How to Import from China to the UK (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)
Importing products from China to the UK can be highly profitable — but it’s also full of hidden costs, complex paperwork, and strict regulations. Whether you’re a first-time importer or an established e-commerce seller, this 2025 guide explains exactly how the process works, what to prepare for, and how ImportMate can handle it all for you.
1. Understand What Importing from China Involves
Importing isn’t as simple as placing an order on Alibaba. The process includes sourcing, compliance checks, international shipping, customs clearance, and delivery within the UK. Each stage has its own rules and costs — which is why many UK businesses use an import agent or sourcing company like ImportMate to manage it safely.
- Supplier stage: finding reliable manufacturers and confirming production quality.
- Shipping stage: choosing between air freight, sea freight, or courier services.
- Customs stage: paying import duty and VAT, plus submitting all required documents.
- Delivery stage: releasing your goods from port and arranging final delivery.
2. Register for an EORI Number
Before you can import goods into the UK, you need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This identifies your business to HMRC during customs declarations.
You can apply for free on the UK government website: Apply for an EORI Number.
Without one, your shipment will be held at customs until you register, which can delay delivery by days or even weeks.
3. Verify Your Chinese Supplier
This is one of the most critical — and risky — steps. Many UK importers make the mistake of trusting unverified suppliers found online. Always confirm:
- Business registration and factory address.
- Ownership of export licences.
- Past trade history or client references.
- Product quality through samples or third-party inspection.
ImportMate can handle supplier verification and sampling directly, preventing counterfeit or sub-standard products from reaching you.
4. Check UK Import Rules and Product Compliance
Not every product can be imported freely. The UK has specific safety and compliance requirements depending on your product type. For example:
- Electrical goods: must carry UKCA or CE marking.
- Cosmetics or skincare: require product safety documentation and ingredient disclosure.
- Toys or baby items: must meet EN-71 standards.
- Food and supplements: need import licences and health certificates.
Checking compliance early saves major losses later. ImportMate advises on the correct UK standards before production begins, avoiding costly rejections at customs.
5. Calculate Your Import Costs
Many new importers underestimate total costs. The price you pay to the supplier is just the starting point. Your full landed cost includes:
- Product cost: unit price × quantity.
- Shipping cost: based on weight, volume, and delivery method.
- Insurance: optional but recommended for sea freight.
- Import duty: typically 0–12% depending on the HS code.
- VAT: charged at 20% on total value including shipping and duty.
- Customs broker fees: small charge for clearance paperwork.
Use the UK Trade Tariff tool to find your HS code and duty rate. Or simply let ImportMate calculate it for you as part of your quote.
6. Choose the Right Shipping Method
Your choice of freight method affects cost, timing, and reliability:
- Air freight: 5–10 days, best for smaller high-value goods.
- Sea freight: 4–8 weeks, ideal for bulk shipments.
- Express courier: fastest but most expensive option for samples or small orders.
Sea freight is generally cheapest, but it involves container booking, port fees, and customs clearance on arrival — all of which ImportMate coordinates for you.
7. Prepare Shipping Documents
Missing or incorrect paperwork is the main reason goods get stuck at UK customs. You’ll typically need:
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading (sea freight) or airway bill (air freight)
- Certificate of origin
- Product compliance certificates (if required)
- Insurance certificate (if applicable)
ImportMate checks every document before shipment to prevent clearance delays and unexpected storage fees at port.
8. Handle Customs Clearance in the UK
Once your goods arrive in the UK, customs must review your documents, verify your EORI, and calculate duty and VAT. Unless you’re familiar with the CHIEF or CDS system, this can be confusing and time-consuming.
ImportMate acts as your UK customs intermediary — managing declarations, paying duty on your behalf, and ensuring your goods are released quickly.
9. Arrange Final Delivery
After customs clearance, your shipment needs to be delivered to your UK address or warehouse. ImportMate arranges this final leg through trusted domestic couriers and freight partners, ensuring full tracking from factory to doorstep.
10. Common Import Mistakes to Avoid
- Ordering before confirming compliance requirements.
- Using suppliers without export licences.
- Under-declaring invoice value to save on duty (this can lead to seizure or fines).
- Not insuring goods for sea freight.
- Failing to factor in port storage and clearance fees.
Every mistake costs time and money — which is why professional import management pays for itself quickly.
How ImportMate Simplifies the Process
ImportMate helps UK businesses import safely and efficiently by managing every stage:
- ✅ Supplier sourcing and background checks
- ✅ Sampling, quality control, and compliance review
- ✅ Freight booking and shipping coordination
- ✅ Customs clearance and duty handling
- ✅ Final UK delivery with full tracking
Instead of managing multiple agents, ImportMate provides one point of contact — turning a complicated, high-risk process into a predictable, fully managed import service.
Final Thoughts
Importing from China to the UK can unlock huge opportunities for small businesses — but it’s also filled with customs procedures, documentation, and costly mistakes if you go it alone. With ImportMate’s UK-based import support, you get expert guidance at every stage, transparent pricing, and peace of mind that your shipment is in safe hands.