Air Freight From China To UK
What is air freight?
Air freight is the carriage of goods by aircraft. Air cargo can be transported either through charter or commercial flights and is pivotal for the rapid, reliable global shipping of goods worldwide.
How does air freight from China to UK work?
Delivering air freight from China to UK begins when all goods have arrived at the airport and undergone the relevant security checks.
Major airports in China that handle significant amounts of cargo to the UK include Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Major airports in China that handle significant amounts of cargo to the UK include Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Once the cargo is ready, it is loaded onto a direct flight to the UK or transferred to a connecting flight, depending on the origin and agreements with the air carriers. Direct flights from China to the UK are generally faster and are available from major airports like Shenzhen, Xiamen, Guangzhou and Qingdao. These goods will then be delivered to key UK airports such as Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN).
Cargo can also be sent via indirect flights, where it may need to be offloaded and reloaded at a hub airport: this may introduce delays but can reduce costs.
Upon arrival in the UK, the goods undergo customs clearance. This critical step can be streamlined by using experienced freight forwarders who handle the necessary paperwork and ensure compliance with both Chinese and UK regulations. The freight forwarder will also arrange for the cargo to be collected from the airport and delivered to its final destination in the UK.
Cargo can also be sent via indirect flights, where it may need to be offloaded and reloaded at a hub airport: this may introduce delays but can reduce costs.
Upon arrival in the UK, the goods undergo customs clearance. This critical step can be streamlined by using experienced freight forwarders who handle the necessary paperwork and ensure compliance with both Chinese and UK regulations. The freight forwarder will also arrange for the cargo to be collected from the airport and delivered to its final destination in the UK.
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How much does air freight shipping cost from China?
The cost of shipping air freight from China can vary depending on several factors:
Type of goods sent
Sensitive or valuable items such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, or perishable goods often require special handling and storage, which can increase costs.
For instance, goods that need to be kept refrigerated or are fragile may incur higher fees due to the required specialist equipment.
For instance, goods that need to be kept refrigerated or are fragile may incur higher fees due to the required specialist equipment.
Size and weight of goods
The weight and volume of the shipment are critical factors in cost. Charges are typically calculated based on either the actual weight or the volumetric weight of the goods (the greater of the two will determine the costs).
Volumetric weight is calculated as the product of the item's dimensions divided by a constant (usually 6000), which accounts for a less dense item's relatively larger space.
For example, a large but light package may cost more to ship than a small, heavy package due to the space it takes up in the hold.
Volumetric weight is calculated as the product of the item's dimensions divided by a constant (usually 6000), which accounts for a less dense item's relatively larger space.
For example, a large but light package may cost more to ship than a small, heavy package due to the space it takes up in the hold.
Demand/time of year
Demand for air freight can fluctuate and cause changes in price.
During peak seasons such as Chinese New Year or Golden Week, demand spikes. High demand can lead to higher prices due to limited available capacity. In the same way, shippers might find somewhat reduced rates during off-peak times.
During peak seasons such as Chinese New Year or Golden Week, demand spikes. High demand can lead to higher prices due to limited available capacity. In the same way, shippers might find somewhat reduced rates during off-peak times.
VAT
Value-added Tax (VAT) is charged on goods imported from China into the UK based on the value of the goods, shipping charges, and any duty paid. The standard VAT rate for most goods is 20%, but it can vary depending on the type of product.
You can learn more about charges on air freight from China to UK by using the government’s VAT checker.
You can learn more about charges on air freight from China to UK by using the government’s VAT checker.
Import duty (excise/customs)
Customs Duty is charged on goods imported from outside the UK if they are valued over £135. However, the actual rate depends on the type of goods. For expensive shipments, the duty can significantly affect the total cost of importing by air from China to the UK.
Visit the tax and customs for goods sent from abroad section of the UK government’s website.
Visit the tax and customs for goods sent from abroad section of the UK government’s website.
Air cargo insurance
Insurance is crucial for safeguarding against the loss, damage, or theft of goods while in transit.
The cost of air cargo insurance can vary depending on the value of the goods and the risk associated with their transport. Typically, insurance costs are a small percentage of the declared value of the cargo.
The cost of air cargo insurance can vary depending on the value of the goods and the risk associated with their transport. Typically, insurance costs are a small percentage of the declared value of the cargo.
Important documents used in air freight from China
1. Air waybill (AWB)
An Airway Bill (AWB) is a contract between the shipper (sender of goods) and the carrier (airline).
It is a non-negotiable document which proves that the carrier has received the goods and has agreed to carry them to the destination airport stated in the bill. You will need to submit your AWB to UK customs.
2. EORI number
Air shipping from China to UK requires you to register for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification Number. This mandatory code allows UK customs to track any goods imported into the country.
3. Commodity code
Every product that enters the UK must be assigned a commodity code. It is a ten-digit number for imports outside the EU (eight digits for intra-EU trade) that classifies goods for customs and taxation purposes.
Commodity codes determine the rate of duty, if the goods are VAT applicable and whether they require an import licence. They are essential for preparing shipping documentation and must be declared accurately to avoid potential issues.
4. Import licence
The need for an import licence often depends on the type of goods you are importing, their origin, and their intended use. For example, import licences are necessary for controlled goods like firearms, certain pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.
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China to UK air freight time
The time it takes for air freight to ship from China to UK generally ranges from about 3 to 8 days if we’re considering port-to-port or airport-to-airport shipping. The timeline can extend to approximately 6 to 16 days for a complete door-to-door service.
However, it all depends on various factors, including the exact origin and destination cities, the efficiency of customs clearance, and the specific logistics arrangements made by the shipping provider.
However, it all depends on various factors, including the exact origin and destination cities, the efficiency of customs clearance, and the specific logistics arrangements made by the shipping provider.
Top shipping airports in China
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Hangzhou International Airport (HGH)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Hangzhou International Airport (HGH)
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