China: your freight forwarder for imports & exports
by air and sea freight

China’s economic development has made it one of the world’s major trading nations. Germany is an important European trading partner, and two-way trade continues to offer business opportunities alongside regulatory and market challenges.

With Sea, Air, Transport & Service, you have an internationally experienced partner for your business with China, whether you need sea freight or transport by air freight. We arrange reliable transport with close attention to cost. Our support extends beyond exports and imports. We can also assist with relocations from or to China (German) and with specialist transport requirements.
An established network in the Chinese market

Our established local partner network in China helps us manage complex transport requirements. Our partners understand the particular conditions and requirements of the Chinese market, a valuable advantage when navigating its administrative and commercial environment. We stand behind the quality of the services provided for your shipment.

We serve major seaports and air-cargo gateways, including Dalian, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong and Xiamen, as well as important inland metropolitan areas such as Beijing, Chongqing and Nanjing.

These are examples rather than an exhaustive list. From the relevant logistics gateways, we can also plan collection and delivery for destinations further inland, subject to the requirements of the route and shipment.

Comprehensive support for air and sea freight

Alongside port-to-port or airport-to-airport transport, including transshipment, handling and customs clearance, we arrange collection at the agreed origin and delivery to the destination. Whether you are shipping vehicles, machinery, equipment or other goods, we coordinate a door-to-door solution and the associated formalities. A range of additional services is also available. We pay close attention to costs and aim to combine dependable quality with competitive pricing. Talk to us about your requirements.

Information and advice for your shipment

For further information or personal advice on imports and exports to or from China, email us, use our contact form or call us. We will respond promptly and can prepare a quotation quickly once the essential shipment details are available.

The following sections cover

• • background facts about China’s economy
  • the locations of important Chinese airports
  • China’s economic development
• income per person in China and gross domestic product
  • China’s trade balance
  • the country’s principal trading partners
  • Chinese export products sold in Germany
  • products imported by China from Germany
  • China’s neighbouring countries and customs interfaces
  • customs rules for imports from China
  • import requirements when exporting to China
  • goods subject to import restrictions in China

  China’s economy: historical figures from 2014–2016

  

  • the historical profile described a more than tenfold increase in foreign trade over a twelve-year period and a trade surplus of US$383 billion at the end of 2014;
  • it reported that approximately 11% of Chinese imports originated in the EU and approximately 19% of exports went there;
  • the profile described China as Germany’s main trading partner in Asia and Germany as China’s principal European partner, ranking fifth in China’s global comparison at that time;
  • China’s GDP reached approximately US$10.38 trillion at the end of 2014, placing it among the world’s largest economies;
  • the period described combined strong economic growth with signs of a slowdown. These historical observations are not a current growth forecast.

  Selected airports and seaports:

  Airport / seaport	IATA code / UN/LOCODE	City served
  Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport	CAN	Guangzhou
  Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport	SZX	Shenzhen
  Nanjing Lukou International Airport	NKG	Nanjing
  Shenyang Taoxian International Airport	SHE	Shenyang
  Beijing Capital International Airport	PEK	Beijing
  Hanzhong Airport	HZG	Hanzhong
  Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport	TAO	Qingdao
  Shanghai Pudong / Shanghai Hongqiao airports	PVG / SHA	Shanghai
  Tianjin Binhai International Airport	TSN	Tianjin
  Ningbo Lishe International Airport	NGB	Ningbo
  Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport	DLC	Dalian
  Port of Nanjing	CN NKG	Nanjing
  Port of Ningbo	CN NGB	Ningbo
  Port of Qingdao	CN TAO	Qingdao
  Port of Shanghai	CN SHA	Shanghai
  Port of Tianjin Xingang	CN XGG	Tianjin Xingang
  Port of Zhanjiang	CN ZHA	Zhanjiang
  Port of Dalian	CN DLC	Dalian

The economic development of the People’s Republic of China

China’s economic development since the late 1970s represents a major transformation. Following the government’s reform and opening policies introduced in 1978, the economy expanded rapidly. China became one of the leading global economies and a significant participant in international markets.

Since 2010, China has been described as the world’s second-largest economy in nominal GDP terms, behind the United States. The historical profile also highlighted its leading position in purchasing-power comparisons and foreign-exchange reserves from 2014, illustrating its role as a major driver of global economic activity.

China was one of the original emerging economies grouped under the name BRICS. The founding name referred to China, Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. The group has since expanded.

For many years, China’s economic growth was in double digits. The historical discussion then described slower reform progress, weaker investment and capital outflows, with growth of 6.7% in 2016. It emphasised the importance of moving towards more sustainable growth supported by innovative technologies. Environmental technology and related investment can create opportunities for foreign businesses, subject to actual market access and commercial conditions.

China’s gross domestic product

The historical profile described a sustained rise in China’s GDP over the preceding decade. In 2015, GDP was US$11.2 trillion. Services, industry and agriculture all contribute to the economy. Their relative weights depend on the period and statistical basis, so current sector comparisons should use a consistent dataset.

Income per person in China

The historical discussion described a rising trend in annual income per person. In 2015, it quoted US$8,141 per person, placing China in the middle range internationally in that profile. It also discussed the large gap between urban and rural incomes, quoting urban incomes approximately 2.8 times rural incomes at that time, while rural incomes were growing faster. Comparisons with higher- and lower-income countries depend on using the same measure and reference year.

China’s trade balance

The historical economic discussion also highlighted a strong trade balance. Over the twelve-year period described in that profile, foreign trade had increased more than tenfold. It recorded a trade surplus of more than US$593 billion in 2015, an increase of 55.2%, and described China as the leading exporting nation at that time, ahead of the United States and Germany.

The profile reported free trade agreements with 16 partners and negotiations with 12 others. These counts are historical, not a current agreement inventory.

It also reported a presence of approximately 7,000 German companies in China and the opening in Berlin in 2014 of China’s first chamber of commerce in Europe.

Countries supplying China’s imports

The historical profile identified the European Union as a major trading partner, accounting for approximately 12.4% of China’s imports at the time. Individual-country statistics also placed Asian countries and the United States among the leading suppliers. The stated 2015 figures were:

• South Korea: US$142 billion
• United States: US$134 billion
• Japan: US$131 billion
• Germany: US$96.7 billion

Destinations for China’s exports

The source described the United States as the main market for Chinese goods, with approximately 18% of exports going to North America in 2015, followed by the EU, where Germany was a leading destination. It listed the following 2015 export values:

• United States: US$432 billion
• Hong Kong: US$258 billion
• Japan: US$166 billion
• Germany: US$101 billion

Chinese exports to the German market

The historical profile attributed approximately 30% of China’s trade with the EU to Germany, underlining Germany’s importance as a European trading partner for China. Major product groups included:

• data-processing equipment
• electronic and optical products
• electrical equipment
• clothing
• machinery

Reasons for German businesses to consider sourcing from China include:

• competitive costs in labour-intensive production
• a broad range of goods
• access to raw materials
• product-quality improvements associated with technological development

German goods imported into China

Trade also operates in the opposite direction. The historical profile described China as the fourth-largest buyer of German products after France, the United States and the United Kingdom. As a market for German machinery, China was particularly important.

The automotive sector also featured prominently. The source placed China among the leading markets for German vehicles and automotive parts.

The main German product groups sold to China included:

• vehicles and automotive parts
• machinery
• data-processing equipment
• electronic and optical products
• electrical equipment

China is relevant not only to vehicle, machinery and electronics manufacturers. Consumer demand also makes it a significant market for the agriculture and food industries, although market access and product-specific requirements must be assessed carefully.

China’s land neighbours and maritime connections

China is one of the world’s largest countries and the largest by area in East Asia. Its extensive geography creates numerous neighbouring-country links. The following list covers land borders and distinct mainland customs interfaces:

• Afghanistan
• Bhutan
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: separate mainland customs interface
• India
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos and Myanmar
• Macao Special Administrative Region: separate mainland customs interface
• Mongolia
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• North Korea
• Tajikistan
• Vietnam
• Russia

By sea, routes also connect with Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan. This is a logistics description, not a determination of disputed maritime boundaries.

The complexity of China’s economy

The earlier profile used the Economic Complexity Index (ECI) to illustrate China’s diverse productive capabilities and placed it among the 37 most complex economies in that historical comparison. This is not a current ECI rank.

Customs rules for imports from China

Importers bringing goods from China into the EU must consider a range of import restrictions and requirements. Classification, origin, valuation, product compliance and any trade-defence measures need to be checked for the actual goods.

China-origin goods do not gain tariff preferences merely because China is an emerging economy. The Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) has a defined beneficiary framework. Eligibility for preferential tariffs must be checked against current official rules, the commodity code and the goods’ origin.

An EU importer or party placing a product on the market may have its own product-compliance responsibilities. These are not automatically transferred to the overseas manufacturer and depend on the product and the party’s legal role.

Customs duty on goods from China

The duty payable on an import from China depends on the actual goods and customs procedure. The customs value generally starts from the transaction value with the legally required adjustments, including relevant transport and insurance costs. Do not automatically include or exclude every foreign tax without examining the valuation rules.

Historical references to duty exemption for all commercial consignments up to €150 must be considered in light of the new rules. Since 1 July 2026, EU low-value rules include a temporary €3 duty per item category for qualifying consignments up to €150; the applicable treatment depends on the import arrangement and must be checked. Genuine occasional private gifts may qualify for separate relief up to €45 when all conditions are met.

Tariff rates for different product groups vary with classification, origin and any additional measures. Digital devices, cosmetics, jewellery, clothing, textiles and footwear cannot safely be assigned a single blanket rate from an old example. Some classifications may have zero ordinary duty while others attract percentage rates or trade-defence duties.

Use current official tariff tools to identify the applicable rate, including the EU’s TARIC tariff consultation.

Import VAT on imports from China

Import VAT is collected on goods imported into Germany, with rules applying to businesses and private individuals.

The applicable import VAT rate follows the relevant domestic VAT treatment. Germany has a 19% standard rate and a 7% reduced rate for qualifying goods; the correct rate depends on the product and legal conditions, not merely a broad marketing category.

Import VAT uses the statutory taxable amount, which can include the customs value, customs duty and relevant incidental costs. It is not simply an extra percentage added to an arbitrarily selected invoice total.

The former €22 low-value import VAT exemption was abolished on 1 July 2021. Separate relief may exist for genuine occasional gifts between private individuals up to €45, subject to all conditions; this is not a commercial-purchase exemption.

Do not rely on a false gift declaration. A retail purchase does not become an eligible private gift because a seller labels the parcel that way. Goods must be declared truthfully, and incorrect declarations can result in tax recovery and penalties.

Import requirements when exporting to China

Exports to China are subject to product-specific rules. China joined the WTO, not the WHO, in 2001. Requirements can include import prohibitions or quotas, certification, registration and licences, as well as customs duty and other taxes.

Goods that may be prohibited or strictly controlled include:

• weapons, ammunition and explosives
• counterfeit currency and forged securities
• highly toxic substances
• documents or media restricted under China’s applicable cultural, economic, public-morality or political rules
• illegal narcotics
• animals, plants and related products carrying prohibited pests, pathogens or contaminants
• industrial and other controlled waste

Certain products require certification, potentially including China Compulsory Certification (CCC), and/or registration. The precise requirement depends on the current product scope; do not assume every item in a broad category automatically requires CCC. Categories requiring particular checks can include:

• used machinery
• electrical equipment
• rubber and latex products
• construction chemicals, such as concrete-related products or coatings
• automotive accessories and parts
• toys
• agricultural machinery

Food exporters and overseas food manufacturers must check the current GACC registration requirements for their product and activity. GACC’s updated overseas-manufacturer rules took effect on 1 June 2026; applicable categories, official recommendations and renewal requirements differ. The old AQSIQ registration description and its website must not be treated as current guidance. Registration is processed through the official CIFER system: https://cifer.singlewindow.cn.

For goods in wood packaging or on wooden pallets, check the applicable ISPM 15 requirements. Raw wood and other plant products may also require phytosanitary documentation according to the goods and import rules.

Some goods require import licences or other approvals,. These normally involve an authorised importer or relevant entity established in China.

Consult current certification and licensing guidance, including information from the China Quality Certification Centre: China Quality Certification Centre: English information

Current tariff and market-access information can also be checked using the EU’s Access 2 Markets portal. Customs duties, taxes, documentary requirements and any handling costs must be assessed for the actual product and transaction.

Despite the complexity of these requirements, China remains a significant market for German businesses. Planning should use current rules and verified documentation rather than assumptions that future reforms will remove existing obligations.

Current official guidance (the economic figures above remain historical):

European Commission: trade relations with China

World Trade Organization: China membership and trade information

European Commission: customs formalities for low-value consignments

European Commission: temporary customs duties on low-value imports

GACC: current overseas food-manufacturer registration guidance

European Commission: VAT e-commerce rules

EU TARIC tariff consultation

Access 2 Markets: tariffs and trade requirements

European Commission: Generalised Scheme of Preferences