In China-to-UK international trade, optimizing shipping processes and reducing transit times remains a priority. Regardless of the chosen shipping approach, you will be concerned about shipping time from China to UK.
In the following sections, we will cover four primary logistics solutions at your disposal, including detailed shipping time and affect factors.
Table Of Contents
- How to ship from China to UK?
- What is the shipping time from China to UK by sea?
- How long does air freight take from China to UK?
- How long is the China to UK train freight time?
- How long does a parcel take from China to UK by Express?
- How long does UK Customs take to clear packages from China?
- What aspects will affect China to UK shipping time?
- What’s the best way to ship from China to the UK?
- What should you know before shipping from China to UK?
How to ship from China to UK?
Before shipping goods from China to UK, you should select a shipping method based on your budget, urgency, and type of goods.
The United Kingdom boasts a robust and sophisticated port infrastructure, and most Chinese imports to UK arrive by cargo ship. Meanwhile, this cargo movement is predominantly via China’s seaports, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.
Additionally, there are three fundamental shipping modes: air, railways, and express beyond maritime transport. These alternatives offer a series of choices to cater to varying shipping needs and constraints. You can choose one or combine transport for your UK import shipments.
Keep reading to get a comprehensive guide about China to UK shipping times and optimizing your logistics strategy.
What is the shipping time from China to UK by sea?
Sea freight presents an attractive proposition for larger shipments destined for the UK with no immediate urgency. Sea freight imposes fewer constraints on the cargo type, volume, and weight than air and express shipping.
In practical terms, sea shipping is viable under the following conditions:
- The weight of an individual item does not exceed 5 tons.
- The length of the longest side remains within 3 meters.
- Goods can be effectively loaded into containers after proper packaging.
The shipping time from China to UK by sea journey usually takes three to four weeks. Adding another one or two weeks for door-to-door delivery is advisable. Below are estimated transit times for some popular sea freight routes:
♦ From North China (Qingdao/Tianjin): It may take approximately 25 to 35 days for shipping to the UK. For door to door need 32-49 days.
♦ From Central China (Shanghai/Ningbo): Expect an ocean freight voyage of around 25 to 31 days by sea. For door-to-door, shipping requires 32-45 days.
♦ From South China (Guangzhou/Shenzhen): The sea shipping takes roughly 21 to 25 days to the United Kingdom. And 28-39 days for door-to-door transit.
In addition, the shipping time might vary slightly for different ports in China and the UK. And if there are unforeseen events like typhoons, it may potentially lead to short delays of a few days. You can consult our freight experts to optimize your delivery time from China to UK by sea before shipping.
How long does air freight take from China to UK?
While most China to UK shipments are shipped by sea freight, when swift is paramount, air shipping becomes the priority option. It is particularly for time-sensitive cargo, high-value items, perishable goods, and electronic products.
In air shipping, your goods can journey from Chinese factories to UK destinations within a few days. Typically, airfreight supports two main shipping options: standard and expedited.
For standard direct flights from China’s major airports (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) to the UK (e.g., London Heathrow, Manchester), the air shipping time typically ranges from around 2 to 5 days. And for door-to-door delivery, it will take about 10-16 days.
Should the air shipping route involve one or more layovers, the shipping time could be longer due to the additional stop(s). Depending on the layover duration and location, this could add a day or more to the total transit time.
Some air freight services offer expedited options for 24-hour delivery. These services can significantly reduce shipping time but often come at a higher cost.
You should notice that those are the average shipping times from China to UK. When contemplating air freight, you should gauge the cargo value and urgency. You can work with a reliable freight forwarder to get the current China to UK shipping time by air.
Airsupply can offer competitive prices for you with over a decade of experience in the airfreight market. We’ve forged partnerships with reputable airlines such as Polar, British Airways, Air China, etc.
How long is the China to UK train freight time?
In recent years, the China-Europe railway transportation network has been promoted and effectively developed in a safe and efficient manner. This route originates in China and passes through Kazakhstan, Russia, Poland, Germany, France, etc.
Once the train freight arrives in Europe, it needs to across the English Channel to the UK. Consequently, the train shipping takes approximately 14 to 20 days. For door-to-door transit, the shipping time will usually take 28-35 days.
Rail freight is appealing, boasting a cost lower than air freight while a transit time shorter than sea freight. Let Airsupply arrange your train freight and minimize the shipping time from China to UK.
How long does a parcel take from China to UK by Express?
International express delivery entails dispatching goods via renowned courier companies such as DHL, UPS, EMS, and FedEx. For standard express services, the China to UK shipping time can range from around 3 to 7 business days. In contrast, expedited express services can reduce delivery time from China to UK by as little as 1 to 3 business days.
It is hard to definitively proclaim one express company as superior because each has distinct advantages. For instance, DHL features more economical rates for petite parcels weighing less than 21kg, while UPS shines in terms of cost-effectiveness for the dispatch of substantial parcels exceeding 21kg.
At Airsupply, we can offer better shipping rates than official express companies. Furthermore, we will provide customized solutions tailored to your shipment needs, whether small shipments or oversized cargo.
How long does UK Customs take to clear packages from China?
The time it takes for UK customs to clear packages from China can vary based on the shipment types. Generally, it will take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.
For example, if the package contains items not necessitating specific permits, the clearance process might conclude within 1 to 3 days. However, the process could extend beyond a week if your goods require import licenses or permits that you lack.
Occasionally, customs may opt for random inspections to validate the package’s contents, value, and compliance with regulations. This inspection can introduce an additional time of 1 to 3 days.
To expedite the customs clearance process, make sure to provide accurate and complete documentation. Any attempt at concealing or omission can precipitate delays in customs clearance. Moreover, your shipment should get proper labeling and packaging.
We are committed to streamlining the process by ensuring that all cargo adheres to regulations for smooth customs clearance. Additionally, we will address any potential issues during transportation, contributing to a fast shipping time from China to UK.
What aspects will affect China to UK shipping time?
Aside from the distance and route, peak seasons and holidays may significantly impact the shipping time from China to the UK.
For instance, due to extended vacation periods surrounding major Chinese festivals, freight shipments are often booked in advance. This heightened demand may increase shipping costs and cause port congestion or delays.
During events such as National Day and Chinese New Year, we found that advanced cargo planning proves to be the most effective strategy. Failing to do so can result in prolonged delivery times. For this, We can assist in decreasing the holiday effects on China to UK shipping time with our expertise.
What's the best way to ship from China to the UK?
– If time sensitivity is a priority, air logistics is suitable for substantial quantities (exceeding 100kg).
– Choose express delivery for small, time-critical shipments (below 100kg) or crucial documents. Foam products can also be shipped using international EMS.
– If you move large shipments (above 1000kg) like project logistics, sea transportation proves more cost-effective.
– Consider rail transport for your large shipments if you are trying to balance cost and speed. It offers competitive freight rates and a higher degree of delivery stability.
Shipping sensitive goods from China to UK
Sensitive goods encompass items challenging to dispatch through regular logistics channels. Examples include liquids, pastes, cosmetics, powders, pure battery items, electronic cigarettes, etc.
If you intend to ship these goods from China to the UK, you may need specialized air channels due to the strict air freight regulations. Conversely, sea and rail have fewer limitations than air.
For instance, COSCO sea shipping lines offer provisions for transporting batteries and cosmetics. Similarly, rail freight services can handle vape products, liquids, pastes, and more.
To determine the best shipping method, consider the following steps:
- Nature of Goods: Are they bulky, heavy, personal, or time-sensitive?
- Budget: What is your allocated shipping budget?
- Urgency: How quickly do you need the goods to arrive in the UK?
- Volume: Is it a large shipment, a few items, or just documents?
- Regulations: Are there any special regulations or restrictions for your goods?
To find the best and fastest way for your shipment, partner with Airsupply. We will provide personalized advice based on your cargo requirements.
What should you know before shipping from China to UK?
Get an EORI number for your shipments
An EORI number is a unique identifier required for customs purposes. It allows you to interact with customs authorities when shipping goods from China to UK. It usually starts with the country code of the issuing country.
For example, the EORI number for a business in the United Kingdom will begin with “GB” (Great Britain). You can apply for this number through the GOV.UK website.
Verify if you should register for VAT
If your supplier is outside the UK and you want to import goods into the country, you may need to register for VAT. This threshold was £85,000 within a 12-month period. On the other hand, if you expect your turnover to go over £85,000 in the next 30 days, you must register too.
Prepare for custom clearance
Before shipping, you should ensure that your goods follow packaging standards and have clear labeling (with UKCA mark). Comply with customs regulations in China and the UK to prevent detain during customs clearance.
Moreover, you should also offer complete and accurate documents, including invoices, certificates, and permits(if needed), to avoid China to UK shipping time delays.
Know needed customs duties and taxes
Understand the applicable customs duties, VAT taxes, and tariffs for your goods. Different products may have varying import duty rates. You can check this article to learn how to calculate your specific tax rates.
Conclusion
Airsupply aims to offer competitive pricing options for your shipments without compromising on delivery speed. You can tap into our global shipping network and efficient processes to reduce transit times and avoid unnecessary delays.
Stay informed about your shipment’s progress with our latest tracking and tracing services. Real-time updates keep you in the loop on your cargo and enable you to plan effectively.
