Import Wholsale Goods to UK

Step by Step Guide to Importing Wholesale Goods into the UK from Asia

Cost-Effective Importing Wholesale from Asia

Importing goods into the UK from Asia, such as China, involves navigating customs, tax, and freight processes. Whether you’re a small business selling on Amazon or eBay, or a large importer handling bulk shipments, this step-by-step guide helps you bring goods into the UK efficiently for cost-effective delivery.

Importing Wholesale Goods for Your Business

From wholesale fashion accessories to pet supplies or bulk commodities like grain or sand from Asia, understanding the import and export process is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know to import goods into the UK from Asia, including China, for your trade.

Registration, Licences, and Certificates You’ll Need

To import from Asia, your supplier will require an EORI number before they send your goods. You’ll need to apply for a GB EORI number if you’re based in England, Wales, or Scotland. Provide HMRC with your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code, Government Gateway user ID, VAT, and National Insurance number. You should receive your EORI number within five business days. Certain items, like firearms, may also need a licence—check UK regulations for your commodity.

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Cargo Height (cm)

Cargo Weight (kg)

Commercial Value of Cargo

Cargo MSDS

Picture of Cargo

Your Name

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Import Requirements and Useful Details

When importing wholesale goods from Asia to the UK, you must comply with international requirements. This includes finding the commodity code for your goods, submitting an import declaration, and calculating the amount of duty and VAT you need to pay at the UK border.

Finding the Commodity Code for Your Goods

Every item you import from Asia requires a ten-digit tariff code for your import declaration. This code identifies your good, determines the amount of duty, and outlines the customs process. Examples from Asia include:

9615110000: Wholesale plastic hair combs from China.
8516310000: Bulk hairdryers.
4909000000: Greeting cards.
9101110000: Men’s wristwatches.
4202210090: Women’s leather handbags.
4202321000: Mobile phone cases.

Use the tariff tool by knowing your product’s type, use, materials, and packaging. Tips:

Search by function or material if the item isn’t named directly.
Check headings and sub-headings in the chapters.
Use the “other” option if no specific match fits.

Submitting an Import Declaration

For importing wholesale from Asia to the UK, you’ll need a full import declaration upon arrival. This process can be complex, so it’s useful to hire a freight forwarder to deal with customs. If your business isn’t UK-based, appoint an indirect representative in the UK. The declaration requires:

Consignor’s name, address, and EORI number (the Asian seller).
Total quantity of packages (e.g., code 1 for bulk goods).
Consignee’s EORI number.
Agent type (e.g., code 2 for direct, 3 for indirect).
Declarant’s reference and EORI number.
Country of dispatch (e.g., CN for China).
Invoice currency (e.g., USD) and amount.
Transport mode (e.g., code 1 for sea, 3 for road).
Location of goods at the UK border.
Description of the goods, commodity code, and country of origin.

Our Seamless Shipping Process

Pack Container

Ship Contract

Sea Transit

Report Submission

Unload at Dock

Customs Check

Distribute Goods

SLG was recommended to me by a friend, and from the first message until I received my goods, the team at SLG’s service has been nothing short of amazing. The way they have guided and assured me throughout the process shows their many years of experience in the industry. Thank you!

Amanda

We’ve had good experiences working with SLG for our company’s regular shipments from the UK. The team at SLG have exhibited great initiative and helped handle our queries. Thank you for making our shipment process smooth!

Guoyi

I want to commend the team at SLG for their help with importing my cargo from the UK. I appreciate their support in answering my queries promptly and would recommend them to anyone needing logistics services.

Kevin

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Choosing Your Transport and Delivery Method

Most goods from Asia, like China, travel by sea freight in containers due to large quantities and lower costs. For faster delivery, air freight suits high-value or urgent items. Smaller shipments might use road freight after arriving at a European hub. Ensure your freight choice aligns with payment terms (e.g., credit) and who will handle customs.