Short answer: goods from China reach the UK by sea freight or air freight. Sea freight is the most economical choice for larger orders and bulky goods, but it takes several weeks. Air freight is much faster and suits urgent, light or high-value shipments, but costs more. Before shipping you need a GB EORI number, and on arrival the goods are cleared through UK customs, where customs duty and import VAT are paid.
This guide explains how each option works, how to choose between them and how to prepare your shipment. It is written by our team in Yiwu, China, where we buy, check and ship goods for businesses in the UK, Ireland and across Europe.
Important: customs duty, VAT and import rules depend on your product and can change. We recommend consulting a local customs broker in the UK before you import.
Sea freight vs air freight at a glance
| Sea freight | Air freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slower, several weeks | Fast, usually a few days |
| Cost | Lower, especially for large volumes | Higher, charged by weight or volume |
| Best for | Bulky goods, large orders, regular stock | Urgent orders, samples, light or valuable goods |
| Arrives at | UK container ports | UK airports |
| Restrictions | Fewer limits on size and weight | Stricter rules for batteries, liquids and some materials |
Sea freight from China to the UK
Most goods from China reach the UK by sea. Containers usually arrive at major container ports such as Felixstowe, Southampton or London Gateway, and are then delivered by truck to your warehouse.
FCL: full container
With FCL (full container load) you rent a whole container. It is usually the lowest cost per unit for large orders, and your goods are not mixed with anyone else’s cargo.
LCL: shared container
With LCL (less than container load) your goods share a container with other shipments, and you pay for the space you use. It is a good choice for small and medium orders. It can take a little longer than FCL, because the container has to be loaded and unloaded at consolidation warehouses.
- Pros: lowest cost for larger orders, suitable for heavy and bulky goods, fewer restrictions.
- Cons: takes several weeks, delays possible in peak season and around Chinese New Year.
Air freight from China to the UK
Air freight usually arrives at a major UK airport such as London Heathrow and is then delivered to your address. It is the right choice when speed matters more than cost.
- Pros: fast, predictable, good for urgent restocks and launches.
- Cons: higher cost, especially for heavy or bulky goods, and stricter rules for batteries, magnets, liquids and some chemicals.
For samples and small parcels, an express courier is the fastest door-to-door option, but it becomes expensive for larger shipments.
How to choose between sea and air
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Regular stock, you can plan ahead | Sea freight |
| Large, heavy or bulky goods | Sea freight (FCL or LCL) |
| Small order from several suppliers | Sea freight LCL, consolidated in China |
| Urgent restock or product launch | Air freight |
| Samples and small parcels | Express courier |
| Seasonal goods ordered late | Air freight for part of the order |
Many businesses combine both: the main order goes by sea, and a small part goes by air so that sales can start earlier.
Before you ship: what you need
- GB EORI number. Businesses importing into Great Britain need an EORI number issued by HMRC. Apply before your first shipment.
- Product compliance. Check that your goods meet UK safety and labelling rules. For many products, the UKCA mark is used, and CE marking is also accepted for many product types.
- HS codes. Each product needs a commodity code, which decides the customs duty rate.
- Shipping terms. Agree with your supplier who pays for what, for example FOB or EXW, so there are no surprises.
- Packaging and labels. Strong export cartons, clear shipping marks and correct retail labels.
Documents for UK customs
- commercial invoice;
- packing list with weights, dimensions and number of cartons;
- bill of lading (sea freight) or air waybill (air freight);
- commodity code for each product;
- certificates and test reports where required;
- your GB EORI and VAT number.
Import declarations are submitted electronically to HMRC. Most businesses use a customs broker or freight forwarder to do this.
Customs duty and import VAT in the UK
When goods arrive in the UK, you usually pay customs duty and import VAT:
- Customs duty is set by the UK Global Tariff and depends on the product’s commodity code.
- Import VAT is charged by HMRC. VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim it, and many use postponed VAT accounting to declare it on their VAT return instead of paying at the border.
Both are generally calculated on the value of the goods plus shipping and insurance. Because rates and rules depend on your product, ask a local customs broker to confirm the duty and VAT before you order.
Tips to save money on shipping
- Consolidate. Buy from several suppliers and ship everything in one consignment from a warehouse in China.
- Plan ahead. Ordering early lets you use sea freight instead of expensive air freight.
- Optimise packaging. Smaller, well-packed cartons reduce the volume you pay for.
- Avoid peak periods. Book early before Christmas and Chinese New Year, when space is limited.
- Check goods before shipping. Fixing problems in China is far cheaper than after delivery.
How SilkwayMall helps UK businesses
We are a sourcing agent based in Yiwu, with our own warehouse in China and an office in the EU. For clients in the UK we:
- find and verify suppliers on 1688, Alibaba, Taobao and in Yiwu market;
- check every order and send you photos and videos before shipping;
- consolidate goods from different suppliers into one shipment;
- arrange sea or air freight to the UK;
- prepare export documents for your customs broker.
Not sure which platform to buy from? Read our comparison of 1688 vs Alibaba vs Taobao. See how our fees work on the price page, view real shipments we have handled, or send us your product list through our contact form.
FAQ: shipping from China to the UK
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to the UK?
For most business orders, sea freight is the cheapest option. For small orders, a shared container (LCL) with goods consolidated in China is usually the best value.
How long does shipping from China to the UK take?
Sea freight takes several weeks, while air freight usually takes a few days. Times depend on the route, the season and customs clearance.
Do I need an EORI number to import into the UK?
Yes. Businesses importing goods into Great Britain need a GB EORI number from HMRC.
Can I ship goods with batteries by air?
Sometimes, but there are strict rules for batteries and other dangerous goods. Check with your forwarder before booking, or choose sea freight.
Do I need a customs broker?
Most businesses use one. A UK customs broker submits the import declaration, checks commodity codes and helps you avoid delays and extra costs.
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This guide is for general information only. Shipping, customs and tax rules can change and depend on your product, so we recommend consulting a local customs broker before you import.