Shipping to China from Portugal

China applies MFN import duties of 0–30% depending on product category, plus 13% VAT (9% for some food). Luxury goods, alcohol and tobacco also face Consumption Tax (10–56%). Notable rates: wine 14–30% duty + 10% consumption tax + 13% VAT; cosmetics 6.5% duty + 30% consumption tax + 13% VAT; industrial machinery 0–8% + 13% VAT. There is no EU-China FTA, so EU goods face full MFN rates.

GACC (General Administration of Customs of China) registration is mandatory for all foreign food and agricultural product exporters to China. All food manufacturing facilities, cold chain logistics providers and storage warehouses must register via GACC's CIFER (China Import Food Enterprise Registration) online system. For EU food facilities, the registration is typically coordinated through the EU country's national food safety authority. Portugal's ASAE or DGAV assists with GACC registration applications. Processing can take 1–6 months — apply well before first shipment.

All consumer goods sold in China must have Chinese-language (中文) labels complying with GB standards. Key standards: GB 7718 (general food labelling), GB 5296 (consumer product labelling), GB/T 15566 (general labelling principles). Labels must include: product name in Chinese, ingredients/materials, manufacturer details, Chinese importer details, production date, shelf life (for food), storage conditions and net content. Non-compliant labels result in customs rejection.

China's CBEC framework is a simplified import channel for overseas retailers selling B2C to Chinese consumers via approved platforms (Tmall Global, JD Worldwide, Kaola). Each Chinese consumer has an annual CNY 5,000 (~€650) duty-free allowance for CBEC purchases. Above that: duties at 70% of MFN rate + 70% VAT. CBEC requires platform registration and goods must be on China's CBEC positive list. This is the most accessible B2C e-commerce entry route for Portuguese businesses wanting to sell to Chinese consumers.

Commercial cosmetics exports to China require NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) registration or notification. China classifies cosmetics as 'ordinary cosmetics' (notification required) or 'special cosmetics' (registration required — includes hair dye, sunscreen, teeth whitening). Since 2021, China no longer requires animal testing for non-special imported cosmetics — a significant regulatory change. Some EU-approved ingredients are on China's prohibited list — check your formulations against IECIC (Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China).

DHL Express accepts parcels up to 70 kg per piece to China with up to 300 cm girth. FedEx and UPS have similar limits. However, Chinese customs applies strict rules on individual parcel values and quantities — parcels that appear to be split commercial shipments to avoid duty may be consolidated and assessed as one import. For commercial shipments, use proper B2B air freight for larger volumes. CBEC (Cross-Border E-Commerce) imports have per-transaction value limits (CNY 5,000 per order).

Chinese address format is the reverse of Western convention — largest to smallest unit. Official format in Chinese: Province → City → District → Street → Number → Name. In English for international labels, write smallest to largest: Recipient Name / Building Number, Street Name, District / City, Province / Postcode / CHINA. Example: Li Wei / 88 Nanjing Road, Huangpu District / Shanghai, Shanghai / 200001 / CHINA. Always include a Chinese mobile number — couriers frequently call recipients before delivery. Include the Chinese name of the recipient if possible.

Chinese Customs (General Administration of Customs, GACC) uses an automated risk-scoring system. If held: the Chinese importer or a customs broker receives a notification via GACC's system. Common reasons: vague product descriptions, suspected under-declaration of value, missing Chinese-language labels, or GACC food registration missing. Resolution options: provide additional invoices and documentation, arrange relabelling under customs supervision, pay additional assessed duties, or have goods returned. Holds add 5–21 days. Never attempt to influence Chinese customs outcomes — penalties are severe.

China prohibits or heavily restricts import of: used goods (especially used electronics and clothing) — classified as 'old goods' and generally prohibited for commercial import; encrypted products and certain communication equipment without MIIT approval; publications and media deemed contrary to Chinese law; certain food products not on the GACC positive list; and any goods bearing Taiwan-as-country labelling. Drone imports require CAAC registration in China for commercial use. Animal and plant products without proper GACC registration are consistently seized.

Standard carrier liability for international express to China is limited (approximately €22/kg under IATA). For valuable commercial shipments — especially electronics, luxury goods and wine — add declared value insurance at checkout on Cargosender. Chinese customs occasionally requires goods to be abandoned or returned at the shipper's cost — this risk is not covered by standard transit insurance. Ensure your commercial invoice accurately reflects the declared value — under-declaration voids insurance claims.

DHL Express provides tracking to Chinese addresses including customs status updates, with final-mile visibility in major cities. FedEx and UPS similarly track to delivery. After customs clearance, Chinese last-mile carriers (SF Express, ZTO, JD Logistics, Cainiao) take over for some services and have their own tracking systems (in Chinese). DHL Express maintains its own final-mile in major Chinese business centres. Always include the recipient's Chinese mobile number — Chinese couriers almost always call before delivery.

China has very well-developed parcel collection infrastructure, primarily for domestic B2C e-commerce. Cainiao stations (Alibaba's logistics network), SF Express service points and community parcel boxes (快递柜 — courier lockers) are ubiquitous in Chinese residential compounds and office parks. For international shipments via DHL Express or FedEx, parcels are typically delivered direct to the recipient address rather than to collection points. If delivery fails, carriers leave a collection notice for pickup at a local service centre.

Chinese customs requires commercial invoices with: full sender and recipient details (including Chinese recipient's ID number or company registration number), 8-digit HS code (China Customs tariff code — accessible at customs.gov.cn), detailed description of goods in English (Chinese preferred), quantity, unit price and total value in USD or EUR, country of origin (with origin statement for EPA/EU preferential claims), and shipping terms. Vague descriptions such as 'sample' or 'gift' without supporting documentation are a major cause of Chinese customs delays and additional duties.

Yes — China routes carry fuel surcharges that vary monthly with jet fuel prices (typically 20–35% of the base rate for express). Peak season surcharges apply October–January (Golden Week, Singles Day 11/11, Chinese New Year preparation). Chinese New Year (January–February) causes significant capacity constraints — carriers prioritise shipments and surcharges spike. Book China shipments well in advance of Chinese New Year. Remote area surcharges apply to interior provinces (Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai) — add €20–€50+ per parcel for these regions.

Returns from China to Portugal are expensive and complex — Chinese export customs applies, and goods re-entering the EU face standard EU import procedures. For B2B, negotiate with your Chinese customer to handle any defective goods locally (replace, dispose or credit) rather than shipping back. For samples sent to China for evaluation, use a carnet (ATA or China's temporary import procedures) if available. Express return from China costs €80–€300+ depending on weight. EU importers reclaiming duties on returned goods should work with a Portuguese customs broker for a re-import duty exemption (EU 6-month reimport relief).