The top 10 freight forwarders from China to Italy in 2025 are DFH Logistics, Freightos, Sino-Shipping, Winsky Freight, TSL Italy, Dantful Logistics, YunExpress, China Freight, RailBridge Europe, and Flexport.
Importing from China to Italy is a major opportunity — but also a complex process. Many Italian importers face challenges like delayed customs clearance, unexpected VAT payments, and incomplete CE documentation. After more than 12 years at DFH Logistics, I’ve seen how the right forwarder can prevent these issues, ensuring goods arrive safely and on time.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to choose the best partner, compare top-performing freight forwarders, and understand each shipping method’s real cost and timing.
How We Selected the Top 10 Freight Forwarders?
Our ranking is based on transparent performance data, customer feedback, and proven results on the China–Italy route.
| Evaluation Factor | Weight (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability & On-Time Delivery | 30 | Historical punctuality and problem-solving record on door-to-door shipments. |
| DDP Capability (Sea & Air) | 25 | Experience handling Italian customs, paying VAT and duties, and completing door-to-door deliveries. |
| Pricing Transparency | 20 | Clarity of quotes — whether taxes and terminal fees are included. |
| Network Coverage | 15 | Presence across Chinese export hubs (Shenzhen, Ningbo, Shanghai) and Italian ports (Genoa, Venice, Trieste). |
| Customer Service & Documentation | 10 | Communication efficiency and accuracy in preparing invoices, CE certificates, and import declarations. |
Conflict of Interest Note: DFH Logistics is listed using the same unbiased evaluation standards applied to all companies. The goal is to help importers make well-informed, fact-based choices.
What to Consider When Choosing a Freight Forwarder from China to Italy
A strong freight forwarder should simplify the shipping process, not complicate it.
Before booking, here are five things every Italian importer should evaluate carefully:
1. Customs and VAT Expertise
Italy follows strict EU import rules, including EORI registration, CE certification, and VAT compliance (currently 22%).
Your forwarder must handle all these legally — or offer DDP service that pre-pays VAT and duties to simplify clearance.
2. Shipping Channel Flexibility
From China to Italy, you can choose between DDP air freight, DDP sea freight, railway, truck, or express courier.
A professional forwarder compares routes, seasons, and cargo types to build an optimized plan for cost and speed.
3. All-Inclusive Quotations
Avoid forwarders who quote low but exclude key charges (import VAT, customs fees, or last-mile delivery).
Always ask for a “door-to-door all-inclusive” DDP quote — that’s your true landed cost.
4. Local Italian Support
It’s crucial that your logistics partner has Italian agents or partners for customs clearance and final delivery to cities like Milan, Rome, Florence, and Naples.
This ensures on-time inland transport and communication in Italian or English.
5. Communication & Real-Time Tracking
Work only with forwarders that offer proactive updates. DFH Logistics, for instance, provides live tracking and bilingual account managers to keep clients informed every step of the way.
What are the Available Shipping Methods from China to Italy?
The right shipping method depends on your cargo type, urgency, and budget.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of routes DFH Logistics offers for Italian importers:
| Method | Description | Transit Time (Approx.) | Cost Range (USD/kg or per CBM) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight (Port-to-Port) | Fast and stable delivery from China’s main airports (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou) to Milan Malpensa or Rome Fiumicino. | 3 – 7 days | ≈ $5 – $11 /kg | Urgent or medium-weight goods |
| DDP Air Freight (Door-to-Door) | Pickup, export declaration, import clearance, VAT payment, and final delivery all included. | 6 – 12 days | ≈ $6 – $12 /kg | Urgent shipments (30–1000 kg) needing customs handled |
| Sea Freight (Port-to-Port) | The most economical option for large volumes via Ningbo, Shenzhen, or Shanghai → Genoa, Venice, or Trieste. | 25 – 35 days | Per CBM or per container | Bulky and heavy cargo |
| DDP Sea Freight (Door-to-Door) | Includes customs clearance, VAT, duties, and inland delivery to any Italian city. | 25 – 45 days | ≈ $1.9 – $3.8 /kg | Importers wanting tax-included pricing |
| Rail Freight (China–Europe Express) | Connects Xi’an / Chongqing → Milan via Duisburg, then truck to destination. | 25 – 30 days | ≈ $2.1 – $3.8 /kg | Medium-size shipments balancing cost & speed |
| Truck Freight (China–EU Overland) | Overland transport via Kazakhstan, Poland, and Austria to northern Italy. | 15 – 25 days | ≈ $2.5 – $5 /kg | High-value or semi-urgent goods |
| Express Courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx) | Fastest and simplest for small parcels or samples. | 3 – 7 days | ≈ $6 – $15 /kg | Lightweight shipments (<20 kg) |
Transit time and pricing depend on season, route congestion, and cargo size. Always request a customized DFH quote to confirm your total landed cost.
Some Italian clients also choose combined routes — such as Sea + Express for faster delivery at lower cost,
or Rail + Truck to reach inland destinations like Milan or Bologna efficiently.
At DFH Logistics, we tailor each shipment based on your delivery deadline and budget.
Top 10 Freight Forwarders from China to Italy (Comparison Table)
Below is a curated list of reputable freight forwarders servicing the China–Spain corridor, offering a mix of global reach and strong local expertise.
| Rank | Freight Forwarder | Strengths | Main Routes | DDP Capability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DFH Logistics | Comprehensive DDP air, sea, rail, and truck solutions with Spanish VAT prepayment and customs clearance | Shenzhen, Ningbo, Shanghai → Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid | Air, Sea, Rail, Road DDP | Amazon sellers, SMEs, bulky cargo,wholesaler, personal buyer |
| 2 | Freightos | Digital freight price comparison platform with real-time quoting | Global routes | ❌ | Companies comparing multiple forwarders quickly |
| 3 | TIBA Intercontinental | AEO-certified forwarder with strong Spanish customs brokerage and port handling | Shenzhen → Valencia / Barcelona | ✅ Air, Sea | Importers requiring expert customs support (Madrid & Valencia) |
| 4 | Continental Worldwide Logistics | Spanish logistics provider with multimodal services and warehousing | China → Barcelona / Madrid | ❌ | Businesses needing integrated logistics services |
| 5 | Cotransa | Long-standing Spanish freight forwarder with strong air and ocean freight experience | China → Valencia / Bilbao | ❌ | Traditional freight & customs operations |
| 6 | Almar Iberia Logistics | Spain-based forwarder with sea, air, road, customs clearance, and warehousing services | China → Barraelona / Valencia | ❌ | Importers wanting local door-to-door service |
| 7 | KLN Freight Spain SAU | Global integrated logistics with multiple Spanish hubs | China → Barcelona / Madrid | ❌ | Global enterprises and tech-driven logistics |
| 8 | Senghor Logistics | Competitive sea freight specialist with strong handling on Mediterranean routes | China → Valencia / Algeciras | ❌ | Sea freight importers focused on Spain |
| 9 | Ibercondor | Experienced Barcelona-based forwarder handling land, sea, and air shipments | China → Barcelona / Madrid | ❌ | SMEs needing flexible multimodal options |
| 10 | Galyco Logistic Forwarding | Barcelona-listed freight forwarder with long industry history and diverse services | China → Spain main ports | ❌ | European importers seeking regional expertise |
Note: Rankings are based on verified customer feedback, service scope, and route specialization. Rates vary seasonally by cargo type.
Italy Import Regulations and Customs Essentials
Understanding Italian and EU import compliance is key to avoiding clearance delays.
1. EORI and VAT Registration
All EU importers need an EORI number and VAT registration for customs clearance.
Under DDP terms, your forwarder can act as the importer of record and prepay VAT on your behalf.
Official reference: EU Customs EORI Registration
2. Product Compliance & Labeling
Italy enforces CE marking, REACH, and WEEE standards for most industrial and consumer goods.
Before shipping, ensure your supplier provides:
- CE Declaration of Conformity
- Technical files and safety test reports
- Italian or English user manuals and labels
3. Duties and VAT
Import duty rates range from 0–12%, and VAT is 22% on CIF + duty.
With DDP shipping, your freight forwarder includes these in the all-in quote — so your goods arrive fully tax-paid.
4. Major Ports and Hubs
- Sea ports: Genoa, Venice, Trieste, Naples
- Airports: Milan Malpensa (MXP), Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Bologna
- Rail terminals: Milan, Verona, Bologna
Average transit times:
- DDP Sea Freight: 25–40 days
- DDP Air Freight: 6–12 days
- Rail Freight: 25–30 days
- Truck Freight: 18–25 days
Real Cases Study: Shenzhen to Milan – different kinds Shipment
Example of Consolidation from 10 different China suppliers and ship by full container Sea freight DDP to Milan.
Example of Shipping Building materials from China to Italy by Sea freight DDP Shipping. This client doing business with building materials. He knows that Foshan city of Guandong Province have many original manufactures, so every time when when he bought the products, we help him shipping by sea freight DDP. no need him to worry about anything about shipping documents, cusotms clearance or tarrifs but just keen on the business and waiting to receive the goods and inform his clients.:
Example of importing Clothes from Dongguan city Guandong province to Italy.
FAQs about Shipping from China to Italy
1. What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Italy?
Usually DDP Sea Freight for cargo ≥ 1 CBM — it includes customs, VAT, and door delivery.
2. Do I need an EORI number for DDP shipments?
No. Under DDP, your forwarder handles import clearance using their EORI and VAT number.
3. How long does shipping from China to Italy take?
Sea freight ≈ 25–40 days / Air freight ≈ 6–12 days / Rail ≈ 25–30 days / Truck ≈ 18–25 days door-to-door/Express ≈ 3–7 days door-to-door
4. Can I ship electronics or batteries to Italy by air?
Yes, but they must comply with UN 38.3 and MSDS safety rules, and be handled by IATA-certified agents.
5. Can DFH deliver directly to Amazon IT FBA warehouses?
Yes — our DDP Air and Sea Door-to-Door services can deliver straight to Amazon FBA centers in Italy.
6. Should I buy cargo insurance?
Definitely recommend. Freight insurance costs ≈ 0.3–0.5 % of cargo value and protects against loss or damage.
Why Choose DFH Logistics for Your China-to-Italy Shipments
Partnering with DFH Logistics means your goods move safely, legally, and on schedule — every time.
1. Complete DDP Coverage
We handle the entire chain — from factory pickup and export declaration to Italian customs clearance, VAT payment, and last-mile delivery.
No hidden charges, no third-party brokers.
2. Local Expertise
Our Italian partner network in Milan, Rome, and Genoa ensures fast clearance and inland transport, even during peak seasons.
3. Certified & Compliant
We are qualified to handle battery, electronics, and lighting products, meeting CE, REACH, and WEEE standards.
Our documentation team checks compliance before departure.
4. Transparent Pricing
All-inclusive quotes mean you know the exact landed cost before shipping — no surprise fees at destination.
5. Safety & Tracking
Every shipment is insured and trackable from pickup to delivery.
We provide updates through every milestone.
6. Value-Added Services for Italian Clients
- 30 days free warehousing in Shenzhen for consolidation
- Repacking & labeling to meet EU or Amazon FBA requirements
- Pre-shipment inspection with photo or video proof
- Flexible payment terms for long-term clients
7. Dedicated Account Manager
You’ll have a bilingual (English/Italian) logistics manager providing one-to-one support and updates throughout the shipment process.
Conclusion
To ship from China to Italy successfully, you need a freight forwarder who understands both Chinese export procedures and Italian import regulations.
Whether you’re sending full containers, mixed LCL cargo, or urgent air shipments, DFH Logistics provides the reliability and transparency your business needs.
We handle customs, VAT, insurance, and delivery — so you can focus on your business growth.
