Many importers tell us the same thing: “Ordering from Alibaba is easy, but shipping to Greece is where the problems start.” They worry about long transit times, unexpected customs delays, and Greece’s VAT, which adds to the total cost.
At DFH Logistics, we’ve been helping global importers—including Greek businesses, Chinese exporters, and international e-commerce sellers—ship reliably from Alibaba to Greece for over 12 years.
In this guide, we’ll cover shipping methods, costs, customs clearance, DDP solutions, and everything else you need to know to ensure your goods arrive smoothly and on time.
Why buy from Alibaba and ship to Greece?
Alibaba is a trusted sourcing platform worldwide, and Greece is no exception. Importing through Alibaba allows businesses to cut costs and expand product variety.
Here’s why people choose Alibaba to Greece:
- Lower sourcing costs: Chinese manufacturers provide far lower prices than most EU suppliers.
- Product variety: From electronics and fashion to home goods and machinery, the options are wide.
- Scalability: You can start small with test orders or scale to full container loads.
- Strategic EU gateway: With major ports like Piraeus and Thessaloniki, Greece is a central entry point to distribute goods across Europe.
For Greek companies, Chinese exporters, and international sellers, Alibaba sourcing opens opportunities to compete better in local and EU markets.
How does shipping from Alibaba to Greece work?
Placing an order on Alibaba is simple—the real challenge begins when it comes to moving your goods to Greece. From our 12+ years of experience, shipments from China to Greece are usually handled in two main ways:
1. Supplier-arranged shipping
Some Alibaba suppliers offer to ship directly to Greece, often through Alibaba’s Cainiao network or international couriers. This may be fine for samples or very small parcels, but it often creates issues:
- Higher costs for heavier or bulkier cargo
- Limited choice of carriers and routes
- Lack of transparency on transit times
- Customs clearance and VAT left for the buyer
2. Freight forwarder-arranged shipping
This is the option most businesses choose. When you work with a freight forwarder like us, you gain full control over the process. We manage:
- Pickup from your supplier’s factory or multiple suppliers in China
- Consolidation, repacking, and labeling if required
- Export customs clearance in China
- International transport by express, air, sea, rail, or truck
- Import customs clearance in Greece, including duties and VAT
- Final delivery to your warehouse, shop, or Amazon FBA
Should you let your Alibaba supplier handle the shipping?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Should I let my Alibaba supplier arrange the shipping to Greece?”
When suppliers arrange shipping
Some Alibaba suppliers offer to take care of shipping. For small sample orders or light parcels, this can be convenient. However, from what we’ve seen, it often leads to:
- Higher costs for larger or bulky cargo
- Limited carrier choices and slower routes
- Unclear responsibility if delays occur
- Customs clearance and VAT left to the buyer
When a freight forwarder manages shipping
With a professional freight forwarder like us, you get much more control. We handle the full process, including:
- Pickup and consolidation from multiple suppliers in China
- Export customs clearance in China
- International shipping by air, sea, rail, truck, or express
- Import customs clearance in Greece with duties and VAT fully managed
- Door-to-door delivery, including to Amazon FBA
What are the shipping methods from Alibaba to Greece?
When shipping from Alibaba to Greece, there are several transportation options. Each method has its own cost, speed, and best use case. Here’s how we guide our clients to choose the most suitable channel:
1. Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- Transit time: 3–7 days
- Best for: Small, urgent parcels under 100 kg
- Advantages: Fast and reliable door-to-door delivery
- Limitations: Expensive for heavy or bulky goods
2. Air Freight
- Transit time: 2–5 days airport-to-airport, or 5–8 days door-to-door
- Best for: Medium shipments (100–500 kg) that require speed
- Advantages: Faster than sea, cheaper than express
- Limitations: Customs clearance and final delivery needed unless using DDP
3. Sea Freight (LCL & FCL)
- Transit time: 40–50 days
- LCL: Cost-efficient for 1–15 CBM cargo
- FCL: Best for full containers above 20 CBM
- Advantages: Lowest cost per unit for bulk shipments
- Limitations: Slowest method
4. Railway Freight
- Transit time: 30–35 days
- Best for: Medium-sized shipments seeking a balance between cost and time
- Advantages: Faster than sea, cheaper than air
- Limitations: Limited space, not suitable for all cargo
5. Truck Freight
- Transit time: 18–28 days
- Best for: Flexible door-to-door service across Europe
- Advantages: Faster than sea freight, avoids port congestion
- Limitations: Less economical for very large volumes
6. DDP Shipping (Delivered Duty Paid)
- Transit time: 7–50 days depending on method
- Includes: Pickup, export clearance, shipping, Greek customs clearance, duty & VAT, and delivery
- Best for: Importers without EORI/VAT or those who want all-in-one service
Shipping Method Comparison Table
| Method | Transit Time | Cost Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier | 3–7 days | $$$$ | Urgent parcels under 100 kg |
| Air Freight | 2–5 days (5–8 incl.) | $$$ | 100–500 kg shipments |
| Sea Freight LCL | 40–50 days | $ | 1–15 CBM cargo |
| Sea Freight FCL | 40–50 days | $ | Full containers (>20 CBM) |
| Railway Freight | 30–35 days | $$ | Medium cargo, cost/time balance |
| Truck Freight | 18–28 days | $$ | Flexible door-to-door delivery |
| DDP Shipping | 7–50 days (varies) | $$–$$$ | Importers without EORI/VAT, FBA sellers |
From our experience, sea freight is the most economical for bulk cargo, air freight works best for urgent medium loads, and DDP shipping is the most stress-free solution for businesses that want everything included.
What is DDP shipping from Alibaba to Greece?
One of the most popular solutions among our clients is DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping. This option is especially useful if you want to avoid dealing with Greek customs or VAT, which can be complex and time-consuming.
How DDP works
When you choose DDP with us, here’s what happens step by step:
- We arrange pickup from your supplier’s factory or warehouse in China.
- Our team handles export customs clearance in China.
- Your goods are shipped by air, sea, rail, or truck.
- Upon arrival in Greece, we manage customs clearance, pay import duties, and cover VAT.
- Finally, we deliver directly to your door, warehouse, or Amazon FBA center.
Why global buyers prefer DDP
- No EORI or VAT required – we act as the official importer.
- All-inclusive pricing – freight, duty, and VAT are combined into one fixed quote.
- Hassle-free process – no delays from missing paperwork or customs confusion.
- Door-to-door delivery – straight from your Alibaba supplier in China to your address in Greece.
Tips:
If you’re new to importing or simply want a predictable landed cost, DDP shipping is the best option. It removes the uncertainty of customs, duties, and VAT, giving you peace of mind.
How much does it cost to ship from Alibaba to Greece?
One of the first questions we hear from importers is: “How much will it cost to ship my Alibaba order to Greece?” The truth is, costs vary depending on the shipping method, cargo size, and whether you choose DDP or standard freight.
Key factors that affect cost
- Shipping method: Express, air, sea, rail, or truck
- Cargo size & weight: Air freight is billed by chargeable weight (kg), while sea freight is charged by CBM (cubic meter)
- Destination in Greece: Deliveries to Athens are usually cheaper than remote areas
- Duties & VAT: Greece applies VAT plus duties based on HS codes
Average cost estimates (China → Greece)
| Shipping Method | Transit Time | Cost Range (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier | 3–7 days | $6 – $10 per kg | Urgent small parcels under 100 kg |
| Air Freight | 2–5 days | $4 – $8 per kg (100–500 kg) | Medium-sized urgent shipments |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 40–50 days | $1.9 – $4.9 per kg | 1–15 CBM shared container shipments |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 40–50 days | $1,200 – $2,800 per 20ft FCL | Large orders or full containers |
| Railway Freight | 30–35 days | $2 – $4 per kg | Medium cargo balancing cost and time |
| Truck Freight | 18–28 days | $2.5 – $4.9 per kg | Door-to-door EU delivery |
| DDP Shipping | 7–50 days | All-inclusive fixed quote | Importers without EORI/VAT, Amazon FBA |
What is the cheapest way to ship from Alibaba to Greece?
From our experience, the cheapest option depends on your shipment size. For large or full container loads, sea freight offers the lowest cost per unit, making it the best choice for bulky cargo. For medium-sized shipments where delivery time matters, railway or truck freight often provide a good balance between affordability and speed. Small urgent parcels are better shipped by air or express, though costs will be higher.
The key is to match your cargo type with the right method: bulk orders go by sea, medium loads often suit rail or truck, and urgent shipments require air or express. If you want to avoid customs and Greece’s VAT issues, choosing DDP shipping gives you an all-in-one solution with a predictable landed cost.
How is Greece customs clearance handled when shipping from Alibaba?
For many importers, Greek customs feels like the most difficult part of shipping from Alibaba. We’ve seen delays, surprise costs, and even shipments stuck simply because documents weren’t prepared properly. Let us explain how the process works step by step.
The customs clearance process
- Pre-check: Before shipping, we review your invoice, packing list, HS codes, and any compliance certificates (CE, RoHS, REACH if required).
- Arrival in Greece: Goods usually land at Athens Airport for air freight or enter by truck/rail via EU borders. Sea freight typically arrives through EU ports like Piraeus, Hamburg, or Koper before being trucked to Greece.
- Import declaration: We file customs paperwork with product details, HS codes, values, and Incoterms.
- Duties and VAT: Customs calculate import duty (depending on HS codes) plus VAT.
- Inspections: If customs request a check, we provide compliance certificates or arrange product testing.
- Cargo release: Once cleared, your shipment is ready for delivery to your address, warehouse, or Amazon FBA.
Common challenges
- Wrong HS codes leading to overpaid duties
- Under-declared values causing fines or shipment seizures
- Missing CE/REACH compliance documents for electronics, toys, or cosmetics
- Delays due to incomplete commercial invoices
Please remember always make sure your documents are correct before shipping. If you don’t want to deal with customs directly, choose DDP shipping. We act as the importer, handle duty and VAT, and ensure your goods clear smoothly into Greece.
How long does it take to ship from Alibaba to Greece?
One of the first questions most buyers ask us is: “How long will it take for my Alibaba shipment to reach Greece?” The answer depends on the method you choose and how quickly customs is cleared.
Average transit times
- Express Courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx): 3–7 days, door-to-door
- Air Freight: 2–5 days airport-to-airport, or 5–8 days including customs and delivery
- Sea Freight (LCL/FCL): 40–50 days port-to-door, routed through EU ports before trucking to Greece
- Railway Freight: 30–35 days to Europe, plus a few days trucking to Greece
- Truck Freight: 18–28 days, direct overland or via EU hubs
- DDP Shipping: 7–15 days by air, 40–50 days by sea, with customs and VAT included
What affects delivery time
- Peak seasons: Chinese New Year and Christmas often cause delays
- Customs clearance: Missing or incorrect paperwork can add several days
- Final delivery: Remote Greek regions may take longer than Athens or major cities
Real examples
- A sample via DHL Express often arrives in 4–5 days.
- A 200 kg air freight shipment from Shenzhen to Athens usually takes 5–8 days including clearance.
- A 10 CBM sea freight LCL order from Shanghai to Greece often takes around 45–50 days.
What is the best shipping method from Alibaba to Greece?
The best shipping method really depends on your cargo type and priorities. For small urgent parcels, express or air freight is the fastest choice. For bulk shipments, sea freight is the most cost-effective, while railway or truck freight often provide a balance between cost and delivery time for medium loads.
If you want a complete, stress-free solution, DDP shipping is the smartest option. We manage customs clearance, duties, and Greece’s VAT, ensuring your goods move directly from Alibaba suppliers in China to your doorstep without delays or hidden costs.
Step by step process of shipping from Alibaba to Greece
Many importers feel uncertain about the exact steps needed to ship from Alibaba to Greece. To make it simple, here’s the process we follow for our clients:
Step 1 — Confirm your order
Finalize product details, quantities, and Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP) with your supplier. Ensure invoice and packing list are correct.
Step 2 — Choose your shipping method
Decide between express, air, sea, rail, or truck, depending on shipment size, urgency, and budget.
Step 3 — Pickup & consolidation in China
We collect goods from your supplier(s) and consolidate them in our warehouse if needed.
Step 4 — Export customs clearance
Our team handles export declarations in China, making sure your cargo is cleared for departure.
Step 5 — International transport
Your shipment moves by the method you selected—air to Athens, sea via EU ports, rail through Europe, or direct truck freight.
Step 6 — Import customs clearance in Greece
We manage all customs paperwork, duty calculation, and handle VAT on your behalf (if DDP).
Step 7 — Final delivery
Once cleared, your goods are delivered to your address, warehouse, or Amazon FBA center in Greece.
Our advice:
If you want to avoid dealing with customs or VAT paperwork, choose DDP shipping. We take care of every step so your goods move smoothly from Alibaba suppliers in China to your doorstep in Greece.
Why choose DFH Logistics for shipping from Alibaba to Greece?
At DFH Logistics, we’ve supported thousands of businesses shipping from Alibaba to Greece over the past 12+ years. Whether you’re a Greek importer, a Chinese exporter, or a global e-commerce company, we make shipping simple, reliable, and cost-effective.
Why importers trust us
- End-to-end service: From factory pickup in China to final delivery in Greece.
- DDP expertise: We manage customs, duties, and Greece’s VAT for stress-free importing.
- Multiple shipping options: Express, air, sea, rail, or truck—tailored to your needs.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden charges, just clear, competitive quotes.
- Free consolidation & warehousing: 30 days free in our Shenzhen warehouse, with supplier consolidation available.
- Compliance assurance: We ensure goods meet EU import requirements (CE, RoHS, REACH).
- Amazon FBA ready: Labeling, packaging, and direct delivery to Amazon warehouses in Greece or across the EU.
What sets us apart
Many clients who come to us have struggled with hidden fees, customs delays, or poor communication with other forwarders. We solve these problems with clear processes, proactive updates, and reliable schedules.
When you choose DFH Logistics, you gain a logistics partner—not just a shipping provider—committed to making your Alibaba imports to Greece smooth and profitable.
Conclusion
Importing from Alibaba to Greece can open huge opportunities, but success depends on choosing the right shipping method, handling customs properly, and managing VAT without mistakes.
Ready to ship from Alibaba to Greece?
Contact DFH Logistics today for a tailored shipping quote. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on growing your business.
