For shipping from China to UK, you need to manage local deliveries in both countries, documentation, customs handling, and dealing with international carriers.
However, we will make this process easy for you with the help of the following guide. We have covered everything you need to know about shipping methods, steps, cost, and timelines.
Methods of Shipping From China To UK
Choosing the fastest and cheapest way to ship your goods can feel overwhelming but it does not have to be. Start by thinking about how quickly you need your items to arrive. Here are the modes through which you can deliver your cargo to the United Kingdom.
Air Freight
Air freight is usually the quickest choice for importing from China to the UK. But keep in mind that this option mostly costs you more. It is used for lighter shipments having weight up to 500 kg. Moreover, fragile items are also transported through this method.
Ocean Shipping
If you are not in a hurry, sea freight is a great way to save money even though it takes a few weeks. However, if you have a smaller shipment then look into options like Less than Container Load. It allows you to share your container with others and cut costs. Moreover, for shipping bulk cargo to the United Kingdom, renting a whole container (FCL) is a better choice.
Expedited Delivery
For small packages, express shipping might be the best choice as it can be surprisingly affordable. This method of shipping will deliver your cargo to your chosen location in the UK within 2-5 business days. It is usually utilized for shipping last-minute orders.
Rail Freight
Moreover, there is also a rail freight option if you want your cargo earlier than sea freight. You have two choices to ship via rail. One is consolidated containers (FCL) and the other is non-consolidated (LCL). Smaller shipments are suitable for shared space in LCL. However, FCL is preferred for bulk cargo.
Truck Freight & DDP
Another option is shipping by truck. This mode primarily offers DDP shipping. DDP is known as Delivery Duty Paid. In this service, it is the seller’s duty to ship your cargo safely to the destination point.
He or she is responsible for handling everything including customs, loading, unloading, warehousing, and delivering cargo to your place in the UK. It usually takes 2-4 weeks. So, choose wisely according to your needs and budget.
How To Ship From China To UK?
Shipping from China to UK follows a simple process but each step needs your attention.
- Firstly, you decide whether to use air, sea, or rail freight. Air freight is quicker but costs more. Sea freight is slower but cheaper, especially for large shipments and rail freight lies between them.
- Next, you have to choose a shipping company or a freight forwarder in China. A freight forwarder helps you to manage the whole shipping process including paperwork and customs clearance.
- After selecting your method and company, the goods are packed and picked up from the Chinese supplier. The shipping company then transports the goods to a rail station, seaport, or airport and clears customs in China.
- Once the goods leave the Chinese port, they travel to the UK. When the goods arrive in the UK, they go through customs. The customs process involves paying duties and taxes which depends on what you are importing.
- After clearing customs, the shipping company or forwarder will deliver the goods to your preferred location in the United Kingdom. It may be the warehouse of Amazon, Walmart, or your own store.
Documents Required For Importing To UK
The customs authorities present at the ports of China and the UK require some documents. You need to submit them if you want to export from China and import into the UK. These are:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Airway bill
- Insurance certificate
- Certificate of Origin
- Letter of Credit
- EORI number in necessary
- Single Administrative Document
Shipping Cost From China To UK
Shipping costs from China to the UK depend on the method you choose, the weight, and the size of the shipment.
FCL Shipping Rates From China To UK
| Chinese Origin | Destination in England | Container Type | Average Ocean Freight Rate |
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | 20 ft container | $5150 to $5300 |
| Shanghai | Felixstowe | 40 ft container | $8700 to $8900 |
| Shenzhen | Felixstowe | 20 ft container | $2150 to $2300 |
| Shenzhen | Felixstowe | 40 ft container | $4000 to $4100 |
| Ningbo | Felixstowe | 20 ft container | $2600 to $2750 |
| Ningbo | Felixstowe | 40 ft container | $4200 to $4400 |
| Hong Kong | Felixstowe | 20 ft container | $2100 to $2200 |
| Hong Kong | Felixstowe | 40 ft container | $4000 to $4100 |
| Guangzhou | Felixstowe | 20 ft container | $2400 to $2500 |
| Guangzhou | Felixstowe | 40 ft container | $4300 to $4400 |
| Qingdao | Felixstowe | 20 ft container | $2500 to $2700 |
| Qingdao | Felixstowe | 40 ft container | $4500 to $4700 |
| Tianjin | Felixstowe | 20 ft container | $2400 to $2500 |
| Tianjin | Felixstowe | 40 ft container | $4600 to $4700 |
| Dalian | Felixstowe | 20 ft container | $3300 to $ 3400 |
| Dalian | Felixstowe | 40 ft container | $5900 to $6000 |
| Xiamen | Felixstowe | 20 ft container | $2400 to $2500 |
| Xiamen | Felixstowe | 40 ft container | $4300 to $4400 |
China-UK LCL (Less-Than-Container-Load) Shipping Rates
LCL shipping is a good option for businesses with smaller shipments that do not need a whole container. Shipping rates to the UK normally start around $35 to $40 per cubic meter for shipments between 3-5 CBM. If your shipment is bigger like over 10 CBM then you can get a discount with rates dropping to $30 to $40 per CBM.
Air Shipping Cost From China to UK
| Shipping Option | Weight Per CBM | Price Range (USD) |
| Air Freight | Per Kg | From $5.5 to $6 |
| Air Freight | 200 kg/1cbm | From $1,100 to $1,200 |
How Import Duties and Taxes Affect Shipping Rates in UK?
The duty rate in the United Kingdom is 0 to 12%. It is the amount you have to pay to customs while importing your cargo to any port in the UK. The percentage is decided on the basis of the category of goods you are importing. The Harmonized System of Codes plays a key role in categorizing the goods.
Another thing is Value Added Tax (VAT) which is 20% of the import products. So, while calculating the cost of shipment, you should also consider these taxes in the United Kingdom. Then make a budget and choose your shipping method according to that. Moreover, you should also consider port handling fees and local delivery charges.
Select An Incoterm For Shipping From China To UK
For shipping your cargo, you have to select an incoterm that defines your role in the process. It is an agreement between the Chinese supplier of your products and the buyer means you. As you know there are a lot of things in shipping such as customs clearance, loading, shipping, unloading, and secure delivery of cargo.
So, the incoterms define your and the supplier’s responsibility in the whole process. There are a total of 11 incoterms. You have to choose one while dealing with the seller before the shipping begins. Your shipping charges also indirectly depend on these incoterms. So, the most common used for transporting your cargo to the United Kingdom are:
1. Free on Board (FOB)
FOB from China means your supplier only delivers your cargo to the exporting port of China. He will also load your shipment onto the vessel. After that, all the remaining things such as import clearance, unloading, and taking it to their place in England are the buyer’s responsibility.
2. Ex Works (EXW)
In this incoterm, you have to take your cargo from the manufacturing site or store of the seller. After that, you need to look up the whole process of shipping including each and every step like customs, insurance, or local deliveries in both countries.
3. Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
If you want to get free from the hassle of shipping then DDP is made for you. Under this agreement, you only have to place an order. After that, from manufacturing in China to delivering cargo to your door in the UK is the seller’s duty. But you have to pay a little bit higher for this.
4. Cost Insurance Freight (CIF)
The seller will do and pay for delivering cargo to the port of the United Kingdom. He will do local transportation, clear customs in China, do loading and pay for freight insurance. The rest is up to you from the port of the UK to your own place including clearing import customs.
How Long Does It Take To Ship From China To UK?
Shipping from China to the UK involves many methods each with different transit times and costs. Understanding these options can help businesses and individuals to choose the best way to transport their goods.
| Shipping Method | Transit Time (Days) |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 25 – 35 days |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 30 – 45 days |
| Air Freight | 5 – 10 days |
| Rail Freight | 18 – 21 days |
| Express Shipping | 1 – 3 days |
| Door-to-Door (Sea) | 30 – 60 days |
| Door-to-Door (Express) | 3 – 7 days |
Restricted Items to Import to UK from China
When importing from China to the UK, it is important to know which items are restricted or prohibited.
You cannot import the following items:
- Firearms: Most firearms are controlled which requires an import license. This includes handguns, rifles, and shotguns except for certain air rifles and pistols.
- Explosives and Fireworks: The importation of explosives, such as fireworks is restricted. Specific licensing and safety measures must be followed for its shipping to the United Kingdom.
- Certain Knives and Weapons: This includes flick knives, gravity knives, and items considered offensive weapons like sword sticks and knuckle dusters.
- Imitation Firearms: Realistic imitation firearms are banned in UK unless for specific reasons like historical reenactments or film use.
- Obscene Materials: Any books, films, or images that are offensive or vulgar are not allowed.
- Nuclear Materials: Items like uranium or plutonium require strict licensing and are heavily regulated.
- Rabies-Susceptible Animals: Importing pets like dogs and cats requires special licenses for importing to the United Kingdom to prevent rabies.
- Torture Equipment: Items used for torture or execution are prohibited.
Amazon FBA Shipping To United Kingdom
FBA means fulfillment by Amazon. It is an online business model given by Amazon for your ease. In this case, your duty is to hire a manufacturer of products from China and then ship your items to Amazon’s warehouse in the United Kingdom. We can assist you in shipping to that warehouse.
After that, Amazon will provide space for warehousing, do packaging, and send your item to the customer in any location of England. You don’t need to have a space for storing your shipment. Either, you don’t need to package them for moving your products to the customers. It’s all on Amazon.
Top Shipping Routes From China to UK
These routes represent the most commonly used paths for cargo transport between China and the UK.
- Shanghai to Felixstowe
- Shenzhen to Southampton
- Ningbo to London Gateway
- Qingdao to Liverpool
- Tianjin to Portsmouth
- Guangzhou to Dover
- Xiamen to Felixstowe
- Dalian to Southampton
- Hong Kong to London Gateway
- Chengdu to Birmingham
- Wuhan to Manchester
- Ningbo to Tilbury
- Lianyungang to Southampton
- Fuzhou to Felixstowe
- Hangzhou to Liverpool
- Suzhou to London Gateway
- Nanjing to Bristol
- Zhengzhou to East Midlands
- Jinan to Southampton
- Taiyuan to Felixstowe
Best Freight Forwarders From China to UK
When shipping from China to UK, choosing the right freight forwarder is important for providing timely and cost-effective delivery.
- Bansarship
- China Freight
- DHL
- FedEx
- UPS
- Seko Logistics
- Shenzhen MOKO Technology Limited
- Transglobal Express
- iContainers
- Freightos
FAQs
Do I Need a License To Import Goods into the UK From China?
In most cases, you do not need a license to ship from China to UK, but some goods do require one. If you plan to import animals, plants, high-risk foods, veterinary and human medicines, controlled drugs, or hazardous materials then you will need a specific import license.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship 1kg From China To UK?
Shipping costs for 1kg from China to the UK can vary based on the shipping method. On average, air freight can cost around $6-$12 kg, while sea freight might be $100-$200 CBM depending on the service. Always ask your freight forwarders for accurate and current rates.
Why Is Importing Goods From China To UK So Expensive?
The cost of shipping from China to the UK can be high due to many factors. These include rising fuel prices, increased demand for shipping services, and the complexities of customs regulations. Port fees, handling charges, and potential import tariffs can also add to the overall shipping cost.
Conclusion
With over 13 years of experience, Bansar offers reliable and affordable shipping services. We have shipping experts in our team who will handle the paperwork, manage customs, book carriers, and safely deliver your cargo to your desired destination in England. You can contact us to get an instant quote for any type of shipping.
