As a small business owner who regularly imports from China, I used to wonder whether buying shipping insurance was necessary. After one experience where a package worth over €1,000 was delayed and partially damaged during transit, I now always insure my shipments—especially when the cargo is high-value or time-sensitive.

While it’s not mandatory, insurance provides peace of mind. If anything goes wrong—like loss, theft, or damage—I can at least file a claim and avoid total financial loss.

Even though shipping from China to the Netherlands is generally reliable, accidents can happen. And considering the relatively low cost of cargo insurance (often around 0.3%–0.7% of the item value), it’s a small price to pay for protection.

Shipping from China to Netherlands Price

The shipping price depends on the method:

• Air freight: €5–€8/kg for smaller goods, faster but more expensive
• Sea freight (cheapest option): €1,500–€2,500 for a 20ft container
• Express courier: More expensive per kg, but includes tracking and faster delivery

Note: Insurance is often optional, but some express couriers include basic coverage. For full protection, you usually need to purchase additional cargo insurance separately.

Cheapest Shipping from China to Netherlands

If price is your top priority:

• Sea shipping is the cheapest for large-volume goods
• You can use LCL (Less than Container Load) if you don’t need a full container
• Combine sea freight with DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to avoid hidden customs costs

But keep in mind: the cheapest shipping option often has the longest transit time (30–45 days), so insurance becomes even more important.

People Also Ask (PAA)

1. Is shipping insurance mandatory when importing from China?
No, but it is highly recommended—especially for high-value or fragile items.

2. How much does shipping insurance cost?
Typically around 0.3%–0.7% of the shipment’s declared value.

3. What happens if I don’t insure my shipment?
If the goods are lost or damaged, you may receive limited or no compensation, depending on the carrier’s liability terms.

4. Is insurance included in shipping quotes from China?
Sometimes, basic insurance is included, especially in express shipping. But for full coverage, you usually need to add insurance separately.

5. What’s the cheapest way to ship goods from China to the Netherlands?
Sea freight is the most economical, especially for large or heavy shipments.