When it comes to shipping from China to the UK, there are a variety of methods available to choose from. These include express, air freight, sea freight, rail freight, and truck freight shipping. Each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, which can make it difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
In this article, we will explore the different shipping methods available for shipping from China to the UK. We will cover everything from the timing and costs associated with each method to common sense tips for navigating British customs policies. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of which shipping method is right for you and how to navigate the process with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- There are 5 main shipping methods for shipping from China to the UK: express, air freight, sea freight, rail freight, and truck freight.
- The best shipping method for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
- It is important to be aware of British customs policies and trade tariffs when importing from China to the UK.
How Long Does Shipping Take from China to UK?
When shipping goods from China to the UK, there are several modes of transportation available. The most common ones are air freight, sea freight, and rail. The time it takes for the goods to arrive in the UK depends on the mode of transportation chosen.
Sea Freight(FCL)
Sea freight is the cheapest mode of transportation for shipping goods from China to the UK. Full container load (FCL) shipping takes about 30-35 days from port to port and 46-50 days from door to door.
Sea Freight(LCL)
Less than container load (LCL) shipping is another option for shipping goods from China to the UK. LCL shipping takes longer than FCL shipping, with an average of 29-41 days from port to port and 42-58 days from door to door.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation for shipping goods from China to the UK. It takes about 3-8 days from port to port and 6-16 days from door to door. However, air freight is also the most expensive mode of transportation.
Express
Express shipping is another option for those who need their goods delivered quickly. It takes about 5-6 days for the goods to arrive in the UK.
Overall, the time it takes for goods to arrive in the UK from China depends on the mode of transportation chosen. Air freight is the fastest but most expensive, while sea freight is the cheapest but takes the longest.
It is also important to consider the shipping cost when choosing a mode of transportation. Air shipping costs from China to the UK can reach up to $4-5 per kg, while the average cost of a 40-foot container from China to the UK is $5,480. LCL shipping is a more cost-effective method for shipping goods from China to the UK, with an average cost of $600-800 for shipping 200 kg/1cbm.
5 Shipping from China to UK Methods
Air Shipping from China to UK
When it comes to shipping from China to the UK, international express services such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT are available options for sending parcels. If the weight of the goods is less than 10kg, DHL and FedEx are recommended, while UPS and TNT are suitable for delivering goods weighing more than 23kg.
The advantages of international express delivery are apparent. It is quick, detailed, and has a fast logistics timeliness. Express delivery services can achieve delivery within five days, whereas air freight takes over ten days and ocean shipping takes over a month. However, the disadvantages of international express delivery are that it is the most expensive shipping method due to better logistics services provided.
It is suggested that if there are no high logistics timeliness and safety requirements, it is recommended not to choose international express delivery for shipping from China to the UK as it can result in a more expensive shipping fee.
International Air Freight to the UK
For international air freight shipping from China to the UK, there are different options such as international special lines, international parcels, Amazon FBA freight, overseas warehouses freight, and other air freight logistics.
The international special line is the most cost-effective, and international parcels are the lowest air freight price. Amazon FBA freight and overseas warehouse are services for cross-border e-commerce sellers. The advantage of air freight is that it has a relatively fast timeliness, and it is the fastest time-efficient logistics channel besides express delivery. The price is also relatively low, and it can meet the logistics needs of different shippers.
However, the disadvantages of air freight are that the timeliness and price are in the middle, with a timeliness range of 5-20 days, which cannot meet the requirements of friends with higher logistics requirements.
It is suggested that if the timeliness of logistics is not very high, and if one wants to save logistics costs, international air freight is a good option for shipping to the UK.
International Sea Freight to the UK
International sea freight from China to the UK has two options: expedited ships and slow ships. Expedited ships have faster delivery times but are more expensive, while slow ships have slower timeliness but lower rates. One can choose the corresponding shipping way to ship from China to the UK according to their needs.
The advantages of international sea shipping are that it is the lowest-priced transportation mode, with low transportation and maintenance costs and a large carrying capacity. Therefore, the freight rate is very low, and shipping from China to the UK can reach about $1 to $1.5 unit kilogram.
However, the disadvantages of sea transport are that the logistics timeliness is extremely slow, with the timeliness for arrival in the UK being between 30 and 50 days, greatly affected by the natural environment.
It is suggested that international sea freight is suitable for using goods with low logistics timeliness requirements and large volumes, which can significantly save logistics costs.
Rail Transport to the United Kingdom
International rail transport can be used to reach many European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, using the logistics channels created by the China-Europe Interrail.
For example, the “Yixinou railway” starts from Yiwu and passes through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, France, and Madrid. The Yixinou Rail shipping can save about 50% of the shipping time, and the cost is only half or less than that of air freight.
The advantages of international rail transportation are its stable timeliness and low freight rates. It can send liquids and electrical power products. However, the disadvantages of international rail transportation are its slow logistics timeliness, unable to deliver goods to the destination quickly.
It is suggested that rail transportation is very suitable for delivery and stocking in the peak season, with good stability, sufficient capacity, and good performance.
Truck Freight Shipping from China to UK
Truck freight to Europe and then transfer to the UK is a type of shipping from China to the UK method with similar timeliness and services to European rail transport.
The advantages of international airlines are that the timeliness is slightly faster than that of rail transportation, and it has a good capacity, which can be used as a backup channel for delivery. However, the overall shipping time is slower than air transport and express delivery and less than sea transport and rail transport. It is not suitable for shippers with higher timeliness requirements.
It is suggested that truck freight has a low transportation cost and is suitable for reaching some Middle East countries. It can also be used as a backup channel for shipping from China to the UK during the peak season.
Choose the Best Shipping from China to UK Route
When it comes to shipping goods from China to the UK, there are various logistics options available. Choosing the best shipping route depends on the cargo volume, timeliness requirements, and restrictions.
If timeliness is a priority, air freight logistics is the best option for large quantities, while express shipping is ideal for small quantities. For foam products, international EMS is a suitable option. However, if timeliness is not a concern and the cargo volume is large, sea transportation is more cost-effective.
For cargo volumes that are larger but not very large, rail transport is the best choice. It offers low tariffs and more stable timeliness. However, it is important to note that specific logistics ways have restrictions, including item restrictions, weight restrictions, and volume restrictions. Exporters must focus on these aspects when choosing specific logistics channels.
Sensitive goods such as liquids, pastes, cosmetics, powders, charged items, pure battery items, and electronic cigarettes are difficult to mail through ordinary logistics channels. Such items need to be mailed through rail or air special shipping way due to air traffic control. For example, the British special shipping line can ship liquids, pastes, cosmetics, and pure batteries. Rail freight can also ship liquids, pastes, cosmetics, and other items.
How to Ship from China to UK?
Optimize Packaging
When shipping products from China to the UK, it is important to optimize packaging in order to save on shipping costs. Freight charges are based on the weight or volume of the goods, so reducing the package volume can help save money. It is recommended to pay attention to extra space on packages and to optimize packaging accordingly.
Find the Right Freight Forwarders
With over 100,000 freight forwarders worldwide, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. When selecting a freight forwarder, it is important to define key selection criteria. It is also important to choose a trusted and responsible person to coordinate with air freight, ocean shipping, and customs agents. A good freight forwarder should be on top of your shipment and provide regular and transparent communication during the shipment process.
One way to determine the level of customer service of a freight forwarder is by how long it takes them to respond to a request for a quote. If it takes a week or more, it may not bode well for regular communication during the shipment process.
Get a Quote Price
After finding the right shipping companies, it is important to get a quote price. When requesting a quote, it is crucial to inform the supplier or freight forwarder of the incoterm you want, such as FOB Shanghai, to avoid paying more than expected. Freight forwarders require specific information before providing a quotation, including shipping method, total cargo volume, each carton weight and dimensions, freight term, pick address, delivery address, and insurance. It is important to note that freight quotes do not normally include duty and tax.
Compare Shipping Costs
To save on shipping costs, it is recommended to compare different freight forwarders. However, it is important to not choose a freight forwarder solely based on a low price, as this may indicate illegal operations and hidden dangers. After comparing, it is important to choose a suitable price shipping company to avoid issues such as overestimated volume or weight, poor follow-up service, and difficulty obtaining compensation in the event of a shipping problem or refund.
By optimizing packaging, finding the right freight forwarder, getting a quote price, and comparing shipping costs, one can successfully ship products from China to the UK.
Common Sense about British Customs Policy
1. Import Tax from China to UK
The UK tax rate threshold is set at 15 pounds (22 euros), while the tariff threshold is at 135 pounds. The comprehensive tariff is composed of VAT (value added tax), DUTY (customs duty), and ADV (customs clearance fees). To calculate VAT, the value of goods declared to customs, freight, and DUTY are added together. Meanwhile, DUTY is calculated by multiplying the value of the goods by the product tax rate.
British Trade Tariff: Look Up
2. Items Prohibited from Shipping from China to UK
Exporters who plan to ship goods from China to the UK must be aware of the items that are prohibited by the British Customs. If these items are included in the shipment, they will be deducted and returned during customs clearance, resulting in significant losses for the exporter. The list of prohibited items includes carcinogens, prison inmate labor products, horror cartoons, milk and dairy products, perishable food, tobacco, bank cards/credit cards, valuable documents, and unprocessed logs.
3. Understanding of Relevant Certifications
Exporters must obtain several certifications before shipping goods to the UK, including CE, ROHS, BSI, and MSDS certifications. CE certification is mandatory for products within its scope and cannot be sold in the EU without it. ROHS certification is required for electrical items, while BSI certification is a quality standard certification that depends on the importers’ requirements. MSDS certification is required for liquids, pastes, cosmetics, batteries, and other items that pose a chemical safety risk.
4. After the Brexit, Customs Declaration for Import from China to UK:
Since January 1, 2021, UK customs clearance and VAT have undergone several changes due to Brexit. To ship goods from China to the UK, exporters must follow these guidelines:
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The CE mark of imported British goods must be changed to the UKCA mark.
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The importer must have a British VAT number that begins with GB.
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The importer must have a British EORI number that begins with GB.
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Importers must have both EORI and VAT numbers for customs clearance.
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The importer authorization letter must be filled out.
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The importer’s address must be the address of the local entity in the United Kingdom. The Customs and Inland Revenue (HMRC) registered address cannot be used for customs declaration, including the address of HM REVENUE AND CUSTOMS, RUBY HOUSE, 8 RUBY PLACE, ABERDEEN, AB10 1ZP.
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The packing list and invoice must indicate the seller’s information in English or the name and address of the UK sales platform.
Exporters who follow these guidelines will be able to ship goods from China to the UK without any issues. It is important to note that failure to comply with these guidelines may result in significant financial losses and shipment delays.
How to Import from China to UK?
Importing goods from China to the UK can be a profitable business venture, but it requires careful planning and execution. To help you navigate the process, here are six professional recommendations to consider:
1. Conduct In-Depth Research:
Before entering any new market, conducting thorough research is essential. The UK market has enormous business opportunities, but it also comes with high risks. Therefore, conducting UK quality market surveys is mandatory. You can either do the research yourself or hire professionals to conduct it. Companies that skip preliminary research when launching products to the EU market tend to go bankrupt quickly. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct in-depth research to give your company a real competitive advantage.
2. Have the Economic Operator Registration Identification Number:
When exporting products to any country, you become an exporter. To provide goods or services from China to the UK, you need to determine whether you have the right to export. Your company’s export business should be registered as soon as possible. British Customs uses the customs record number as a means of recording imported and exported items. Therefore, it is essential to have the Economic Operator Registration Identification Number (EORI) to avoid any legal complications.
3. Determine the Products You Want to Import from China to UK:
Choosing the right products is crucial for a successful import and export business. Choosing products that are already in strong demand in overseas markets can bring success to your business. To draw correct conclusions, you need to grasp the actual situation and information of the market you want to enter. When importing from China to the UK, start with some low-risk products. If you can’t find a product to import from the UK, you can contact a product sourcing company to assist in finding suitable suppliers.
4. Find Reliable Chinese Supplier:
Finding a reliable supplier is the main task of any exporter. There are many options for finding a suitable supplier when you import from China to UK. Some of the channels include B2B e-commerce websites, trade fairs, and customized services. B2B trading platforms are a reliable place to get in touch with active importers and buyers worldwide. Trade fairs are an ideal traditional way to find China suppliers. Customized services include hiring a product sourcing company to assist in finding suitable suppliers.
5. Search for Taxes:
Export tariffs are another thing to consider when exporting goods from China to the UK. Be sure to search for and determine the tax on all exported products’ value as a percentage. Taxes and customs duties for different products are different, and how much you need to pay depends on the shipped products. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the taxes and customs duties for the products you want to import.
6. Establish a Strong Relationship with the Supplier:
Maintaining lasting business relationships with Chinese suppliers is essential. Once you find a good supplier in China, they can provide the products in time, guarantee the quality, and satisfy your customers. No matter what you do, you must fulfill your promises on time because a bad reputation will not do you any good. Therefore, it is essential to establish a strong relationship with your supplier to ensure a smooth and successful import process.
In conclusion, importing goods from China to the UK requires careful planning and execution. By following the above six professional recommendations, you can ensure a successful import process and gain a competitive advantage in the UK market.
Shipping from China to UK Conclusion
Different modes of transportation are available for shipping from China to the UK. Express, airfreight, and sea freight are the most commonly used modes, while truck and rail freight are used less frequently. For any inquiries about shipping from China to the UK, please contact the relevant authorities.