Clear answers on logistics, customs, and global expansion for your business.
To export to the EU you need a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and depending on the product, sanitary or phytosanitary certificates. EORI registration is also mandatory if you operate from outside the bloc. We recommend reviewing the specific requirements for your goods with a customs agent.
A direct sea shipment from Chinese ports like Shanghai or Shenzhen to Rotterdam or Hamburg usually takes between 28 and 35 days. Factors such as the route, container type, and stopovers can extend transit time up to 45 days. For tighter deadlines, air transport reduces the time to 3–7 days.
You can optimize costs by consolidating loads, choosing multimodal routes, and negotiating rates with reliable carriers. Digitizing documentation and using real-time visibility platforms also help avoid delays and surcharges. A periodic analysis of your logistics providers is key.
The EU has updated the Union Customs Code (UCC) with new requirements for advance declarations and digitization of procedures. Adjustments to tariffs for electronic products and textiles are also expected. Stay up to date by subscribing to official newsletters and consulting with your customs advisor.
A 4PL operator manages your entire supply chain, from planning to execution, integrating multiple providers. It is advisable if your company handles high volumes or complex routes. For SMEs with simple operations, a specialized 3PL may be more cost-effective and flexible.
We were born to simplify international trade. We don't believe in unnecessary intermediaries or opaque processes. Every shipment, every route, and every agreement must be clear, measurable, and efficient.
We work with local teams at key ports and digital platforms that reduce waiting times. Our team knows the customs, deadlines, and unforeseen events. That's why we anticipate, not react.
The result for those who trust us: less uncertainty, predictable logistics costs, and real access to new markets without losing control of the operation.
Our identity
We collaborate with logistics and commercial partners in over 40 countries. Each connection is evaluated for its responsiveness and regulatory compliance.
Verified alliances · 40+ countriesWe coordinate maritime, air, and land transport with real-time tracking. We reduce transit times and operational costs without sacrificing quality.
Multimodal · 24/7 trackingWe keep documentation and regulatory processes up to date for each destination. We avoid border delays and penalties for non-compliance.
EU, US, Asia regulationsWe research entry opportunities in emerging markets and high-growth sectors. We deliver reports with concrete data and actionable recommendations.
Sector studies · customized reportsWe advise companies on their first export or on restructuring their supply chain. Each project has a work plan with milestones and responsible parties.
Consulting · expansion plansWe protect our clients' commercial information and operate under strict codes of conduct. Transparency is the foundation of every professional relationship.
Secure data · ethical codeOur trajectory
Founded in a small office in Gijón, GlobalTrade was born with the vision of simplifying international trade for companies of all sizes. In 2008, we opened our first overseas office in Panama to facilitate access to Latin American markets. The global financial crisis forced us to rethink our processes, and it was then that we developed our own customs risk management system, which reduced clearance times by 30%.
In 2015, the digitalization of our shipment tracking platform allowed us to offer real-time visibility to our clients, a milestone that set us apart in the sector. Today, with over 150 professionals on three continents, we manage supply chains for companies exporting everything from industrial machinery to agri-food products. Our commitment remains the same: to make global trade faster, safer, and more accessible.