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Importing from China to the UK: a 7-step guide

Importing from China to the UK involves registration, product classification, trade terms, freight and customs clearance. This guide is for UK businesses importing goods from China. It sets out the steps in order and the common mistakes, and explains how our China sourcing agent service supports importers.

Importing from China to the UK follows the same core steps whatever the product. This guide covers the paperwork, the choice of freight, working with a freight forwarder and how to keep landed cost under control.

By Matt Buckley · Updated

Importing from China to the UK, step by step

  1. EORI number. A business needs a GB EORI number to move goods into Great Britain [1].
  2. Commodity code. Every product is classified with a commodity code, which sets the duty rate and any controls [2].
  3. Duty. Customs duty is charged at the UK Global Tariff rate for that code on the customs value [2]. See our guide to import duty from China to the UK.
  4. Import VAT. Import VAT is charged on the value of the goods plus duty, and VAT-registered businesses can account for it through postponed VAT accounting [3].
  5. Incoterms. Agree in writing who pays for freight, insurance and clearance, and where risk passes.
  6. Freight. Choose sea, rail or air on cost and lead time, usually through a freight forwarder.
  7. Customs clearance. An import declaration is made, duty and VAT are paid or deferred, and the goods are released [4].

To estimate the duty on your product, see import duty from China to the UK, then put the full cost together with our landed cost calculator.

If you would rather not manage suppliers in China yourself, a China sourcing agent can find and vet factories for you.

1. Get set up

  • Register for a GB EORI number
  • Find the commodity code for each product
  • Check product safety, labelling and any licence requirements
  • Decide how you will account for import VAT

2. Agree terms with the supplier

Agree price, payment terms, Incoterms, packing and quality checks in writing. Many importers buy FOB so they control the freight. See Incoterms explained.

3. Choose a freight forwarder

A freight forwarder from China to the UK books space, handles export and import paperwork and can act as your customs agent. Compare several on all-in cost, transit time, communication and claims handling.

4. Choose sea, rail or air freight

  • Sea freight China to UK. Lowest cost per unit, typically several weeks port to port. Full container (FCL) or shared (LCL).
  • Rail freight China to UK. Usually faster than sea and cheaper than air, but capacity and routing can be affected by disruption.
  • Air freight. Fastest and most expensive, used for urgent or high-value goods.

5. Customs clearance and delivery

Your customs agent submits the import declaration, pays or defers duty and releases the goods for delivery. Keep invoices, packing lists and origin documents for audit.

6. Control landed cost

Add unit price, freight, insurance, duty, clearance, delivery and inventory holding cost. Our landed cost calculator gives a quick estimate. See import duty from China, sourcing from China and our offshore sourcing service.

If you want help finding and qualifying suppliers, an independent product sourcing agent can compare options on landed cost for you.

Frequently asked questions

How long does shipping from China to the UK take?

Sea freight typically takes several weeks port to port, plus time for loading and delivery. Rail is usually faster than sea and air takes days. Allow buffer for delays.

Do I need a freight forwarder?

Not legally, but most businesses use one. A good forwarder handles booking, documentation and customs clearance and saves time and mistakes.

References

Numbered citations link to the sources below. Illustrative examples and calculations are identified separately in the article.

  1. Get an EORI number: GOV.UK
  2. Look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates: GOV.UK
  3. VAT on goods from outside the UK: GOV.UK
  4. Import goods into the UK: step by step: GOV.UK

Further reading

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Landed cost calculator for UK importers

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