Useful information

Useful Information for China-UK logistics

Get quick answers to common questions about shipping from China to the UK, including transit times, customs processes, and post‑Brexit considerations. We also explain key logistics terms such as 3PL to help you plan your supply chain with confidence.

How long does it take to ship from China?

Shipping times depend on the transport mode you choose. Sea freight is the slowest but most economical, usually taking around 6–8 weeks door to door once handling and customs are included. Air freight is much faster, with most shipments arriving in under two weeks, and express air options arriving in just a few days. Rail services sit between the two, offering roughly three to four weeks total transit time into the UK.

These ranges vary based on the port of origin, seasonal demand, and how quickly customs clearances are completed.

For more detail on available transport options, visit our freight forwarding services page.

How does customs clearance work when shipping from China to the UK?

Every import into the UK must be declared to HMRC, which involves submitting digital documentation, confirming the correct commodity codes, and paying any duties or VAT due. Importers need an EORI number and accurate paperwork such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport documents.

As your freight forwarder, CMGT manages this process on your behalf - ensuring your declaration is correct, compliant, and processed without unnecessary delays.

You can learn more about our clearance support on the customs clearance services page.

How has Brexit changed the import process from China?

Brexit didn’t alter the fundamentals of importing directly from China, but it did change how goods move after they arrive in Great Britain - especially if they’re later sent to Northern Ireland or re-exported to the EU. These onward movements may require additional checks, different tariff treatments, or proof that goods meet EU standards if they’re part of a wider supply chain.

For businesses assembling or distributing China origin goods into Europe, this means more emphasis on documentation, product conformity, and customs planning. CMGT helps importers navigate these requirements, so shipments move smoothly across the UK and EU borders.

If your supply chain spans the UK and EU, our freight forwarding services page provides more on how we manage cross‑border movements.

What is 3PL logistics?

3PL, or third-party logistics, refers to outsourcing parts of your supply chain such as storage, order fulfilment, packing, and distribution to a specialist provider. Instead of managing your own warehouse or shipping operation, a 3PL partner handles these tasks for you, giving you scalable capacity and professional logistics support.

For growing brands, especially in e commerce, 3PL services can reduce operational pressure and improve delivery performance without the cost of running an in-house facility.

Explore how we support storage, handling, and distribution on our warehousing and distribution services page.