Oversized cargo transportation from China to Europe

such as large machinery and equipment, engineering parts, wind power equipment, etc.) exported from China to Europe involves complex logistics operations and strict regulatory requirements. The following are key considerations and operation guidelines:

1. Preliminary preparation and compliance

Cargo classification and definition

Confirm whether the goods are out-of-gauge, OOG):

Dimensions: length > 12 meters, width > 2.5 meters, height > 3 meters (road transport); or single piece weight > 40 tons (European road weight limits vary from country to country).

Must comply with the EU’s “European Agreement on International Road Transport” (ADR/TIR) regulations on special goods.

Regulations and certification

CE mark: Mechanical equipment must pass EU safety certification (such as Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC).

Temporary import permit: Some countries (such as Germany and the Netherlands) need to apply for temporary permits for overweight transportation in advance.

Environmental requirements: Comply with REACH regulations (such as surface coatings of goods, restrictions on chemical substances in materials).

2. Transport plan design

Transportation mode selection

Sea transportation:

Preferred roll-on/roll-off ships (Ro-Ro) or semi-submersible ships (for overweight pieces), pay attention to the port’s lifting capacity (such as Rotterdam and Hamburg ports can handle more than 500 tons of cargo).

Container transportation requires the use of open top cabinets (Open Top) or flat cabinets (Flat Rack).

Road transport:

In Europe, a hydraulic axle vehicle (SPMT) must be used, and a special escort vehicle must be applied for (e.g., a lead vehicle + police car escort is required in the Netherlands).

Multimodal transport: China-Europe trains (e.g., Chongqing-Duisburg) are suitable for some Central Asian/Eastern European routes, but the track gauge compatibility must be confirmed.

Route planning

Avoid low bridges (e.g., the height limit in the UK is 4.8 meters) and narrow roads (e.g., the width limit in some mountainous areas in Italy is 3.5 meters).

Use professional tools to verify the route (e.g., the German BAG oversized transport route planning system).

III. Documents and insurance

Required documents

Commercial invoice, packing list (specify the exact size/weight), cargo photos (six-sided view).

Oversized transport permit (need to apply to the transit country 7-30 days in advance, such as France, DTMR form must be submitted).

For sea transport, a stability calculation is required (for cargo with a shifted center of gravity).

Insurance

Purchase “All Risks” and add:

Lifting insurance Insurance)

Third-party liability insurance (the recommended insurance amount is ≥ 110% of the value of the goods).

IV. Packaging and loading and unloading

Packaging requirements

Use steel frame + anti-rust material (such as VCI anti-rust film for sea transportation), and clearly mark the center of gravity.

Vulnerable parts (such as precision instruments) need independent shock-absorbing packaging.

Key points for loading and unloading

Port hoisting: Confirm the capacity of port equipment (such as the maximum lifting capacity of Antwerp Port is 1,200 tons).

Single-point hoisting is prohibited (balance beams must be used), and sea lashing must comply with the CSS Code.

V. Customs clearance and taxation

Tariff optimization

Use temporary imports (ATA Carnet) to avoid full tax (applicable to exhibited equipment).

When declaring HS codes, give priority to low-tax categories (such as wind turbine parts can be classified as 8502.31).

EU customs clearance

Submit ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) in advance, and some countries (such as Italy) require physical inspection.

Provide certificate of origin (Form A or CO) enjoy tariff concessions.

VI. Risk Control

Common Risks

Penalties: Failure to declare over-gauge transportation (fines in Germany can reach 50,000 euros).

Delays: Nordic ports (such as Gothenburg) may be closed due to weather in winter.

Contingency Plan

Alternative routes: Plan 2-3 alternative routes in advance.

Contingency Agreement: Sign a priority response contract with a local trailer company (such as Mammoet in the Netherlands).

VII. Recommended Service Providers

Sea transportation: COSCO Shipping Special Transport, BIGLIFT in the Netherlands.

European Highway: Schenker in Germany, Bolloré Logistics in France.

Customs clearance agent: DHL Global Forwarding (specializes in complex customs clearance in Eastern Europe).
The transportation of oversized items (such as large machinery and equipment, engineering components, wind power equipment, etc.) exported from China to Europe involves complex logistics operations and strict regulatory requirements. The following are key considerations and operating guidelines:

I. Preliminary preparation and compliance

Cargo classification and definition

Confirm whether the goods are oversized (Out-of-Gauge, OOG):

Dimensions: length > 12 meters, width > 2.5 meters, height > 3 meters (road transport); or single piece weight > 40 tons (European road weight limits vary from country to country).

Must comply with the EU’s “European Agreement on International Road Transport” (ADR/TIR) regulations on special goods.

Regulations and certification

CE mark: Mechanical equipment must pass EU safety certification (such as Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC).

Temporary import permit: Some countries (such as Germany and the Netherlands) need to apply for temporary permits for overweight transportation in advance.

Environmental requirements: Comply with REACH regulations (such as surface coatings of goods, restrictions on chemical substances in materials).

2. Transport plan design

Transportation mode selection

Sea transportation:

Preferred roll-on/roll-off ships (Ro-Ro) or semi-submersible ships (for overweight pieces), pay attention to the port’s lifting capacity (such as Rotterdam and Hamburg ports can handle more than 500 tons of cargo).

Container transportation requires the use of open top cabinets (Open Top) or flat cabinets (Flat Rack).

Road transport:

In Europe, a hydraulic axle vehicle (SPMT) must be used, and a special escort vehicle must be applied for (e.g., a lead vehicle + police car escort is required in the Netherlands).

Multimodal transport: China-Europe trains (e.g., Chongqing-Duisburg) are suitable for some Central Asian/Eastern European routes, but the track gauge compatibility must be confirmed.

Route planning

Avoid low bridges (e.g., the height limit in the UK is 4.8 meters) and narrow roads (e.g., the width limit in some mountainous areas in Italy is 3.5 meters).

Use professional tools to verify the route (e.g., the German BAG oversized transport route planning system).

III. Documents and insurance

Required documents

Commercial invoice, packing list (specify the exact size/weight), cargo photos (six-sided view).

Oversized transport permit (need to apply to the transit country 7-30 days in advance, such as France, DTMR form must be submitted).

For sea transport, a stability calculation is required (for cargo with a shifted center of gravity).

Insurance

Purchase “All Risks” and add:

Lifting insurance Insurance)

Third-party liability insurance (the recommended insurance amount is ≥ 110% of the value of the goods).

IV. Packaging and loading and unloading

Packaging requirements

Use steel frame + anti-rust material (such as VCI anti-rust film for sea transportation), and clearly mark the center of gravity.

Vulnerable parts (such as precision instruments) need independent shock-absorbing packaging.

Key points for loading and unloading

Port hoisting: Confirm the capacity of port equipment (such as the maximum lifting capacity of Antwerp Port is 1,200 tons).

Single-point hoisting is prohibited (balance beams must be used), and sea lashing must comply with the CSS Code.

V. Customs clearance and taxation

Tariff optimization

Use temporary imports (ATA Carnet) to avoid full tax (applicable to exhibited equipment).

When declaring HS codes, give priority to low-tax categories (such as wind turbine parts can be classified as 8502.31).

EU customs clearance

Submit ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) in advance, and some countries (such as Italy) require physical inspection.

Provide certificate of origin (Form A or CO) enjoy tariff concessions.

VI. Risk Control

Common Risks

Penalties: Failure to declare oversized transport (Germany fines up to 50,000 euros).

Delays: Nordic ports (such as Gothenburg) may be closed due to weather in winter.

Contingency Plan

Alternative routes: Plan 2-3 alternative routes in advance.

Contingency Agreement: Sign a priority response contract with a local trailer company (such as Mammoet in the Netherlands).

VII. Recommended Service Providers

Sea transportation: COSCO Shipping Special Transport, BIGLIFT in the Netherlands.

European Road: Schenker in Germany, Bolloré Logistics in France.

Customs clearance agent: DHL Global Forwarding (specializes in complex customs clearance in Eastern Europe).