Container shipping to Europe

From the U.S. East Coast: 15-20 days. From South America, Southeast Asia or Australia: 25-45 days. These are estimated ocean transit times; when you request a quote we confirm the next weekly sailing and the estimated arrival date. Imports into the EU are declared by an importer with an EORI number under the Union Customs Code, and duty is set by the tariff classification of the goods.

You need a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, and the importer must hold an EORI number under the Union Customs Code. For sea cargo, an ICS2 entry summary declaration (ENS) is filed before loading. Goods are classified under the EU Common Customs Tariff (TARIC), and import VAT is set by each member state, for example 21% in Spain and the Netherlands. We prepare them for you and handle customs clearance at destination, so no missing paper holds your cargo.

Choose FCL for full-container volumes and LCL for smaller lots; the Union Customs Code treats both the same. Each importer needs its own EORI number, and the ICS2 entry summary declaration must be filed before loading either way. FCL can go straight to Rotterdam (NLRTM), Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg or Valencia, while LCL is consolidated in Miami first. Not sure? Tell us what you are shipping and we recommend the format with the best total cost.

Yes. Under EU transfer-of-residence relief (Council Regulation 1186/2009), personal property you have owned and used for at least six months can enter free of import duty and VAT when you move your residence to the EU after living outside it for at least 12 months. Goods outside the relief need a standard import: an EORI number, the ICS2 entry summary filed before loading, and member-state VAT, such as 19% in Germany. We move personal items, household goods and full relocations, with customs and documentation handled door to door.

We serve Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremen, Antwerp, Valencia, with customs clearance handled at each one and inland delivery coordinated to the final destination if you need it. UN/LOCODEs: Rotterdam NLRTM, Hamburg DEHAM, Bremen DEBRE, Antwerp BEANR and Valencia ESVLC.