Shipping goods from China to Russia
China is Russia’s largest trading partner, and all four transport modes work on this lane. Container trains run via the Zabaikalsk border crossing and reach Moscow in 18–25 days. Sea freight sails from Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Qingdao to Vladivostok and Vostochny, or via Suez to Novorossiysk and St Petersburg, and takes 25–35 days to Moscow. Road freight uses the Far Eastern border crossings, while air is kept for urgent, high-value consignments.
We work for Chinese manufacturers and trading companies whose customers are in Russia or the CIS. We collect from your factory or warehouse in any province, consolidate at the port of loading or at your premises and carry the goods through to your buyer, including Russian import clearance. We accept business shipments from 50 kg (air freight has no weight limit), and every consignment is screened against sanctions lists before we take it on.
How we ship from China to Russia
Air freight
From any country in 2–8 days door to door via Istanbul or Dubai, charged by volumetric weight (1 m³ = 167 kg), no weight limit. Minimum service fee €200.
Transit times to Moscow
| Mode | Door to door |
|---|---|
| Rail | 18–25 days |
| Sea (via port) | 25–35 days |
| Air | 2–8 days |
What suppliers ship from China to Russia
Chinese suppliers ship electronics and components from Shenzhen and Guangzhou, machinery and machine tools from Shanghai, Ningbo and Qingdao, everyday consumer goods from Yiwu, and textiles, clothing and footwear from factories in Zhejiang and Guangdong. Automotive parts and electric vehicles are a growing share of the flow. We regularly handle heavy and oversized industrial cargo such as machine tools and steel structures, and we arrange EAC certification and customs declarations for electronics on the Russian side.
Where we collect from China
Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Yiwu, Ningbo, Qingdao, Tianjin, Suzhou and any other address.
Export formalities
Chinese factories normally clear exports themselves once the goods are fully paid, so the Chinese export declaration is usually lodged by the supplier or its broker at the port or rail terminal of dispatch; if you prefer, we arrange it on your behalf. On arrival we clear the goods in Russia for your customer. We insist on one thing: a true invoice value. Under-invoicing “to keep things simple” is uncovered during customs checks in Russia and ends in additional duty assessments for your buyer.
How it works for you as a supplier
- 1Quote within 2 hours
Send the invoice or packing list — we check the HS codes against EU sanctions lists and quote transport, export formalities and customs clearance in Russia. - 2Collection from your premises
We pick up the goods from your warehouse or factory and take them to our consolidation warehouse or load a dedicated truck. - 3Export declaration
We lodge the export declaration on your behalf and send you the MRN and the proof of exit — the basis for zero-rating VAT. - 4Delivery to your customer
Border crossing, customs clearance in Russia and delivery to your buyer’s warehouse; tracking at every stage.
Practical tips
- Rates on the China lane are volatile and can be revised within a month — ask for the quote to be confirmed shortly before loading.
- Before Chinese New Year demand and prices jump and warehouses overflow; plan seasonal shipments several weeks ahead.
- For devices with a radio module we check the Russian FSB notification before dispatch, so the goods are not held at import.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from China to Russia take?
By container train via Zabaikalsk, 18–25 days to Moscow. Sea freight via Vladivostok takes 25–35 days including the onward leg, and a road-and-rail route from Shenzhen via Almaty takes 20–30 days. Air is the fastest option for urgent goods. The exact time is confirmed in each quote.
How do I get paid by my Russian customer?
Your buyer can use our supplier-payment service: the Russian customer pays a payment agent under an agency agreement, and a partner company resident in the EU transfers the invoice amount to you by SWIFT, quoting your invoice number. The agent’s commission is agreed with the buyer in advance. Payments for sanctioned goods or to listed parties are not made.
Which documents do you need from me?
A commercial invoice with a clear description of the goods, HS codes, prices and Incoterms, a packing list and any certificates the goods already have. The Chinese export declaration is usually handled by the factory; if it is not, we arrange it. The invoice must show the real transaction value.
Can any product be shipped from China to Russia?
No. We only carry goods that are not subject to EU, UK, Swiss or US sanctions. Before accepting cargo we screen the HS codes, the end use and every party to the deal against the sanctions and dual-use lists, and we decline anything that is restricted.