Sea Freight from Xiamen to Rotterdam
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen port to Rotterdam. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
28-32 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Rotterdam
Cost Effective
80-90% cheaper than air freight for bulk cargo
High Capacity
FCL and LCL options for any shipment size
Reliable Service
Weekly sailings from major carriers
Global Network
Direct routes to major ports worldwide
Shipping from Port of Xiamen to Port of Rotterdam offers excellent value for businesses moving medium to high-volume cargo to the Netherlands. Rotterdam stands as Europe's largest port, providing unmatched connectivity for onward distribution across the European Union, making it ideal for electronics, textiles, and machinery typically exported from Fujian Province. The Xiamen-Rotterdam route features reliable weekly sailings from major carriers like COSCO, MSC, and Maersk, ensuring consistent capacity even during peak seasons.
Container security remains exceptionally high on this established trade lane, with advanced tracking systems and sealed container protocols protecting your shipments throughout the 28-32 day journey. For businesses importing consumer goods, automotive parts, or industrial equipment into Dutch and broader European markets, this route delivers the reliability and cost-effectiveness that sea freight provides over air transport.
Route Highlights
28-32 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Xiamen to Rotterdam
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Port of Xiamen to Port of Rotterdam range from $1,200 to $1,800 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with forty-foot containers typically costing $1,800 to $2,600 depending on seasonal demand and carrier selection. Less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments generally run between $45 to $65 per cubic meter, though this varies based on cargo density and packaging efficiency. Additional costs include bunker adjustment factor (BAF) surcharges averaging $150-250 per container, plus Dutch customs clearance fees typically ranging $180-320 depending on commodity classification and documentation complexity. Booking during off-peak periods between February and April often yields savings of 15-20%, while consolidating multiple smaller shipments into full container loads can reduce per-unit costs significantly. Consider working with freight forwarders who have established relationships with multiple carriers on this route, as they often secure better rates than direct booking.
Quick Rate Guide
20ft Container
Standard dry
$1,800-2,800
40ft Container
Standard dry
$2,400-4,200
LCL Shipment
Per cubic meter
$45-85/CBM
Additional Costs
Delivery Timeline
Transit Times for Sea Freight from Xiamen to Rotterdam
Step 1
Cargo Loading
1-2 days
Container stuffing at origin
Step 2
Export Clearance
1-2 days
Documentation and customs
Step 3
Ocean Transit
15-25 days
Sailing to destination port
Step 4
Import Clearance
1-3 days
Customs inspection and release
Step 5
Final Delivery
1-5 days
Transport to final destination
Express
20-25 Days
Direct service with priority handling
Standard
25-35 Days
Regular service with full tracking
Economy
35-45 Days
Consolidated for maximum savings
Standard sea freight service from Port of Xiamen to Port of Rotterdam requires 28-32 days total transit time, including approximately 24-26 days of actual sailing time through the Suez Canal route. Dutch customs clearance typically adds 2-4 business days for routine cargo, though complex shipments requiring additional inspections or documentation may extend this to 5-7 days. Express services offered by premium carriers can reduce total door-to-door delivery to 26-28 days by utilizing faster vessels and priority port handling, though these services command premium rates of 20-30% above standard options. Preparing complete and accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required certificates of origin before departure helps minimize customs delays at Rotterdam's automated processing facilities. businesses can further expedite delivery by engaging Netherlands-based customs brokers familiar with Dutch import requirements and utilizing Rotterdam's excellent rail and trucking networks for swift inland distribution.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC | $1,650 | $1,650 | 43 days |
| Maersk | $1,700 | $1,700 | 45 days |
Pricing Disclaimer
These prices are subject to change based on market conditions, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. Contact us for the most up-to-date pricing and a customized quote for your specific shipment needs. Prices shown are for standard cargo and may vary for special cargo types.
Standard
20ft FCL
6.1m × 2.4m × 2.6m
Contact for pricing
Extra Height
40ft High Cube
12.2m × 2.4m × 2.9m
See 40HQ rates above
Less than Container
LCL Shipment
Per CBM
From $45/CBM
Custom
Special Cargo
Various
Get custom quote
Equipment
Container Types Available
20ft Dry Container
Standard general cargo container
40ft Dry Container
High capacity for large shipments
40ft High Cube
Extra height for bulky cargo
20ft Refrigerated
Temperature-controlled cargo
Open Top Container
For oversized cargo loading
Flat Rack Container
Heavy machinery and equipment
Track Record
Reliable Service
Our Xiamen to Rotterdam corridor represents years of refined expertise and thousands of successful shipments.
15+
Years Experience
25K+
Containers Shipped
99.5%
On-Time Delivery
24/7
Support Available
Process
How Our Sea Freight Process Works
Quote & Booking
1-2 daysGet a customized quote and book your container.
Collection & Export
2-3 daysWe collect cargo and handle export documentation.
Ocean Transit
12-20 daysYour cargo travels safely across the ocean.
Port Handling
2-3 daysCustoms clearance and port procedures completed.
Final Delivery
1-2 daysCargo delivered to your specified destination.
Key Documents
See full documentation requirements below
Cargo Types
Popular Items on the Xiamen to Rotterdam Route
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Xiamen to Rotterdam, Netherlands:
High-Tech
Server equipment, storage systems, and network infrastructure
Medical Equipment
Safety gear, testing equipment, and clinical furnishings
Chemicals & Plastics
Resin products and specialty chemical formulations
Consumer Goods
Toys, textiles, and household goods for EU distribution
Reefer Cargo
Perishable goods and specialty food products
Dangerous Goods
Regulated items such as lithium-ion cells and chemical compounds
Documentation
Shipping Documents for the Xiamen to Rotterdam Route
Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance for your sea freight shipment to Rotterdam. Your cargo will be accompanied by a Bill of Lading (B/L) as proof of transport.
Universal Requirements
Lists package contents, dimensions, and gross/net weights
Proves goods were manufactured in China (for duty benefits)
Official record of the trade agreement
Lists product descriptions, pricing, and transaction parties
Sea Freight Requirements for Netherlands
Required if goods are transshipping through Rotterdam to another EU country
Entry Summary Declaration for EU port entry
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Netherlands Customs Notes
Rotterdam is a major transshipment hub - T1 documents needed for onward EU transit
EORI number is mandatory for all EU imports
Dutch customs offer simplified procedures for trusted importers (AEO)
Article 23 VAT Deferment available - improves cash flow for sea freight importers
Customs
Netherlands Customs Process
Getting your cargo through Netherlands customs involves multiple stages of verification and documentation review. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
Article 23 VAT Deferment
The Netherlands allows VAT deferment under Article 23. You don't pay VAT at Rotterdam—handle it on your tax return.
ENS Declaration
The ENS filing ensures compliance with EU security requirements at Dutch ports.
Rotterdam Transshipment
For cargo transiting through Rotterdam to elsewhere in the EU, ensure T1 transit documentation is prepared.
Netherlands Clearance Focus Areas
Article 23 VAT deferment is a major advantage for importers
AEO status available for simplified customs procedures
Rotterdam is a top EU transshipment hub—T1 documents needed for transit
EORI number is mandatory for all EU imports
Hazardous Materials
Dangerous Goods Shipping to Rotterdam
Shipping dangerous goods from Xiamen to Rotterdam requires compliance with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) standards and Netherlands-specific regulations. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
A 24/7 emergency number is mandatory; the contact must understand the hazardous materials involved
Provide recent Safety Data Sheets in English and Chinese—documents older than 1 year are rejected
Outer packaging must bear the UN certification mark confirming it can withstand the specific hazards
Shipper must complete and sign the official Dangerous Goods Declaration form
Sea Freight DG Rules for Netherlands
ADR Compliance
Ensure ADR compliance for any dangerous goods moving overland from Dutch ports.
Rotterdam Gateway
Most European DG shipments route through Rotterdam's specialized infrastructure.
T1 Transit Document
Use T1 transit paperwork if your DG is transshipping through Rotterdam to other EU countries.
Netherlands DG Shipping Considerations
T1 transit documents required for onward EU shipment
ADR compliance mandatory for road transport from ports
Bonded storage available for deferred duty payment
Rotterdam is Europe's primary DG gateway port
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Rotterdam?
Sea freight from Xiamen to Rotterdam typically takes 28-32 days for port-to-port transit. Actual delivery time may vary by 2-5 days depending on vessel schedules, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements.
What is the estimated cost of shipping a container from Xiamen to Rotterdam?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Xiamen to Rotterdam ranges from $1,650 to $1,700 depending on the carrier and service level. LCL rates typically start around $45-85 per CBM. Contact us for current rates and a customized quote.
Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Xiamen to Rotterdam shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen to Rotterdam shipment depends on cargo volume. FCL (Full Container Load) is more cost-effective for shipments over 15 CBM, while LCL (Less than Container Load) is better for smaller volumes under 10 CBM. FCL also offers faster transit and lower risk of damage.
What documents do I need to ship from China to Netherlands?
Documents required to ship from China to Netherlands include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and customs declaration forms. Additional certificates may be required depending on your product type.
What factors can cause delays on the Xiamen to Rotterdam route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen to Rotterdam route include port congestion, adverse weather conditions, customs inspections, incomplete documentation, and peak season volume. Planning ahead and ensuring accurate documentation helps minimize delays.
Which port in Fujian should I choose for the fastest service to Rotterdam?
For the fastest sea freight service to Rotterdam, Xiamen is an excellent choice with 28-32 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Rotterdam?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Rotterdam offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 28-32 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Xiamen, Fujian to Rotterdam?
Import duty from Xiamen to Rotterdam is calculated based on the HS code of your goods, the declared value (CIF), and Netherlands's tariff rates. Netherlands applies duties based on product classification. A customs broker can provide accurate duty estimates.
Do I need insurance to ship from Xiamen, Fujian to Rotterdam?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen to Rotterdam is highly recommended though not legally required. Marine cargo insurance typically costs 0.3-0.5% of cargo value and covers loss or damage during transit. Given the 28-32-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Xiamen to Rotterdam?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen to Rotterdam is affected by container type and size, cargo weight and volume, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, carrier selection, and additional services like customs clearance. Peak seasons (August-October) typically see higher rates due to increased demand.
What is the best way to track my shipment from Xiamen to Rotterdam?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen to Rotterdam is through our online tracking portal using your Bill of Lading number. You'll receive real-time updates on vessel location, estimated arrival, and customs status. Our team also provides proactive notifications for any schedule changes.
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