Send parcel to China

Who ships from Italy to China and what do they send?

The traffic is mostly commercial. Italy is China's third-largest European trading partner, and many Italian companies regularly ship fashion samples, leather goods, mechanical components and technical materials to partners, suppliers and showrooms in China. Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are the most common destinations. But there's also a private flow: the Chinese community in Italy is one of the largest in Europe, concentrated in Prato, Milan and Rome, and parcels back home are constant throughout the year, peaking before Chinese New Year.

How do you write a Chinese address for international shipping?

The address must be written in Latin characters (pinyin) for international shipments. The format is reversed compared to the Italian one: start with the province, then the city, district, street with number, and finally the recipient's name. Practical example: "Wang Wei, No. 88 Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, CHINA". Essential: always include the recipient's local phone number with the +86 country code. Chinese couriers almost always contact the recipient by phone before delivery, especially in large residential complexes with controlled access. If possible, add the address in Chinese characters in the notes as well.

Chinese customs: what to expect?

China is not part of the EU, so every shipment from Italy goes through Chinese customs. Checks can be quick or take several days, depending on the contents and documentation. A detailed description of the goods in English is required, with a realistic declared value for each item. Vague descriptions like "miscellaneous items" or "samples" without specifics almost always cause a hold-up. For commercial shipments, a commercial invoice with customs codes (HS Code) is required. For gifts and personal use, a proforma invoice with a precise description of the contents. After placing your order on europacco.com, you'll receive instructions for preparing the correct documentation.

Chinese New Year, Golden Week and other holidays: when not to ship?

Chinese New Year (between late January and mid-February) is the most critical period. China shuts down for about two weeks: factories closed, couriers operating with reduced staff, hundreds of millions of people travelling. Delays can extend up to three weeks after the official date, as clearing the backlog takes time. The other period to watch out for is the October Golden Week (1st to 7th October), when many businesses close. For urgent shipments during these periods, plan at least three weeks ahead. The rest of the year, China's logistics network is among the most efficient in the world.

Can I ship Made in Italy products to retailers or e-commerce businesses in China?

Yes, and it's one of the most active trade routes. Made in Italy is in high demand in China, especially in fashion, cosmetics, food and furniture. For B2B shipments, complete commercial documentation is required: invoice with detailed description, value, quantity and customs codes. Some products require specific certifications for import into China (cosmetics, food, electronics). For samples and small shipments, the process is simpler. Delivery time from Italy to China is 9 to 12 working days. Home pickup in Italy is always included in the price. For regular shipments to the same recipient, transit times stabilise as Chinese customs keeps track of shipping history.