📦 Sending a parcel to China from Italy: Prices, Delivery Times and Customs
DHL · UPS · FedEx · Home collection included · Assistance with customs documentation 🚚.Enter the weight and dimensions into the calculator, compare the best couriers and book online in just a few minutes.
📦 Why choose SpedizioneComoda for shipping to China
Sending a parcel to China from Italy requires more care than a standard European shipment: Chinese customs GACC (General Administration of Customs of China) It is one of the most stringent in the world, and the documentation must be flawless.
With SpedizioneComoda, you can compare DHL, UPS and FedEx rates in real time — the couriers with the most reliable network on the Italy–China route — and you’ll have the support of a real person to help you prepare your customs documents correctly.
Home collection included, real-time tracking from collection to delivery, no subscription and no minimum order quantity.
Returns, samples and documents: the most common types of shipments to China
Unlike other destinations, people who need to send parcels to China from Italy almost always do so for business reasons. Here are the three most common scenarios — and how to handle them correctly:
📦 Returning an online purchase (AliExpress, Alibaba, Temu, Shein)
Do you need to return a product to a Chinese seller? Before you post it,
- Always agree the return with the seller via the platform and
- Make sure you get the returns address confirmed in writing, including a local telephone number that works: many Chinese sellers use returns addresses that are different from their dispatch addresses.
- Keep the tracking number — it’s your proof of return, which you’ll need to claim a refund.
- On the customs declaration, state “Returned goods” and the original value of the item.
📋 Samples for suppliers and manufacturers
If you work with Chinese suppliers and need to send product samples, fabrics, prototypes or components, please state in the pro forma invoice the wording “Samples — no commercial value” with a realistic declared value (never zero: Chinese customs do not accept a zero value). Always include the HS code details of the goods and the recipient’s full contact details, including their Chinese telephone number.
📄 Commercial documents and contracts
For contracts, technical documentation and printed materials, select the “Documents” service: this does not require a customs invoice and is subject to simplified procedures. Delivery times: 2–4 working days to major Chinese cities.
💡 ShippingComoda recommends: If this is your first return to a Chinese seller, please contact us before posting the parcel. We’ll check the address, documentation and declared value with you — a return that’s filled in incorrectly risks being held up at customs and could mean you miss out on your refund.
📦 How much does it cost to send a parcel to China?
The cost depends on:
- actual weight and volumetric weight - The volumetric weight is calculated based on the actual size of the parcel; if it exceeds the actual weight, it determines the final price. Always enter the real length, width and height in the calculator
- dimensions
- destination city — the major cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) have excellent coverage; Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities may require additional time for final delivery
- chosen service
- Chinese duties and VAT — China applies variable tariffs by product category, plus one VAT on 13% on imports
Prices for sending parcels to China
| Package weight | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| 0–2 kg. | from €41.37 |
| 2–5 kg. | from €50.89 |
| 5–10 kg. | from €67.33 |
| 10–20 kg. | from €79.28 |
| 20–30 kg. | from €118.51 |
| 40–50 kg. | from €309.63 |
Prices for shipping pallets to China
| Pallet weight | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| 50–100 kg. | from €398 |
| 100–200 kg. | from €697 |
| 200–300 kg. | from €1,391 |
| 300–400 kg. | from €2,086 |
| 400–500 kg. | from €2,780 |
| 500–600 kg. | from €3,475 |
| from 600kg. | from €4,169 |
Prices for sending documents to China
| Document weight | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| 0–1 kg. | from €39.78 |
| 1–1.5 kg. | from €41.37 |
| 1.5–2 kg. | from €46.14 |
The calculator always shows up-to-date prices.
💡 ShippingComoda recommends: China applies volumetric weight calculations to all air shipments. For light but bulky parcels, keep the box size to a minimum: every centimetre saved reduces the price
🚚 Which courier service should you choose for China?
Shipping to China with DHL – The most established network in China, with direct hubs in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, and the smoothest customs clearance process. The go-to choice for samples and B2B shipments.
Shipping to China with UPS – Excellent value for money on the Italy–China route, particularly competitive for parcels weighing between 5 and 69 kg.
Sending documents to China with FedEx – An extensive network covering even second- and third-tier towns; ideal when the recipient is outside the major urban centres.
Compare them in real time using the quote calculator: for China, the price differences between couriers for the same shipment can exceed 30%.
⏱️ How long does it take for a parcel to arrive in China?
Shipments from Italy to China are by air only (~9,200 km) and include GACC customs clearance.
On average:
- DHL Express: 3–5 DAYS working
- UPS Express: 3–5 DAYS working
- FedEx Express: 3–4 DAYS working
- Economy (DHL / UPS / FedEx / TNT): 6–10 DAYS working
📍 Indicative examples
- Milan → Shanghai: 3–4 days (express)
- Rome → Beijing: 4–5 days (express)
- Milan → Guangzhou: 3–4 days (express)
- Milan → Chengdu: 4–6 days (express)
⚠️ Delivery times may vary due to GACC customs checks. Always allow an extra 1–3 days for customs clearance. During the Spring Festival (Chūnjié) China comes to a standstill for almost two weeks: this is the most critical time of the year for shipments to China.
📄 Chinese customs: essential documents and rules you need to know
China has the strictest customs controls of all the major trade routes. Being well prepared is the difference between a delivery in four days and a parcel being held up for weeks.
Documents required for every consignment
- Commercial or pro forma invoice in English — including a detailed description of each item (avoid generic terms such as “gift” or “parts”), quantity, unit price, total value and country of origin
- Waybill (Air Waybill) — generated automatically upon booking
- HS code for the goods — the international customs code for the product; our team can help you identify it
- Full details of the recipient — included Chinese telephone number, required: customs and the local courier use this to contact the recipient during customs clearance
- Recipient’s tax code or ID number — for many product categories, Chinese customs require the recipient’s identification number (Chinese identity card for individuals, USCC code for businesses)
Shipping tipComfortable: Always state the product type, quantity, actual value and country of origin — “made in Italy” is an important detail for many product categories. The GACC verifies the declared values: a value that is inconsistent with the type of goods is the main reason for additional inspections.
Avoid using generic descriptions on your invoice, such as:
- “gift”
- “clothes”
- “personal items”
- “goods”
Instead, use detailed descriptions:
- “Men's cotton T-shirt - 3 pieces - value €45 - made in Italy”.”
- “Leather shoes - 1 pair - value €120 - made in Italy”.”
- “Extra virgin olive oil in a sealed bottle – 2 bottles – value €30”
- “Paper documents without commercial value”
Vague descriptions or inconsistent declared values may result in delays, physical inspections and additional costs to be borne by the recipient.
What you CANNOT send to China
In addition to goods prohibited on all international routes (flammable items, loose lithium batteries, valuables), China imposes specific restrictions on:
- Fresh and perishable food products
- Medicines and supplements without import authorisation
- Printed material containing political or religious content
- Cosmetics in commercial quantities without registration
- Seeds, plants and products of animal origin
- Cash, antiques and works of art without the necessary permits
ShippingComoda recommends: Describe the contents specifically and honestly. “Cotton fabric samples, 2 pieces” will clear customs; a generic description such as “samples” will be held for inspection. Accuracy in the description is the single factor that most speeds up customs clearance in China.
Wine and spirits: permitted for personal use within the permitted limits. The market for Italian wine in China is huge — but commercial imports require a specific licence.
Packaged foods: industrially packaged pasta, oil, biscuits and canned goods are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use with a customs declaration.
⚠️ Delays: public holidays and peak periods in China
| Period | Holidays | Logistical impact |
|---|---|---|
| January / February (varies) | Spring Festival – Chūnjié 🧨 | ⚠️ CRITICAL: 2 weeks of almost total lockdown |
| 1–7 January | New Year's Day | Delay of 1–2 days |
| April (miscellaneous) | Qingming Festival | 3-day slowdown |
| 1 May | Labour Day + a shorter Golden Week | Closed for 3–5 days |
| May/June (varies) | Dragon Boat Festival – Duanwu | Closed for 3 days |
| September/October (varies) | Mid-Autumn Festival – Zhongqiu | Closed for 3 days |
| 1–7 October | National Day – Golden Week 🇨🇳 | ⚠️ Closed for 7 days + delays |
⚠️ The Spring Festival (Chūnjié) — the Chinese Lunar New Year — is by far the busiest time of the year. China practically comes to a standstill for 10–15 days: closed factories, empty warehouses, and a severely reduced number of couriers. The production and logistics delays are made up for in the following weeks, causing bottlenecks. For shipments with deadlines close to the Spring Festival, plan ahead by at least three weeks in advance.
⚠️ Even the October Golden Week (1–7 October) causes significant disruptions. Many Chinese suppliers and companies announce that they will be closed for 2–3 days before and after the official week.
It also takes into account Italian public holidays (25 April, 1 May, 8 December), which may impact the withdrawal in Italy.
📍 Delivery to all cities in China
China classifies its cities into Tier (tiers) based on economic size and population. International courier coverage is excellent in Tier 1 cities, good in Tier 2 cities and varies in Tier 3 cities and beyond.
Tier 1 cities — major hubs:
- Shanghai (上海) – a major financial, commercial and logistics hub
- Beijing (北京) – the political and cultural capital
- Guangzhou (广州) – Guangdong’s manufacturing hub
- Shenzhen (深圳) – China’s Silicon Valley, a tech and e-commerce hub
Tier 2 cities — secondary hubs:
- Chengdu (成都) – a hub in the west, a centre for technology and gastronomy
- Hangzhou (杭州) – home to Alibaba and Ant Group
- Wuhan (武汉) – China’s central hub
- Xi’an (西安) – a historic and cultural hub, and former imperial capital
- Nanjing (南京) – an academic and manufacturing hub
- Chongqing (重庆) – an inland megacity and automotive hub
- Tianjin (天津) – the main port in the north
Other locations:
- Ningbo, Qingdao, Dalian, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Kunming, Zhengzhou, Hefei, Changsha
Areas and regions subject to restrictions:
- Tibet (Xizang) — autonomous region with restricted access: international couriers mainly deliver to Lhasa; for other destinations in Tibet, please check whether delivery is possible before booking
- Xinjiang — coverage may be limited in some areas; please contact us to check whether this is possible
- Rural and remote areas — for areas outside the main urban centres, always allow an extra 3–7 days for final delivery
🏷️ How to write an address for China correctly
A address Chinese It’s badly written the second reason for the block due to incomplete documentation. The correct format:
Essential rules:
- The A Chinese telephone number is required — without it, the local courier cannot complete the delivery
- Always include the district: China’s major cities are divided into districts, and the postcode alone is not enough
- The Chinese postcode it has 6 digits
- If the recipient gives you the address in Chinese characters, Please also write it out in letters alongside the version in the Latin alphabet: speeds up local delivery
- For returns to online retailers, use exactly the address confirmed by the seller on the platform — not the one on the original parcel
Format for international shipping:
- First name Last name
- [House number] [Street name], [District/Neighbourhood]
- [Town], [County] [6-digit postcode]
- CHINA
- Tel: +86 [number without the leading 0]
📍 Real-life example (Shanghai)
- Wang Wei
- 888 Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District
- Shanghai 200001
- CHINA
- Tel: +86 21 1234 5678
📍 Real-life example (Beijing)
- Li Ming
- 15 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District
- Beijing 100006
- CHINA
- Tel: +86 10 8765 4321
💡 Local councils
- POSTAL CODE: 6 digits (e.g. 200001 for Huangpu, Shanghai; 100006 for Dongcheng, Beijing; 510000 for Guangzhou; 518000 for Shenzhen)
- District: Always include the name of the district (e.g. Huangpu, Pudong, Jing’an in Shanghai) — this is essential for deliveries in large cities
- Phoneinternational dialling code +86, remove the leading 0 (e.g. 021 → +86 21; 010 → +86 10; 13x → +86 13x for mobile numbers)
- Name: for recipients in China, please include both the name in Latin characters and the name in Chinese characters (汉字), if available — this helps with delivery
- Companies: add the company name above the recipient's name, followed by the department if necessary
🇨🇳 Checking addresses and postcodes in China: China Post – Postcode search — China Post’s official website
💡 Shipping tipComfortable: In China’s major cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou), districts play a crucial role in sorting parcels. An incorrect postcode or district can result in a parcel being sent to a completely different part of the city. Always check with the recipient 🚀
🇨🇳 China – Further information
China in brief
China is the world’s most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion, and the world’s second-largest economy by GDP. Capital: Beijing. Official language: Standard Mandarin (普通话). Currency: Renminbi / Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). The country is divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 directly administered municipalities (Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing) and 2 special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macao).
China is the world’s factory, but also a huge and rapidly growing consumer market: it is the world’s leading market for e-commerce, electric vehicles, luxury goods and premium food products. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, the Li River and the Guilin Karst.
🇮🇹 Links with Italy and Italians
The ties between Italy and China are among the oldest and deepest in the West:
- Marco Polo formally opened the dialogue between the West and China in the 13th century — he set out from Venice in 1271 and reached the court of Kublai Khan
- the Chinese community in Italy exceeds the 300,000 people — one of the largest in Europe. Prato It is the European city with the highest concentration of Chinese nationals as a proportion of the population; it is followed by Milan, Rome, Florence and Turin
- heavy two-way flow of shipments: The Chinese community in Italy regularly sends parcels to relatives in China and vice versa — one of the busiest private parcel delivery routes in Italy
- Italian exports to China rapidly growing sectors: luxury goods (Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati are iconic brands in China), fashion (Gucci, Prada and Armani have a massive presence), food (Italian wine is among the most sought-after in the Chinese premium market), machinery and design
- trade greater than 50 billion euros a year — China is Italy’s largest trading partner outside the EU
- growing Chinese demand for certified Italian food products: pasta, PDO extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and cheeses and cured meats certified for export
🇨🇳 Frequently asked questions about shipping to China
How much does it cost to send a parcel to China?
Prices start at around €30 for a parcel weighing up to 1 kg with express delivery, including home collection. The cost depends on the actual weight, volumetric weight and destination city. Calculate the exact price using the online quote tool.
Which courier is best for sending parcels to China?
DHL offers the most established network and the fastest customs clearance in major cities; FedEx is the best choice for destinations outside major cities; UPS often offers the best price for shipments weighing between 5 and 70 kg. The real-time comparison shows you the best option for your specific shipment.
How much does it cost to send a parcel to China with DHL?
With DHL Express, indicative prices start at around €32–35 for a parcel weighing up to 1 kg, with delivery within 3–5 working days to major Chinese cities. The exact rate depends on the parcel’s dimensions and destination.
How can I send a parcel to China?
Calculate your quote online, choose your courier, prepare the commercial invoice in English with a detailed description of the contents, and wait for your parcel to be collected from your home. The recipient’s Chinese telephone number is required. Our team will assist you with preparing the customs documents.
Can I return an item to AliExpress or Alibaba from Italy?
Yes. First agree the return with the seller on the platform, get them to confirm the exact return address, and send the item via a tracked courier service, stating “Returned goods” on the customs declaration. Keep the tracking details as proof of dispatch.
How long does it take for a parcel to arrive in China from Italy?
Yes, shipments to China are subject to customs control. Duties and taxes are calculated based on the declared value of the goods and their HS code. Be sure to provide an accurate and complete description of the contents of the parcel to avoid problems during customs clearance.
How should I pack my parcel for safe shipping to China?
To ensure that your parcel arrives in optimal condition:
- Use a sturdy cardboard box and of a size appropriate to the content.
- Protect fragile items with packaging materials such as bubble wrap or foam.
- Fill in the blanks inside the box to prevent movement during transport.
- Seal thoroughly the box with strong adhesive tape.
- Apply shipping label clearly and legibly.
Proper packaging reduces the risk of damage during transport.
Can I send documents or letters to China?
Yes, you can send documents or letters to China using express courier or postal services. Make sure you use a suitable envelope and correctly complete all the documents required for international shipping.
What should I do if my parcel gets stuck in customs in China?
If your parcel is detained by Chinese customs, you may have to provide additional documentation or pay duties and taxes.
The courier or customs authorities will contact you to inform you of the action to be taken.
To avoid such situations, ensure that all documents are complete and accurate at the time of dispatch.
In addition, it is advisable to inquire in advance about Chinese customs regulations for the items you intend to ship.
Finally, our experience tells us that it is good to pay attention to the recipient's contact details (telephone and email) when ordering. If in fact the courier or the authorities at the destination can easily contact the recipient, this helps a lot in case of hiccups.
Can I ship food or cosmetics to China?
Shipping food or cosmetics to China is subject to stringent regulations. These products may require specific certifications and may be subject to restrictions or bans. It is essential to check the applicable Chinese regulations and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation before shipping such items.
🌍 Destinations near China
📦 Also ship to:
🪜 How to organise your shipment to China
Organising your shipment to China with Comfortable Shipping is quick and easy. The entire process can be done from the comfort of home and entirely online. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Pack and measure the parcel
(weight + actual dimensions)
Step 2
Request a quote online
Step 3
Prepare customs documents and other relevant information
Pro forma invoice in English with a detailed description, HS code and declaration of free export
Step 4
Complete your order and pay online
Step 5
Receive and print the consignment note
Step 6
Please wait for the home collection
or collection from the courier’s collection point — avoid the days leading up to Chinese New Year
🎥 How to send a parcel to China with SpedizioneComoda
Useful links:
- International Shipments - All destinations available from Italy.
- How to post electronic devices — Rules on lithium batteries and packaging for sending electronic goods.
- How to post fragile items — A guide to packing samples and delicate items.
- FAQ - General Questions — Answers to frequently asked questions.
- General Administration of Customs of China (official Chinese customs website) — Updated import regulations.
Our values
Our values are the foundation of our service. At Comfortable Shipping, we believe in integrity, quality and reliability as an integral part of our service. We want to offer a safe, transparent and customer-oriented shipping experience.
Why choose Comfortable Shipping?
Our services are designed to offer you convenience and security in your shipments to China.
Thanks to our cooperation with the best international couriers, you can ship to China at favourable rates, without the need for a subscription, thus saving time and money.
From the door of your office or home to your final destination in China, we handle every aspect of the shipment, offering a complete pick-up and delivery service.
We work with couriers such as DHL, UPS, FedEx and TNT to offer you fast and reliable shipping to China.
Get a free and instant quote for your shipment to China directly from our website, comparing the best available rates and delivery times.
Thanks to our express delivery service, you can get your parcels to China in just 48-72 hours.
We offer constant monitoring of your shipments and dedicated assistance to give you peace of mind and support at every stage of the process.
We cooperate with the world's leading logistics operators such as DHL, UPS, FedEx and TNT to offer you the utmost reliability and efficiency when shipping to China.
We specialise in shipping heavy, bulky parcels and pallets to China. We also offer customised solutions for special shipping needs, both for individuals and companies.
What can I ship to China with Comfortable Shipping?
With Spedizione Comoda, you can send to China everything you really need to send on this route: returns to online retailers, samples for suppliers, commercial documents and personal effects. Always with the correct customs documentation.
🔄 Returns to Temu, AliExpress, Alibaba and Shein
📋 Samples, prototypes and electronics for suppliers
📄 Envelopes and documents (contracts, certificates, letters)
📦 Parcels, suitcases and personal belongings, pallets
Shipping from Italy to China
Ship safely and easily to China
Carefree shipping of parcels and pallets to China
Comfortable Shipping is the competitive and fast solution for your shipment of parcels, documents and pallets to China. Thanks to our service you can ship parcels to China with express couriers at affordable rates.
The formula used by Comfortable Shipping allows you to ship by express courier at the lowest price, always using the best couriers for your shipments to China.
In addition to competitively priced shipping, our service provides you with the convenience of home collection, always included in the shipping price. Simply request a free quote through our system to find the right shipping option to China for your needs.
