Shipping from China to the United Kingdom
We ship from Shenzhen to the United Kingdom by express, special line, postal packet, air freight and sea freight. Express parcels reach most addresses in 2 to 5 working days. We also combine goods from several suppliers and ship bulk orders.
Get a price to the United KingdomWays to ship from China to the United Kingdom
| Method | Typical time | Best for | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | 2 to 5 working days | Samples and urgent parcels | Door to door, 0.5 to 500 kg |
| Special line | 7 to 12 days | Parcels that can wait a week, and sensitive goods | We run a line to the United Kingdom |
| Postal packet | 10 to 20 days | Parcels under 2 kg | The receiver pays any duty |
| Air freight | 5 to 10 days | Bulk cargo from 21 kg | Airport to door, through London Heathrow (LHR) |
| Sea freight | Sailing 25 to 30 days to Europe's main ports | Large or heavy cargo, from 1 cubic metre | Through Felixstowe or Southampton |
Times are our published ranges, checked October 2026. Customs can add days.
Where your goods arrive
- Air cargo
- London Heathrow (LHR), East Midlands (EMA), Manchester (MAN) and London Stansted (STN)
- Sea cargo
- Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway
Customs in the United Kingdom
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) clears imports into the United Kingdom. Imports pay customs duty and import VAT. The rates depend on the product.
- A business that imports into Great Britain needs a GB EORI number.
Ask for DDP and we clear customs and pay the duty for you. Without DDP, you or your broker clear the goods, and we send the documents.
Bulk orders and combined orders
- Bulk orders
One large order from one factory, shipped by air or sea.
- Consolidation
Goods from several suppliers, sent as one shipment.
- Storage
Hold stock in Shenzhen and ship it in batches.
Selling online in the United Kingdom?
Our sister company preps stock and ships it to Amazon warehouses in the United Kingdom. Amazon FBA prep at China Fulfillment
Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to the United Kingdom?
For a parcel under 2 kg, a postal packet costs the least. For large or heavy cargo, sea freight costs the least per kilogram.
What is the fastest way to ship from China to the United Kingdom?
Express. Most parcels arrive in 2 to 5 working days. For bulk cargo over 21 kg, air freight takes 5 to 10 days.
How long does sea freight from China to the United Kingdom take?
Sailing time from Shenzhen is 25 to 30 days to Europe's main ports. Customs and inland delivery add days at each end.
Who pays the import duty in the United Kingdom?
With DDP, we pay it and you pay one price to the door. Without DDP, the importer pays HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) when the goods arrive.
Can you combine goods from several suppliers before shipping to the United Kingdom?
Yes. Your suppliers deliver to our Shenzhen warehouse. We count and check each delivery, then send everything to the United Kingdom as one shipment.
Can you ship a bulk order to the United Kingdom?
Yes. Your factory delivers to our warehouse. We check the cartons, build pallets if you need them, and ship by air freight from 21 kg or by sea freight from 1 cubic metre.
How do I get a price for shipping from China to the United Kingdom?
Send the weight, the box sizes and the delivery postcode on the quote form. We reply with a price for each method that fits.
Carriers
For delivery in the United Kingdom on special line and postal routes, we use Evri (4 to 6 days). For express, pick a courier:
Quote
Get a price to the United Kingdom
Tell us what you ship and where it goes. We reply with a price.