🇬🇧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.
Rules for the goods themselves
Sanctions, tariffs and VAT are the lane. These are the products: sectors that China supplies and that carry their own licence, permit or registration at one end of this trade. Everything else clears on the ordinary rules above.
- chemicals491 China suppliers on record
Into United Kingdom: product registration from Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (registration required). Importer must submit a substance registration under UK REACH via the Comply with UK REACH service. Regulator
- telecom/radio equipment379 China suppliers on record
Into United Kingdom: conformity certificate from Office of Communications (Ofcom) (permit required). Importer must ensure equipment carries the UKCA mark and complies with the Radio Equipment Regulations verified via Ofcom approved frameworks. Regulator
Consumer Electronics in China · Mobile & Computer Accessories in China · Smart Home & IoT in China
- pharmaceuticals329 China suppliers on record
Into United Kingdom: product registration from Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (registration required). Importer must obtain a Wholesale Dealer Authorisation (WDA) and verify product marketing authorization via the MHRA portal. Regulator
Out of China: GMP certificate from National Medical Products Administration (mandatory). Verify the pharmaceutical license status and GMP compliance via the NMPA public database.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in China · Supplements & Wellness in China
- meat3 China suppliers on record
Into United Kingdom: sanitary/veterinary import permit from Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) (permit required). Importer must submit a prior notification through the IPAFFS system and obtain an export health certificate. Regulator
Sector requirements as published by the named regulator, not legal advice, and not a complete list of every product rule. Ask the counterparty for the document and check it at the source. Full buyer-side guide: how to import into United Kingdom.
12,009 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.
- What is needed to import chemicals from China into United Kingdom?
- To bring chemicals into United Kingdom the importer needs product registration from Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Importer must submit a substance registration under UK REACH via the Comply with UK REACH service.
- What is needed to import telecom/radio equipment from China into United Kingdom?
- To bring telecom/radio equipment into United Kingdom the importer needs conformity certificate from Office of Communications (Ofcom). Importer must ensure equipment carries the UKCA mark and complies with the Radio Equipment Regulations verified via Ofcom approved frameworks.
- What is needed to import pharmaceuticals from China into United Kingdom?
- To bring pharmaceuticals into United Kingdom the importer needs product registration from Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Importer must obtain a Wholesale Dealer Authorisation (WDA) and verify product marketing authorization via the MHRA portal. On the China side, a genuine exporter of pharmaceuticals holds GMP certificate from National Medical Products Administration. Verify the pharmaceutical license status and GMP compliance via the NMPA public database.
Selling the other way? Can a buyer in China import from United Kingdom?