Durres, the port of entry for Albania
Durres is Albania's largest port. It handles about 90% of the country's maritime trade by tonnage and also serves Kosovo and Macedonia. From Durres the goods continue by truck to Tirana, a short leg from the port, and to Elbasan, Shkoder, Fier and Korce, a few hours further. Vlora is a second, smaller port, which we suggest rarely, for southern Albania and only when a shipping line calls there.
A full container leaves from the Chinese port nearest the goods. Consolidated shipments (LCL) are collected in our warehouse and leave from Ningbo. Goods for Durres usually transship in another Mediterranean port (Piraeus, Gioia Tauro, Koper or Malta).
How long shipping from China to Albania takes
In 2026 only a small share of ships have started using Suez again, and most still sail around Africa. Once the goods are ready in China, allow 60 to 75 days via Suez or 70 to 90 days around Africa for delivery to your warehouse.
Transit times are approximate. We confirm the exact time and route for each shipment, based on the current situation on the sea lanes. Production time is not included. See the guide how long shipping from China takes.
Customs clearance is handled by your forwarder
We do not carry out customs clearance. A forwarder handles clearance, duty and VAT, your own or one we recommend. We deliver the goods to the customs warehouse and hand over the export documents and the documents needed for clearance. Many clients already have their own forwarder. After clearance, if agreed, we also deliver to your warehouse. See also customs documents and delivery.
Compliance
Toys need EN 71 test reports and a declaration of conformity, and electrical goods need LVD, EMC and RoHS documentation. We ask the supplier for these documents before the deposit is paid. We check that they exist and that they relate to your product. Confirm the requirements that apply in Albania with your forwarder before each shipment.
How we run an import to Albania
Four agents employed by Transcont work for you in China, in English and Chinese, and we have our own warehouses in Yiwu and Ningbo. Our strongest operational presence is in Yiwu.
- Sourcing. For a wide assortment we organise a buying trip to Yiwu, where our agent goes through the market with you and translates. For goods with little variety and clear specifications, our agent in China collects and compares factory offers.
- Collection and checks. We collect goods from several suppliers in our warehouses, where we check consolidated shipments and goods from Yiwu for quantity and quality. A full container loaded at a factory is checked on site by our agent, anywhere in China. After every check you get a photo and video report.
- Transport. For light cargo such as home goods, packaging and plastics, and decor, a 40' HQ container usually gives the best cost per cubic metre. Its internal volume is 76 m³, and it takes about 70 CBM of cartons in practice. We issue our own bills of lading, and in Durres we have a direct presence and annual shipping contracts.
Get a quote
Send us your request with a link or photo of the product, the quantity, the supplier's location and the city in Albania where the goods should arrive. We prepare a separate quote for each shipment, with the route and the transit time. The CBM calculator gives you the volume of the shipment.
