Import From China to UK – Documents Needed to Clear Customs Without Glitches

Digitalization and globalization have made it simple to gain access to merchandise from all across the world. Goods from different countries can be brought with ease into your own. The reasons to import goods are several including low material rates, less manufacturing cost, and high production capabilities in comparison to domestic accessibilities. This allows running a profitable business. It is proven that import from China to UK is financially beneficial. 

Wondering how beneficial it is to import from China to UK that is located 6,576 miles away. Well, its unrivaled ability to manufacture products in bulk quickly and at low costs has made it one of the largest import partners to the UK.

Shipping options to consider

For shipping goods, the chosen mode of transport plays a significant role in delivery. For example, air freight is faster but costly, while sea freight is cheap but takes time. Therefore, you need to find the right transport mode to suit your shipping goals. Nevertheless, for a large volume of consumer products, sea freight is a cheap option, while air freight is better for small loads or urgently needed things, or high-value items.

China is not included in the European Union, so as a commercial product importer, the buyers have specific onuses. Even a veteran importer from the EU will need to know the process involved and documents needed to import goods from China without any glitches. 

Apply correct commodity code

Use the UK Government Trade Tariff to find the commodity code for the goods. Commodity codes are crucial to classify goods. It helps to –

• Finish declaration as well as other paperwork.
• Check for any duty reliefs.
• Find it there is VAT or duty to pay.

Custom authorities use commodity codes to identify the commercial products you will bring to the UK. It ensures that correct duty and tax are paid as well as every legal and safety protocol are adhered to.

Get EORI number

Economic Operator Registration Identification number is used in record-keeping for exported and imported goods by customs in the UK. When goods are imported from China every imported needs to get an EORI number for an export declaration. You will be using the CHIEF system [Customs Handling of Import & Export Freight], which allows you to input customs details electronically, automatically check errors, and calculate payable tax and duties. It allows fast entry for goods with low risk. Apply for the EORI number online and receive it within 3 days.

Check if license is needed

Are you importing goods that belong to the surveillance control category? There are goods, which are subject to import restrictions. So, check if the goods you are bringing into UK have import control. Currently, you will find three control types.

1. Bans – Not allowed
2. Surveillance – Monitored importation
3. Quotas – volume restrictions

Firearms and ammunitions import from China to UK need a license because they are restricted goods. Some things that cannot be imported from China to the UK are –

• Antiques
• Biological substances
• Animal skins or furs
• Ivory
• Perishables
• Military equipment
• Asbestos

Chinese import duties

When you import from China to UK, there will be a need to pay import duty and VAT. What you have to pay depends on the product type you will import. Import duty calculation is complicated; so many importers take help from a customs broker or a freight forwarder to calculate import duty. 

For calculating the import duty, you will need to attain the commodity code of the goods. During goods declaration to customs in the United Kingdom, you will have to confirm the commodity code and this will be used for payable duty calculations. The amounts differ considerably. For example, the import duty set for new cars is 10%, while some electrical goods incur 0%.

The goods are held by UK customs if payment of import duty and VAT is pending. So, know how to calculate VAT, pay it and release your cargo from China.

Pay proper VAT 

For import from China to UK, there is a need to pay VAT [Value added tax] besides the import duty and customs value. 

VAT percentage = total of production cost + shipping cost + import duty rate associated with that commodity code

Pay the necessary VAT and in case you are VAT registered then it can be claimed via standard VAT return. The HMRC will give a C79 certificate to prove that you have paid the import VAT.

Fill in correct details on labels and invoices

All the invoices and labels need to have correct and complete details like –

• Sender & receiver
• Goods quantity
• Goods value
• Items detailed description
• Commodity codes

Organize CR [customs registration] and POA [power of attorney]

You will need a CR number as well as POA for good non-documented regardless of its value. CR numbers must be detailed on invoices for smooth clearance. The sender gives a POA letter to the freight forwarding company for shipment clearance through the customs, on their behalf. 

Example:

How to calculate the import duty on goods brought from China to the UK?

Let’s calculate the import duty of sunglasses shipment from China to the United Kingdom. 

• Production cost = £20,000
• Shipping & insurance cost = £8,000

The shipment is more than £135. Besides, items are not regarded as gifts due to the volume and therefore you will need to pay import duty. Find the commodity code for sunglasses and apply that code’s import duty rate. Suppose the rate is 2%.

Import duty to pay for sunglasses shipment is 2% on £28,000 [£20,000 + £8,000] that equals to £560. The VAT is approximately 20% of the total custom value £28,560 [£20,000 + £8,000 + £560 = £28,560] that equals to £5,712. As China is outside the EU, you will have to pay £5,712 against VAT for smooth customs clearance in the UK.

Do Chinese goods need to carry the UKCA mark?

It is mandatory to bear UKCA marks on specific products like –

• Toy safety
• Simple pressure vessels
• Measuring instruments
• Radio equipment
• Gas appliances
• Lifts
• Aerosols
• And more

The China supplier may be unaware of these specific labeling needs, so supply them with the necessary dimension, affixing position, and graphic files. 

Ensure to find an experienced and reliable shipping company!