Import Glass Bottles from China to the EU: Customs, Tariffs & Logistics Guide
Importing glass bottles from China to the EU involves more than comparing FOB prices. Buyers should calculate customs duty, VAT, freight, port charges, clearance fees and inland delivery before placing an order.
1. EU Glass Bottle Import Process
Typical supply chain:
China Factory → Export Customs → Ocean Freight → EU Port → Customs Clearance → Duty & VAT → Delivery → Warehouse
Before ordering, confirm:
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HS/CN code
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Country of origin
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EORI number
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Incoterms
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Import duty and VAT
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Shipping method
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Customs broker
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Final delivery cost
2. HS Code for Glass Bottles
Glass bottles and jars for packaging are generally classified under HS Heading 7010. The exact EU CN/TARIC code depends on the product and its specifications.
Common products include:
| Product | Classification Direction |
|---|---|
| Liquor bottles | HS 7010 |
| Wine bottles | HS 7010 |
| Beer bottles | HS 7010 |
| Juice bottles | HS 7010 |
| Sauce bottles | HS 7010 |
| Food jars | HS 7010 |
Always confirm the current TARIC classification and duty rate before importing.
3. Main Import Costs
The real import cost is:
Landed Cost = Product + Freight + Duty + VAT + Clearance + Port Charges + Inland Delivery
| Cost | Check |
|---|---|
| Glass bottle price | ✓ |
| Ocean freight | ✓ |
| Insurance | If applicable |
| Import duty | Based on TARIC |
| Import VAT | Based on EU country |
| Customs clearance | ✓ |
| Port/terminal charges | ✓ |
| Inland transport | ✓ |
| Storage/demurrage | If applicable |
Do not compare suppliers only by FOB or EXW price. Compare landed cost per bottle.
4. EORI and Customs
EU importers normally need an EORI number for customs operations.
The importer or customs broker should confirm:
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EORI
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HS/CN code
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Customs value
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Country of origin
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Import declaration
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Duty and VAT treatment
For current tariff and import requirements, check the EU TARIC database and Access2Markets before shipment.
5. Required Import Documents
A standard glass bottle shipment may require:
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Commercial Invoice
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Packing List
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Bill of Lading
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Certificate of Origin
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Sales Contract / PI
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Product Specification
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Quality or test documents where applicable
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Customs declaration data
Product information should remain consistent across commercial and shipping documents.
6. FCL vs. LCL for Glass Bottles
Glass bottles are heavy, bulky and fragile, so shipping efficiency is important.
FCL is usually suitable for large-volume orders because it reduces handling and can improve cost per bottle.
LCL can be used for smaller trial orders, but destination handling and CFS charges should be included in the calculation.
The key metric is:
Bottle Quantity per Container + Total Landed Cost per Bottle
7. Packaging and Container Loading
Export packaging directly affects freight cost and breakage risk.
Common options include:
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Bulk pallet + cardboard dividers
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Bulk pallet + master cartons
Suppliers should optimize:
Bottle quantity → Pallet dimensions → Container loading → Cost per bottle
8. Incoterms
Common terms include:
| Incoterm | Buyer Should Check |
|---|---|
| EXW | Freight, export and pickup |
| FOB | International freight and EU import |
| CIF | EU clearance and destination costs |
| DAP | Import clearance and taxes |
| DDP | Importer of record, duty and VAT |
For DDP shipments, clearly define who is responsible for EU customs clearance, import VAT and duty.
9. China-to-EU Glass Bottle Import Checklist
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Product specification | ✓ |
| HS/CN code | ✓ |
| TARIC duty | ✓ |
| Country of origin | China |
| EORI | ✓ |
| Customs value | ✓ |
| Import VAT | ✓ |
| Incoterms | ✓ |
| FCL/LCL | ✓ |
| Invoice & Packing List | ✓ |
| B/L & COO | ✓ |
| Customs clearance | ✓ |
| Inland delivery | ✓ |
| Landed cost/bottle | ✓ |
| EU compliance documents | Where applicable |
Conclusion
For EU buyers, importing glass bottles from China should be planned around total landed cost, not factory price alone.
A reliable sourcing plan should combine:
Correct tariff classification + accurate documents + efficient container loading + suitable Incoterms + complete landed-cost calculation.
This approach helps buyers control customs, logistics and delivery costs when sourcing glass bottles from China.
