Things to Know Before Shipping Items from China to the UK

The process of importing goods from China to the UK can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared. From navigating import duties to choosing the right freight options, there are many crucial steps to consider when ensuring efficient shipping. Whether you’re new to international trade or looking to fine-tune your logistics, here’s what you need to know before shipping from China to the UK.

Understanding Import Duty and VAT:

One of the most important factors to consider when shipping from China to the UK is the cost of import duties and VAT. Import duty rates vary depending on the type of goods you’re importing, their origin and their value. Because of this, it’s extremely important to check the UK’s government Trade Tariff to calculate the exact duty owed on your shipment.

In addition to import duties, VAT is charged at the current UK rate (20% in most cases) and is applied to the total value of your goods, including their shipping costs and duties. It’s important to factor these costs into your budget to avoid any unpleasant surprises when your goods arrive.

The Role of Commodity Codes

What are Commodity codes? Commodity codes are essentially codes that classify your products under the UK’s trade system, determining the duty rate, VAT, and any potential restrictions. The are very important when importing goods – with over 5,000 possible classifications, choosing the wrong one can lead to delays, penalties, or overpaying taxes.

A freight forwarding service like Hub Freight can help you identify the correct commodity codes for your products, ensuring compliance and avoiding costly mistakes. With over 75 years of industry expertise, Hub Freight specialises in providing businesses with the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of international shipping.

Logistics Costs to Plan For:

There are several additional fees you’ll need to account for when planning logistics costs, including:

• Customs clearance fees: These can range from £50 to £200 per shipment, depending on the volume of goods.
• Insurance: Protecting goods in transit typically costs around 5% to 1% of the shipment’s value.
• Warehousing Fees: If your goods require storage before delivery.

Understanding these costs is key to keeping within your shipping budget. One way to help you manage these costs is by partnering with an experienced freight forwarder in the UK such as Hub Freight. Hub Freight can help you get a clear picture of all logistics costs and avoid hidden freight fees.

Sea Freight, Air Freight and Express Freight

The shipping method you choose can significantly impact costs and delivery times. When shipping from China to the UK, your options include sea freight, air freight and road freight.

Sea Freight:

• Pros: Cost-effective for large shipments, accounts for 90% of global trade by volume.
• Cons: Slower transit times, averaging to 30-40 days.
• Sea Freight Services are best for businesses shipping bulk goods that aren’t time-sensitive.

Air Freight:

• Pros: Fastest option, with deliveries in as little as 3-7 days.
• Cons: Up to 5-6 times more expensive than sea freight.
• Air Freight is ideal for urgent, high-value goods.

Road Freight:

• Pros: Crucial for last-mile delivery; provides flexibility for goods already in Europe.
• Cons: Limited to regional transport from ports
• As a trusted provider of express freight UK services, Hub Freight ensures reliable and efficient final delivery of your goods.

The Importance of Partnering with a Reliable Freight Forwarder

When shipping from China, there is a lot to think about. But, with a reliable freight forwarder UK, they can simplify the process. Businesses that partner with freight forwarders often report significant savings on logistics costs. By leveraging industry expertise, bulk shipping rates, and efficient handling of customs and documentation, freight forwarders can help reduce expenses and improve overall supply chain efficiency.

Freight forwarders like Hub Freight handle everything from customs documentation to arranging the best freight options. This ensures compliance with regulations, avoids costly delays, and allows you to focus on growing your business.

How Hub Freight Can Help

At Hub Freight, we combine over 75 years of experience with efficient logistics solutions to provide businesses with a seamless shipping experience. Whether you need help calculating import duties, identifying the correct commodity codes, or arranging cost-effective freight options, we’ve got you covered.

Our services include freight forwarding, express freight UK, and solutions made to meet your unique needs. From importing high-volume goods via sea freight to urgent shipments requiring air freight, Hub Freight offers the support you need to ensure your goods arrive on time and within budget.

We also specialise in last-mile delivery, using road freight to provide reliable service across the UK and Europe. With a dedicated account manager and transparent pricing, Hub Freight makes international shipping hassle-free.