How to ship from China to the UK and Europe: Guide for online sellers
With the right strategy, you can simplify the process of shipping goods from China. Learn about different shipping methods, the benefits of a freight forwarder and how to avoid delays.
Key takeaways
- You can use air, rail or ocean freight to ship products from China to the UK and Europe
- Air freight is faster, but ocean freight is cheaper and has a lower carbon footprint, while rail freight is a middle ground in terms of speed and cost
- Partner with a freight forwarder who can manage the complete international shipping process on your behalf
- Make sure your documentation is finalised before your goods reach the port to avoid delays during customs clearance
China is the UK’s third-biggest trade partner. According to the Department for Business and Trade, total UK imports from China were valued at £56.2 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024.
While importing goods from China has become the preferred solution for many UK businesses, the process of shipping goods from one continent to another is complex. Add in peak shipping seasons and the Chinese New Year rush and you’re navigating a stormy sea of timelines and additional costs.
Types of international shipping methods to consider
As an importer or online seller, you’ll be looking at the following shipping methods to get goods from China to the UK and Europe.
Air freight
Air freight uses aeroplanes to fly products directly to the destination. These might be specific cargo aircrafts or chartered planes. Though faster and safer than sea freight, it’s the more expensive option.
Air freight is commonly used for shipping time-sensitive goods like perishables and medicines, as well as high-value products. If you have small shipments, shipping by air makes more sense because delivery times are reduced to days instead of weeks.
However, airlines have more stringent regulations when shipping hazardous goods and heavy items are much more expensive by air.
Rail freight
Rail freight from China grew in popularity in 2024, seeing a 120% year-on-year increase in westbound shipments in the first half of the year. It offers a middle ground between air and sea freight when it comes to speed and cost. In terms of sustainability, its lower carbon footprint compared to air transport may appeal to businesses looking to improve their green credentials.
Key routes connect major Chinese cities to European hubs, including London and Birmingham. While rail freight is an appealing option for non-urgent items of medium value, it has limitations on weight and volume, and isn’t suitable for cargo requiring temperature control.
Sea freight
Sea freight or ocean freight involves shipping goods by sea. It’s more cost-effective than air freight, but delivery times are longer.
When considering sea freight, you can choose between a full container load (FCL) and a less-than-container load (LCL).
- Full container load: You get a full container for your shipment. Containers are generally 20 feet or 40 feet long (33 cubic metres or 66 cubic metres respectively). This reduces risk of damage because the container gets sealed after your goods are loaded and is only reopened on arrival. Delivery times are shorter than LCL, usually by a few days.
- Less-than-container load: The shipments from several customers are placed in a single container. LCL is usually the way to go when the volume of goods you’re sending isn’t enough to fill the whole container. DHL recommends using LCL for shipments up to 20 cubic metres; others suggest up to 15 cubic metres. Shipping costs are lower since you’re only paying for the space you use, but shipping times are slightly longer than FCL due to the process of opening containers and separating goods before they can be delivered to you.
Sea freight has a lower carbon footprint than air freight, making it a better option for companies focused on improving their sustainability efforts.
How much time does it take to ship goods from China to the UK and Europe?
The exact delivery timelines depend on the mode of shipment and your shipping partner. In most cases, the more you pay, the faster you get your shipment.
Express shipping
Many freight forwarders and shipping companies offer express shipping for delivery in 1–3 business days. It usually comes with a premium price tag. Couriers such as DHL, UPS and FedEx are popular providers offering door-to-door service.
Air freight
Air freight can take between five to 10 days, depending on the city of origin and destination. While planes take less than a day to reach their destination, most of the time is spent handling air freight processes, managing custom clearance documents and preparing packaging.
For example, FedEx can deliver packages from Shanghai to London in 5–8 working days or to Rotterdam in a similar timeframe.
Rail freight
Rail freight takes, on average, between 18 and 22 days for delivery. With the expansion of the ‘New Silk Road’, rail freight has become a more reliable and environmentally friendly option. The network runs from China through central Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe to the rest of Europe.
Sea freight
Sea freight has the longest lead with six weeks for door-to-door shipping from China, although it can take eight weeks or longer. Packages need additional preparation and ships move a lot slower than planes. Other factors like customs delays, bad weather and port conditions can also affect sea freight timelines. The most popular route travels through the Suez Canal.
How much does it cost to ship from China?
The cost of shipping depends on several factors, including:
- Weight of the total package
- Size and shape of goods
- Air, rail or sea freight
- Express or standard shipping
- Port-to-port or door-to-door delivery
- Insurance
- Customs charges
If you’re comparing port-to-port estimates against door-to-door delivery, you should factor in the additional fees to get your goods to the port and for last-mile delivery at the destination.
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Documents required for exporting products from China
You’ll need customs clearance documentation when exporting products from China to the UK and Europe. The list below is indicative only, as regulations and procedures change over time and can vary depending on the products you’re importing. Please seek professional advice before proceeding with your imports and exports.
Pre-shipping
This involves preparing your goods for export, getting the required permits and arranging pick up.
Export licence: The Chinese government issues export licences to exporters, allowing them to ship goods out of the country. Smaller companies without an export licence can partner with freight forwarders for international shipping.
Licence or certificate: Certain goods require a licence to be imported into the UK. These include controlled items like chemicals, weapons and agricultural products. Check UK government guidelines in advance. The EU also has regulations around what products can be imported, similar to the UK.
Proforma invoice: After you negotiate the prices, the supplier prepares the proforma invoice for your approval. It isn’t a legally binding document and only includes the estimates for the order.
Export letter of credit: This is a conditional payment guarantee, where wholesale exporters ship goods before payment is made in full.
EORI number: If you’re importing goods into the UK or Europe, you’ll need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. It’s essential for interacting with customs authorities.
Pre-arrival safety declaration: This document must be submitted to customs authorities before goods are shipped. In the UK, it’s known as the Safety and Security Declaration (SSD) while in the EU, it’s referred to as the Entry Summary Declaration (ESD). Usually the carrier is responsible for submitting this, but you should confirm with your shipping partner.
Preparing for the shipment
At this stage, you’ll be working to ensure your goods are loaded onto ships, planes or trains.
Certificate of inspection: If required by contract, this certifies that the goods have been inspected and meet quality standards. Not all goods need this; it typically applies to certain industrial and high-risk items.
Commercial invoice: Once the terms of sale are finalised and goods are ready for shipment, the commercial invoice is issued. This is the key document required for customs processing.
Bill of exchange: This document formally requests payment. Suppliers usually share it at the same time as the commercial invoice.
Export packing list: An itemised list of all the goods included in your order. The document is also the main reference for customs agents when they review your order. If there are any extra items found in the shipment that aren’t included in the list, it can lead to delays and complications.
Arrival
It’s not over when your goods reach the destination port. All goods that enter the UK and EU from China are subject to the customs clearance process. Incorrect paperwork can lead to your shipment getting stuck at the port for weeks. Here are the main documents you’ll need:
Cargo insurance certificate: While insurance isn’t mandatory, it can help you claim compensation if products get damaged during transit. If your supplier doesn’t provide cargo insurance, you can get it through a third-party firm.
Bill of lading: This is the receipt for the received goods provided by the shipping company. It also provides proof of ownership and is needed to claim the shipment once it arrives at its destination
Certificate of origin: It shows where the goods were manufactured or where they were obtained from. It’s issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
Customs declaration: The C88 form (UK) or Single Administrative Document (EU) is a customs declaration for when the goods arrive at their destination. This helps calculate the duties and VAT owed on the shipment.
Partnering with freight forwarders
A freight forwarder is an intermediary who specialises in international shipping. They manage the international shipping process for you from start to finish, including document preparation, customs clearance, storage management and cargo insurance. Depending on your budget and delivery timelines, they can also recommend the best international shipping method.
How do Chinese holidays impact international shipping timelines?
Many factories shut down and logistics hubs and ports operate at reduced capacity during major Chinese holidays, affecting supply chains and causing delays in deliveries.
Here are the top two Chinese holidays to keep in mind if you regularly import products from China:
Chinese New Year
Things come to a virtual standstill during the country’s biggest holiday. Chinese New Year is an annual 15-day festival that begins with the new moon, which usually occurs between 21 January and 20 February on the Gregorian calendar. Celebrations continue until the next full moon.
Golden Week
Golden Week is a 7–8 day national holiday in China that celebrates the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. From 1–7 October, many factories and businesses shut down and there’s a surge in domestic travel.
The good news is that since these festival dates are known in advance, you can plan your shipments around them to avoid delays.
You should ship your goods months in advance of Black Friday in the case of ocean freight. With air freight, use economy airmail until late October, then switch to express airmail from November to January, during the Black Friday, Christmas and Chinese New Year period.
November to January is considered the peak shipping season, which often leads to delivery delays. Even economy airmail can be delayed for a long time, depending on the number of economy parcels received by the delivery service.
Pay Chinese suppliers with WorldFirst
When sourcing from China, fast and secure payments can mean the difference between smooth delivery and delays that impact your bottom line. WorldFirst helps you pay suppliers and logistics partners in their local currency – reducing costs, building trust and speeding up shipments.
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This article featured on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst Group makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst Group does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
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