Freight shipping from Germany to Hong Kong

The Germany - Hong Kong Tradelane connects two economically strong regions with different regulatory requirements. A logistics partner who knows both markets inside out is crucial for a smooth process. Röhlig has this expertise: With numerous branches in Germany and an established location in Hong Kong (Kowloon), we are ideally positioned along the entire route.

Our local teams are familiar with the specific requirements of both sides - from export documents and customs processes in Germany to import and clearance procedures in Hong Kong. This enables us to develop logistics solutions that are customised to your goods, transit time requirements and target markets.Sea freight Shipping from Germany to Hong Kong

Sea freight shipping from Germany to Hong Kong

For larger cargo volumes, the sea route from Germany to Hong Kong is an established and economical transport solution. Germany's modern container ports - above all Hamburg and Bremerhaven - enable efficient handling. The main sea route leads directly to East Asia via the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean. Container ships regularly call at Hong Kong, one of the largest transhipment centres in the region.

As an experienced logistics partner, Röhlig offers you customised solutions for your sea freight shipments from Germany to Hong Kong. Our portfolio includes classic FCL and LCL container transport (including accelerated LCL services), sea freight consolidation, Ro/Ro shipments and project shipments - perfectly tailored to your requirements.

Important seaports on the Germany - Hong Kong trade route:

• Hamburg: Germany's largest port with regular connections to East Asia; central role in China traffic.
• Bremerhaven: Important port for container transport with high capacity and modern infrastructure.
• Rotterdam: Largest European port with pre-carriage from Germany; attractive for multimodal transport solutions.
• Hong Kong (HK): Top global container port with excellent connections to mainland China and Southeast Asia.

Examples of sea freight transit times

• FCL transport (e.g. 1× 20-foot container from Hamburg to Hong Kong)
  • Transit time: approx. 26-32 days (port to port)
  • Use: Ideal for larger volumes; direct shipping without transhipment.
• LCL transport (e.g. 1 pallet Bremerhaven - Hong Kong)
  • Transit time: approx. 30-37 days (port to port); door-to-door: approx. 50-60 days
  • Advantage: Efficient solution for smaller consignment volumes thanks to groupage consolidation.

(Note: Sea freight transit times can vary depending on the season, shipping company and route. Factors such as harbour strikes or weather events - e.g. in the Indian Ocean - can also have an influence. Röhlig monitors all relevant developments and optimises your supply chain if necessary).

Air freight Germany - Hong Kong

Air freight to Hong Kong is often the best choice when speed is of the essence or sensitive, high-value products need to be transported. With typical transit times of just 5 to 8 days, it is significantly faster than the sea route - ideal for time-critical shipments, spare parts or medical products.

There are regular direct flights to Hong Kong from German airports such as Frankfurt/Main (FRA), Leipzig (LEJ) and Munich (MUC). As Germany's largest air freight hub, Frankfurt  offers daily departures to the Special Administrative Region. Alternatively, Leipzig scores with express logistics and night flights, while Munich allows for additional capacity via passenger aircraft (belly freight).

The destination is almost always Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) - the world's largest cargo airport with over 4.3 million tonnes of air freight (2023). From there, it is quickly distributed to the region: whether directly to the city centre, to neighbouring Shenzhen or to the Greater Bay Area network.

As an experienced logistics partner, Röhlig supports your air freight shipments with customised solutions: from direct flights and onboard couriers to door-to-door services. We can also organise temperature-controlled transport (e.g. for pharmaceutical products) or groupage shipments (consolidations) for you - including full documentation and import processing in Hong Kong.

Important airports on the Germany - Hong Kong Tradelane

• Frankfurt (FRA): Daily departures, central location, perfect infrastructure for Asian connections
• Leipzig (LEJ): Express freight hub, favoured for particularly urgent shipments
• Munich (MUC): Additional capacity via passenger flights, especially for industrial parts
• Hong Kong (HKG): World's leading cargo airport with excellent regional distribution

Example of an air freight shipment:

• Shipping: 150 kg medical technology from Frankfurt to Hong Kong
• Transit time: 5-8 days (door-to-door)
• Typical use: When every hour counts - e.g. for urgently needed components, plant downtime or temperature-controlled goods

Comparison of transit times (air vs. sea):

• Air freight: approx. 5-8 days (standard), 2-4 days (express)
• Sea freight: approx. 26-37 days (port to port), door-to-door approx. 50-60 days

Import and packaging regulations for exports to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an independent economic region under customs law. Different rules apply to Hong Kong than to mainland China. Hong Kong is one of the most liberal import markets in the world. The city does not levy import duties or VAT on most product groups - regardless of the value of the goods. Only a few product groups such as spirits, tobacco, fuels or certain vehicles are subject to special regulations. 

For German exporters, this means fast approval processes and minimal bureaucratic hurdles - while at the same time meeting high requirements for product safety, labelling and compliance.

Important aspects when exporting to Hong Kong

Customs duties & VAT

For the majority of all product groups - such as machinery, electronics, textiles, cosmetics or food - the following applies: no customs duties, no VAT. 

Only selected products are subject to customs duties in accordance with the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, including
- Spirits over 30 % alcohol: 100 % duty
- Tobacco products: high unit/weight duties per product type
- Mineral oils & fuels: specific duties per litre

Customs declaration & HS codes

Imports must be declared electronically within 14 days - via licenced platforms such as Tradelink or Ge-TS. The basis is the Hong Kong Harmonised System (HKHS):

• HKHS code digits 1-6 correspond to the global HS code (WCO)
• HKHS code digits 7-8 are Hong Kong-specific subdivisions

The use of correct HS codes and early registration in the "Import and Export Declaration System" accelerates customs clearance.

Product regulations & authorisations

• Pharmaceuticals & medical technology: 
  Mandatory registration with the Department of Health, often with local representation + import authorisation
• Electronics & IT products: 
  Mostly duty-free, but safety standards (e.g. EMC) and regulatory requirements (e.g. radio frequency specifications) must be observed
• Cosmetic products: 
  No registration requirement, but ingredients must comply with HK specifications. Advertising claims with a medical effect are prohibited
• Food & beverages: 
  Labelling in English or Chinese is mandatory. Import permits from the Centre for Food Safety are required for animal products (e.g. meat, milk)
• Spirits & wine: 
  Subject to mandatory labelling and sometimes require special forms
• Packaging requirements & sustainability:
  Wooden packaging must comply with the ISPM-15 standard (heat treatment & stamp). Plastic packaging and disposable cutlery are not permitted - environmentally friendly alternatives such as paper or wood are preferred. Dangerous goods must be labelled and documented in accordance with international guidelines (UN, IATA, IMO) - including an English safety data sheet (SDS).
• Prohibited goods & restrictions:
  Import bans apply, for example, to weapons (incl. stun guns, pepper spray), explosives, counterfeit branded goods, obscene material, drugs and certain disposable items. Check in advance whether your product falls into a regulated category - especially for sensitive goods.

To summarise:

Hong Kong offers German exporters attractive framework conditions, efficient customs clearance and extensive duty-free access - while at the same time having clearly defined requirements in terms of product safety, packaging and labelling. 

➳ Röhlig Logistics supports you in the preparation of all export documents, digital registration and import processing on site - so that your goods reach their destination market quickly, legally compliant and unhindered.

Transport insurance for your delivery from Germany to Hong Kong

Transport insurance is essential, especially on intercontinental routes such as shipping from Germany to Hong Kong. Whether sea freight through the Suez Canal or air freight via volatile weather zones - unforeseeable events such as typhoons, strikes or container jams can jeopardise your shipment.

The Asia route is one of the more volatile trade lanes, which you should not navigate without a customised insurance tariff. Comprehensive insurance coverage protects you against financial risks in the event of loss, damage or delay.. Depending on the Incoterm used (e.g. CIF or CIP), the responsibility for taking out transport insurance lies with the exporter or importer. As a minimum, the Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC) apply.

Our tip: Put your trust in Röhlig Logistics transport insurance. We offer flexible, transparent insurance solutions tailored to your consignment, type of transport and value of goods. In the event of a claim, we will actively support you - from the initial notification through to swift settlement. This means that your supply chain remains protected even in exceptional situations.

Röhlig services along the entire supply chain

With Röhlig, you not only benefit from reliable transport handling - but also from an all-round service along the entire Germany-Hong Kong route. This includes, among other things

• Personalised advice from our local teams in Germany and Hong Kong
• Regular status reports and proactive communication
• Additional services such as storage, handling and distribution over the last mile.

Whether sea or air freight, customs clearance, packaging advice or insurance: we accompany your shipment from the first planning step through to successful delivery.

With Röhlig Logistics, you can count on a reliable partner with in-depth market knowledge and a strong operational presence on both sides of the route. We ensure a smooth and efficient flow of goods between Germany and Hong Kong - no matter how complex your requirements are.