Trade lane · China → Switzerland

Sea freight from China to Switzerland

Shipping containers or pallets from China to Switzerland? Send us one request and it can reach multiple partners in our network of 100+ freight forwarders across Asia. We compare the offers for full containers (FCL) and shared containers (LCL) and send you our recommendation.

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Typically 30–50 days to the European seaport FCL and LCL Air freight China → Switzerland

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The route at a glance

From China

Main ports: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Yantian, Shekou), Guangzhou (Nansha), Qingdao, Xiamen, Tianjin

To Switzerland

Main ports: Basel (Rhine ports) via Rotterdam, Antwerp or Hamburg, or via Genoa and La Spezia with rail or truck on-carriage

Typical transit

Sea freight: Typically 30–50 days to the European seaport, plus a few days of rail or Rhine barge on-carriage to Switzerland, depending on whether the vessel routes via the Suez Canal or around Africa
Options: Full container (20', 40', 40' HC), shared container (LCL), door-to-door

Indicative only. Actual times depend on carrier, routing, season and customs. We confirm them with every quote.

How we handle your shipment

Request
Tell us what you ship, from where and when. The form on this page is already set up for this route.
Compare
Your request can go to several partners in China. We compare FCL or LCL offers on price, transit time and reliability.
Book
You confirm, and we arrange pickup, export clearance in China, the sea leg and delivery in Switzerland.
Track
You get updates until your cargo arrives, from one point of contact.

Documents and customs for Switzerland

Requirements change and depend on your goods. We check the exact documents for your shipment before it leaves China.

Commercial invoice and packing list
Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air)
Advance cargo information (ICS2): Switzerland is part of the common security area with the EU
Swiss import declaration with import VAT (standard rate 8.1%)
No customs duty on industrial goods since 1 January 2024; agricultural products remain dutiable
Importer details including the Swiss UID number

Why book this lane with FabuLane

One request, many offers

Our network of 100+ forwarders across Asia competes for your cargo.

Independent of your supplier

Buy FOB or EXW and avoid a hidden freight margin in your supplier's price.

Service in your language

Client service in Geneva for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America.

Frequently asked questions

How long does sea freight from China to Switzerland take?

Typically 30–50 days to the European seaport, plus a few days of rail or Rhine barge on-carriage to Switzerland, depending on whether the vessel routes via the Suez Canal or around Africa. Add a few days for export clearance, customs clearance and delivery to your door.

Should I choose FCL or LCL?

As a rule of thumb, LCL (shared container) is usually more economical up to around 13–15 cubic metres. Above that, a full 20' or 40' container is often the better choice. We compare both for you.

Which documents do I need?

The core documents are listed above. We check the exact requirements for your goods before shipping.

Can you arrange customs clearance and delivery?

Yes. Through our partner network we can arrange export clearance in China, import clearance in Switzerland and delivery to your door.