If you are importing goods from China to the UK for the first time, the process may seem daunting and unfamiliar. Arranging any overseas shipping for the first time, can seem complex and stressful.
Many people might think that full container shipping is your only real option from China, but of course any decent freight forwarding company will be able to handle both large and small shipments between China and the UK. Obviously if you have bulky goods/larger orders, then it is quite possible a full container shipment may be the most suitable option for you, by way of price, due to you maximising the capacity of the container, the sailing schedule and transit time may also suit.
For those people importing smaller shipments from China, an LCL service (or part container load service), is ideal. This service offers a consolidated (groupage) service, whereby your cargo is loaded into a shipping container, along with other people's cargo who are also shipping from the same port that week. Cost advantages are without doubt a big factor, compared to sending your goods in their own container, which can be cost prohibitive if you do not have sufficient cargo to fill a full container. Typically communicating the process for delivery goods by using a Part Container Load service is simple and hassle free and is usually arranged by your appointed freight forwarder, whether this is via a UK based shipment forwarder dealing with their counterparts in China or where you stand dealing directly with the freight company in China. Pricing is determined over a "per cbm" basis (cbm = cubic metre) and thus with respect to the size of your cargo consignment, will determine how much your shipping charges will be from China to the united kingdom. Do also bear in mind that as well as having to pay for ocean freight from port of origin to port of destination, certain other charges will apply such as: Terminal Handling Documentation Port Security Persuits Clearance Delivery Charges These types of fees will usually apply to FOB (Free On Board) consignments being loaded from major shipping ports such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Qingdao and Ningbo to name a few. If you are purchasing goods from China under different incoterms, such as C&F, CIF, CFR etc. then additional charges may apply at both origin and destination points and generally speaking, you are paying more for your shipping from China than you really need to be. I actually would always recommend you discuss the options available to you when shipping goods by LCL from China. Never automatically assume because you are acquiring a "cheap ocean freight" price from the Chinese manufacturer/freight forwarder - this will mean the best shipping option for your business. Think about purchasing your goods FOB instead, which make a significant cost saving to your business and does mean most importantly, you know exactly how much money the shipping of the products will cost from begin to complete. Most freight forwarders should be able to give you impartial advice on this and answer any questions you may have about shipping goods from China to the UK. Lastly don't forget, importing goods from a Non EU country, means that a formal import customs entry will need to be completed by your freight agent or customs broker. As such, you will most likely have to pay import Duty and/or import VAT to HM Revenue & Customs at the time of importation. Take a look at this link from the government website on importing goods from a Non EU country www.gov.uk/guidance/importing-goods-from-outside-the-eu
