Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on shipping, customs, sourcing and how we work. If yours isn't here, just ask.
Transport & delivery
How long does shipping from China to Europe take?
It depends on the mode: air freight is roughly 3–7 days, rail via the Belt & Road corridor 16–22 days, and sea freight 28–38 days. We pick the route to fit your cargo and deadline.
Which transport modes do you offer?
Air, sea (full and shared containers), rail, and multimodal combinations. We often mix modes — air for speed, sea for volume, rail for rhythm — to balance cost and time.
Can you handle door-to-door delivery?
Yes. We manage the full chain from the factory gate in China to your warehouse in the EU, including last-mile delivery.
Do you arrange cargo insurance?
Yes, cargo insurance is available so your goods are covered in transit.
Customs & compliance
Do you handle customs clearance in the EU?
Yes. We prepare declarations, classify goods and clear customs across all 27 EU member states, so cargo doesn't sit waiting.
What is an HS code and why does it matter?
An HS code is the classification that determines the duty on your goods. The wrong code means you either overpay or risk a fine — getting it right is part of what we do.
Do you manage EU VAT?
Yes — registration, filing and VAT recovery across the EU.
What product certifications might I need?
Depending on the product, common ones are CE, RoHS and REACH. We check requirements before goods leave the factory so they meet EU standards.
Sourcing & trust
Can you find and verify suppliers for me?
Yes. We source the right factory and verify on the ground that it exists, delivers, and is trustworthy — not just on paper.
Do you inspect goods before shipping?
Yes. We inspect before payment and before shipment, so surprises stay on the supplier's side.
How do you handle the language and cultural gap?
We work bilingually and read the cultural subtext, not just the words. That's the difference between a translation and an actual deal.
How we work
How do we get started?
Send us a message through the contact form. We reply within 24 hours and start with a short consultation about your products and target markets.
What does it cost?
It depends on the scope — the service, volume and route. Once we understand what you need, we come back with a clear, itemised quote before anything is committed.
Which languages do you work in?
English, Romanian and Chinese — on both sides of the trade.
Ready to Grow Your Business?
Let's discuss how China Shortcut can streamline your international trade.
Contact Us