Our modern economy would in no way look the same if it weren’t for China to UK shipping in 2024. However, that is not to say it doesn’t come with its challenges, like needing to manage delays and adhere to strict regulations.
In this blog, we will go over everything you need to know about China to UK shipping in 2024. Keep reading to find out more!
China To UK Shipping: Facts And Figures
Did you know that each year 11 billion tons of goods are shipped via sea freight? To be blatant, our world would not exist as we know it if it weren’t for international shipping.
From China to the UK, our economies heavily rely on the assured income of importing and exporting. Over 14% of UK imports originate from China. In fact, last year, total imports from China surmounted to £58.8 billion.
Global shipping needs continue to rise with the demands of e-commerce retail. According to stats from 2023, 60% of consumers do at least half of their shopping online, in comparison to 41% in 2022.
However, despite the international necessity of shipping, the industry has struggled to recover since nationwide lockdowns and international shipping restrictions were imposed due to the pandemic and ongoing conflicts.
With 21% of merchants claiming disruptions regularly impact their operations, there is an apparent need to control delays. A simple strategy to achieve this is to ensure shipments are compliant with all the necessary regulations for the country of origin (in this case China) and destination country (UK).
Merchants invested in China to UK shipping in 2024 should be aware of relevant regulations and how to manage delays to operate effectively in this hard-to-predict climate.
Necessary Documentation To Meet Shipping Regulations From China
Commercial Invoice– This provides information for customs authorities to help assess if the goods can move in or out of a country. It discloses if any specific controls are required and determines the necessary duties and taxes.
Packing List– In an itemised format, this document lists the contents of each package. This will include exact information of weights and measurements and a detailed list of goods in each shipment.
Country Of Origin Certificate– Records the country of origin which an imported good has come from. This is relevant for each good in a shipment, provided they are from different origins. This is often mandated by importing countries and included in trade agreements, as it is used to inform import tax billing.
Bill Of Lading– This is a legal document issued by a transportation company to a shipper. A bill of lading document details the type, quantity and destination of goods being carried. This can also double as a shipment receipt once the goods have been delivered to the predetermined destination.
Material Safety Data Sheet– A technical document that provides comprehensive information about a controlled product. Such information will include potential health effects of product exposure, hazards relating to handling, storage requirements and use, protection measures and emergency protocol.
Necessary Costs For China To UK Shipping In 2024
Inland Haulage– This refers to the charges for transportation to and from the seaport of loading to the inland container depot. Some freight companies also offer direct delivery to customer’s warehouse addresses.
UK Terminal Handling Charge– This charge is a total of costs associated with the terminal provider’s property, such as equipment maintenance, use, and labour. This charge is specific to sea freight.
Freight Rate– The amount paid to a carrier company, covering the transportation of goods from one point of origin to the agreed location. This charge is calculated based on the mode of transportation and the distance travelled.
Import Customs Clearance– Must be legally adhered to when importing or exporting goods across international borders. Documentation proving payment completion must be provided for a shipment to be processed.
Origin Handling– This fee is drafted by a terminal operator at the port of origin, and covers charges incurred for the handling of cargo before it is loaded onto a shipping vessel.
Value-Added Tax– More commonly known as VAT, is necessary for any imports to the UK. This is applied throughout the supply chain, from the point of raw materials to retail sales.
How To Manage Delays For China To UK Shipping In 2024
There are various causes of shipping delays for China to UK shipping in 2024, some on a grander scale than others, but all equally frustrating. Some triggers tend to be more frequent than others, such as:
- Global emergencies: COVID-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the blockage of the Suez Canal
- Missing/ inaccurate shipping data
- Supply chain disruption
- Extreme weather conditions
- National/ international holidays (peak shipping seasons)
- Labour issues
While delays can be out of our control and inevitable, there are ways that you can manage and potentially lessen the impact to your shipping timeline. As a shipping merchant, you can:
- Prepare in advance for shipping delays and factor this into your planning.
- Anticipate when and where shipping delays might occur and take necessary measures to mitigate the impact of this i.e. re-routing, changing dates.
- Create and deploy a honed strategy when you experience shipping delays.
- Have a contingency plan in place to cater for unforeseen circumstances.
- Ensure documentation, payments and shipping data are completed fully and currently for every shipment.
- Schedule shipping in advance to avoid congestion at peak times.
- Build supply chain resilience by distributing inventory and having backup suppliers.
China To UK Shipping With Shippo
We understand that the intricacies of China to UK shipping in 2024 are a lot to wrap your head around. If you’re still here and managed to fully grasp all of that, we salute you!
At Shippo, we operate from all major Chinese ports and support small UK businesses in the process of importing from the world’s biggest manufacturing nation.
Allow us to take on your load (literally) and navigate any new regulations or threats of delays. We make the shipping process simple. Get a quote now, or feel free to contact us for more information.