Shipping from China to the UK
Since the UK left the EU customs union, goods from China into Great Britain clear UK customs on their own terms: a GB EORI, a UK commodity code, duty under the UK Global Tariff, and import VAT. We prep, pack and ship from one facility in Shenzhen, so the paperwork and the cartons are right before anything leaves.
Get a UK Freight Quote
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What UK Customs Needs Before Goods Arrive
- GB EORI number for the importer of record. Northern Ireland follows separate rules and may need an XI number.
- UK commodity code for every product. The first six digits match the international HS code, but the UK digits after that are its own. See how to find the right HS code.
- Customs duty under the UK Global Tariff, checked on the UK Trade Tariff.
- Import VAT, which VAT-registered businesses can usually handle through postponed VAT accounting.
- Accurate commercial invoice and packing list with values, descriptions and carton counts that match the goods.
A UK customs broker lodges the import declaration. We prepare the export documents in China and make sure the invoice, packing list and carton marks agree, which is what slows a clearance down when it is wrong.
UK Ports, Airports and Amazon.co.uk
Ocean freight from Shenzhen most often arrives at Felixstowe, Southampton or London Gateway, then moves by truck to the final address. Air cargo usually lands at London Heathrow, with other UK airports available depending on the routing.
- FCL or LCL sea freight for regular replenishment, with consolidation of several suppliers into one shipment.
- Air cargo when a launch or a stockout cannot wait for a ship.
- Express courier for samples and small top-ups.
- DDP, DAP, FOB or CIF, with the importer of record and VAT handling agreed in writing before booking. See DDP door-to-door shipping.
For Amazon.co.uk, units get FNSKU labels, poly bags and inspection here, with every label scan-verified, then go into cartons within Amazon UK's limits. Read how our Amazon FBA prep service in China works, or check the carton size and weight limits. Retail chains, 3PLs and business addresses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are covered too.
Product rules are your responsibility as the importer: depending on the product, it may need UKCA or CE marking, a UK address on the label, or specific safety documents. Tell us the product and we will flag the labeling and packaging points we can handle before shipping.
UK Import FAQ
Do I need a GB EORI number to import goods from China into the UK?
Yes. Whoever acts as the importer of record for goods entering Great Britain needs an EORI number that starts with GB, and it goes on the customs declaration. Goods entering Northern Ireland can follow different rules and may need an XI number instead. You apply for a GB EORI on GOV.UK; it is free, and it is worth having before your first shipment is booked.
How is import VAT handled on goods shipped from China to the UK?
Import VAT is charged on most goods entering the UK, normally at the standard rate on the customs value plus duty and freight costs. VAT-registered businesses can usually use postponed VAT accounting, so the import VAT is declared and reclaimed on the VAT return instead of being paid at the border. Your accountant or customs broker should confirm how it applies to your company; we make sure the commercial invoice values and descriptions are accurate.
Can you prep stock for Amazon.co.uk and ship it straight to a UK fulfillment center?
Yes. Amazon UK uses the same FNSKU labeling system, so units are labeled, bagged and inspected here in Shenzhen, then packed into cartons that meet Amazon UK's carton limits and labeled for the fulfillment center named in your shipment. Freight is booked to that center, so the stock arrives ready to check in.
Do wooden pallets shipped to the UK need ISPM 15 treatment?
Solid wood packaging such as pallets, crates and dunnage entering Great Britain from China is expected to meet ISPM 15 and carry the official mark. We build crates and pallets in-house, so the material is chosen before packing: marked solid timber, engineered board, or plastic pallets where they suit the load.
Is DDP shipping to the UK available for Amazon and business addresses?
For many shipments, yes. Before booking we confirm in writing who acts as importer of record, how duty and import VAT are paid, and what the price includes, so there are no charges at delivery you did not expect. For Amazon deliveries, Amazon does not act as importer, so this has to be settled first.
Importing into the UK?
Tell us what you are shipping, whether it goes to Amazon.co.uk or another address, and who will be importer of record. Transit time and cost are quoted for your shipment within 12 hours (Monday–Saturday).