FAQ

The process includes picking up goods from the supplier in China, transporting them to a rail terminal, loading them onto a train, shipping to Europe, and final delivery to the destination in Poland or the EU.

Transport begins after order details are confirmed, the goods are available from the supplier, and export documents are prepared.

Changes are only possible before the train is loaded. Once the shipment has departed, modifications are highly limited or no longer possible.

Yes, rail transport can include full door-to-door service — from the supplier’s warehouse in China to the final address in Poland.

The basic documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and a railway consignment note (CIM/SMGS).

Yes, an EORI number is required for customs clearance in the European Union for both companies and, in most cases, private individuals.

The supplier in China prepares export documents, while the importer is responsible for documents required for EU customs clearance.

Depending on the goods, additional documents may be required, such as CE certificates, declarations of conformity, or certificates of origin.

The average transit time is around 12–20 days, depending on the route, transshipment terminals, and customs procedures.

Key factors include the supplier’s location in China, train availability, border transshipments, and customs clearance time.

Yes, rail is significantly faster than sea freight (30–50 days), but slower than air freight.

Yes, delays may result from customs inspections, terminal congestion, or operational issues along the route.

Not always — insurance depends on agreed Incoterms. In many cases, additional insurance must be purchased.

Yes, especially for high-value goods or products sensitive to damage.

Insurance may cover damage, loss, or theft of goods during transport.

A damage report should be prepared upon delivery, photographic documentation taken, and the issue reported to the carrier and insurer.

Yes, all goods imported from China must go through customs clearance within the EU.

Most often at the EU border (e.g. Małaszewicze in Poland) or at a designated customs office.

Imports include customs duties (if applicable), VAT, and potential handling fees related to customs clearance.

Yes, most importers use customs agencies to handle formalities and speed up the clearance process.

Chinese New Year (in 2026 starting February 17) causes most factories and logistics companies to shut down for 2–4 weeks, leading to order backlogs and increased freight rates.

• Jan 20 – Feb 10: peak pre-holiday shipping period – last chance to dispatch goods before factory closures.
• Feb 11 – Mar 1: near-total disruption – factories shut down earlier, and inland transport operations are heavily reduced or almost completely suspended.
• March: gradual return of factories to full production capacity.

Orders should ideally be placed by mid-December to avoid delays and higher freight costs.

It is the period from September to November, driven by preparations for Black Friday and Christmas. During this time, demand increases and freight rates may rise significantly.

• Golden Week (Oct 1–7): nationwide production shutdown
• Lower activity / minor congestion periods
  • Labour Day (May) – short production breaks
  • Dragon Boat Festival (June) – short local disruptions

• Place orders well in advance, ideally several weeks or months before the peak season
• Monitor Chinese holiday dates and include them in your delivery schedule
• When possible, consider alternative routes or transport modes to reduce the risk of delays