Three ports for Serbia
For Serbia we compare Thessaloniki, Bar and Piraeus, and choose the route according to the city where the goods are delivered.
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| Port | Inland leg | When we suggest it |
|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki | Truck, directly to Belgrade; delivery to Nis can also be arranged | South and central Serbia; a regular choice for Belgrade |
| Bar | Truck north through Montenegro | Belgrade, western and south-western Serbia |
| Piraeus | Inland transport | An additional option, depending on the sailing and the inland cost |
Rijeka and Koper, about 520 to 640 km from Belgrade by road, are also used for northern Serbia and Vojvodina. A full container leaves from the Chinese port nearest the goods. Consolidated shipments (LCL) are collected in our warehouse and leave from Ningbo.
How long shipping from China to Serbia 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. The ranges apply roughly to all three ports.
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. For urgent or valuable shipments we also arrange air freight from China. See the guide how long shipping from China takes.
Customs clearance and the China-Serbia free trade agreement
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.
Serbia's free trade agreement with China has been in force since 1 July 2024. Your forwarder confirms whether it applies to your product. Our agents in China ask the supplier for the proof of origin when the order is placed.
Compliance
The Serbian conformity mark applies by default, and the CE mark is accepted only where foreign documents are recognised. For toys and electrical goods the supplier should have test reports. We check that the documents exist and that they relate to your product. Before you order, confirm with your forwarder which documents your goods need. We ask the supplier for them before the deposit is paid.
How we run an import to Serbia
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. We issue our own bills of lading, and in Thessaloniki and Bar 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 Serbia where the goods should arrive, for example Belgrade, Nis or Novi Sad. We prepare a separate quote for each shipment, with the route and the transit time.
