Are you thinking about exporting goods from the UK to China? China is one of the biggest markets globally, and the opportunities are huge, especially as demand for international products continues to grow. Last year alone, UK businesses exported £30.3 billion worth of goods to China.
As a trusted freight forwarder, we help businesses wondering how to export from UK to China. From handling the paperwork to ensuring your goods arrive safely and on time, our team is here to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
International Trade with China
China is the UK’s sixth-largest export market, making up about 5% of the UK’s total exports. For UK companies, exporting to China offers access to over 1.4 billion consumers, with a growing interest in high-quality international products, especially from China’s expanding middle class. While sectors like cars, medicinal and pharmaceutical products dominate UK exports, there’s increasing interest in British food and drink, including alcohol, which is seen as a premium product in China.
UK-China Trade Agreements and Policies
While the UK and China don’t have a formal free trade agreement, they’ve built strong trading ties over the years. Since Brexit, the UK has been working hard to improve these connections, helping UK businesses get easier access to the Chinese market. This involved reducing trade barriers in industries like financial services, manufacturing, and food and drink.
China is also a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which helps make trading between the two countries more predictable by sticking to international rules. For UK exporters, this means there’s a framework in place that simplifies trading with China.
Preparing for Export to China
While the Chinese market is large and full of potential, it’s also highly regulated. This means you need to follow the specific requirements for paperwork and labelling to save yourself time, money, and hassle down the line.
What documents are required for export to China?
You’ll need to carefully collate the relevant documentation and make sure this remains with the shipment as it travels:
- Commercial Invoice: This must detail the goods being shipped, their value, and relevant details about the buyer and seller. It’s the most important document for customs clearance.
- Certificate of Origin: This proves where your goods were produced and is necessary for determining tariff rates and duties in China. A recognised authority, such as the UK Chamber of Commerce, must issue the certificate.
- Packing List: This provides a detailed breakdown of each package’s contents, helping customs authorities verify the contents easily.
- Insurance Certificate: While not always mandatory, having a freight cargo insurance certificate is recommended. It covers the shipment for damage or loss during transit.
UK Export Procedures
Before your goods head to the port in this country, there are some essential export procedures you need to follow.
- Register for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This unique number allows you to deal with UK customs authorities as without it, your goods cannot leave the UK.
- Declare the shipment to HMRC through the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS). This came into effect on 4 June 2024 and replaced the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) System. You’ll need to provide details such as the value, type of goods, and destination in this declaration.
- Check if your goods require export licenses, and apply for any if necessary.
- Consider any duties or VAT that apply to your shipment. Although exports are often zero-rated for VAT, certain duties may still apply, depending on the goods being shipped.
Chinese Import Procedures
Once your goods leave the UK, the next major step is clearing customs in China. China has strict import procedures, so you’ll need to be well-prepared to avoid delays or difficulties. China’s customs authority, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), oversee, inspect and approve all imports. If any paperwork is missing or incomplete, your goods could be delayed or even rejected.
Import Duties and Tariffs
Every product is classified under a specific Harmonised System (HS) code, which determines the import duties and taxes payable. The correct tariffs need to be paid before goods are released.
Import Licenses
Some products, such as food, electronics, and alcohol, require additional import licenses or permits. These make sure that the goods meet China’s quality standards and regulatory requirements. Alcohol, in particular, has strict regulations on labelling and content, so be sure to have all necessary permits in place before shipping.
Quarantine and Inspection
Certain goods, such as food products, agricultural items, or alcohol, may need to pass additional quarantine inspections before they are allowed into the country. The China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) process makes sure that these goods meet the required health and safety standards.
Trade Laws And Regulations
On the regulatory side, both countries have their own rules to follow. In the UK, goods like high-tech machinery or dual-use items need special licences before they can be exported. The Chinese Government expects certain products, like electronics, to have the China Compulsory Certification (CCC), while other items, such as toys and medical devices, must pass safety checks.
Packaging Requirements
When you’re planning how to export to China from UK, don’t overlook proper packing. The shipment will have a long journey, face temperature fluctuations, and potentially a rough journey (especially by sea). For fragile items like electronics or glassware, high-quality protective materials such as bubble wrap, foam, and sturdy boxes are necessary to arrive in perfect condition.
Shipping fees are often based on volumetric weight, so oversized or inefficiently packed boxes can lead to higher charges. Bulky packaging can also cause transport delays or cause customs to reject the shipment. To avoid these issues, use boxes that fit your products well and protective materials that don’t add too much weight, keeping both your shipping costs and the risk of damage low.
Some products, like food or pharmaceuticals, have stricter packing requirements. Perishable cargo needs temperature-controlled packaging to maintain its quality throughout the shipping process, while dangerous cargo must meet international safety standards for packaging so it can be safely transported.
Check Labelling Rules
To smoothly clear UK and Chinese customs, each product must have the correct labels, including translations into Mandarin. Food products must display key information like ingredients, nutritional content, and expiration dates, while items such as electronics require specific labelling related to product safety standards. It’s important to check the specific labelling rules for your product category, as incorrect or incomplete labels can result in customs delays or rejection.
Export Process from UK to China
1. Choose a Shipping Method
Picking the right shipping method depends on your priorities, whether it’s the speed of delivery, cost or the size of your goods. Air Freight is the fastest option if you need your goods delivered quickly. It’s ideal for smaller, high-value items or when you’re on a tight schedule, but it comes with a higher price tag than ocean freight. Sea Freight is more economical, especially for larger shipments, but it does take longer. This option is ideal for bulky goods or items that aren’t time-sensitive, like machinery or products like barrels or drums that need breakbulk shipping.
Not sure which is the best fit? We can talk you though the pros and cons based on your specific needs, making the decision easier.
2. Pick Your Freight Forwarder
A reliable freight forwarder will not only handle the logistics of transporting your goods but also take care of details like customs paperwork, compliance with regulations, and securing the best shipping options.
3. Prepare Your Shipment
Your freight forwarder will guide you on how to pack and label your goods properly for shipping.
4. Export Clearance
The customs clearance process will be managed by your freight forwarder. They will make sure all the required paperwork is submitted to the right government agencies.
5. Transportation of Shipment
Once your goods have cleared UK customs, they’re ready for transport to China. Whether by sea or air, the shipment will be securely loaded and tracked throughout its journey.
6. Import Clearance in China
When your goods land in China, they’ll need to clear customs. This means submitting the right documents, paying any taxes or duties, and making sure everything meets Chinese import rules. Getting everything in order ahead of time helps you avoid delays and extra costs.
7. Delivery to Final Destination
After clearing customs in China, your goods will be transported to their final destination whether that’s a warehouse, business, or distribution centre. A reliable freight forwarder will coordinate local transport for timely and safe delivery.
Need to Export To China? Ship Your Goods With SLG Logistics
Shipping to China can get tricky due to all the paperwork, customs rules, and logistics involved. That’s where we step in. We handle all the heavy lifting, from booking transportation to sorting out the documents and making sure everything moves smoothly through customs. We’ll help you figure out the best shipping method for your goods, update you on your shipment, and deal with any issues that pop up along the way.
Get a quote today for personalised guidance and support. One of our specialist team members will be in touch to talk you through your shipping options and work out the best solution for you.