Plan for transit times between 30 and 45 days when shipping goods from China to Europe. This is because the typical route for container shipping from China to Europe is long — and goes through the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Malacca Strait, and Suez Canal until it reaches its destination.
Do I need a customs agent to import?
There is no legal requirement for you to hire a Customs Broker to clear your goods. However, many importers opt to do so for the convenience. Customs Brokers are licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct CBP business on behalf of importers.