From China to your door
Importing goods from China? Nextport arranges sea and air freight to the Netherlands, from a few pallets to full containers. We coordinate collection, customs clearance and delivery. One dedicated contact keeps you informed throughout your shipment, with clear answers and personal support.
Read more about importing goods to the Netherlands.
Sea freight or air freight from China?
A few pallets without an urgent deadline? LCL sea freight may suit your shipment. For a larger order, compare a full container with shared container space. Air freight may be suitable when delivery time matters more than freight cost. We compare the total cost and timing using your cargo dimensions, weight and required delivery date.
FCL: your own container
Shipping a larger volume? With FCL, you book a full container for your goods. We coordinate collection, sea freight and delivery to the agreed destination.
Explore FCL sea freightLCL: share a container
No need for a full container? With LCL, your goods travel alongside other shipments. A practical option for smaller volumes, such as a few pallets or boxes.
Explore LCL sea freightAir freight: when time matters
Working towards a tight deadline? We look at suitable flights, cargo requirements and onward delivery. You receive a plan based on your shipment.
Explore air freightWhat does importing from China cost?
The freight rate is only part of the total. Compare quotes for the same route, shipment details and agreed services. Ask which charges are included and which may follow.
- Collection and handling in China.
- Sea or air freight, including applicable surcharges.
- Arrival handling, customs clearance and delivery.
- Import duties, import VAT and any product-specific levies.
- Optional cargo insurance and any storage or inspection charges.
Import duties depend on the goods classification and customs value. There is no single duty rate for all goods from China.
What do you need before shipping?
Check the basics before your supplier releases the goods. Complete, consistent documents help prevent avoidable delays.
- A commercial invoice with a clear product description and value.
- A packing list with quantities, dimensions and weights.
- An EORI number for business customs formalities.
- The agreed delivery terms and collection and delivery addresses.
- Any certificates, permits or product documents required for your goods.
The shipment also needs a transport document, such as a bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration. As the importer, check that your products meet the applicable EU requirements.
More about customs clearanceFrom supplier to delivery. One clear plan.
- Tell us what you are importing. Share the goods description, dimensions, weight, collection address, destination and ready date.
- Compare the options. We discuss the route, timing, delivery terms and quote. You know what we are arranging.
- Prepare the shipment. We coordinate collection and booking, and review the transport and customs information with you.
- Stay informed along the way. Your dedicated contact keeps you updated and helps resolve changes in the planning.
- Arrange the final delivery. After customs release, we coordinate onward transport to the agreed destination.
Nextport is your freight forwarding partner in Rotterdam. You have one contact for the whole journey and can reach us by phone, WhatsApp or email, 24/7.
Questions about importing from China
How long does shipping from China to the Netherlands take?
The sailing or flight time is only part of the journey. Allow time for collection in China, export handling, departure, any transfers, customs clearance and delivery in the Netherlands. LCL also requires consolidation and unpacking at the destination. Share your supplier’s location, cargo ready date and required delivery date. We will assess a suitable route and give you an estimated schedule for the complete journey. Capacity, inspections or changes to departures can affect that schedule.
Can I import a small shipment without booking a full container?
Yes. LCL sea freight lets you share container space with other shipments. Air freight may also be suitable. We compare the options using your cargo volume, weight and required delivery date.
Can Nextport arrange collection and delivery?
Yes. We can coordinate collection from your supplier in China, international transport, customs clearance and delivery in the Netherlands. The agreed scope depends on your delivery terms and quote.
What should I check in the delivery terms?
Agree the Incoterms® rule, named place and version with your supplier. These determine how transport responsibilities, costs and risks are divided.
EXW: the supplier makes the goods available at the agreed location, without loading. You arrange collection and export formalities.
FOB: for sea or inland waterway transport, the supplier delivers the goods on board the vessel at the agreed departure port and handles export clearance. You arrange the main carriage and import clearance. FCA is often more suitable for container shipments.
DDP: the supplier arranges transport and import clearance and bears the applicable import duties and taxes up to the agreed destination. Unloading is normally your responsibility.
Share your supplier’s agreement with Nextport before booking. We check which parts of the journey need to be included in our quote.
Is cargo insurance included automatically?
Do not assume that it is. Ask what has been agreed for your shipment and whether separate cargo insurance is needed. We can discuss the options before departure.
What information do you need for a quote?
Send a description of the goods, number of packages, dimensions, gross weight, collection and delivery addresses, ready date and agreed delivery terms. Mention any batteries, dangerous goods or other special handling requirements.
Preparing your first import? Check the current KVK guidance on importing from China and import duties and costs.
Your shipment. Personally arranged.
Tell us what needs to move from China to the Netherlands. We will help you work out the next step, with a clear quote and one dedicated contact.
Request a quoteImporting from China? Let’s talk.
Get in touch with us!