Robot Logistics — Door to Door
Buying a robot is one thing. Getting it to your door — across borders, through customs, with the right certifications — is another. AllRobots helps you navigate the entire process.
International Shipping
Sea freight, air freight, rail, or express courier — we help you choose the right method based on robot size, weight, urgency, and budget.
Customs & Duties
Import duties, VAT, tariffs — they vary wildly by country and robot type. We give you estimates upfront so there are no surprises.
Certifications
CE for Europe, UL for US, CCC for China, UKCA for UK. We tell you exactly what certifications your robot needs in your market.
Trade Restrictions
Some robots face export controls or sanctions. Chinese drones in the US, Russian robots under OFAC, defense tech under ITAR — we flag these upfront.
Shipping Methods
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 25-40 days | $2,000-8,000 per container | Heavy/large robots, bulk orders |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 30-45 days | $500-2,000 per CBM | Single robots, smaller items |
| Air Freight | 3-7 days | $5-15 per kg | Urgent, lightweight robots (<500kg) |
| Rail (China-Europe) | 18-22 days | $3,000-6,000 per container | China to EU, cost-time balance |
| Express Courier (DHL/FedEx) | 2-5 days | $20-50 per kg | Small robots, parts, consumer models |
Import Requirements by Region
EU
CE marking required for all robots. Must comply with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
Import duty varies: 0-4.7% for industrial robots (HS 8479.50), 0% for many cobots under ITA agreements.
VAT applies (country-dependent: 19% DE, 23% PT, 20% FR, 22% IT, etc.)
Major ports: Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Barcelona. Rail from China via EU-China rail (18-20 days).
Military/defense robots require export license from origin country
Drones >250g require EASA registration
US
UL/NRTL listing recommended. OSHA compliance for industrial robots. FCC for wireless.
Import duty: 0-2.5% for most robots. Section 301 tariffs may apply to Chinese-origin robots (up to 25%).
No federal VAT. State sales tax may apply.
Major ports: Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Savannah.
Chinese drones (DJI) restricted for government use
Russian-origin robots may face OFAC sanctions
ITAR restrictions on defense robotics
CN
CCC (China Compulsory Certificate) for some categories. GB standards.
Import duty: 0-10% depending on category. Free trade zone options available.
13% VAT on imported goods.
Major ports: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao.
Export controls on AI-enabled military robots
JP
JIS standards. PSE mark for electrical components.
Import duty: 0% for most industrial robots under ITA.
10% consumption tax.
Major ports: Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe.
UK
UKCA marking (post-Brexit). CE marking accepted until 2028.
Import duty: 0-2.7% for robots. Check UK Global Tariff schedule.
20% VAT on imports.
Major ports: Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway.
Same as EU for most categories
Recommended Freight Forwarders
Flexport
Tech-savvy, great dashboard, good for first-time importers
Freightos
Instant online quotes, comparison marketplace
DSV
Large European forwarder, strong EU network
Kuehne+Nagel
Global leader, handles oversized/heavy cargo
DHL Global Forwarding
End-to-end, strong in Asia-Europe corridor
Maersk
Integrated shipping + logistics, competitive ocean rates
Get a Logistics Quote
Tell us what robot you want and where you need it delivered. Our logistics agent will get back to you with a shipping estimate, customs requirements, and recommended forwarders.