The route from China to Skopje
The main route for Macedonia, for full containers and consolidated shipments alike, runs through Thessaloniki. From there the goods continue by truck to Skopje, about 237 km, crossing the border at Evzoni/Bogorodica. We suggest Durres, with a truck leg across Albania, when a sailing fits better.
A full container leaves from the Chinese port nearest the goods, for example Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenzhen or Qingdao. Consolidated shipments (LCL) are collected in our warehouse and leave from Ningbo. Goods for Thessaloniki usually transship in Piraeus or another Mediterranean hub.
How long shipping from China to Macedonia 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. For the duty and VAT on your product, ask your forwarder. After clearance, if agreed, we also deliver to your warehouse.
Product compliance
The State Market Inspectorate enforces the technical regulations that implement EU directives, for example on low-voltage equipment. Toys need EN 71 test reports and a declaration of conformity, and electrical goods and lighting need LVD, EMC and RoHS documentation.
We check that the documents exist and that they relate to your product, and before loading we inspect the markings and labels. Some products also need an import licence, issued through the EXIM single window. Check the requirements for your product before you order. We ask the supplier for the documents before the deposit is paid.
How we run an import to Macedonia
Macedonia is our home market. We have arranged imports from China since 2006 from our head office in Skopje. 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. If we find a problem, we tell you before loading and agree how to proceed with the supplier.
- Transport. We issue our own bills of lading, and in Thessaloniki and Durres we have a direct presence and annual shipping contracts.
An office supplies chain we work with, which has more than 30 shops, brings in more than 10 containers a year this way.
Get a quote
Send us your request with a link or photo of the product, the quantity, the supplier's location and the delivery address in Macedonia. 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.
