Air Freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt
Fast and reliable air freight service from Xiamen to Frankfurt. Express, standard, and economy options available with door-to-door delivery and real-time tracking.
Transit
3-4 days
Departures
Daily flights
Why Air Freight
Benefits of Air Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Frankfurt
Fast Delivery
2-3 days vs 15-18 days by ocean freight
Daily Flights
Multiple carrier options available daily
Lower Risk
Reduced handling and shorter exposure time
Pre-Clearance
Expedited customs processing programs
Air freight from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport to Frankfurt Airport offers European businesses unmatched speed for time-sensitive cargo, with direct flights covering the 5,400-mile journey in approximately 12 hours of flight time. Frankfurt Airport serves as Europe's largest cargo hub, processing over 2.2 million tons annually, which means your shipments from Xiamen benefit from extensive ground handling infrastructure and onward connections throughout Germany and the EU.
Major carriers like Lufthansa Cargo, China Southern, and Cathay Pacific operate regular services on this route, providing reliable capacity even during peak seasons when ocean freight faces delays. The route proves especially valuable for Germany's automotive and electronics industries, where production delays from late components can cost thousands per hour, making the premium for air freight a smart investment in supply chain reliability.
Route Highlights
3-4 days
Transit Time
Daily flights
Flight Frequency
99%+
On-Time Delivery
Door-to-Door
Full Service Options
Pricing Guide
Air Freight Shipping Rates from Xiamen to Frankfurt
Current air freight rates from Xiamen to Frankfurt in 2026 range from $4.80 to $7.20 per kilogram, depending on cargo volume and seasonal demand, with rates typically 15% higher during October through December peak season. Your total shipping cost includes the base rate plus a fuel surcharge currently running 18% to 22%, security fees of approximately $0.30 per kg, and German customs clearance fees averaging €85 to €120 per shipment. Consolidating shipments to reach the 100kg minimum weight break, or better yet 300kg for preferred pricing, can reduce your per-kilogram cost by up to 25% compared to smaller shipments. Smart shippers often negotiate annual contracts with freight forwarders when shipping 500kg or more monthly, securing rates 10% to 15% below spot market pricing while gaining priority booking during capacity crunches.
Quick Rate Guide
Express
1-2 day priority
$6-8/kg
Standard
3-5 day transit
$3.50-5/kg
Economy
5-7 day deferred
$3-4/kg
Additional Costs
Delivery Timeline
Transit Times for Air Freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt
Step 1
Cargo Acceptance
4-8 hrs
Security screening at origin
Step 2
Flight Transit
12-14 hrs
Direct flight to destination
Step 3
Customs Clearance
4-24 hrs
TSA and CBP inspection
Step 4
Release & Sort
2-4 hrs
Cargo release and sorting
Step 5
Final Delivery
Same/Next day
Door delivery
Express
1-2 Days
Door-to-door with priority handling
Standard
3-5 Days
Regular service with full tracking
Economy
5-7 Days
Consolidated for cost savings
Typical air freight service from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport to Frankfurt Airport requires 3 to 4 days door-to-door, including the 12-hour flight time plus ground handling and customs processing at both ends. German customs at Frankfurt Airport typically clears standard commercial shipments within 4 to 8 hours during business days, though complex declarations or random inspections can extend this to 24 hours. Express services from premium carriers can reduce total transit time to 2 to 3 days by utilizing priority flight bookings and expedited customs brokerage, though this service costs 20% to 30% more than standard air freight. Scheduling your shipments to depart Xiamen on Monday through Wednesday ensures Friday delivery in Germany, avoiding weekend delays that can add 2 to 3 days to your timeline, while providing complete documentation 24 hours before departure helps prevent costly customs delays.
Process
How Air Freight Works
Quote & Booking
Same dayGet a quote and book your air freight shipment.
Collection
1 dayWe collect cargo from your location.
Flight Transit
1-5 daysYour cargo flies to the destination.
Customs Clearance
1 dayFast customs processing at destination.
Final Delivery
Same dayCargo delivered to your door.
Track Record
Reliable Service
15+
Years Experience
50K+
Shipments
99%
On-Time Delivery
24/7
Support Available
Cargo Types
Frequently Shipped Goods: Xiamen to Frankfurt
This route serves as a major trade lane for various goods. Common shipments from Xiamen to Frankfurt include:
Automotive
EV battery cells, electronic sensors, and cabin components
Advanced Tech
Chips, PCBs, and communications equipment
Industrial Machinery
Manufacturing equipment, industrial robots, and fluid power
Consumer Electronics
Premium audio, visual displays, and automated cleaners
Textiles
Designer label manufacturing and technical textiles
Dangerous Goods
Hazardous materials including batteries and industrial chemicals
Documentation
Required Documents to Ship from Xiamen to Frankfurt
Ensure your Xiamen to Frankfurt air freight clears customs quickly with these required documents.
Universal Requirements
Commercial Invoice
Describes the goods, value, and buyer/seller details
Contract/Purchase Order
Documentation of the purchase terms and conditions
Packing List
Specifies cargo measurements, weights, and how items are packed
Certificate of Origin
Verifies Chinese origin for preferential duty treatment
Air Freight Requirements for Germany
MSDS Documentation
Material Safety Data Sheet required for checking lithium batteries/chemicals
Air Waybill (AWB)
Receipt of goods for air cargo - required for customs clearance
EORI Number
EU Economic Operator Registration required for all imports
Key Points for Germany
German customs are strict on product compliance (CE marking, REACH)
Packaging regulations (VerpackG) require registration with LUCID
VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged at import - typically 19%
Battery registration required for products containing batteries
Customs
Clearing Customs in Frankfurt
Understanding Germany's customs process helps ensure your Xiamen shipment clears without delays or penalties. Air freight clearance happens within hours of arrival. Documentation errors result in expensive holds at airport facilities.
IOSS for E-Commerce
For e-commerce air shipments under €150, VAT is collected at the point of sale, enabling instant customs clearance.
ICS2 Pre-Loading Data
Air cargo requires ICS2 data transmission prior to loading at origin airport.
Product Documentation
Be prepared to provide CE certificates, test reports, and declarations of conformity.
Key Germany Import Considerations
Packaging registration (VerpackG) requires LUCID registration
Product compliance (CE marking, REACH) is strictly enforced
19% import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) applies to all goods
Battery registration required for products containing batteries
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Materials: Xiamen to Frankfurt
Hazardous materials shipments to Frankfurt are governed by IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations). Air freight regulations are stricter than sea, with tighter quantity limits and enhanced battery restrictions.
Universal Requirements for All Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods Declaration
Formal DGD signed by the shipper declaring the nature and classification of hazardous contents
24-Hour Emergency Contact
Round-the-clock emergency contact required—must reach someone who knows the technical specifications
MSDS/SDS Documentation
Current SDS documentation in dual language format is mandatory for all dangerous goods
UN-Rated Packaging
UN-approved packaging with proper certification stamps is required for all hazardous shipments
Overpack Requirements
If multiple DG boxes are on one pallet, the pallet must be labeled "OVERPACK" in letters at least 12mm high.
Frankfurt Hub
Route your DG air freight through Frankfurt—Germany's primary hazmat air gateway.
EU-Wide Compliance
Ensure your DG meets both German and EU-level regulatory standards.
Key Points for Germany Hazmat
GHS labels must be in German for domestic sales
Overpack labeling requires minimum 12mm letter height
Hamburg and Bremerhaven are primary DG ports
Frankfurt (FRA) is the main air cargo DG hub
Risk Awareness
What Could Go Wrong: Air Freight to Frankfurt
Successful shipping requires risk awareness. These challenges commonly affect air freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt.
High-Value Cargo Theft Risk
ModerateAir freight often contains electronics, making it a higher target for organized theft at airport warehouses. High-value shipments require extra security measures.
Night Flight Bans
ModerateGerman airports enforce strict noise curfews. Late arrivals at Frankfurt face either extended ground holds or costly diversions to alternate airports.
Avoid These Pitfalls With Expert Support
Shipping to Germany doesn't have to be risky. Our team knows these challenges inside out and can guide you through them.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does air freight take from Xiamen to Frankfurt?
Air freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt typically takes 3-4 days for airport-to-airport transit. Express services can deliver in 1-2 days, while economy options may take 5-7 days. Add 1-2 days for customs clearance and final delivery.
What is the estimated cost of air freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt?
The estimated cost of air freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt ranges from $3-12 per kg depending on service level. Express service costs $8-12/kg with 1-2 day delivery, standard service is $4.50-7/kg with 3-5 days, and economy service runs $3-5/kg with 5-7 days transit.
Should I choose air freight or sea freight for shipping from Xiamen to Frankfurt?
Choosing between air and sea freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt depends on your priorities. Air freight (3-4 days) is ideal for urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive goods. Sea freight (15-35 days) is more economical for large shipments where speed is less critical. Air is best for cargo under 500kg.
What documents do I need for air freight from China to Germany?
Documents required for air freight from China to Germany include: Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Export Declaration. Dangerous goods require MSDS and special documentation.
What items cannot be shipped by air freight from Xiamen?
Items that cannot be shipped by air freight from Xiamen include explosives, flammable gases and liquids, toxic substances, radioactive materials, and certain lithium batteries. Restricted items like perfumes, aerosols, and some electronics require special handling and documentation. Contact us to verify if your goods qualify.
Which airport in Fujian offers the best air freight services to Frankfurt?
Xiamen's airport offers excellent air freight connectivity to Frankfurt with 3-4 days transit time. This airport provides reliable service with multiple weekly flights.
Are there direct flights for cargo from Xiamen to Frankfurt?
Yes, there are direct cargo flights from Xiamen to Frankfurt operated by carriers including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, and China Airlines. Direct flights offer the fastest transit at 3-4 days. Connecting flights via hub airports may be available at lower rates.
How is air freight calculated from Xiamen to Frankfurt?
Air freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt is calculated using either actual weight or volumetric weight (L x W x H cm / 6000), whichever is greater. This is called chargeable weight. Rates are then applied per kg based on your chosen service level. Fuel surcharges and security fees may also apply.
Do I need insurance for air freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt?
Insurance for air freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt is recommended for valuable cargo. While airlines provide limited liability coverage, comprehensive cargo insurance (typically 0.5-1% of value) protects against loss, damage, or delays during the 3-4-day transit.
What factors affect air freight costs from Xiamen to Frankfurt?
Air freight costs from Xiamen to Frankfurt are affected by cargo weight and dimensions, service level (express vs economy), fuel surcharges, peak season demand, and special handling requirements. Rates are typically higher during Q4 holiday season and Chinese New Year.
How can I track my air freight shipment from Xiamen to Frankfurt?
The best way to track your air freight from Xiamen to Frankfurt is using your Air Waybill (AWB) number on our tracking portal or the carrier's website. You'll receive real-time updates on flight status, customs clearance, and delivery. SMS and email notifications keep you informed at each milestone.
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