Importing goods into the UK from China

MattMattMattUK

Kcolle said:

Hi,

im thinking about importing some pet accessories into the uk from China. 

What I’m a little unsure about is what paperwork do I need to insure my goods get through customs smoothly.

I know I’ll need to pay 20% vat and 2% import tax and need an EORI code. But apart from that I’m a little confused.

I've rung hmrc twice who told me two different things each time, first they told me if a courier company is used they’ll handle everything and I just need a EORI  number and then they’ll contact me when I need to pay the tax. Is this true? 

The goods will be shipped most likely with fedex, ups or dhl? 

If anyone who has imported commercial goods from China help, I’d be most grateful. Thankyou 

I don't mean to sound negative, but if you do not know what you are doing, to the level that you need to ask on here about import duties and taxes, then do not get involved in importing from China.

There is a reasonable chance you will get ripped off, either no goods at all, or the goods will not be at the required standard. If you do get anything there is a very high chance that they will not meet any required regulations and testing. Testing for CE marking or the UKCA replacement is not cheap and many Chinese factories will supply you with face certificates, you need proper certificates from verified testing companies and you need to have the goods tested after delivery as well as the pre-supply samples. Freight is going through the roof at the moment and you will almost certainly get delays.

Also do not forget that as the country of origin will be China if you export to the EU (or Northern Ireland) then duty may well be payable by the recipient. 

It is not that I don't think that importing from China is viable, much of the goods used in the UK are imported from China, but that you need to really know what you are doing, especially at the moment, or there is a risk you get seriously burned financially. 

Silvertabby

There's enough cheap Chinese tat in the UK without you adding to it!

Have you tried to source a UK manufacturer ?  Yes, will be more expensive, but I know I'm not the only shopper who tries to avoid Chinese made goods whenever possible.  

...and before anyone picks me up for it yes, I do know that's almost impossible in the case of electronics - but I'm talking about plastic tat that everyone can do without.

martindow

Silvertabby said:

There's enough cheap Chinese tat in the UK without you adding to it!

Have you tried to source a UK supplier ?  Yes, will be more expensive, but I know I'm not the only shopper who tries to avoid Chinese made goods whenever possible.  

...and before anyone picks me up for it yes, I do know that's almost impossible in the case of electronics - but I'm talking about plastic tat that everyone can do without.

That's all well and good, but the UK supplier is quite likely to have imported goods themselves.  Not much is actually manufactured in the UK

Silvertabby

martindow said:

Silvertabby said:

There's enough cheap Chinese tat in the UK without you adding to it!

Have you tried to source a UK supplier ?  Yes, will be more expensive, but I know I'm not the only shopper who tries to avoid Chinese made goods whenever possible.  

...and before anyone picks me up for it yes, I do know that's almost impossible in the case of electronics - but I'm talking about plastic tat that everyone can do without.

That's all well and good, but the UK supplier is quite likely to have imported goods themselves.  Not much is actually manufactured in the UK

Good point.  I've edited to say 'manufacturer' instead of 'supplier', which is what I meant/should have said in the first place!

Poshsalt

Ive imported Id say over £500k over 5 years to UK.

All i've ever done is order it from China, an if I get charged its the carrier that charges me. Simple.

Tip some carriers get through with free charges some times, the higher price ones always get court ups, fedex.

If your buying off aliexpress VAT is now added automatically on checkout.

If you can get them to send it in smaller boxes, the heavier it is the more likely you get charged.