🇬🇧Can a buyer in United Kingdom import from China?🇨🇳
We track no embargo or sectoral sanctions programme covering this country pair. The ordinary rules still apply: customs, VAT and any product-specific permits in United Kingdom.
Tariffs and trade agreements
No shared trade bloc or bilateral agreement we track: standard (MFN) tariffs apply; look up your product's rate in UK Integrated Online Tariff.
Import requirements in United Kingdom
- Import VAT in United Kingdom (B2B)
- Import VAT of 20% is charged in United Kingdom on the goods plus freight plus duty. GOV.UK Duty depends on the HS code; put both into the landed-cost calculator.
- Customs identity: GB EORI number
- Since Brexit a separate GB EORI is required; an EU EORI does not work for GB customs. A second XI EORI applies for movements involving Northern Ireland. GOV.UK
- Documents that travel with the shipment
- Commercial invoice · Packing list · Transport document (CMR, bill of lading or air waybill) · Customs declaration, filed by you or your broker · Proof of origin, when claiming a preferential duty rate
Reviewed 2026-07-21. Full guide: how to import into United Kingdom.
11,986 suppliers in China on record
Manufacturers and wholesalers based in China, each card carrying the open-record facts we hold and the source behind them.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a company in United Kingdom buy from a supplier in China?
- We track no embargo or sectoral sanctions programme covering this country pair. The ordinary rules still apply: customs, VAT and any product-specific permits in United Kingdom.
- What VAT applies when importing from China into United Kingdom?
- Import VAT of 20% is charged in United Kingdom on the goods plus freight plus duty.
- Do United Kingdom and China share a trade agreement?
- No shared trade bloc or bilateral agreement we track: standard (MFN) tariffs apply; look up your product's rate in UK Integrated Online Tariff.
- What does a United Kingdom buyer need to clear customs?
- A business importing into United Kingdom needs a GB EORI number. Since Brexit a separate GB EORI is required; an EU EORI does not work for GB customs. A second XI EORI applies for movements involving Northern Ireland. A normal commercial shipment also travels with: Commercial invoice, Packing list, Transport document (CMR, bill of lading or air waybill), Customs declaration, filed by you or your broker, Proof of origin, when claiming a preferential duty rate.
Before contracting, verify the China supplier at the registry.
Verify a supplier in ChinaSelling the other way? Can a buyer in China import from United Kingdom?