Shipping from China to Greece: July 2026 Rates & Guide
Your cargo gateway for ocean FCL/LCL, priority air freight, and EU customs clearance from China to Piraeus, Thessaloniki, and Athens.
Streamlined Freight & Customs Solutions connecting China and Greece
The Port of Piraeus (Athens) is China’s primary maritime gateway to Southern and Eastern Europe, operated by COSCO Shipping. Goods cleared through Greek customs enjoy rapid rail/truck distribution into the Balkans and Central Europe. Standard Greek VAT (FPA) on imports is 24%. Speedline Logistics manages your customs clearance and Balkan logistics corridor.
Shipping Modes & July 2026 Update
For July 2026, ocean FCL transit to Piraeus via the Suez Canal takes 18 to 22 days. Rates run $1,250–$1,850 per 20GP and $1,850–$2,600 per 40HQ.
| Shipping Mode | Cost (July 2026) | Transit Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL (20GP) | $1,250–$1,850 | 18–22 Days | Via Port of Piraeus (COSCO hub) |
| Sea FCL (40HQ) | $1,850–$2,600 | 18–22 Days | Best per-CBM value |
| Sea LCL | $70 / cbm | 22–28 Days | Small shipments under 15 CBM |
| Air Freight – ATH | $3.80–$6.20 / kg | 3–5 Days | Priority cargo to Athens |
| Express Courier | $8.80 / kg | 3–5 Days | Door-to-door parcels |
Sea Freight via Port of Piraeus (COSCO Hub)
Piraeus is one of Europe’s top 5 container ports, serving as China’s primary entry hub under the Belt and Road Initiative. The China-Europe Land-Sea Express line connects Piraeus by rail directly into Hungary, Serbia, and North Macedonia.
| Port Gateway | Transit Time | Key Advantage | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Piraeus (Athens) | 18–22 Days | Primary COSCO Mediterranean hub | Transshipment & Balkan rail |
| Port of Thessaloniki | 20–24 Days | Northern Greece gateway | Balkan landlocked country feed |
Air Freight to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)
Athens International Airport (ATH) handles air cargo from China. Direct and one-stop cargo connections available from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
| Airport Gateway | IATA | Transit | July 2026 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens International | ATH | 3–5 Days | $3.80 – $6.20 / kg |
| Thessaloniki Airport | SKG | 3–5 Days | $4.00 – $6.50 / kg |
All-Inclusive Door-to-Door DDP Shipping
Our Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service handles your complete supply chain from China to your Greek warehouse, including EU customs clearance, 24% Greek VAT (FPA), and local trucking.
| Service Layer | Handled by Speedline | Customer Action |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Supplier pickup, packing list, export customs | Provide supplier details |
| Freight | FCL/LCL ocean via Piraeus or air via ATH | None |
| EU Customs | Import filing, customs duty, 24% FPA payment | Provide EORI number |
| Delivery | Distribution to Athens/Thessaloniki/Patras | Receive goods |
EU Customs Clearance & Greek VAT (FPA)
Greece applies EU common customs tariffs (CCT). Standard Greek VAT (FPA) on imported goods is 24% (13% reduced rate for select goods). Indicative duty rates by category:
| Product Category | EU Customs Duty | Greek VAT (FPA) | Anti-Dumping Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics & IT Equipment | 0.0% – 3.7% | 24% | Low |
| Textiles & Apparel | 8.0% – 12.0% | 24% | Medium |
| Machinery | 0.0% – 3.7% | 24% | Low |
| Toys & Games | 2.7% – 4.7% | 24% | Low |
| Solar Panels | Variable (AD duties) | 24% | High |
Table of Contents
Get a Greece Shipping Quote!
Provide your origin city, Greek delivery address, carton dimensions, and HS codes. We calculate EU duties and FPA, and send a custom quote.
About Speedline
Speedline Logistics is a licensed customs broker and international freight forwarder specializing in container shipping and all-inclusive Greece DDP door-to-door logistics via Port of Piraeus.
Frequently Asked Questions — Shipping China to Greece
Ocean transit from major China ports to Piraeus via the Suez Canal typically takes 18 to 22 days. Customs clearance adds 1 to 2 days.
Greek imports are subject to EU customs duties (typically 0–12%) plus 24% Greek VAT (FPA). Reduced FPA rates apply to certain essential categories.
Yes — our DDP service covers EU customs clearance, all import duties, 24% FPA, and last-mile delivery to your Greek warehouse. You need an EORI number.
Port of Piraeus is the fastest entry point into Europe from Asia via Suez Canal, saving 5 to 7 days compared to North European ports (Hamburg/Rotterdam).