Best Methods for Importing & Shipping from China to the UK: Costs, Times, and Options
China is one of the largest manufacturers in the world, producing a wide range of consumer products, industrial equipment, cars, and more. With such a vast selection, the main question many businesses face is:
What should I import from China?
The good news is that many businesses already import goods from China to the UK, and numerous options exist to simplify the process. This guide will walk you through your options and the steps to import products from China to the UK successfully.
Importing from China to the UK – FAQs
Do I Need a License to Import Goods into the UK?
Whether or not you need a license depends on the specific products you’re importing. Certain items like food, medicine, chemicals, and hazardous materials require a license or certification. For many common consumer goods and clothing, a license is not necessary. If you’re unsure, you can check the full details on the UK government website.
Steps for importing goods from China to the UK:
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Apply for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI number)
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Verify that the supplier you’re buying from can export to the UK
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Get the commodity code for your goods
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Determine the value of your goods for duty and VAT purposes
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Check if you need a license or certificate for your products
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Review customs duty rules based on the type of import
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Follow the labeling and marketing regulations for goods like food and manufactured products
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Complete the customs declaration and ship your products
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Claim a VAT refund if applicable
Do I Need an EORI Number to Import from China?
Yes, an EORI number is required for businesses importing goods into the UK from China or elsewhere. It is necessary for customs clearance when goods reach the UK border. EORI numbers can be applied for online. If your business had an EORI number before Brexit, you may need to apply for a new one that starts with “GB” for importing to England, Scotland, or Wales.
What Does the UK Import from China?
China is the UK’s 5th largest trading partner. Over 75,000 UK businesses import from China each year. The most common imports include clothing, consumer goods, electronics, telecom equipment, and vehicles.
How Do I Ship My Products from China to the UK?
There are two main options for shipping goods from China to the UK: by sea or air. Air freight is faster but more expensive, costing over 1,000 USD per cubic meter. Sea freight is slower but cheaper, especially if you’re shipping a full container load. You can either handle the shipping arrangements yourself or hire a third-party intermediary.
How Much Tax Will I Pay if I Import from China?
UK import taxes are calculated based on the commodity code for the goods. Commodity codes vary depending on factors like the item’s material, origin, and use. You can look up your product’s commodity code online to find the applicable tax rate.
Do I Need to Pay VAT on Imports from China to the UK?
Yes, VAT is typically charged on imports. If your business is VAT-registered, you may pay import VAT. Be sure to review the rules on the UK government’s website to understand your specific obligations.
What Documents Do I Need to Import Goods from China?
To clear UK customs, you will need:
- An EORI number
- A bill of lading
- A commercial invoice
- A packing list
- A certificate of origin
- An import license (if required)
Table of Contents
How to Import from China – Step-by-Step?
1. Finding and Choosing a Chinese Supplier
Online platforms like Alibaba can help you find suppliers, but the quality and reliability can vary significantly. It’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence, request samples, check the quality of manufacturing, and understand any guarantees before committing to a supplier.
Language barriers are often an issue, so having a translator or using an agent can help ensure smooth communication.
Attending trade fairs in China is another effective way to find suppliers. These fairs allow you to inspect products in person, negotiate deals, and establish relationships. The Jetro database offers details about upcoming Chinese trade fairs.
2. Negotiating Payment Terms
Negotiating payment terms and delivery conditions is crucial. You can use internationally recognized Incoterms to outline your agreement, covering aspects like who pays for duties and transport and when the seller is no longer responsible for the goods.
3. Arranging Transport from China
Most businesses opt for sea freight for cost-effectiveness, though air freight is also available for small, light, and valuable items. Compare different transport options and consider hiring a freight forwarder to simplify the process.
4. Preparing Customs Declarations
Customs requirements depend on the type of goods you’re importing. Consult with your shipping company to ensure that the necessary paperwork is completed, or consider having the freight forwarder handle the entire process.
Use this guide to start importing from China to the UK, ensuring that you follow the required steps to avoid any hurdles.
What is the Best Method for Shipping from China to the UK?
There are five main methods for shipping from China to the UK: Express, air freight, sea freight, rail freight, and truck freight shipping. In this post, we will cover everything from common methods, timing, and costs.
How Long Does Shipping Take from China to the UK?
There are currently three best shipping modes from China to the UK: air, sea, and rail.
- Air express is the fastest and the most expensive, and it will arrive in about 3-5 days.
- Ocean shipping (container ship from China to UK) is the cheapest, and it takes about 25-45 days to arrive at the port from the start of the ship.
- The railway to the UK shipping price and timeliness is between air and sea freight.
| Mode | Port to Port | Door to Door |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 30 – 35 days | 46 – 50 days |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 29 – 41 days | 42 – 58 days |
| Air Freight | 3 – 8 days | 6 – 16 days |
| Express | – | 5 – 6 days |
Shipping Cost from China to the UK
Air shipping costs from China to the UK can reach $4 to $5 per kg, based on weight, size, and volumetric weight.
For container shipping costs from China to the UK:
- In FCL shipping, the average cost of a 40-foot container is $5,480.
- In LCL shipping, the average cost for shipping 200 kg/1 cbm is around $600-800.
5 Shipping Methods from China to the UK
1. Air Shipping from China to the UK
International express services from China to the UK include DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT. For goods weighing less than 10kg, choose DHL or FedEx. For goods over 23kg, choose UPS or TNT.
Advantages:
Express delivery is fast, detailed, and can achieve delivery within 5 days. Air freight takes more than ten days, and ocean shipping takes over a month.
Disadvantages:
It is the most expensive shipping method due to the better logistics services provided.
Suggestion:
If logistics timeliness and safety are not high priorities, it’s recommended to avoid international express shipping to save on fees.
2. International Air Freight to the UK
Air freight logistics include international special lines, parcels, Amazon FBA, and overseas warehouses.
Advantages:
It is relatively fast and cost-effective compared to express services.
Disadvantages:
It has mid-range pricing and a delivery time of 5-20 days.
Suggestion:
For medium priority on timeliness and cost-saving needs, international air freight is a solid option.
3. International Sea Freight to the UK
There are expedited ships (faster but more expensive) and slow ships (cheaper but slower). Choose based on your budget and timing needs.
Advantages:
Sea shipping has the lowest costs among all transportation modes, costing about $1 to $1.5 per kg.
Disadvantages:
Logistics timing is very slow, ranging from 30 to 50 days.
Suggestion:
Ideal for low-priority goods with large volumes, allowing significant savings on logistics costs.
4. Rail Transport to the UK
International rail transport connects China with European countries like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain through the China-Europe Interrail.
Advantages:
Rail transport offers stable timeliness and low freight rates, making it good for transporting liquids and electrical products.
Disadvantages:
It has slower logistics than air freight.
Suggestion:
Rail transport is great for stable, large-volume shipping, especially during peak logistics seasons.
5. Truck Freight Shipping from China to the UK
Truck freight is similar to European rail transport and is often used to transfer goods to the UK via Europe.
Advantages:
It has slightly faster timeliness than rail transport and is a good backup for deliveries.
Disadvantages:
It’s slower than air freight and express shipping but faster than sea freight.
Suggestion:
Truck freight is a cost-effective alternative, particularly for countries in the Middle East, and serves as a good backup during peak seasons.
Choose the Best Shipping Method from China to the UK
Each shipping method has clear advantages:
- If timeliness is critical, choose air freight for large volumes or express shipping for small quantities.
- If cost-effectiveness is more important than speed, choose sea freight for large shipments or rail freight for medium volumes.
Important Considerations
- Restrictions: Each shipping method has its own restrictions on items, weight, and volume. For sensitive goods like liquids, cosmetics, or batteries, special lines or rail freight may be needed.
- Optimize Packaging: Reducing the size and weight of your packages can help save costs, especially with air and express shipping.
How to Ship from China to the UK:
- Optimize Packaging: Reduce extra space in packages to save costs.
- Find the Right Freight Forwarder: Choose a reliable forwarder with quick response times and solid customer service.
- Get a Quote: Ensure your freight forwarder provides a clear, accurate shipping quote based on your needs.
- Compare Costs: Always compare shipping costs and choose a trusted freight forwarder to avoid hidden issues.
British Customs Policy
1. Import Tax from China to the UK
The UK has a tax rate threshold of £15, and a tariff threshold of £135. Tariff composition includes VAT, duty, and customs clearance fees.
2. Items Prohibited from Importing to the UK
Ensure your items are not on the UK’s prohibited import list to avoid fines and delays.
3. Certifications Required
Products exported to the UK may require certifications like CE, ROHS, BSI, or MSDS, depending on the item category.
Shipping Restrictions and Sensitive Goods
Certain items, such as liquids, pastes, cosmetics, batteries, and more, require special shipping methods due to restrictions. These items can be shipped using rail or air special lines, such as the British special line for sensitive goods.
Conclusion
Each shipping method from China to the UK has unique advantages. Air freight and express are best for speed, while sea and rail freight offer cost savings for larger shipments. Be sure to choose the method that best suits your specific needs in terms of time, cost, and shipment size.
If you need further assistance or a quote for shipping from China to the UK, feel free to contact us.
Sources Used in This Article:
- UK government – how to import goods into the UK
- UK government – get an EORI number
- UK government – China trade and investment factsheet
- UK government commodity codes
- UK government – VAT
