Shipping from China to Bulgaria – FCL, LCL, Air & Express 2026

Full Container Load

Best for: Cargo > 15 CBM

• Security: Higher — sealed container
• Speed: Faster — direct loading/unloading
• Cost per unit: Lower for large volumes
• Flexibility: Fixed container sizes (20GP / 40GP / 40HQ)
• Recommended: For cargo over 15 CBM, fragile goods, high‑value items, or time‑sensitive shipments

Less than Container Load

Best for: Cargo 2–15 CBM

• Security: Lower — cargo is handled multiple times
• Speed: Slower — requires consolidation/deconsolidation
• Cost per unit: Higher per CBM, but lower total cost for small shipments
• Flexibility: Pay only for the space you use
• Recommended: For shipments under 15 CBM where cost is the primary concern

Full Container Load

We offer full container shipping from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Xiamen) to Burgas and Varna – Bulgaria's main Black Sea gateways. Most vessels sail via the Suez Canal route: China → South China Sea → Malacca Strait → Indian Ocean → Suez Canal → Mediterranean → Dardanelles → Black Sea → Bulgarian ports. Major carriers include Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag‑Lloyd, ONE, and Evergreen, with direct or feeder services to the Black Sea.

• Transit time: 32‑42 days (direct via Suez Canal) / 35‑48 days (with transshipment)
• Container types: 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ, with weekly sailings
• Included: Export customs clearance in China, ocean freight, and destination THC
• Service end: Burgas or Varna Port. Consignee arranges customs clearance and final delivery
• Best for: Bulk cargo, machinery, electronics, construction materials, consumer goods, EU‑eligible products

FCL Pricing

• 20GP (Shanghai/Ningbo → Burgas): $1,300 – $1,900
• 40GP (Shanghai/Ningbo → Burgas): $1,900 – $2,800
• 40HQ: Slightly higher (+$100‑$200)
• Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand. Prices are volatile.

Less than Container Load

For shipments below a full container, we offer LCL consolidation from major Chinese ports to Burgas or Varna. Cargo is consolidated at our China warehouses, shipped to the Black Sea port, deconsolidated, and then forwarded to your final address. This is ideal for smaller volumes (2‑15 CBM).

• Pricing: Per CBM or per ton (whichever higher)
• Service end: Burgas or Varna warehouse – final delivery can be arranged separately
• Transit time: 38‑52 days (including consolidation and deconsolidation)

LCL Shipping Notes

LCL shipments to Bulgaria are typically routed via Burgas, which has a dedicated LCL handling facility. We can also assist with customs clearance and inland truck/rail delivery.

Air Freight to Sofia (SOF)

Time‑sensitive cargo moves via air freight to Sofia International Airport (SOF), Bulgaria's main international airport. No direct flights from China currently operate; cargo typically transits through Frankfurt (FRA), Istanbul (IST), Vienna (VIE), or Doha (DOH). Air freight is ideal for high‑value, urgent goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and spare parts.

• Transit time: 4‑7 business days (economy), 3‑5 days (priority)
• Service end: SOF Airport – consignee clears customs or we can arrange local delivery
• Acceptable cargo: Electronics, medical devices, automotive parts, luxury goods, documents

International Express (DHL / FedEx / UPS / EMS)

For small parcels, documents, samples, or personal effects, we offer express courier with true door‑to‑door delivery to any address in Bulgaria – including Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse, and all other cities.

• Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
• Transit time: 3‑7 days, with full online tracking
• Features: All‑inclusive rates, optional DDP, simplified customs
• Best for: Documents, samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments, personal effects

Key Customs Regulations

• Import Duties: Based on EU Combined Nomenclature (CN) – rates typically 0‑12% for industrial goods, with some exceptions (agriculture, textiles). Many products enter duty‑free under EU trade agreements.
• VAT (DDS): 20% standard rate (reduced rate of 9% for certain goods like books, pharmaceuticals, and food)
• Excise duties: Apply to alcohol, tobacco, energy products, and motor vehicles.
• De minimis: Goods valued under €150 are exempt from customs duties, but VAT is still due. From 1 July 2026, new EU VAT rules for e‑commerce may apply – check with us for current thresholds.
• EORI number: Mandatory for all import/export operations.
• Customs broker: While not mandatory, using a licensed agent is strongly recommended for smooth clearance.
• e‑Customs system: All declarations must be filed electronically; advance submission speeds up processing.

Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice – Full description, HS code, FOB/CIF value, and country of origin
• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Packing List – Weight, dimensions, and contents per package
• Certificate of Origin – Required to claim preferential tariffs (e.g., under EU GSP or bilateral agreements)
• Import Declaration – Filed via e‑Customs
• EORI number – Importer's registration number
• Additional permits – For pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, live animals, etc.