Shipping from China to Switzerland

Sea Freight Service

Although Switzerland does not have its own seaport, shipments from China can be routed through nearby European ports, followed by road or rail transport into Switzerland.
Main Chinese ports of origin: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Qingdao, Xiamen.
Major European gateway ports:
Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands);Port of Antwerp (Belgium)
Port of Hamburg (Germany);Port of Genoa (Italy)
Final delivery: Cargo is moved from ports to Switzerland by truck or train.
Transit time:
China — Rotterdam/Hamburg: 30–35 days
China — Genoa: 28–32 days
Port to Switzerland (inland transport): 2–4 days

Air Freight Service

Air freight is the fastest solution for urgent or high-value cargo. Switzerland’s airports handle both direct and indirect air cargo shipments from China.
Main Chinese airports of origin: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing (PEK), Shenzhen (SZX), Guangzhou (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG).
Swiss airports of entry:
Zurich Airport (ZRH) – Switzerland's main cargo airport, handling most international freight.
Geneva Airport (GVA) – primarily for business, luxury goods, and perishable shipments.
Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL/MLH) – located on the Swiss-French border, serving chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Nearby EU airports often used for cargo into Switzerland:
Frankfurt (FRA, Germany) – Europe’s largest air cargo hub.
Milan Malpensa (MXP, Italy).
Transit time: 3–7 days (airport-to-airport) + 1–2 days customs and inland delivery.

Rail Freight Service

Rail freight via the China–Europe Railway Express is a cost-effective and faster alternative to sea freight. Though Switzerland does not have direct rail lines from China, cargo is routed through European hubs and then delivered by truck or train.
Main Chinese rail origins: Xi'an, Chongqing, Zhengzhou, Yiwu.
European hubs for transfer: Duisburg (Germany), Hamburg (Germany), Warsaw (Poland).
Swiss inland connections: Basel, Zurich, and Geneva.
Transit time: 18–22 days (China –Central Europe) + 1–3 days onward transport to Switzerland.
Options: FCL and LCL rail service.