Easy Way to Import from China: Consolidated Shipping for Small Businesses
Why Consolidation Is the “Easy Button” for 2025
• Rail LCL Yiwu→Duisburg: 18 days, €2.30 / kg – 45 % cheaper than air and 14 days faster than sea .
• Sea LCL Shanghai→Rotterdam: 32 days, €1.85 / kg – ideal for 20 t+ bulk .
• Air LCL Shenzhen→Frankfurt: 4 days, €4.10 / kg – perfect for urgent restocks .
CBAM Phase II (July 2026) adds €45–65 / t CO₂ on steel, aluminium, plastics – collect factory ISO 14064 CO₂ data now .
Consolidation cuts landed cost 35–70 %, reduces carbon footprint, and keeps you CBAM-compliant .
Product & HS-Code Map 2025
| Product | HS Code | EU Duty | CBAM Risk | China Hot-Spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel kettlebells | 7326.90.98 | 2.7 % | High (steel) | Tianjin |
| LED therapy masks | 9405.40 | 0 % | Medium (plastic) | Shenzhen |
| Whey protein powder | 2106.90.90 | 0 % | Low | Shanghai |
Consolidation Lanes – Live 2025 Rates
| Origin → EU/UK | Mode | Transit | All-in €/kg* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yiwu→Duisburg | Rail LCL | 18 days | €2.30 | 500–8 000 kg |
| Shanghai→Rotterdam | Sea LCL | 32 days | €1.85 | 20 t+ bulk |
| Shenzhen→Frankfurt | Air LCL | 4 days | €4.10 | Urgent restock |
*Rates include THC, fuel & door-to-door delivery.
Case Studies – 2025 “Easy” Wins
7.1 Dublin Fitness Studio – Kettlebells
- Volume: 1×40 ft container (22 t)
- Route: Tianjin → Hannover rail → door delivery
- Cost: €0.33 / kg landed
- Pitfall avoided: Anti-dumping 66.4 % | Individual invoice .
7.2 Berlin Marketplace Seller – LED Masks
- Volume: 800 kg air LCL
- Transit: 4 days door-to-door
- Pitfall avoided: CO₂ missing | ISO 14064 factory CO₂ report.
Tech Stack 2025
| Tool | Free? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| CBAM Helper | €29 / report | CO₂ calculator |
| 17TRACK | Free | Door-to-door tracking |
| WeChat mini-apps | Free | Forwarder chatbots |
2026–2028 Roadmap
| Regulation | Effective | Impact | Action Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBAM Phase 2 | 1 Jul 2026 | €45–65 / t CO₂ | ISO 14064 factory report |
| EU Digital Product Passport | 2027 | QR on every item | GS1 artwork |
One-Page Checklist (Print & Pin)
- [ ] Lock FOB Shenzhen (saves €0.25 / kg)
- [ ] Book rail LCL slot before 15 Aug
- [ ] Collect CO₂ data for CBAM goods
- [ ] Order IPPC wooden crates
- [ ] Upload unified invoice + HS matrix 48 h before vessel cut-off
- [ ] Plan 2026 campaign forecast (orders already accepted)
