Bofeng Logistics provides international air freight dedicated services from the Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou Baiyun CAN, Shenzhen Baoan SZX, Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok HKG, Macau MFM) to Germany. Leveraging the Eurasian route networks of the four major airports, we offer efficient and reliable air cargo solutions for trade with Germany and cross-border e-commerce sellers.
1. Route Overview
The Pearl River Delta boasts the world's densest cluster of top-tier airports—Hong Kong International Airport (HKG, No.1 in global cargo volume), Shenzhen Baoan Airport (SZX, No.3 globally), and Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN, No.4 globally)—with a combined annual cargo throughput exceeding 8 million tons. (Source: Each airport's 2025 annual report / IATA World Air Transport Statistics)
Germany is Europe's largest economy and one of China's most important trading partners within the EU. Sino-German trade primarily consists of electromechanical products, auto parts, chemicals, and cross-border e-commerce. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Europe's second-largest cargo airport, while Leipzig (LEJ) serves as DHL's global hub. As the core manufacturing region of China, the Pearl River Delta has a diverse range of air export categories to Germany with stable demand.
Bofeng Logistics' monthly air freight shipments from PRD airports to Germany mainly include auto parts, electronic products, and mechanical components, with deep experience in German import customs clearance and EU CE certification requirements. This route offers both direct and connecting services from any PRD airport to Germany's major air freight hubs.
2. Route Options
2.1 Direct Flights
| Departure Airport | Destination Airport | Main Airlines | Estimated Flight Time | Flight Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAN (Guangzhou Baiyun) | FRA Frankfurt | China Southern Airlines CZ | ~12h | Daily |
| SZX (Shenzhen Baoan) | — | Requires transit via Guangzhou/Hong Kong | — | — |
| HKG (Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok) | FRA Frankfurt | Cathay Pacific CX | ~12h | Daily |
| HKG (Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok) | MUC Munich | Cathay Pacific CX | ~12h | Daily |
| MFM (Macau International) | — | Requires transit via Hong Kong | — | — |
2.2 Connecting Options
Via Frankfurt (FRA) to other German cities and the European hinterland:
- Frankfurt FRA → Hamburg HAM / Hanover HAJ / Stuttgart STR / Düsseldorf DUS
- Leipzig LEJ is DHL's global hub, suitable for e-commerce parcels delivered via express networks
2.3 Characteristics of Each Departure Airport
| Airport | Advantage | Suitable Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| CAN (Guangzhou Baiyun) | China Southern Airlines CZ direct to Frankfurt, main channel for Sino-German trade | Conventional general cargo, large-volume shipments |
| SZX (Shenzhen Baoan) | E-commerce express via Hong Kong transit, preferred for cross-border e-commerce | E-commerce small parcels, FBA replenishment |
| HKG (Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok) | Cathay Pacific direct to Frankfurt + Munich, comprehensive European network | High-value goods, time-sensitive cargo |
| MFM (Macau International) | Proximity auxiliary airport, transit via Hong Kong | Small-batch cargo |
3. Applicable Cargo Types
- General Cargo: Electronics, auto parts, machinery, chemicals
- Sensitive Cargo: Built-in battery items, liquids/powders (non-DG level)
- Dangerous Goods: Lithium batteries (UN3480/UN3481, must comply with IATA DGR)
- Temperature-Controlled Cargo: Pharmaceuticals, fresh/cold chain (advance declaration required)
- High-Value Cargo: Precision instruments, auto parts, medical devices
⚠️ Air transport of dangerous goods must strictly follow the latest IATA DGR regulations. Please confirm booking 3-5 working days in advance. See Full Guide to Dangerous Goods by Air (DGR).
4. Shipping Terms & Customs Clearance Methods
| Term | Pickup at Origin | Air Freight Leg | Customs Clearance at Destination | Last-Mile Delivery | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door to Port | ✅ Pickup service | ✅ | ❌ Customer self-clearance | ❌ | Most common; customer has own customs broker |
| Port to Port | ❌ Customer delivers to airport | ✅ | ❌ Customer self-clearance | ❌ | Customer delivers at origin |
| Port to Door | ❌ Customer delivers to airport | ✅ | ✅ Bofeng assists clearance | ✅ | For customers needing full-process service |
| Door to Door | ✅ Pickup service | ✅ | ✅ Bofeng assists clearance | ✅ | One-stop worry-free solution |
Default is "Door to Port": Bofeng Logistics arranges pickup and international air freight; upon arrival in Germany, the consignee handles customs clearance and pickup. If you require destination clearance and delivery, please inform us when placing the order.
5. Service Process
- Inquiry & Quotation → Provide cargo details (item name/weight/volume/piece count/HS code)
- Booking → Confirm space, lock in rate
- Delivery/Pickup → Deliver to CAN/SZX/HKG/MFM cargo terminal or arrange pickup
- Export Customs Declaration → Professional team handles export customs procedures
- Palletizing & Loading → Palletization/ULD assembly per airline standards
- Air Transport → Real-time cargo tracking available
- Customs Clearance in Germany → Per terms: customer self-clearance or Bofeng assistance
- Last-Mile Delivery → Door-to-door or warehouse-to-warehouse delivery
6. Reference Transit Times
| Method | Reference Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight | 3-5 days | CAN/HKG direct to FRA/MUC, including delivery + customs + flight + clearance + delivery |
| Transit Flight | 5-7 days | Via Frankfurt to other German cities |
| Air Express | 2-5 days | DHL/UPS/FedEx door-to-door, LEJ as DHL global hub offers good timeliness |
7. Customs Declaration & Clearance
- Export Customs Declaration: Provide packing list, invoice, contract, declaration elements; Bofeng Logistics' professional customs team handles the entire process
- Import Customs Clearance in Germany:
- Under "Door to Port/Port to Port" terms: Consignee self-clearance or entrust local customs broker
- Under "Port to Door/Door to Door" terms: Bofeng Logistics assists with destination customs clearance; fees confirmed separately (must be notified in advance)
- German customs have strict regulations for electronics, mechanical parts, etc.; requires complete declaration documents and EORI number
8. Freight Charges
Freight is confirmed based on actual cargo. Key factors affecting freight:
- Billing Method: Based on actual weight or volumetric weight (length cm × width cm × height cm ÷ 6000), whichever is greater
- Surcharges: Fuel surcharge, security fee (SSC), aviation security fee
- Peak Season: Aug-Oct and Nov-Dec usually have peak season surcharges
- Special Requirements: Dangerous goods, temperature control, oversized items incur additional fees
For an accurate quote, please submit cargo details to get a customized shipping solution.
Required Documents Checklist
Air export typically requires the following documents; please prepare in advance:
| Document | Description | Provided By |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Detailed list of item names, quantity, unit price, total value, HS code | Shipper |
| Packing List | List of pieces per box, gross weight, net weight, dimensions | Shipper |
| Air Waybill (AWB) | Prepared by Bofeng Logistics; issued after confirmation | Bofeng Logistics |
| Certificate of Origin | Required for tariff reduction in some destination countries | Shipper or Chamber of Commerce |
| Export Customs Declaration Power of Attorney | Authorizes Bofeng Logistics to handle export customs declaration | Shipper |
Specific document requirements vary by destination country and cargo type. Our customer service will provide a complete document checklist when placing the order.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How far in advance should I book when shipping from the Pearl River Delta to Germany? A: We recommend booking 3-5 working days in advance; during peak season, 1-2 weeks in advance is advised. Frankfurt routes have ample capacity but space is tight during peak season.
Q: What should I be aware of regarding German customs clearance? A: German customs are strict about declaration documents; accurate HS codes and certificates of origin are required. Some electronic products need CE certification, and importers must register for a German/EU EORI number.
Q: What is the difference between shipping to Frankfurt and Leipzig? A: Frankfurt FRA is Germany's largest passenger/cargo composite hub with high flight frequency and broad coverage; Leipzig LEJ is DHL's global freight hub, suitable for e-commerce parcels via express networks. General cargo is recommended via FRA, while e-commerce goods may consider LEJ.
10. Further Reading
- Departing from the Pearl River Delta: Guide to Major Global Air Routes and Hubs
- Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Hong Kong/Macau: In-Depth Comparison of Four PRD Air Cargo Ports
- Air Freight Billing: Detailed Explanation of Volumetric Weight (DIM)
11. Contact Us
- Phone: 130-7567-8958
- Email: info@zhbfwl.com
- Online Inquiry: Get Air Freight Quote
Bofeng Logistics Air Freight Team ｜ Updated: 2026-07-27 ｜ 20 years of international logistics experience, providing you with one-stop international air freight solutions.