UK
ONE-STOP GLOBALLOGISTICS PROVIDER
SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO UK
Tonlexing offers comprehensive shipping services from China to the UK, ensuring efficient and reliable logistics solutions tailored to your needs.
Our Services:
• Sea Freight: Providing the best sea freight options from China to the UK.
• Air Freight: Fast and secure air freight services from China to the UK.
• Pick-Up Service: Available from any city in China.
• Delivery: To anywhere in the UK.
• Door-to-Door Service: Convenient and hassle-free delivery from China to the UK.
Tonlexing has over ten offices in different cities across China, making it easy to coordinate with suppliers. We work closely with various carriers and airlines, enabling us to negotiate the best freight rates for shipping from China to the UK.
Contact us for personalized shipping solutions and competitive quotes for your cargo.
Table of Contents
Guide to Shipping from China to the UK: Sea Freight, Air Freight, and Door-to-Door Services
Shipping from China to the UK requires careful planning and decision-making regarding shipping methods, documentation, and customs regulations. Whether you’re a business or an individual importer, this guide provides essential insights into the shipping process. We’ll cover sea freight, air freight, door-to-door services, and explain how to select the nearest port, calculate customs duties, and ensure smooth shipping.
Overview of Shipping Options from China to the UK
Shipping from China to the UK involves three main methods: sea freight, air freight, and door-to-door services. Each option is tailored to different needs based on the volume, time sensitivity, and cost considerations. Understanding the intricacies of these options can help optimize your logistics.
Sea Freight Shipping from China to the UK
Sea freight is the go-to method for large shipments or bulky goods. Though it’s slower than air freight, it is far more cost-effective, especially for high-volume cargo.
Types of Sea Freight Services
- FCL (Full Container Load): This option is particularly suitable for large shipments. With FCL, you have control over the entire container, either 20ft or 40ft, without the need to share space with other cargo. As a result, it offers more security and exclusivity for your goods.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): On the other hand, LCL is a great choice for smaller shipments, as it allows you to share container space with others. Therefore, it becomes a more affordable option for lower volumes, especially when shipping less than a full container.
Major Ports in China and the UK
China:
- Shanghai: A major hub for international shipping, ideal for large cargo.
- Shenzhen: Perfect for southern China manufacturers with frequent sailings.
- Ningbo: Ideal for exporters in central and eastern China.
UK:
- Felixstowe: The UK’s largest and busiest container port.
- Southampton: Serving southern England, it is closer to London.
- London Gateway: Convenient for shipments that need quick access to London.
How Long is Sea Freight from China to the UK?
Sea freight transit times depend on the specific shipping routes and ports, generally falling within the following ranges:
- Shanghai to Felixstowe: 30-35 days
- Shenzhen to Southampton: 25-30 days
How Much Does Sea Freight from China to the UK Cost?
Here is a detailed quotation for sea freight:
| Service Type | Container Size | Estimated Transit Time | Price (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCL (Full Container Load) | 20ft Container | 30-35 days | $1,200 – $2,000 | Price varies depending on shipping line and port selection. |
| FCL (Full Container Load) | 40ft Container | 30-35 days | $2,200 – $3,800 | Price varies depending on shipping line and port selection. |
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | Per CBM (Cubic Meter) | 30-40 days | $80 – $150 per CBM | Shared container. Price is based on the volume shipped. |
Included Services:
- Inland transportation to the Chinese port.
- Sea freight to the UK port.
- Customs clearance (origin and destination).
Not Included:
- UK customs duties and VAT.
- Final delivery to the destination (for LCL).
Prices are updated as of May 2024. For real-time rates, please contact us for a customized quote.
Air Freight Shipping from China to the UK
For urgent or high-value shipments, air freight is the fastest method, delivering goods within a matter of days.
Key Airports in China and the UK
China:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
UK:
- London Heathrow (LHR): The main air freight hub in the UK.
- Manchester Airport (MAN): Ideal for northern UK destinations.
- Gatwick Airport (LGW): Offers quick access to southern England.
How Long is Air Freight from China to the UK?
Air freight is significantly faster than sea freight:
- Direct flights: 3-4 days
- Indirect flights: 5-7 days (depending on stopovers)
How Much Does Air Freight from China to the UK Cost?
Here is a detailed quotation for air freight:
| Service Type | Weight | Estimated Transit Time | Price (USD per kg) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Air Freight | Any weight | 3-7 days | $3 – $5 per kg | Varies based on the airline and route. |
| Express Air Freight | Any weight | 2-3 days | $7 – $9 per kg | Priority shipping with faster transit. |
Prices are updated as of May 2024. Please contact us for real-time quotes tailored to your specific shipment.
Door-to-Door Shipping from China to the UK
Door-to-door services provide the ultimate convenience for importers by managing the entire process from collection in China to delivery in the UK.
How Does Door-to-Door Service Work?
Door-to-door service covers every step of the logistics process:
- Pick-up: The provider collects goods from your supplier’s location in China.
- Shipping: Your goods are shipped via sea or air freight to the UK.
- Customs Clearance: All customs paperwork and clearance processes are handled by the logistics provider.
- Final Delivery: The shipment is delivered directly to your designated address in the UK.
How Long is Door-to-Door Shipping from China to the UK?
- Sea Freight Door-to-Door: 30-40 days (including pick-up, shipping, and final delivery)
- Air Freight Door-to-Door: 5-10 days (including all stages of delivery)
How Much Does Door-to-Door Shipping Cost?
| Service Type | Shipping Method | Estimated Transit Time | Price (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight Door-to-Door | FCL or LCL | 30-40 days | $1,500 – $2,800 | Final delivery included. Prices based on container size. |
| Air Freight Door-to-Door | Any weight | 5-10 days | $5 – $8 per kg | Price varies depending on destination and delivery requirements. |
Prices are updated as of May 2024. Contact us for the latest door-to-door shipping rates.
How to Choose the Nearest Port or Airport for Shipping from China to the UK
Choosing the nearest port or airport can reduce costs and expedite delivery:
- For Sea Freight: Choose the port closest to your supplier’s location in China to save on inland transport. For example, Shenzhen is better for goods produced in southern China, while Shanghai is better for central and northern manufacturers.
- For Air Freight: Major Chinese airports like Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou Baiyun offer more frequent flights, reducing transit times.
- In the UK: Choose the port or airport that is closest to your business location. Felixstowe and London Gateway are ideal for businesses in southern and central England, while Manchester Airport serves the northern regions.
How to Calculate Customs Duties for Shipping from China to the UK
When importing goods from China, you will not only need to calculate customs duties, but also consider VAT. Both of these costs are important to ensure accurate budgeting and compliance with UK import regulations.
Import Duties
- Import duties depend on the HS code (Harmonized System code) for your product. The rates typically range from 0% to 12%, depending on the type of goods.
- You can check the UK Government’s Trade Tariff tool for specific duty rates.
VAT
- VAT is charged at 20% on most goods imported into the UK. It is calculated on the total value of the goods, including shipping costs, insurance, and duties.
Example Calculation
For a shipment valued at £10,000:
- Product value: £10,000
- Shipping & insurance: £1,000
- Import duty: 5% = £550
- VAT: 20% of (£10,000 + £1,000 + £550) = £2,310
Total cost = £13,860 (including customs duties and VAT)
Common Questions about Shipping from China to the UK
You will need the following key documents to ensure smooth shipping and customs clearance:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight)
- Certificate of Origin
- Import Licenses (if required for specific goods)
For businesses shipping large volumes of goods, sea freight (especially FCL) is the most cost-effective solution. If your shipment is small and time-sensitive, air freight may be a better option, but it comes at a higher cost. Choosing LCL for smaller shipments via sea freight can also help lower costs.
Most logistics providers, including Tonlexing, offer real-time tracking for both sea freight and air freight shipments. You’ll receive a tracking number once your shipment departs, allowing you to monitor its progress through every stage, from the port or airport in China to delivery in the UK.
Customs clearance typically takes 1-2 days for air freight and 3-5 days for sea freight. The exact time depends on the accuracy of the documentation, the type of goods, and whether any inspections are required. Working with an experienced customs broker can help expedite the process and avoid delays.
To minimize shipping costs, consider the following strategies:
- Consolidate Shipments: If possible, consolidate multiple smaller shipments into one larger shipment to save on LCL or air freight costs.
- Choose the Right Port or Airport: Selecting the nearest port or airport to your supplier in China and your destination in the UK reduces inland transportation costs.
- Optimize Packaging: Make sure your goods are packaged efficiently to minimize volumetric weight for air freight and reduce container space for sea freight.
- Work with a Trusted Logistics Provider: Partnering with an experienced logistics provider like Tonlexing ensures that you get competitive rates and avoid unnecessary fees.
GET A QUOTE
REQUEST A QUOTE
INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS
NEWS & CASE
COMPANY LINK
QUICK CONTACT
(+86) 13424221829
1001, Huale Building, No. 2017 Shennan East Road, Xinnan Community, Nanhu Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen, China