Shipping

How long does shipping
from China to Spain take?

Real delivery times, costs per kilo, the shipping lines agents use, package tracking and what to do if your order gets stuck in customs. Everything you need to know before placing your first order.

Published on June 15, 2026
The saving trick: group several products into one shipment. Instead of sending each item separately, wait until you have several products and consolidate everything into a single package. The heavier the shipment, the cheaper the kilo.

How long does a shipment from China to Spain really take?

Shipping times vary depending on the line you choose and the time of year. Under normal conditions, outside peak seasons like Chinese New Year or Christmas, these are the real delivery times we've measured for shipments to mainland Spain:

  • Standard economy line: 7 to 20 working days. The most used one, and the one with the best price-speed balance.
  • Express line (DHL, FedEx, UPS): 3 to 8 working days. Much more expensive, but ideal if you need the package urgently.
  • Sea line: 30 to 60 days. Only worth it for shipments over 15 kg. The cost per kilo drops dramatically.

These times start counting from the moment the agent hands the package to the shipping line, not from when you click "buy". Before shipping, the product has to reach the agent's warehouse (2-5 days) and pass quality control (1-2 more days).

Real costs per kilo: what you'll pay in 2026

International shipping prices fluctuate, but these are the current ranges for shipments to Spain through the agents we recommend at RepsFinder:

  • First kilo (base rate): between €15 and €22 for economy lines. Express lines start at €30-40 for the first kilo.
  • Additional kilos: between €6 and €10 per extra kilo on economy. On express, between €10 and €15 per additional kilo.
  • 2 kg economy shipment: about €25-32 in total.
  • 5 kg economy shipment: about €45-60 in total.
  • 10 kg economy shipment: about €80-100 in total.

Each agent negotiates its own rates with the logistics companies, so prices vary slightly between Kakobuy, USFans and Litbuy. Check our agent comparison to see which one suits you best depending on your order's weight.

Shipping lines: which one do I choose?

Your agent will offer you several lines when preparing the shipment. These are the most common ones and how they work:

EU Air Cargo (Economy)

The most balanced line. It flies to a European hub (usually the Netherlands or Belgium), clears customs there and is then distributed by road to Spain. Typical time: 10-15 days.

EU Tariffless Line (Tax-Free)

Similar to the previous one but with customs handling included. The agent declares a low value (usually between €12 and €18) so you don't pay VAT or duties at destination. This is the recommended one for Spain. Typical time: 10-18 days.

DHL Express / FedEx

The fastest but also the most expensive. They arrive in 3-5 days. Watch out: as commercial lines, customs is more likely to inspect the package and charge you VAT if the declaration doesn't add up. Only recommended if you're genuinely in a hurry.

How to track your package

Once the agent gives you the tracking number, you can track the package with these tools:

  • 17TRACK (17track.net): the most complete one. Enter your tracking number and it shows the full journey, including updates inside China and at destination.
  • Your agent's app: Kakobuy, for example, has built-in tracking with push notifications.
  • Correos / ADT Postales: once the package arrives in Spain, you can follow the last mile on the Correos website or on ADT Postales.

It's normal for a package to go several days without updates during international transit. Don't panic if the status stays still for 4 or 5 days; it's common while the plane crosses continents.

What do I do if my package gets stuck in customs?

If the tracking shows "held in customs" or "awaiting clearance", stay calm. 90% of the time it resolves itself within 2-5 days. But if more than 7 days pass, take action:

  • Contact your agent first. They have experience with these cases and usually handle the necessary paperwork.
  • Check ADT Postales (adtpostales.com) with your tracking number. If VAT needs to be paid, the amount will show up there and you can pay it online.
  • If they ask for an invoice or proof of payment: ask the agent to generate a commercial invoice. They know exactly what format customs needs.
  • How much VAT is paid? 21% on the declared value. That's why agents declare low values on tax-free lines: to minimise or eliminate this cost.
Caution: never declare a false value to customs yourself if they ask you directly. Always check with your agent before responding to any official request. They know the legal limits and will tell you exactly what to do.

Is express shipping worth paying for?

It depends on the value and urgency of your order. If you've bought products worth €40, paying €50 for express shipping makes no sense. But if you have €300 worth of products and need them for a specific event, the difference between 10 days (economy) and 4 days (express) can justify the extra cost.

An interesting middle ground: some agents offer "priority" lines that don't reach DHL prices but are faster than standard economy (8-12 days). Ask your agent if they have this option for Spain.

Final tips for a hassle-free delivery

  • Always choose the tax-free (tariffless) line if your agent offers it. You save the VAT and reduce the risk of customs inspection.
  • Don't ship packages over 8-10 kg declared. Very heavy packages attract more attention in customs. If your order is big, split it into two shipments.
  • Avoid ordering in January-February (Chinese New Year). Everything comes to a standstill for 2-3 weeks. If you buy during those dates, assume your order will take twice as long.
  • Always keep the tracking number. It seems obvious, but a lot of people lose it and then can't claim if the package goes missing.

Ready to order? Visit our step-by-step guide or browse our catalog with more than 3,000 verified products with direct links to the agents.