COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO THE UK
Shipping Methods from China to the UK & Transit Times
Air Freight: Direct flights 1–2 days, connecting flights 2–3 days
Sea Freight: 35–40 days
Rail Transport: 28–33 days
Trucking: 25–27 days
Sea Freight from China to the UK
Reference Sea Freight Rates
International Ocean Shipping
LCL (Less than Container Load): $125/CBM
20ft (Full Container): $1750
40ft (Full Container): $3200
Rates are subject to change. For the latest sea freight prices, please contact us. Submit an inquiry, and we’ll send you a quotation within 24 hours!
Factors Affecting Sea Freight Rates
Seasonal Fluctuations: Rates may rise during peak seasons (e.g., holidays, shopping seasons, stock-up periods).
Route Selection: Different routes and ports of call can affect pricing.
Container Type: Rates vary for 20ft, 40ft, 40ft high-cube, and other container types.
Cargo Type: Special cargo, like hazardous goods or refrigerated items, may incur extra charges.
Given these variables, exact rates depend on your cargo details and shipping needs. We recommend contacting MLS with your specific requirements for the most accurate quote.
Major Ports for Shipping from China to the UK
China: Shenzhen Port, Shanghai Port, Guangzhou Port, Tianjin Port, Ningbo Port
UK: Port of Felixstowe, Port of Southampton, Port of London, Port of Liverpool, Port of Dover
Rail Freight from China to the UK
Reference Rail Freight Rates
LCL (Less than Container Load): $315/CBM
20ft (Full Container): $7600
40ft (Full Container): $10800
Factors Affecting Rail Freight Rates
Distance and Route: Different rail routes and transit countries affect costs.
Weight and Volume: Charges are based on chargeable weight (greater of actual or volumetric weight). Overweight or oversized cargo may incur extra fees.
Cargo Type: General, hazardous, or refrigerated goods have different rates. Special cargo often requires additional insurance and handling.
Container Type: Prices vary for 20GP, 40GP, 40HC, etc. LCL is generally more expensive per unit than FCL.
Market Fluctuations: Rates are typically higher during peak seasons and may offer discounts in off-peak times.
Major Rail Freight Terminals from China to the UK
China: Xi’an, Wuhan, Chengdu
UK: London Gateway, Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), Hams Hall Intermodal Terminal, East Midlands Gateway
Air Freight from China to the UK
Reference Air Freight Rates
Direct flight: $4.7/KG
Connecting flight: $3.9/KG
Factors Affecting Air Freight Rates
Weight and Volume (Chargeable Weight): Airlines charge based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (L×W×H÷6000 or 5000). Light but bulky cargo may cost more.
Route and Destination: Direct flights are usually more expensive than connecting ones. Remote or restricted destinations may incur higher fees.
Fuel Prices (Surcharge): Airlines adjust fuel surcharges based on global oil prices.
Airline Policies (Additional Fees): Fees include handling, security, hazardous materials, and oversized cargo charges, which vary by airline.
Customs Clearance Costs: Export declaration fees and import duties/taxes at destination affect total cost.
Peak vs. Off-Peason: Rates rise during high-demand periods (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas, Singles’ Day). Discounts may be available off-season.
Special Cargo Requirements: Hazardous goods, perishables, and temperature-sensitive items require special handling and cost more.
Major Airports for Shipping from China to the UK
China: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX)
UK: London Heathrow (LHR), East Midlands (EMA), Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN)
Taxes on Exports from China
VAT Refund
Exported goods from China are generally eligible for a VAT refund, reducing export costs. Companies must meet certain requirements and provide documentation as per customs and tax regulations.
Export Duties and Other Fees
Most exports are exempt from tariffs, but some special products may require duties or specific procedures. Fees for inspection and quarantine may apply; companies should understand relevant policies in advance.
Taxes on Imports into the UK
Duty
Duty rates are based on the product category (HS Code), typically ranging from 0% to 12%.
Calculation formula: Duty = Goods Value × Duty Rate
Duties are primarily determined by the HS code. Rates may be influenced by international trade agreements and UK trade policies, with some goods eligible for preferential or duty-free treatment.
VAT
VAT is generally applicable to imports into the UK. The standard rate is 20%, with reduced rates of 0% or 5% for certain items like food and children’s clothing.
Calculation formula: VAT = (Goods Value + Duty + Shipping & Insurance Costs) × VAT Rate
The tax base includes the declared value of the goods, duty, freight, and other related costs.
Other Potential Taxes
For certain products (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, cosmetics), additional excise duties or special taxes may apply.
UK Low-Value Import Rule (≤ £135)
Goods valued ≤ £135 are generally exempt from duty but still subject to VAT.
Import VAT is usually prepaid by the e-commerce platform or courier (e.g., Amazon, eBay) at checkout.
UK-China Double Taxation Agreement
The UK and China have a Double Taxation Agreement aimed at preventing the same income from being taxed in both countries. This agreement is crucial for cross-border businesses and individual operators, helping to reduce the tax burden on international trade and investment. It clearly outlines the allocation of taxing rights and related relief measures for various types of income. Businesses involved in cross-border activities should carefully review the agreement and seek advice from professional tax consultants when necessary.
UK Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Goods
Chamois Leather: On February 20, 2024, the UK Trade Remedies Authority initiated a transitional review of anti-dumping measures against chamois leather from China. UK customs codes: 4114101000, 4114109000.
Aluminium Foil in Rolls: On May 20, 2024, the UK launched a transitional review of anti-dumping measures on aluminium foil in rolls from China. UK customs codes: 7607111111, 7607111119, 7607191011, 7607191019.
Ceramic Tiles: The UK imposes anti-dumping duties on ceramic tiles from China. Specific rates vary by product type and company.
Glass Fiber Fabrics: Anti-dumping duties apply to glass fiber fabrics from China. Rates depend on product specifications and manufacturer.
Steel Tubes and Pipes: These products are also subject to UK anti-dumping duties, with rates varying by product subtype and producer.
Aluminium Radiators: Anti-dumping duties are levied on aluminium radiators from China. Rates depend on product category and manufacturer.
Bicycles: The UK imposes anti-dumping duties on bicycles from China. Rates vary by product model and producing company.
The applicability and rates of anti-dumping duties may change based on product specifications, manufacturers, and UK trade policies. It is advisable to check the official website of the UK Trade Remedies Authority or consult a professional trade advisor for the latest and most accurate information before importing.
UK Integrated Online Tariff System: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff
Steps to Ship from China to the UK
1. Cargo and Document Preparation
Product Standards and Certification: Ensure goods meet UK safety, health, and quality standards. Some products may require UKCA certification.
Required Documents: Prepare commercial invoice, packing list, contract, certificate of origin, and special licenses if needed. Accuracy and completeness are crucial for smooth customs clearance.
Pre-Submission: Some goods may require pre-submission of customs documents (e.g., bill of lading, packing list) for UK customs pre-check.
2. Transport Method and Logistics Arrangements
Choose Shipping Method: Select sea, air, or rail based on cargo type, volume, and urgency.
Freight Forwarder and Customs Services: Choose experienced international agents to handle shipping, documentation, and customs clearance.
3. Pre-Declaration and UK Import Declaration
EORI Number: UK importers must obtain an EORI number for all import declarations.
Electronic Declaration System: UK customs uses CHIEF (transitioning to CDS) to receive declarations. Pre-load relevant information (cargo details, transport documents, etc.) into the system before import.
Pre-Arrival Documentation: Submit pre-entry information within 24 hours before arrival to speed up clearance.
4. Customs Inspection and Tax Payment
Inspection Process: UK customs may inspect shipments to verify declared information.
Duty and VAT Calculation: Duties based on HS code; VAT (usually 20%) on CIF value + duty. Some goods may require excise tax.
Issue Resolution: If discrepancies are found, additional documentation or re-declaration may be needed, causing delays.
5. Release and Pickup
Customs Warehouse: Some goods are stored in public customs warehouses at airports/ports for sorting and inspection before release.
Pickup Arrangements: After clearance, the importer or their logistics provider arranges pickup and final delivery.