Import from China to UK
Why import from China?
Businesses that import goods from China are making a strategic move. China’s competitive edge in merchandise importing is the result of many factors, most notably cost savings, diverse production selection and manufacturing expertise.
Cost savings
Compared to Western countries, China’s labour costs have remained consistently low.
If you’re importing from China to the UK, you can expect to benefit from lower unit costs due to economies of scale and efficient resource utilisation.
If you’re importing from China to the UK, you can expect to benefit from lower unit costs due to economies of scale and efficient resource utilisation.
Diverse product selection
Covering sectors like electronics, textiles, and automotive components, importing from China allows businesses to source almost any type of product due to the country’s wide-ranging industrial base. In 2023 alone, China’s top three import purchases were:
1. Electrical machinery/equipment: $550.4 billion (21.5% of total imports)
2. Mineral fuels, including oil: $514.4 billion (20.1%)
3. Ores, slag, ash: $237.9 billion (9.3%)1
1. Electrical machinery/equipment: $550.4 billion (21.5% of total imports)
2. Mineral fuels, including oil: $514.4 billion (20.1%)
3. Ores, slag, ash: $237.9 billion (9.3%)1
Manufacturing expertise
China’s strong business ecosystem has made it the world’s largest manufacturing economy.
The country is renowned for its substantial investment in manufacturing infrastructure, which promotes high standards of production quality.
Goods are moved in and out of the country through China’s intricate network of ports, airports, roads and railways. This smooth supply chain means businesses can rely on consistent deliveries from China to the UK.
The country is renowned for its substantial investment in manufacturing infrastructure, which promotes high standards of production quality.
Goods are moved in and out of the country through China’s intricate network of ports, airports, roads and railways. This smooth supply chain means businesses can rely on consistent deliveries from China to the UK.
Our Services
While the reduced cost of goods can save businesses money, you could stand to save more.
If you want to make your imports from China cheaper, faster, and more reliable, compare importers with Freight Broker’s convenient cost comparison services. By helping you find the best shipping rates, we can streamline the import process and get your goods to you at a lower cost.
If you want to make your imports from China cheaper, faster, and more reliable, compare importers with Freight Broker’s convenient cost comparison services. By helping you find the best shipping rates, we can streamline the import process and get your goods to you at a lower cost.
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How to import from China to UK
Importing goods from China to the UK requires preparation. The process should go smoothly, provided you have the following details.
Find the right commodity code
Any import from China to the UK will have a commodity code. Customs authorities inspect commodity codes to identify what goods are being imported, if they are legal, if they follow safety regulations and whether the right tax and duty have been paid. Goods that are labelled incorrectly face being delayed or halted entry into the country.
You can use the UK Government Trade Tariff to find the right code for your goods. You can also use the commodity code to learn more about duty fees, VAT, duty reliefs and to complete declarations (as well as any other paperwork).
Find out your EORI number
To import goods from China, you’ll also need an EORI number. An Economic Operator Registration Identification Number (EORI) allows UK customs to keep track of all imported and exported goods. UK businesses can apply for an EORI number online, and you’ll typically receive it within three days.
Check if you need a licence
Before trying to import from China, UK businesses must visit the Department for International Trade to find out if they need to obtain a licence.
Some goods are subject to export controls, so it's essential to check if these apply to anything you need to ship. You should also be aware if the goods you intend to import fall under the surveillance control category.
As of 2024, there are three main types of controls on imported goods:
- Quotas: Restrictions on the volume of goods.
- Surveillance: Makes sure importation is monitored using licences.
- Bans: No imports allowed.
To find out what technologies cannot be imported from China without a government licence, you can consult the Foreign Trade Law of The People’s Republic of China. There are 33 technologies that cannot be exported from the country, including security tech, defence tech, cryptography, AI, encryption hardware/software and telemetry coding.
Shipping Options
Freight services will depend on the value and size of your shipments.
Air freight import from China to UK
Transporting your goods via air freight usually takes around 6 to 18 days. They will typically be delivered straight to your chosen address. It can be a more suitable choice for smaller loads (those under 100kg) or items needed quickly.
Sea freight import from China to UK
Sea shipping is the main method for goods weighing over 100kg. It can be done by sharing a container or, if you’re importing a high volume of goods, a full container.
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Customs and Duties
When importing goods into the UK from China, you may be required to make a customs declaration and pay duty and VAT on your goods to release them from customs.
Paying duty on Chinese import
How much duty you owe on goods will depend on what you’re importing.
The right commodity code will tell you how much duty you need to pay, and you can find this on the UK Government Trade Tariff. Some UK businesses employ a customs broker or freight forwarder to help them calculate import costs.
Paying VAT on Chinese import
Businesses will also need to pay VAT on their imported goods. The current UK rate is 20% which is owed on the value of the goods, customs duty and shipping costs.
Once you or a customs broker has paid the required duty and VAT costs on your behalf, your goods will be released from customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of products can I import from China to the UK?
You can import a vast range of products from China, including, but not limited to:
- Machinery and mechanical appliances
- Electrical equipment
- Consumer goods
- Vehicles
- Mineral fuels and oils
- Pharmaceuticals
- Optical, photographic, and medical equipment
- Apparel and textiles
- Furniture, toys, and sports equipment
How long does it take to import goods from China to the UK?
Shipping times will vary depending on the goods you’re importing and the chosen freight service. Generally, it can take up to 6 weeks for your goods to arrive, but this will vary according to the logistics of your delivery and the time of year you place the order.
Sea freight: 3-4 weeks
Air freight: 5-15 days
Sea freight: 3-4 weeks
Air freight: 5-15 days
What are the different shipping options available for importing from China?
The most popular options for UK importers are sea and air freight shipping.
What duties and taxes will I need to pay when importing from China?
To receive your imported goods from China, you may be required to pay VAT, customs duty, excise duty, or delivery charges. The parcel or courier company will tell you if you need to pay any VAT or duty.
According to the UK government’s tax and duty information, ‘you will not have to pay anything to the delivery company to receive goods worth less than £135 unless they’re gifts over £39 or excise goods (for example, alcohol and tobacco).’
According to the UK government’s tax and duty information, ‘you will not have to pay anything to the delivery company to receive goods worth less than £135 unless they’re gifts over £39 or excise goods (for example, alcohol and tobacco).’
What are the risks associated with importing goods from China?
The following risk factors should be taken into account:
Maintaining product quality is one of the most challenging aspects of importing from China. Often, the products received may not correspond to the samples provided, with issues like poor material quality, incorrect specifications, and non-compliance with safety standards.
Language and cultural differences can significantly complicate negotiations and quality control. Misunderstandings can lead to errors in product specifications or compliance requirements. Employing bilingual experts or using professional translation services can help bridge these gaps.
Each product imported into the UK must meet specific standards and legal requirements, which can vary widely between products. Compliance risks include failing to adhere to safety standards, which can result in product recalls or legal action.
Ensuring products have the correct labelling and documentation and have undergone necessary testing (such as CE marking or the new UKCA marking post-Brexit for certain products) is crucial.
Quality control issues
Maintaining product quality is one of the most challenging aspects of importing from China. Often, the products received may not correspond to the samples provided, with issues like poor material quality, incorrect specifications, and non-compliance with safety standards.
Communication barriers
Language and cultural differences can significantly complicate negotiations and quality control. Misunderstandings can lead to errors in product specifications or compliance requirements. Employing bilingual experts or using professional translation services can help bridge these gaps.
Regulatory compliance
Each product imported into the UK must meet specific standards and legal requirements, which can vary widely between products. Compliance risks include failing to adhere to safety standards, which can result in product recalls or legal action.
Ensuring products have the correct labelling and documentation and have undergone necessary testing (such as CE marking or the new UKCA marking post-Brexit for certain products) is crucial.
Do I need to be registered for VAT when importing from China?
If you’re importing goods for business purposes, you’ll need an Economic Operator Registration Identification Number (EORI). You can apply for an EORI number online. If you’re importing goods for personal use, you do not need an EORI.
How can I get a quote for shipping costs from China to the UK?
Using our easy quotation form, customers can compare the price of shipping goods internationally. Tell us where you're shipping to and from, along with any relevant postcodes for import and export destinations.
Enter the length, breadth, height, and weight of your cargo (those comparing palette shipping prices must choose from our selection of predefined palette sizes).
Click "compare prices" once you've entered all the required shipping information. Freight Broker will then give you a list of the market's most competitive shipping rates! It's an efficient and straightforward way to locate the best deals!
Enter the length, breadth, height, and weight of your cargo (those comparing palette shipping prices must choose from our selection of predefined palette sizes).
Click "compare prices" once you've entered all the required shipping information. Freight Broker will then give you a list of the market's most competitive shipping rates! It's an efficient and straightforward way to locate the best deals!
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