Shipping from China to the UK
Sea freight from China to UK ports such as Felixstowe and Southampton usually takes about 30 to 45 days, and longer when ships go around Africa. Rail to Europe plus a truck to the UK takes about 18 to 25 days, and air about 3 to 7 days. You need a GB EORI number to import, and you'll pay import VAT and any customs duty when the goods arrive.
3 min readUpdated
Key takeaways
- Sea to Felixstowe or Southampton usually takes about 30 to 45 days, port to port.
- You need an EORI number starting with GB before you can import.
- You'll pay import VAT (20% on most goods) plus any customs duty for your product.
- Look up your commodity code on the UK Trade Tariff to find your duty rate.
Sea, rail or air: which to use
| Mode | Typical time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Sea freight (FCL or LCL) | 30 to 45 days port to port | Most commercial orders |
| Rail to Europe, then truck to the UK | 18 to 25 days | Goods that need to arrive faster than sea, at a lower cost than air |
| Air freight | 3 to 7 days | Urgent or light, valuable goods |
| Express courier | 3 to 5 days door to door | Samples and very small shipments |
Typical sea transit times to UK ports
| UK port | Typical transit |
|---|---|
| Felixstowe | 30 to 45 days |
| Southampton | 30 to 45 days |
| London Gateway | 30 to 45 days |
Before you import: get an EORI number
To move goods into Great Britain you need an EORI number starting with GB. It's free and you apply on GOV.UK. Your customs broker or forwarder will ask for it, so sort it out before your first shipment, not when the goods are already at the port.
Import VAT and customs duty
When goods arrive in the UK you normally pay two things.
- Import VAT, which is 20% for most goods, worked out on the value of the goods plus shipping, insurance and duty. If you're VAT-registered you can usually reclaim it, and postponed VAT accounting lets you account for it on your VAT return instead of paying at the border.
- Customs duty, which depends on your product's commodity code. Some goods have no duty at all.
Look up your commodity code and duty rate on the UK Trade Tariff. Getting the code right matters, because the wrong one can mean paying too much, or a penalty later.
Not sure what you need?
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Customs clearance and documents
Most importers use a customs broker or their forwarder to make the import declaration. They'll need:
- Your EORI number.
- The commercial invoice with value, description and country of origin.
- A packing list that matches the cartons.
- The bill of lading or air waybill.
- Any certificates your product needs, such as UKCA or CE conformity for electrical goods and toys.
Product safety rules
As the importer, you're responsible for making sure the goods are safe and legal to sell in the UK. That can mean UKCA or CE marking, test reports for children's products, food-contact rules for kitchenware, and correct labelling. Ask your supplier for existing test reports early, and have the goods checked against them in the pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping to Amazon FBA in the UK
- Create the shipment in Seller Central before the goods leave China.
- Have the factory apply FNSKU and carton labels, and check them during inspection.
- Make sure you, or your forwarder on DDP terms, are set up to act as the importer, because Amazon won't do it.
Shipping checklist
- 1Get a GB EORI number.
- 2Find the commodity code and duty rate on the UK Trade Tariff.
- 3Check which safety marks and test reports your product needs.
- 4Choose sea, rail or air, and an Incoterm (FOB, CIF or DDP).
- 5Inspect the goods before they leave the factory.
- 6Have your broker ready to clear customs, and budget for VAT and duty.
We arrange freight from China with partner forwarders, including DDP delivery to UK addresses where available.
Common questions
How long does sea freight from China to the UK take?
Usually about 30 to 45 days port to port, plus a few days for customs and delivery. Allow longer when ships are routed around Africa.
Do I pay VAT on goods from China?
Yes, import VAT is charged on most goods, usually at 20%. VAT-registered businesses can normally reclaim it.
What is an EORI number?
A free registration number you need to import goods into Great Britain. You apply for one on GOV.UK.