Top Export Categories from China
Required Import Documents
Commercial Invoice
Issued by the supplier listing goods, quantity, unit price and total value in the transaction currency. Must match packing list exactly.
Packing List
Details each box/pallet: dimensions, gross/net weight, item count. Required by UK HMRC and EU customs for clearance.
Bill of Lading (sea) / Airway Bill (air)
The transport contract and proof of shipment issued by the freight carrier. Required to take possession of goods at destination port.
Certificate of Origin (Form A or EUR.1)
Proves goods originate in China — required to claim preferential tariff rates under GSP or bilateral agreements. Ask your supplier for a CCPIT-stamped CO.
Import Customs Declaration
Filed with HMRC (UK) or the customs authority in your EU country using the commodity HS code. Your freight forwarder typically handles this.
Compliance & Tariff Requirements
UKCA / CE Marking
Most regulated products (electronics, toys, machinery, PPE) sold in the UK require UKCA marking; EU requires CE. Confirm your supplier holds the correct Declaration of Conformity.
UK Import Duty
Post-Brexit UK Global Tariff applies. Electronics: 0–3.7%; clothing: 12%; footwear: 16–17%; machinery: 0–3.5%. Check the official UK tariff schedule for your commodity code.
EU Import Duty
EU Common External Tariff applies for imports entering any EU member state. Rates broadly similar to UK but differ on some categories.
VAT on Import
UK: Import VAT at 20% applies (can be deferred via PVA scheme for VAT-registered businesses). EU: VAT at destination country rate.
Product Safety Regulation (UK/EU)
REACH (chemicals), RoHS (electronics), GPSR (general product safety) and sector-specific regs apply. Verify your supplier can provide test reports.
Shipping & Lead Times
Sea freight from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou) to UK/EU takes 25–35 days. Air freight: 5–10 days but 4–6× more expensive per kg. Express courier (DHL, FedEx) for samples: 3–7 days. FCL (Full Container Load) from ~$1,500; LCL (consolidation) for smaller shipments from ~$300–500 per CBM.
Sourcing on Towobo
Towobo lists verified Chinese manufacturers and trading companies across hundreds of categories. All suppliers complete KYC identity verification before listing. Use the "Producer" filter to find direct manufacturers — typically 10–20% cheaper than trading companies for the same goods.
Find China SuppliersFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EORI number to import from China?
Yes. UK businesses importing goods commercially require an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number issued by HMRC. EU businesses need one registered with their local customs authority. Apply for free at gov.uk (UK) or through your national customs portal (EU).
What are the minimum order quantities when importing from China?
Factory-direct orders typically start at 200–1,000 units depending on the product. Trading companies and wholesalers often accept 50–200 units. On Towobo you can filter by MOQ range to find suppliers who match your target order size.
How do I verify a Chinese supplier is legitimate?
On Towobo, all suppliers pass KYC identity verification before listing. For additional assurance, request a Verified badge (document-checked) supplier. Outside Towobo: check their business license on China's national enterprise credit system (credit.enterprise.gov.cn), request factory photos, and request a sample before any bulk payment.
What payment terms are safe when importing from China?
Avoid 100% upfront bank transfers to new suppliers. Safe structures: 30% deposit, 70% against Bill of Lading; or use Towobo's built-in payment protection which holds funds in escrow until you confirm receipt. Letter of Credit (LC) is the gold standard for large transactions.
How long does shipping from China to the UK take?
Sea freight: 25–35 days from major Chinese ports. Air freight: 5–10 days. Express courier: 3–7 days. Add 1–5 days for customs clearance at UK ports. Plan for peak season delays (Chinese New Year: Jan–Feb; Golden Week: Oct) when factories close and shipping capacity tightens.
Sourcing Guides for Popular China Imports
Electronics & Components Sourcing Guide
MOQ, compliance, shipping and buyer tips
Textiles & Clothing Sourcing Guide
MOQ, compliance, shipping and buyer tips
Machinery & Equipment Sourcing Guide
MOQ, compliance, shipping and buyer tips
Automotive Parts Sourcing Guide
MOQ, compliance, shipping and buyer tips
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