Shipping from China to Sweden: A Guide for Importers

China and Sweden are two important trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching over $15 billion in 2020. China is Sweden’s largest source of imports, and Sweden is China’s largest export market in the Nordic region. Many Swedish businesses rely on importing goods from China, such as machinery, electronics, clothing, furniture, and toys.

However, shipping from China to Sweden is not without challenges. Importers need to consider various factors, such as shipping methods, logistics providers, customs regulations, documentation, tracking, and cost. In this article, we will provide some solutions and tips for hassle-free shipping from China to Sweden.

Challenges in China to Sweden Shipping

Some of the common challenges that importers face when shipping from China to Sweden are:

• Distance and transit time: China and Sweden are separated by about 7,500 km, which means that shipping by sea can take up to 40 days, and shipping by air can take up to 10 days. This can affect the delivery time and inventory management of the importers.
• Customs clearance and duties: Importers need to comply with the customs regulations and documentation requirements of both China and Sweden. They also need to pay the applicable duties and taxes, such as value-added tax (VAT), customs duty, and anti-dumping duty. The customs clearance process can be complex and time-consuming, especially for new or inexperienced importers.
• Quality and safety standards: Importers need to ensure that the goods they import from China meet the quality and safety standards of Sweden and the European Union (EU). For example, some products, such as toys, electrical appliances, and cosmetics, need to have the CE mark, which indicates that they conform to the EU legislation. Importers also need to provide the necessary certificates and test reports to prove the compliance of their products.
• Logistics risks and costs: Importers need to choose the best shipping method and logistics provider for their needs. They also need to consider the risks and costs involved in shipping, such as delays, damages, losses, theft, insurance, and freight charges. Importers need to compare different options and negotiate the best terms and rates with their logistics partners.

Solutions for Hassle-Free Shipping

To overcome the challenges and ensure hassle-free shipping from China to Sweden, importers can follow these solutions:

• Plan ahead and communicate well: Importers should plan their shipping schedule and budget in advance, taking into account the transit time, customs clearance, and peak seasons. They should also communicate well with their suppliers, logistics providers, and customs brokers, and keep track of their shipments at every stage.
• Choose the right shipping method and logistics provider: Importers should choose the most suitable shipping method and logistics provider for their products, volume, and urgency. Generally, there are three main shipping methods: sea freight, air freight, and rail freight. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, as shown in the table below:

Shipping Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Sea freight	– Low cost	– Long transit time
	– High capacity	– High risk of damages and delays
	– Eco-friendly	– Complex documentation
Air freight	– Fast delivery	– High cost
	– Low risk of damages and delays	– Low capacity
	– Simple documentation	– Not eco-friendly
Rail freight	– Moderate cost	– Limited routes and destinations
	– Moderate transit time	– Limited capacity
	– Eco-friendly	– Complex documentation

Importers should also research and compare different logistics providers, such as freight forwarders, couriers, and postal services. They should consider their reputation, reliability, experience, network, and customer service. Importers should also check the reviews and feedback from other customers and ask for references and quotations.

• Prepare the required documents and pay the duties and taxes: Importers should prepare the required documents for customs clearance, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB), certificate of origin, and product certificates. Importers should also pay the duties and taxes, which are calculated based on the customs value, tariff rate, and VAT rate of the goods. The customs value is the total cost of the goods, including the freight and insurance charges. The tariff rate varies depending on the product category and the origin of the goods. The VAT rate is 25% in Sweden. Importers can use online tools, such as the EU Trade Helpdesk, to find out the tariff rate and other information for their products.
• Ensure the quality and compliance of the products: Importers should ensure that the products they import from China meet the quality and compliance standards of Sweden and the EU. They should inspect the products before shipping, either by themselves or by a third-party inspection company. They should also verify the certificates and test reports provided by the suppliers, and check the validity and authenticity of the CE mark. Importers should also be aware of the product liability and consumer protection laws in Sweden and the EU, and take the necessary measures to prevent or resolve any disputes or complaints.

Shipping Methods and Logistics Providers

As mentioned above, there are three main shipping methods from China to Sweden: sea freight, air freight, and rail freight. In this section, we will provide more details about each method, and some examples of logistics providers that offer these services.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is the most common and economical shipping method from China to Sweden. It is suitable for large-volume and low-value goods, such as furniture, machinery, and raw materials. However, it is also the slowest and riskiest shipping method, as it can take up to 40 days and is subject to weather conditions, port congestion, and customs delays.

There are two types of sea freight: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL). FCL means that the importer rents a whole container, which can be 20 feet, 40 feet, or 45 feet in size. LCL means that the importer shares a container with other importers, and pays only for the space they use. FCL is more cost-effective and secure for large shipments, while LCL is more flexible and convenient for small shipments.

Some of the major ports in China that ship to Sweden are Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Tianjin. Some of the major ports in Sweden that receive shipments from China are Gothenburg, Stockholm, Helsingborg, and Malmo. The transit time between these ports ranges from 30 to 40 days, depending on the route and the carrier.

Some of the logistics providers that offer sea freight services from China to Sweden are:

• DHL Global Forwarding: DHL is one of the world’s leading logistics companies, with a global network of over 200 countries and territories. DHL offers both FCL and LCL services from China to Sweden, with competitive rates and reliable delivery. DHL also provides value-added services, such as customs clearance, warehousing, distribution, and insurance.
• Maersk: Maersk is the world’s largest container shipping company, with a fleet of over 700 vessels and 3.5 million containers. Maersk offers both FCL and LCL services from China to Sweden, with weekly departures and fast transit times. Maersk also provides online tools, such as Maersk Spot, which allows importers to book and track their shipments online.
• COSCO: COSCO is China’s largest shipping company, and the fourth-largest in the world. COSCO offers both FCL and LCL services from China to Sweden, with regular sailings and comprehensive coverage. COSCO also provides integrated logistics solutions, such as multimodal transportation, terminal operation, and supply chain management.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest and most convenient shipping method from China to Sweden. It is suitable for small-volume and high-value goods, such as electronics, medical equipment, and perishable goods. However, it is also the most expensive and least eco-friendly shipping method, as it can cost up to 10 times more than sea freight and emit more carbon dioxide.

There are two types of air freight: express and cargo. Express means that the importer uses a courier service, such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS, which handles the entire shipping process, from pickup to delivery. Cargo means that the importer uses an air cargo service, which only transports the goods from one airport to another, and the importer needs to arrange the pickup and delivery by themselves or by a freight forwarder.

Some of the major airports in China that ship to Sweden are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Some of the major airports in Sweden that receive shipments from China are Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo, and Umea. The transit time between these airports ranges from 5 to 10 days, depending on the route and the carrier.

Some of the logistics providers that offer air freight services from China to Sweden are:

• DHL Express: DHL Express is the world’s leading express service provider, with a global network of over 220 countries and territories. DHL Express offers door-to-door delivery from China to Sweden, with guaranteed delivery times and online tracking. DHL Express also provides value-added services, such as customs clearance, insurance, and packaging.
• FedEx: FedEx is one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, with a global network of over 220 countries and territories. FedEx offers door-to-door delivery from China to Sweden, with priority and economy options and online tracking. FedEx also provides value-added services, such as customs clearance, insurance, and packaging.
• Cathay Pacific Cargo: Cathay Pacific Cargo is the cargo division of Cathay Pacific Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines. Cathay Pacific Cargo offers airport-to-airport delivery from China to Sweden, with frequent flights and wide-body aircraft. Cathay Pacific Cargo also provides integrated logistics solutions, such as e-commerce, perishables, and pharmaceuticals.

Rail Freight

Rail freight is a relatively new and emerging shipping method from China to Sweden. It is suitable for medium-volume and medium-value goods, such as auto parts, textiles, and chemicals. It is also a more eco-friendly and reliable shipping method than sea freight and air freight, as it emits less carbon dioxide and is less affected by weather conditions and port congestion.

However, rail freight is also limited by the routes and destinations, as it can only reach certain cities and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is China’s ambitious project to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa by land and sea. Rail freight is also constrained by the capacity and availability of the trains, as well as the complex documentation and customs procedures.

There are two types of rail freight: block train and single wagon. Block train means that the importer rents a whole train, which can carry up to 50 containers. Single wagon means that the importer shares a train with other importers, and pays only for the space they use. Block train is more cost-effective and faster for large shipments, while single wagon is more flexible and convenient for small shipments.

Some of the major rail stations in China that ship to Sweden are Zhengzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Xi’an. Some of the major rail stations in Sweden that receive shipments from China are Malmo, Stockholm, and Gothenburg. The transit time between these stations ranges from 15 to 25 days, depending on the route and the carrier.

Some of the logistics providers that offer rail freight services from China to Sweden are:

• DSV: DSV is one of the world’s leading logistics companies, with a global network of over 80 countries and territories. DSV offers both block train and single wagon services from China to Sweden, with weekly departures and competitive rates. DSV also provides value-added services, such as customs clearance, warehousing, distribution, and insurance.
• Hellmann: Hellmann is a global logistics company, with a network of over 160 countries and territories. Hellmann offers both block train and single wagon services from China to Sweden, with regular departures and fast transit times. Hellmann also provides integrated logistics solutions, such as multimodal transportation, e-commerce, and supply chain management.
• DB Schenker: DB Schenker is a leading logistics company, with a network of over 130 countries and territories. DB Schenker offers both block train and single wagon services from China to Sweden, with daily departures and reliable delivery. DB Schenker also provides online tools, such as DB Schenker Connect, which allows importers to book and track their shipments online.

Customs Regulations and Documentation

Customs clearance is one of the most important and challenging aspects of shipping from China to Sweden. Importers need to comply with the customs regulations and documentation requirements of both China and Sweden, as well as the EU. Importers also need to pay the duties and taxes, which are calculated based on the customs value, tariff rate, and VAT rate of the goods.

Some of the main customs regulations and documentation requirements for shipping from China to Sweden are:

• EORI number: An EORI number is a unique identification number that is required for all importers and exporters in the EU. Importers need to register for an EORI number in Sweden before they can import goods from China. Importers can apply for an EORI number online through the Swedish Customs website.
• Customs declaration: A customs declaration is a document that provides information about the goods, such as the description, quantity, value, origin, and destination. Importers need to submit a customs declaration to the Swedish Customs electronically, using the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system. Importers can also use a customs broker or a freight forwarder to handle the customs declaration for them.
• Commercial invoice: A commercial invoice is a document that provides information about the transaction, such as the seller, buyer, terms of payment, and delivery. Importers need to provide a commercial invoice to the Swedish Customs as proof of the value and origin of the goods. The commercial invoice should be in English or Swedish, and should include the following information:
  • Seller’s name and address
  • Buyer’s name and address
  • Invoice number and date
  • Description and quantity of the goods
  • Unit price and total price of the goods
  • Currency and exchange rate
  • Terms of delivery and payment (Incoterms)
  • Country of origin and destination
  • EORI number of the seller and buyer
  • HS code of the goods
  • Signature and stamp of the seller
• Packing list: A packing list is a document that provides information about the packaging, such as the number, weight, and dimensions of the packages. Importers need to provide a packing list to the Swedish Customs as proof of the quantity and condition of the goods. The packing list should be in English or Swedish, and should include the following information:
  • Seller’s name and address
  • Buyer’s name and address
  • Invoice number and date
  • Description and quantity of the goods
  • Number, weight, and dimensions of the packages
  • Marks and numbers of the packages
  • Signature and stamp of the seller
• Bill of lading or air waybill: A bill of lading (B/L) or an air waybill (AWB) is a document that provides information about the transportation, such as the carrier, consignee, and port of loading and discharge. Importers need to provide a B/L or an AWB to the Swedish Customs as proof of the shipment and delivery of the goods. The B/L or AWB should be in English or Swedish, and should include the following information:
  • Carrier’s name and address
  • Consignee’s name and address
  • Shipper’s name and address
  • B/L or AWB number and date
  • Description and quantity of the goods
  • Port of loading and discharge
  • Terms of delivery and payment (Incoterms)
  • Signature and stamp of the carrier
• Certificate of origin: A certificate of origin is a document that provides information about the origin of the goods, such as the country and the manufacturer. Importers need to provide a certificate of origin to the Swedish Customs as proof of the eligibility of the goods for preferential tariff treatment. The certificate of origin should be in English or Swedish, and should include the following information:
  • Exporter’s name and address
  • Importer’s name and address
  • Description and quantity of the goods
  • Country of origin and destination
  • HS code of the goods
  • Declaration of the origin criteria
  • Signature and stamp of the exporter or the authorized body
• Product certificates: Product certificates are documents that provide information about the quality and compliance of the goods, such as the standards, tests, and regulations. Importers need to provide product certificates to the Swedish Customs as proof of the conformity of the goods to the Swedish and EU requirements. The product certificates should be in English or Swedish, and should include the following information:
  • Product name and model
  • Product description and specifications
  • Product category and classification
  • Product standards and regulations
  • Product test results and reports
  • Product certificates and marks
  • Signature and stamp of the manufacturer or the testing body

Tracking and Monitoring Shipments

Tracking and monitoring shipments is an essential part of shipping from China to Sweden. Importers need to keep track of their shipments at every stage, from the departure to the arrival, and monitor the status and condition of their goods. Tracking and monitoring shipments can help importers to avoid or resolve any issues, such as delays, damages, losses, or theft.

There are various ways and tools that importers can use to track and monitor their shipments, such as:

• Online tracking: Online tracking is the most convenient and common way to track and monitor shipments. Importers can use online platforms, such as the websites or apps of the logistics providers, the Swedish Customs, or third-party services, to check the location, status, and progress of their shipments. Importers can also receive notifications and alerts via email, SMS, or phone, if there are any changes or updates on their shipments.
• Barcode scanning: Barcode scanning is another way to track and monitor shipments. Importers can use barcode scanners, such as handheld devices or smartphones, to scan the barcodes or QR codes on the packages or documents of their shipments. Importers can then access the information and data related to their shipments, such as the description, quantity, and value of the goods, the customs clearance, and the delivery.
• Radio-frequency identification (RFID): RFID is a more advanced and sophisticated way to track and monitor shipments. Importers can use RFID tags, which are small electronic devices that emit radio signals, to attach to the packages or containers of their shipments. Importers can then use RFID readers, which are devices that receive and process the radio signals.

Cost Considerations in China to Sweden Shipping

Cost is one of the most important and variable factors in shipping from China to Sweden. Importers need to consider various costs, such as the freight charges, the duties and taxes, the insurance, and the hidden fees. Importers also need to compare different options and negotiate the best terms and rates with their logistics partners.

Some of the main cost considerations in shipping from China to Sweden are:

• Freight charges: Freight charges are the fees that the logistics providers charge for transporting the goods from China to Sweden. Freight charges depend on the shipping method, the weight and volume of the goods, the distance and route, and the market demand and supply. Freight charges can vary significantly depending on the season, the fuel price, and the exchange rate. Importers can use online tools, such as Freightos, to get instant and accurate freight quotes from different logistics providers.
• Duties and taxes: Duties and taxes are the fees that the customs authorities charge for importing the goods from China to Sweden. Duties and taxes depend on the customs value, the tariff rate, and the VAT rate of the goods. Duties and taxes can account for a significant portion of the total cost of the goods, especially for high-value or sensitive products. Importers can use online tools, such as the EU Trade Helpdesk, to find out the duties and taxes for their products.
• Insurance: Insurance is the fee that the insurance company charges for covering the risk of loss or damage to the goods during shipping. Insurance is optional, but highly recommended, especially for high-value or fragile products. Insurance depends on the value and nature of the goods, the shipping method, and the coverage level. Insurance can range from 0.5% to 3% of the value of the goods. Importers can use online tools, such as InsureCargo, to get instant and affordable insurance quotes from different insurance companies.
• Hidden fees: Hidden fees are the fees that the logistics providers or the customs authorities charge for additional or unexpected services or procedures during shipping. Hidden fees can include surcharges, handling fees, storage fees, demurrage fees, detention fees, and penalty fees. Hidden fees can be unpredictable and unavoidable, and can increase the total cost of shipping significantly. Importers should read the terms and conditions carefully and ask for clarification from their logistics partners before signing any contracts or agreements.

Tips for Successful China to Sweden Shipping

To conclude, shipping from China to Sweden can be a complex and challenging process, but also a rewarding and profitable one. Importers can follow these tips to ensure successful and hassle-free shipping from China to Sweden:

• Do your research: Importers should do their research before importing goods from China to Sweden. They should learn about the market demand and supply, the product quality and compliance, the shipping methods and logistics providers, the customs regulations and documentation, and the cost considerations and budgeting. Importers should also keep themselves updated on the latest news and trends in the trade and shipping industry, such as the BRI, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Brexit.
• Choose the right supplier: Importers should choose the right supplier for their products, as the supplier plays a crucial role in the quality, price, and delivery of the goods. Importers should verify the supplier’s background, reputation, experience, and certification. Importers should also communicate well with the supplier, and establish clear and mutual expectations and agreements. Importers should also visit the supplier’s factory or warehouse, or hire a third-party inspection company, to inspect the products before shipping.
• Choose the right logistics partner: Importers should choose the right logistics partner for their shipping needs, as the logistics partner plays a vital role in the transportation, customs clearance, and delivery of the goods. Importers should compare different logistics providers, such as freight forwarders, couriers, and postal services, and evaluate their reputation, reliability, experience, network, and customer service. Importers should also negotiate the best terms and rates with their logistics partners, and monitor their performance and feedback.
• Prepare the required documents and pay the duties and taxes: Importers should prepare the required documents for customs clearance, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin, and product certificates. Importers should also pay the duties and taxes, which are calculated based on the customs value, tariff rate, and VAT rate of the goods. Importers should also check the validity and authenticity of the documents and certificates, and avoid any errors or discrepancies that could cause delays or penalties.
• Ensure the quality and compliance of the products: Importers should ensure that the products they import from China meet the quality and compliance standards of Sweden and the EU. They should inspect the products before shipping, either by themselves or by a third-party inspection company. They should also verify the certificates and test reports provided by the suppliers, and check the CE mark on the products. Importers should also be aware of the product liability and consumer protection laws in Sweden and the EU, and take the necessary measures to prevent or resolve any disputes or complaints.
• Track and monitor your shipments: Importers should track and monitor their shipments at every stage, from the departure to the arrival, and monitor the status and condition of their goods. Importers can use online platforms, such as the websites or apps of the logistics providers, the Swedish Customs, or third-party services, to check the location, status, and progress of their shipments. Importers can also receive notifications and alerts via email, SMS, or phone, if there are any changes or updates on their shipments.