China Import & Export

UK ⇄ China Import & Export Logistics Your Trusted China Shipping Agency

Trade between the UK and China—made simple

Moving goods between China and the UK doesn’t have to be complex or stressful. Choosing our company as your China shipping agency offers significant advantages, including cost savings, efficiency, and reliability throughout the logistics process. As a trusted China shipping agency, Freight Connect Services offers reliable, end-to-end shipping solutions across sea freight, air freight, road transport, and courier/post options.

As a professional company with extensive experience and a dedicated organisational structure, Freight Connect Services provides comprehensive services including expert UK customs clearance, bonded warehousing, and eCommerce fulfilment tailored to your business needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means we tailor our solutions to meet each customer’s unique requirements, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for all our customers.

Whether you’re importing shipments from China to the UK or exporting goods from the UK to China, we meticulously plan each leg of the transportation process, file all necessary declarations, and ensure compliance with international shipping regulations. We prioritise the timely arrival of your cargo and work diligently to minimise the risk of delay for our customers. This guarantees your cargo arrives on time, within budget, and without unnecessary delays, streamlining your supply chain and enhancing efficiency.

Why choose Freight Connect Services for China ⇄ UK?

When selecting a China shipping agent, expertise and reliability are essential. Agents and shipping agents play a crucial role in facilitating logistics and customs clearance between China and the UK, acting as intermediaries who ensure smooth and efficient movement of goods. Freight Connect Services stands out in the market due to our lane expertise, handling daily shipments from major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Qingdao into key UK container gateways including Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway. We cover all modes of freight transport, offering full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) ocean shipping, express and deferred air freight, rail freight options, and extensive road distribution across the UK.

Compliance is at the heart of our operations. We ensure your shipments meet all UK customs regulations by verifying GB EORI registrations, applying correct commodity codes, submitting CDS declarations, and providing C79 VAT recovery support. For businesses selling on Amazon or retail platforms, we offer Amazon and retail-ready services such as FBA preparation, palletisation, relabelling, and marketplace-compliant documentation. Freight forwarders and shipping agents each play distinct roles in the logistics chain; while shipping agents focus on port and customs operations, freight forwarders provide comprehensive support, managing the entire shipment process from origin to destination.

Our customers benefit from having a single point of contact throughout the shipping process, receiving proactive tracking updates, milestone notifications, and swift management of any exceptions. This personalised service, combined with our extensive network and global reach, allows our company to serve customers worldwide and across various industries. We are committed to building long-term relationships with our customers, ensuring satisfaction and trust through reliable communication and dedicated support. This, along with our competitive pricing, makes Freight Connect Services the best freight forwarder for your China-UK logistics needs.

China → UK import services

Freight Connect Services offers a wide range of shipping and logistics services to meet diverse business needs

Sea freight (FCL/LCL)

Sea freight remains the most cost-effective and popular mode for shipping large volumes of cargo from China to the UK. We ship goods from major Chinese ports to the UK’s primary container gateways, ensuring predictable sailings and reliable transit times. Our expertise includes handling pallets and palletised goods for both full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) shipments, providing efficient solutions for all cargo types. Typical door-to-door sea freight transit takes approximately 30 to 45 days, depending on the origin, destination, and whether shipments are consolidated. Our China shipping agency secures container space, manages verified gross mass (VGM) requirements, files CDS customs entries, and coordinates seamless port-to-door delivery, ensuring the timely arrival of goods at the destination port or customer location. This service is ideal for businesses seeking cost-effective transport solutions without compromising reliability.

Air freight (express & standard)

For urgent or time-sensitive shipments, air freight offers a faster alternative, typically delivering cargo within 3 to 7 days door-to-door. We balance speed and cost by offering both express courier services and standard air freight options, handling all aspects including security screening, issuance of master airway bills (MAWB) and house airway bills (HAWB), and fast-tracking customs clearance. Through strong partnerships with major airlines, we ensure fast, reliable, and efficient international shipping. Our expertise and efficient airline coordination ensure that time-critical goods reach their destination swiftly, minimising the risk of delay and supporting your business continuity.

Rail (China–Europe) & multimodal

Rail freight serves as a strategic middle ground between sea and air freight, offering faster transit times than ocean shipping at a more competitive price than air. We evaluate service stability, route availability, and transit corridors—especially through Central and Eastern Europe—to recommend the best rail or multimodal options for your shipments. This cost-effective alternative supports businesses seeking to streamline their supply chain while maintaining reasonable delivery times. By choosing rail and multimodal services, businesses can save both time and money compared to other modes of transport.

Courier & China Post solutions

For smaller shipments, such as product samples or low-volume parcels, we facilitate trusted courier services and China Post solutions. We advise on submitting electronic customs data to avoid returns or delays and monitor Royal Mail’s international incident bulletins to proactively manage any disruptions affecting China-UK traffic. This service ensures hassle-free last mile delivery for your smaller consignments.

Our solutions are tailored to meet the needs of customers with smaller shipments or specific delivery requirements, ensuring reliable communication and a customer-focused appr oach.

UK → China export services

Exporting goods to China requires precision and compliance with international shipping regulations. Our export services include booking appropriate uplift or sailings, arranging export customs clearance, and coordinating final delivery to your consignee in China. We help clients secure the best deal on shipping rates by negotiating genuine and reliable agreements, avoiding hidden costs and ensuring cost-effective freight solutions. Whether your shipments consist of high-value components, fashion items, or eCommerce stock, we tailor the shipping mode and service level to meet your deadlines and budget. For export shipments, we offer multiple payment options such as wire transfers and PayPal, with payment required prior to shipment departure to ensure timely processing. Our commitment to quality and reliability ensures smooth flow through customs and efficient transportation to your destination.

Customs & compliance (done right)

Navigating customs and compliance is essential for hassle-free international trade. Freight forwarders play a crucial role in guiding businesses through complex customs procedures and ensuring compliance with international regulations. We verify your GB EORI registration and submit accurate CDS declarations to the UK authorities. Understanding tariff classifications and VAT obligations is critical; we ensure correct duty and import VAT calculations based on HS codes and valuation, and provide C79 certificates to support VAT recovery where applicable.

Choosing the right Incoterms is vital for defining risk, cost, and control in your shipments. If suppliers offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms, we explain the implications and suggest safer alternatives to keep you compliant with UK customs regulations. Our expertise helps you avoid costly delays and penalties, ensuring your cargo clears customs smoothly and efficiently.

Warehousing, fulfilment & Amazon-ready services

To further streamline your supply chain, we offer bonded warehousing that defers Duty and VAT payments until goods are released, improving your cash flow. Our warehousing services include FBA preparation, carton relabelling, palletisation, and rapid despatch to fulfilment centres and retailers across the UK and EU. We have extensive expertise in handling pallets and palletised goods, ensuring efficient storage, management, and distribution for all types of cargo. This full range of services is ideal for businesses importing from China and selling on Amazon or other retail platforms, providing a seamless bridge between manufacturing and final delivery.

Door-to-door delivery solutions

At SINO Shipping, we make Chinese exports simple, fast, and fully reliable. Our team handles everything—supplier pick-up, documentation, customs clearance, and final delivery to your door. We coordinate directly with your suppliers, manage all paperwork, and track every shipment so there are no surprises. If documentation is missing or freight schedules change, we fix it quickly—before it becomes your problem.

Whether you’re shipping by sea, air, rail, or express courier, we provide clear pricing, proactive updates, and responsive service. We work daily with major Chinese ports, airports, and logistics hubs, handling everything from small parcels to full container loads. eCommerce, retail, manufacturing, and small businesses trust us for on-time delivery and transparent communication. Expect plain-English updates, same-day quotes, and a dedicated contact who knows your account. Our goal is simple: get your cargo moving right the first time, delivered on schedule, and backed by service you can count on.

Cargo insurance & risk management

SINO Shipping delivers cargo protection that works. We handle comprehensive marine insurance, cargo liability coverage, and risk assessment from supplier pick-up to final delivery, including Lloyd’s underwriters, cargo surveying, and claims management via our established carrier networks. With pre-approved coverage limits and bonded warehouse options, we keep your shipments protected while reducing insurance costs and claim delays.

Whether you’re shipping by air, sea, or multimodal transport, we provide instant quotes, proactive risk monitoring, and direct claims support. We work daily with major ports, freight forwarders, and your suppliers, coordinating coverage requirements so there are no gaps in protection. If documentation is incomplete or coverage insufficient, we fix it immediately—before it becomes a costly exposure. Our team guides you through policy selection, certificate issuance, and claims procedures, ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations and clearing customs without insurance-related holds. Choose SINO Shipping for expert cargo protection—comprehensive, responsive, and results-focused.

Product sourcing from China— how we can help

Product sourcing in China doesn’t have to be complicated. At SINO Shipping, we make it straightforward, reliable, and fully supported. Our team handles everything from supplier connections to final delivery, connecting you with vetted manufacturers across China who meet your exact specifications. We work directly with your requirements, matching you to suppliers who deliver on quality standards and business goals—no guesswork, no surprises.

We provide complete support from start to finish. Supplier introductions, quality control checks, logistics coordination, and international shipping—we handle it all through our extensive network and deep Chinese market knowledge. Whether you’re shipping by air, sea, or express services, we provide clear cost management, streamlined regulatory compliance, and reliable cargo handling with reputable shipping lines. Expect responsive communication, competitive pricing, and products delivered securely right to your door. Choose SINO Shipping for expert China sourcing services—professional, efficient, and results-focused.

Typical transit times & routes (guide)

Freight Connect Services offers a wide range of shipping and logistics services to meet diverse business needs

Sea freight China → UK

Approximately 30 to 45 days door-to-door, depending on origin and destination.

Air freight

Typically 3 to 7 days door-to-door, varying by service level.

Rail/multimodal

Faster than ocean freight but slower than air freight, with availability depending on European overland corridors.

Courier/China Post

Transit times vary for small parcels; submitting correct electronic customs data is essential to reduce delays.

Despite occasional fluctuations, trade between the UK and China remains one of the largest and most vital international shipping lanes, underscoring the importance of working with a reliable China shipping agency. Our expertise helps minimise the risk of delay in international shipping, ensuring your goods arrive on time.

Our step-by-step process

Consult & quote

We begin by understanding your products, volumes, timings, and origin/destination requirements.

Route & mode plan

Our team compares sea, air, rail, and courier options to find the most cost-effective and efficient solution.

Compliance setup

We handle EORI registrations, commodity code classifications, and prepare import/export documentation.

Booking & origin handling

We arrange factory pick-up and manage export customs clearance in China.

Main carriage

Your shipments are tracked throughout sailing, flight, or rail transit, with proactive updates provided.

UK customs & duties

We submit CDS entries, guide you on VAT and duty payments, and support C79 certificate issuance.

Warehousing & fulfilment

Bonded storage, packing, and final-mile delivery are coordinated for seamless distribution.

Delivery & POD

We ensure on-time delivery and provide proof of delivery to complete the process. The arrival of goods at your location is confirmed, ensuring successful arrival before finalising the delivery.

Industries we support

Freight Connect Services caters to a diverse range of industries including eCommerce and Amazon sellers, consumer electronics, fashion and textiles, automotive parts, machinery, homewares, and health and beauty products. We customise packing, labelling, and compliance services to meet the unique requirements of each product category, ensuring your shipments comply with regulations and arrive in optimal condition.

As a company with extensive experience, we support clients across various industries by providing tailored logistics solutions to meet their specific needs.

FAQs (quick answers)

How do I start importing from China to the UK?

Begin by obtaining a GB EORI number, classifying your goods with the correct HS codes, and selecting a freight forwarder to manage CDS declarations and VAT/duty payments. Freight Connect Services handles all these steps to simplify your import process. You will also need to arrange payment for your shipment—common payment methods include wire transfer and PayPal, and payment is typically required before your goods are shipped.

What’s the best way to cut costs?

Consider using less than container load (LCL) shipments for smaller volumes, optimise your packing to maximise space, avoid peak season surcharges, and utilise bonded warehousing to defer VAT and duty payments until goods are sold. Working with a professional shipping agency can help you save up to 50% on shipping costs through efficient processes.

Can I use DDP from my supplier?

While Delivered Duty Paid terms can be convenient, they may introduce UK compliance complexities. We advise on safer Incoterm options that maintain compliance and provide predictable shipping costs.

Which UK ports do you use?

Our primary UK ports are Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway, selected based on shipping schedules and final delivery points to optimise transit times and costs.

Ready to move goods between China and the UK?

Get a fast, accurate quote today from Freight Connect Services, a professional company dedicated to supporting customers with quality, efficiency, and competitive rates. Reach out to our team for personalised shipping solutions tailored to your needs.