🇬🇧Data verified: 2026-07-04

Sourcing & Importing Products from China to the United Kingdom

Since Brexit, importing from China to the UK is handled entirely through UK systems — a GB EORI number, HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS), and UK-specific product marking. Getting these right is the difference between smooth clearance and cargo stuck at Felixstowe.

The good news for 2026: the UK has confirmed CE marking will continue to be accepted for most goods placed on the Great Britain market until at least 2027, so you usually don’t need separate UKCA testing yet. We confirm the exact marking, duty rate and VAT position for your product before you order.

Key import facts

Import authority

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), via the Customs Declaration Service (CDS)

Currency

GBP

De minimis

£135 threshold — Consignments valued at £135 or less generally have no customs duty, and import VAT is collected at the point of sale by the seller. Above £135, both customs duty and 20% import VAT are due at the border.

General duty range

0%–12% by commodity code (most consumer goods)

Duties, taxes & tariffs

Customs duty (varies by 10-digit commodity code)	0%–12%
Import VAT (reclaimable by VAT-registered businesses)	20%
Anti-dumping duty on specific Chinese goods (e-bikes, ceramics, some steel)	Varies — can be high

Customs clearance / broker fee: Charged per entry by your freight agent
Duty deferment account: Optional — defers duty/VAT to a monthly payment

Compliance & certifications

CE / UKCA

Applies to: Most regulated products — CE accepted in GB until at least 2027; UKCA is the long-term UK mark

UKCA (mandatory sectors)

Applies to: Medical devices, construction products, marine equipment have their own deadlines

Toys (Toys Safety Regulations)

Applies to: Children’s toys — safety testing & documentation

UK RoHS / EMC

Applies to: Electrical & electronic equipment

UKNI marking

Applies to: Goods placed on the Northern Ireland market

Shipping from China

Sea FCL → Felixstowe~30–40 days door-to-door

Rail (China–UK)~20–28 days

Air freight~5–9 days door-to-door

Express courier~3–6 days (samples / small parcels)

▸ Sea FCL (20ft / 40ft / 40HQ) — lowest per-unit cost for full-container volume
▸ Sea LCL — shared container for smaller shipments
▸ Rail freight — a middle option on cost and speed
▸ Air / express — samples and time-sensitive goods

Sea ports:

Felixstowe (UK’s largest container port, main China gateway) · Southampton · London Gateway · Liverpool

Customs clearance

✓ GB EORI number (mandatory — goods cannot clear without it)
✓ VAT registration (required if UK turnover exceeds £90,000)
✓ CDS customs declaration
✓ Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading / air waybill
✓ Correct 10-digit commodity code
✓ Evidence of CE or UKCA conformity where the product requires it

Top imported categories

Electronics & electrical goodsFurniture & homewareApparel & textilesToys & gamesMachinery & toolsAuto parts & accessories

Frequently asked questions

Q.Do I need UKCA marking or is CE still accepted in the UK?

For most products, CE marking is still accepted for the Great Britain market until at least 2027, so separate UKCA testing usually isn’t required yet. Some sectors — medical devices, construction products and marine equipment — have their own UKCA deadlines. We confirm which applies to your product.

Q.What is the £135 threshold for imports from China?

For consignments valued at £135 or less, there is generally no customs duty and import VAT is charged at the point of sale by the seller. Above £135, customs duty and 20% import VAT are due at the border on import.

Q.Do I need an EORI number to import from China to the UK?

Yes. Every business importing into the UK needs a GB EORI number to file customs declarations through CDS. Goods cannot clear customs without one — it’s the first thing to arrange.

Q.How long does shipping from China to the UK take?

Sea freight to Felixstowe is roughly 30–40 days door-to-door. China–UK rail is about 20–28 days. Air freight is around 5–9 days, and express courier 3–6 days for samples and small parcels.

Get an accurate landed-cost quote

We'll classify your product, confirm compliance and price in current duties — no surprises at the port.

Request a quote