while refrigerated containers are suitable for temperature-sensitive goods. We also charter bulk carriers and ro-ro vessels for bulk transport and wheeled cargo.

Containers traveling westbound from China take approximately 40 days to reach Polish ports. Slow speed is the disadvantage of sea transport.

Poland’s main seaports

Port of Gdańsk
The Port of Gdansk is located at the mouth of the Motlawa River on the southern shore of the Bay of Gdansk and is one of the largest seaports in the Baltic Sea. The port saw high levels of activity in 2021, making it the busiest port in Poland. It successfully handled large volumes of cargo up to 53.2 million tons, 20.6 million TEUs, and accommodated 164,000 passengers. The port offers regular connections to the Baltics, North Sea countries, Americas and Asia

Port of Gdynia
The Port of Gdynia is a modern facility in the Baltic Sea region, located on the northwest coast of the Bay of Gdansk in northern Poland. The country’s largest seaport and homeport of the Polish Navy. An artificial harbor, protected by a breakwater from tidal changes and remaining ice-free year-round. All types of cargo pass through the facility, including general cargo, dry cargo, liquid bulk and containers. The main commodities include grain, coal, automobiles, iron ore, sugar, wood, food, etc.

Port of Szczecin
Szczecin is located at the mouth of the Oder River, only 65 kilometers from the Baltic Sea. It is connected to Berlin via the Autobahn and the European Autobahn network. It is the closest point to Czechoslovakia and the shortest route connecting Sweden to Central Europe. In addition, it is an important link between Western European countries and Russia and Finland. Due to its strategic location, it handles various cargoes and commodities such as coal, coke, grain, iron ore, scrap iron, timber, cement, salt, sugar and containers. Additionally, it handles roll-on/roll-off trailers and finished products such as paper, pulp, steel, and liquid bulk materials containing chemicals and tars. Major trading partners include Scandinavian countries, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, France and West African countries.

Port of Swinoujsice
Handlovi Port is located on the east coast of Uznan Island at the mouth of the Swan River on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. It is an important fishing port and resort. It is also Poland’s largest dry bulk terminal, handling coal, iron ore and fertilizers. More than 3,000 ships pass through the port every year.

Port of Kolobrzeg
Kolobrzeg is located on the eastern shore before the confluence of the Paseta River with the Baltic Sea and is one of the largest commercial ports in the country. It has an 84 m wide entrance channel protected by two slightly curved jetties.

Air freight from China to Poland

When time is of the essence, air freight provides a fast shipping solution from China to Poland.
Maybe you’re transporting perishable goods or emergency supplies, or you have a tight deadline, or are simply using air freight to offset the time lost on delayed projects. Whatever it is, using air freight ensures fast shipping, but faster speeds mean higher shipping costs.

People don’t often choose air freight because it’s so costly, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and not everything is worth air freight. However, for those with a deep shipping budget, they do not want to wait more than 1 month to receive their shipments from China to Poland. Air freight not only guarantees faster speeds, but also greater safety.

Due to airline restrictions and restrictions, oversized cargo may not fit on the aircraft, and some cargo may be classified as sensitive or even dangerous goods for air transport.

Poland’s main airports

Warsaw Chopin Airport
Located in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, it is one of the busiest airports in the country. It offers domestic and international flights and is the main hub for Polish Airlines. It is also an important transit point to other Polish cities.

Krakow-Barice John Paul II International Airport
It is located in Krakow, southern Poland, and is the country’s second largest airport. It offers domestic and international flights and is the gateway to southern Poland and popular tourist attractions such as Auschwitz and Warsaw’s Old Town.

Gdańsk Lech Walesa Airport
It is located in Gdansk in northern Poland and is the main airport in the Baltic region. It offers domestic and international flights and is the main aviation hub for the city of Gdańsk and surrounding seaside resorts.

Wroclaw-Copernicus Airport
It is located in Wroclaw in southwestern Poland and is the region’s main airport. It offers domestic and international flights and is the main gateway to the city of Wroclaw and its surrounding areas.

Poznan-Lavica Henrik Wieniawski Airport
It is located in Poznań, western Poland, and is the region’s main airport. It offers domestic and international flights and is the main aviation hub for the city of Poznań and its surrounding areas.

These airports offer a variety of flights and services, including domestic and international flights, cargo services, car rentals, restaurants and shops. Whether you are traveling or transporting cargo, these major airports will provide you with easy transportation to and from Poland.

Train freight from China to Poland

All Polish importers are lucky as very few countries have rail transport links with China. Rail transport is a balance between sea and air transport. It’s not as slow as sea shipping, nor as fast as air shipping. Again, although rail transportation is not as fast as air transportation, it will not take as long as sea transportation.

In addition, rail transportation makes inland transportation more convenient. It’s easier to ship a package from a train station than from an airport or seaport.

Train transportation from China to Poland
The Chengdu-Chongqing Railway opened in December 2012. Since then, Chengdu has become an important connection point between European countries and the Chinese capital. In 2018, the route accounted for more than a quarter of the total freight volume between European countries and China.

Shipping Cost from China to Poland in 2024

The final cost of importing from China to Poland 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)

For goods weighing less than 200 KG, the cost difference between air freight and LCL sea freight is not large. Beyond 200 KG, the cost difference begins to widen. Although ocean freight is much slower, it quickly becomes much more economical than air freight when there is greater weight and size involved.

Cost Of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container From China To Poland

The average price to ship a container from China to Poland is from $2550 to $5050 US Dollars.

The shipping price to ship a full container from China to Poland ranges depending on the size of the container (20ft or 40ft), and the schedule route, please contact Linkshare quotation team to receive a detailed rate to ship your container from China to the major container ports in Poland.

• How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container from China to Poland, the average price to ship a 20ft container from China to Poland is from $2550 to $3850. The shipping timeline to ship a 20 foot container from China to Poland ranges depending on the route.
• How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from China to Poland, the average price to ship a 40ft container from China to Poland is from $3250 to $5050. The shipping timeline to ship a 40 foot container from China to Poland ranges depending on the route.
• 40 foot High Cube Container ~$5540 to $8830

Shipping costs $6,700 per 40’HQ Container from Shanghai to Poland

Sea freight	From Shanghai to	From Ningbo to	From Shenzhen to
Gdansk	$6,700 per 40’HQ Container	$6,600 per 40’HQ container	$6,950 per 40’HQ container

Container shipping rates from China to Poland:

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

Container shipping service from China to Poland	Type of container	Sea freight rates from China to Poland
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to Poland.	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $2550 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to Poland.	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $4250 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to Poland.	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $2550 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to Poland.	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $2550 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to Poland.	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to Poland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to Poland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3250 20FT average price from: $5050 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to Poland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to Poland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4550 40FT
How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to Poland	20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL	average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $4550 40FT

How much does air freight cost per kG from China to Poland?

The air freight price from China to Poland is calculated based on the weight of the shipment in kilograms, and the freight prices are different for different weights. The minimum weight of air cargo is 45 kg, and at some airports the minimum weight is from 100 kg. No service is provided for cargo less than 100 kg. A shipment can be packed in multiple cartons, multiple pallets and other different packaging sizes.

For goods under 100 kilograms that cannot be transported by air, you can choose international express delivery from China to Poland. If you want a courier to deliver your package, the cost is $15-$35 per kilogram.

The weight of the package will determine how much shipping costs a business will have to bear. Regular air freight prices are approximately USD 5 – 15 per kilogram.

The air freight price of 1,500 kilograms of general cargo from Hong Kong to Krakow is US$7 per kilogram, to the capital Warsaw, it is US$7.5 per kilogram; to Katowice Airport, it is US$6.8 per kilogram, and to Wroclaw Airport, it is US$7.2 per kilogram.

How is the air freight price from China to Poland calculated?

Air freight prices are calculated based on actual/natural weight or volumetric weight. The actual weight of the product is calculated based on gross and net weight. This is then compared to the dimensional weight to determine the cost.

Dimensional weight is calculated by first multiplying the width of the package by the height and length (width x length x height). Next, dimensional weight is calculated by dividing that number by 6000 (or 5000 if shipping).

Since airlines try to maximize their revenue, they charge you based on the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight. The fee will be calculated based on the higher.

How much does it cost for rail transportation from China to Poland?

Rail shipping is cheaper and more economical than express air freight and standard air freight, but more expensive than sea freight; it is ideal if you want to transport bulk goods but don’t want to wait as long as sea freight.
By rail, the average cost of a 40-foot container from China to Germany is $6,000 to $12,000.

How long does it take to ship from China to Poland?

Shipping from China to Poland takes 35 to 45 days, air shipping takes 3 to 8 days, and freight train takes 15 to 20 days.
Actual shipping time may vary slightly depending on factors such as shipping method, service and route, supplier address, final destination, weather, congestion, customs, etc.

Sea Freight time from China to Poland

Container shipping time from China to Gdansk, Poland

POL (Port of Loading)	POD (Port of Discharge)	Transit time
Qingdao	Gdansk	41 days
Shanghai	Gdansk	35 days
Yantian, Shenzhen	Gdansk	32 days

FYI: Shanghai in East China, Shenzhen South China, and Qingdao North China, data from these 3 ports is enough to demonstrate the sea shipping time from China to Poland.
The transit time by sea, port to port, depends on the specific origin and destination ports chosen, service route, sailing schedule and choice on carrier.
Above transit time is for full container load shipping, port to port only, for LCL shipping time estimate, pls add 7-10 days.

Air Freight time from China to Poland

Air freight from China to Poland usually takes 3-8 working days, and the price is charged based on the weight of the goods per kilogram, which varies by weight. The minimum weight for air cargo is 45kg and at some airports the minimum weight is 100kg.

There are direct flights between some cities in China and Warsaw.
Beijing – Warsaw, Shanghai – Warsaw, Shanghai – Warsaw

Train time from China to Poland

Compared with sea freight, the transit time of rail freight is significantly shorter. The journey between Xi’an Station in China and Malaszewicz Railway Station in Poland is completed by express freight train in 10 to 18 days. Therefore, the entire supply chain from pick-up at the Chinese factory to delivery to the EU consignee can be completed in 22-27 days for FCL shipments and 25-28 days for LTL shipments. Than Container Load (LCL) shipping.

From	To	Rail Freight Transit time
Chengdu	Lodz Poland	14 to 16 days
Chongqing	Malaszewicze Poland	14 days
Chongqing	Warsaw Poland	14 days
Changsha	Warsaw Poland	15 to 18 days
Suzhou	Warsaw Poland	14 days
Zhengzhou	Warsaw Poland	15 to 17 days

compared with sea shipping which takes 30 to 35 days. Rail freight is faster by 10 to 18 days and offers a more cost effective way of moving cargo. Rail Freight will be a game changer for many industries.

From China to Amazon FBA Poland

Shipping goods from China to Amazon FBA can be a complicated process. At Linkshare, we have developed a dedicated Amazon Freight Services team to ship your goods from China to the global Amazon FBA distribution center of your choice. With our Amazon FBA service, we’re confident you’ll find what you’re looking for with every shipment. Schedule safe, fast delivery with Amazon from start of collection to finish. We guarantee you prompt, safe and professional shipment of your goods. We provide hassle-free shipping solutions for your e-commerce business.

Amazon FBA Items Requirements

• Each item needs to have a unique FNSKU label.
• Two Amazon shipment labels must be attached to each outer carton, one on the front and one on the back using clear tape or stickers.

Amazon FBA how to choose a freight forwarder can read:

Factors to consider when shipping from China to Poland

When shipping from China to Poland, always prepare for the journey. You need to make sure everything is ready to ensure a safe and worry-free trip. Plan carefully, know what you’re dealing with, and your shipment should arrive without a hitch. Here are five key factors to consider, explained in simple terms:

• Shipping method (shipping method): Determine how quickly your shipment needs to arrive. If it’s an emergency, air freight is just like flying – fast but expensive. If you’re not in a hurry, ocean shipping is like a cruise ship – slower but cheaper, and you can send more goods. Choose one that suits your time and wallet.
• Price Tag (Cost): Money is an important part of shipping. It’s not just about paying for travel from China to Poland. Additional costs may apply when the goods arrive, such as securing the goods (insurance), taxes or duties. Understand all costs from the beginning to avoid any budget fluctuations later. rule
• Roads (customs regulations): Each country has its own set of rules for what is allowed. Saudi Arabia has its own customs laws and you need to make sure you comply with them. Have the correct documentation and do not send prohibited items. Sometimes getting help from a customs expert can save you a lot of trouble.
• Traffic Rules (Customs Regulations): Each country has its own set of rules about what is allowed. Saudi Arabia has its own customs laws and you need to make sure you comply with them. Have the correct documentation and do not send prohibited items. Sometimes getting help from a customs expert can save you a lot of trouble.
• Last Mile (Local Delivery): Think about how your package will get from the port or airport in Poland to its final location. The last part is important. You may need a local truck or delivery service. Choose someone you can trust to get your items to your destination safely and on time.

Shipping goods from China to Poland may seem tricky, but with these factors in mind, you can make it as smooth as planning your vacation trip.

What documents are required for shipping from China to Poland

Shipping from China to Poland requires careful documentation to ensure smooth transit of goods. Every document has a purpose, from proving ownership to ensuring compliance with international trade laws. The important paperwork is the communication between the shipper, carrier, customs and the consignee. Below is a summary of the key documents required:

• Commercial Invoice: This document provides information about the transaction between the seller and buyer. It includes details such as item description, value and terms of sale. It is used by customs to determine duties and taxes.
• Bill of Lading (for ocean shipments) or air waybill (for air shipments): Serves as a receipt for the goods shipped and as a contract between the carrier and shipper. This is essential for the cargo to be released at its destination.
• Packing List: The packing list is accompanied by a commercial invoice detailing the contents of the shipment, including weight and dimensions. It helps all parties understand what is in the shipment.
• Certificate of Origin: Proves the country of origin of the goods, which may affect tariff rates and trade regulations.
• Insurance Policy: Insurance documents are essential to protect the value of your goods from loss or damage during transportation.
• Export License: For certain goods, an export license is required to comply with China’s export regulations.
• Import License: Depending on the shipment, Saudi Arabian importers may require an import license.
• Inspection and Certification: Certain goods may need to be inspected before export to ensure they meet the standards of the importing country.
• Dangerous Goods Form (if applicable): For shipments containing hazardous materials, this document provides handling instructions and detailed information about risks.
• Letter of Credit or Other Payment Terms (if applicable): A financial document that guarantees payment to the seller, often required in international trade.

Failure to provide the correct documentation may result in shipment delays, fines, or even confiscation. Therefore, it is recommended to work with an experienced freight forwarder or customs broker who can guide you through the documentation process and ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate before your goods are shipped.

What are the customs duties, VAT and other taxes in Poland?

Polish Customs applies three separate rules for imported goods from different countries. they are:

• member of world trade organization
• Import from developing countries
• A country that has a special trade contract with Poland.
• Polish tariffs range from 0% to over 400%.

All products are subject to 5% import tax. In addition, luxury goods consumption tax and value-added tax of 22%, 7%, 3%, or even 0% are also levied depending on the product. You can visit the official website of the Polish Customs Department for more details.

How to handle customs clearance in Poland?

When you start shipping from China to Poland, customs clearance can be a complicated process, but breaking it down into steps can make it manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide and some tips for simplifying table formatting:

Step	Description	Tips
1. Prepare Documents	Gather all necessary documents like the commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin.	Double-check for accuracy to avoid delays.
2. Submit Declaration	File a customs declaration with Poland Customs. This can be done electronically.	Use a customs broker for efficiency.
3. Pay Duties and Taxes	Based on the declaration, pay the required duties and taxes.	Budget for these costs in advance.
4. Inspection	Customs may inspect the shipment to verify goods and documents.	Ensure packaging is easily accessible for inspection.
5. Obtain Release	Once cleared, customs will release the shipment for delivery.	Keep track of the clearance status online or through your broker.

The table is like a map for getting your goods through customs in Poland. It shows five easy steps starting with getting your papers right, then telling customs what you’re bringing in, paying any money you owe for taxes, letting them check your stuff, and finally getting the green light to go ahead with your delivery.