With a huge percentage of the world’s production coming from China and the Far East, it is vital you use a trusted and knowledgeable logistics partner when shipping from this area.
Exporting to and importing from China and the Far East can be a minefield. Fortunately, this is where Denholm Good Logistics can help. Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to assist with all aspects of exporting to and importing from this area of the world. We will listen to your needs and advise on the best solution. We will compare the various shipping options to get your goods in or out of China and the Far East in the most efficient way possible.
In fact, we will guide you through the entire process, including documentation and declaration requirements. When your consignment arrives in China, the Far East or the UK, our team will be on hand to ensure it clears customs smoothly and we will assist with any storage or onward distribution requirements.
In-house expertise on China and the Far East
With a dedicated Trade Manager who focuses specifically on importing to the UK from China, as well as a team of staff based in Shanghai, we are able to meet all your supply chain requirements. We offer a range of innovative and cost-effective solutions for both FCL and LCL shipments with complete visibility thanks to our handy technology for booking, tracking and analysing your logistics activity.
Industry insights
We can support your entire supply chain at both place of origin and ultimate destination. Whatever the terms of shipment, whether they involve Ex Works, FOB or CIF, we provide a full turnkey service to handle FCL and LCL imports from China and the Far East from all major ports.
A complete logistics solution
For almost two centuries, Denholm Good Logistics has been helping customers navigate the world of shipping and logistics. We offer shipping to China and the Far East by sea freight, road freight and air freight. In addition, in order to make your life easier, we also provide a full menu of 3PL services, such as customs clearance, warehousing and onward distribution.
Things to remember when importing from China to the UK
As a commercial importer, you have certain obligations, and it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the documentation required to import to the UK from China and thus clear customs without any issues. Here are our top tips to remember when importing from China.
— Use the correct commodity code
— Pay the required rate of VAT
— Register with the CHIEF system to declare your goods
— Pay any duty required
— Check that your goods aren’t banned from being imported to the UK from China or require an import licence
— Make sure you have Economic Operator Registration Identification (an EORI number)
— Organise a Customs Registration (CR) number and Power of Attorney (POA)
— Include full details on all the labels and invoices
Our in-house specialists can provide assistance with all of above to make the process of shipping from China simple and hassle free.
Frequently asked questions
Here is some additional information you might like to be aware of before shipping goods to or from China and the Far East.
How do I find the correct commodity code to use?
When shipping goods to and from China, it is vital that you use the correct commodity code. You can find this information by visiting this government website. The code will allow you to complete declarations and all the required paperwork, determine whether you need to pay VAT or duties, and check for any duty reliefs.
Do I have to secure a Customs Registration number and Power of Attorney?
Besides the commodity code, you will also need a Customs Registration (or CR) number for non-documented goods regardless of their value. In order to complete the customs clearance process, this should be indicated on the commercial invoice. On the other hand, you won’t need a CR number if you are simply shipping personal effects from China to the UK.
You will also need a Power of Attorney (POA), the document which indicates that you are authorising the freight forwarding company to handle the customs clearance process on your behalf.
What is the best way to ship goods from China?
You have two main options when shipping from China: sea freight or air freight. If you need the goods as quickly as possible, transporting them by air is the best option as they will reach their destination in just a matter of days.
On the other hand, if you are looking to minimise your freight costs, shipping goods by sea is the most cost-effective solution. However, a known disadvantage is that goods transported by sea usually take much longer to arrive.
How do I make sure that my goods will arrive on time?
Certain events can cause delays to your shipments, most notably the holiday season and the Chinese New Year. Therefore, it is always advisable to take a proactive approach to ensure that your goods will arrive on time. Besides securing an EORI number and all the relevant documentation, it also pays to:
Order early – it usually takes six to twelve weeks for goods to arrive in the UK from China by sea. By ordering earlier, especially before any holidays, you can avoid unnecessary transport delays.
Use air freight – air freight is the fastest way of shipping goods to and from China. This mode of transport is an excellent option, particularly if your customers are in a hurry.
Consider where your goods are coming from – transit times may differ depending on where your supplier is located in China. For instance, although it will take six weeks to transport products from Southern China by sea, this can extend to eight weeks if you are shipping from Northern China. Always take account of the location of your supplier and make decisions accordingly. If you need any advice on importing goods to the UK from China, please feel free to contact our freight forwarder.
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