Necessary documents
The Bill of Lading or Airway bill (BL)
In international trades, the Bill of Lading is on top of the list of the most important import documents. The Bill of Lading is testifying about the information of the shipment, like the Manifest is witnessing on the data of the whole container. Also, it testifies that the Carrier received its payment from the freight forwarder or the importer. After the BOL, the Letter of Credit will be released. As it name says, the Bill of Lading is attached for a sea or rail freight, while the Airway bill is inherent for an ocean freight.
Here below is an example of a Bill of Lading, explaining the information contained on it:
1 = Shipper
2 = Consignee
3 = Notify party
4 = Vessel No.
5 = Port of loading / discharge
6 = Place of receipt / delivery
7 = Containers No.
8 = Goods description
9 = Net weight
10 = Dimensions / volume
A packing list
A commercial invoice
The Manifest
The customs manifest (or cargo manifest) is describing all the cargos that are shipped on the vessel. It is used to determine if the containers present when the ship/train/plane leaved China are still present when arriving in the United Kingdom.
The manifest serves as passport of the cargo. It is witnessing the origin of the container, if they’re legally shipped and the identity of their owners. Sometimes, the manifest is not separated from the Bill of Lading because both documents are serving a similar use.
Import & Export declaration
It allows specific goods to cross the border of UK. The quantity of goods allowed to move is detailed on each license. Import and Export licenses are used by countries as a levy to secure their national markets and companies from strong international competition. It is also meant to protect the natural environment and population from potential harm originated by the items.
Our customs broker inform you
Prohibited & restricted items
Remark SINO : If you have one of the following item, you should check directly with our SINO Experts. Some of those items are restricted or even totally prohibited, it is important to anticipate such shipment to avoid any problem.
Drug Contraband
Explosives
Biohazard
Chemicals
Corrosive
Counterfeit
Ivory
Batteries
Flammable
Firearms
Drugs
Counterfeit Notes
Poison
Pornography
Knife
Tobacco
Gambling
Hazardous
Trade agreement
As detailed before both parties are still strengthening diplomatic relations, before considering establishing an Agreement.
Trade relationship
As Xi Jinping says we’re in the “Golden Era” of the Sino-British relations. Historically the two countries have been opposed numerous times, like for Hong Kong and British previous colonial ambitions, and in World War 2.
UK is the 9th export partner of China with a value of 56 billion of USD of goods traded. It is the 7th import partner of China, with 16 billion USD of UK products sent to China. In the other way, China is the second import partner of UK after Germany, and its 7th export partner. These are the latest statistics of the World Bank for the year 2017.
Additional shipping services
Our warehousing services
Storage service in China
We will store your goods in our warehouses in China before they leave to UK. We’re positioned in every big city of China, both in terms of warehouses and collaborators. The transfer from your supplier’s facilities to our warehouse will be easy and smooth. Our full warehouse network is equipped with CCTV gears and constantly watched, 24/7 by security staffs with trained dogs. All the movements inside and around our warehouses are always taped and seen.
Info SINO: You want further information about our warehousing services ? Check directly our dedicated page: Storage services.
Storage service in UK
We’re also able to store goods in our UK warehouse before delivery to your address. The same security conditions are applied as all our warehouses in Mainland China. Also, we have very competitive rates for our warehousing services, so don’t be afraid to ask us!
If needed, our international network of warehouses is also well developed in the UK. The same security standards are constantly protecting your goods from misfortune, like in China. Also, our storing rates in UK are amongst the lowest in the country, so don’t be shy of asking us!
Our packing/unpacking services
Because it is the best security to protect your goods from any eventual damage, the packing of your goods must be highly considered and carefully handled. We’re giving you below some pro advices if you want to manage it yourself. Our packing teams are fully skilled to kindly wrap all your products, without regarding their type.
Packing material
Palletization
It is necessary to put the cartons on pallets, in order to protect them and to ease their handling. If your supplier can’t ensure this procedure, we can also do it. We have all types of pallets adapted to all kind, sizes and weight of goods. Our moving teams are skilled in the use of pallet truck, ensuring a smooth flow of your goods.
Wooden boxes
These materials are generally used for <strong>large furnitures and machineries.</strong> Two techniques are existing, the wooden crate and the wooden case. The wooden case is mostly used when your objects can be manipulated no matter where they are headed. The wooden crate is used for goods that have a very important direction of use.
Our teams are only using <strong>quality wooden boxes, fulfilled with great polystyrene</strong> to protect your goods during the transit.
Others: bubble wrap, tape, wrapping paper…
We’re fully equipped to provide a tailor-made packing of your goods, no matter how tiny or big, fragile or heavy they are. You can trust us for this very important step of the import/export process
Why packing is important for the insurance ?
Packing is a step that must be handled with the highest precautions. A good packing will save your goods in most cases.
Info SINO : You want further information about our packing services ? Check directly our dedicated page: Packing services.
Freight insurance
How much does a freight insurance cost?
The price of the freight insurance you might subscribe to is directly linked with the declared value of your personal belongings. That’s why we’re advising you to not declare a “too low” total value of your goods, as in case of damage you will be incompletely refunded. Also, not a “too high” value as you will end paying a too expensive moving.
The price of your insurance will be calculated based on 2-3% of the value of your freight + items.
SINO Info : You can go deeper, to know what freight insurance will suit the best to your cargo by consulting our dedicated article Freight Insurance.
Supplier management in China
Control quality in China
As a responsible freight forwarder, it is our duty to control the quality of your goods and packing. It will ensure the longevity of your business and it is very important to avoid any possible issue. In this objective, we’re establishing close relationship with your supplier to keep your freight secured.
Relationship with supplier
3PL Services in China
Order fulfillment/Packing & labelling in China
Last mile delivery
Without regarding the size of your shipment, from a small parcel to a complete container, we’re able to do the last mile delivery, no matter where you are situated in Hong Kong. We’re fully proficient on Hong Kong geography.
Shipping personal effects from China
Excess baggage
From China to Hong Kong, we do ship excess baggage via Express Air freight, a fast and cheap process. On your choice, you can directly pick it up at the Hong Kong International Airport, or we can deliver it to your address.
Moving service from China to Hong Kong
We also offer relocation services. In order to get more information about them, please go on our dedicated website and do not hesitate to contact one of our moving department experts: SINO Relocation.
Free regulation advisor
Our 10 years of expertise on the Chinese freight/relocation market, gives us a full view of what may be required depending on the type, volume and weight of products you’re shipping. Don’t hesitate to ask our professional point of view, we will advise you for all your administrative or paperwork issues.
More than a decade of good services in Asia permit us to provide tailor-made freight solutions at ultra-competitive prices. Do not hesitate to contact our Expert collaborators for precise information about your transfer, we’re always happy to serve and spread knowledge!
FAQ – For 1st time importer from China
FAQ – Regulation
Paper work when shipping from China to Hong Kong
Manifest; Import / Export license or removal permit; Bill of lading or airway bill; The original invoice; Packing list; Import / Export declaration. All the documents are detailed in the necessary documents subsection.
Do i need a license to import goods from China to Hong Kong ?
It depends on the type of goods you’re importing, the answer is detailed in the Import license paragraph
Do I need a customs broker in Hong Kong ?
Of course, a professional customs broker like us is required to handle the customs clearance process
FAQ – Shipping budget optimization
How can Air Freight be cheaper than Ocean Freight ?
Air freight will be more advantageous for shipment smaller than 2 CBM and lighter than 150 kgs, in all other cases, sea freight will be more advantageous.
Do I need to pay insurance for my goods from China ?
It isn’t mandatory, but we strongly recommend it to you if you can’t run out of supplies for your business.
How do I reduce duty while importing goods from Chine to Hong Kong ?
We strongly recommend to not underestimate to customs the real value of your goods, as it can result in penalties that you should pay. Always put the right value, or a reasonable one if you don’t have the exact one.
Do I need to pay any duties and taxes in China ?
Good news, not at all!
How do i locate the import tariff for my product ?
Hong Kong being a free port, you will probably have zero tariff to pay for your import.
FAQ – SINO Tips
EXW, FOB or CIF ?
It depends on the habits of your supplier, but most of the Chinese suppliers are selling EXW or FOB. It doesn’t matter as we’re fully proficient for all these kinds of situations.
Will Chinese New year or Hollidays affect my shipment ?
Yes, shipment sent on these periods will probably end up on a delivery delay. Ensure yourself to ask a delivery before or after these Chinese national fests.
What method of payment is recommended for imports from China to Hong Kong?
We advise you to use Telegraphic transfer (T/T), Letter of Credit (L/C), Ali Baba Trade Assurance, Cryptocurrencies or PayPal.
Sino Door to Door services from China to Hong Kong - What we need to know to provide you a quote ?
HS Code, weight and dimension of the goods, the packing list, the pickup and delivery addresses.
How do i locate the import tariff for my product ?
Hong Kong being a free port, you will probably have zero tariff to pay for your import.
How can I ensure that I have selected the correct site/supplier/factory to shop on ?
First, for the web platform, check its online reputation. For the supplier, ask him what are the countries where he exports the most. His quality of goods will certainly be a lot better if he is exporting to the US, Europe or Korea than Africa or the Middle East. If the supplier has a long track record on internet, of 5 years or more that’s a plus. On the company website, look if there is a common thread of products sold, like wooden phone case, wooden band watch… then it’s probably a factory. You can see more about it here : China importal.
FAQ – How SINO will help you?
I have bought many different items of goods from cities around China, could you gather together to send me ?
Yes, we can arrange a consolidation process in our warehouses in China, to send you all your goods in one single shipment.
What will you do next for customer services once I paid the cost ?
What if I'm not familiar with some shipping terms . Especially short forms.
Contact one of our SINO Advisors, you will get a well detailed answer in less than 48 hours.
Do you have a privacy policy ?
Of course, we’re not communicating any data about our customers. Your goods transfer will stay between you and us.
Can I change my shipping address after its been shipped ?
Yes, you can, but the sooner you inform us the better it is to modify the freight process.
Conclusion
WHY CHOOSE US ?
Our Advantages
SINO Shipping, we understand perfectly the needs of our customers and establish a win-win collaboration with them.
“respect is earned. honesty is appreciated. trust is gained. loyalty is returned.”
Reactivity
Make a request and you will be contacted within 24 hours maximum
Competitiveness
We guarantee very competitive price, ask us and compare !
Dedicated customs service
Do not hesitate to contact us for customs or administratives information
Multilingual team
We speak English, French and Chinese to avoid any communication issues
Tailored service
Small or big shipment, we can manage every request
Reliability
We ensure and secure all our shipments, safety is our priority !
Recurrent questions regarding the shipping from China to the United Kingdom
What is the shipping cost from China to the UK?
LCL: 150 USD /cbm FCL: 700 USD/20’: 1400 USD/40’ Express shipping door to door (10kg): 490 USD
How long does it take to ship from China to the UK?
Average transit time by sea: 40 days Average transit time by airfreight: 7 days (daily direct flight) Express shipping door to door (10kg): 2 days
What are the best freight options to send good from China to the UK?
There are only 2 options, by sea or by air, it depends on how big the volume and the weight are, and then you will decide which shipping methods is more adequate. You must calculate the ration time/cost.
How much tax will I pay for importing goods from China to the UK?
Your goods will not be released by customs until you’ve paid all duty and UK VAT. You might be able to claim duty charges and VAT back or delay payments for some imports from outside the EU, for example if you are temporarily importing goods with the intention of moving them to another EU country. After paying the duties and VAT applicable on your goods, they will be released by customs. If your situation requires it you can ask for a delay payments or duty charges and VAT back.
Do customs open every package?
No, they don’t immediately open your package without any reason. … They will only instantly check what’s inside of your package if: Your package has been damaged when it reached the Customs office or desk. The damages can include broken seals or plastic or any cover of your package.
How do I avoid custom charges?
When you make a shipping request, you’ll have to declare the value of your shipment. The value you enter on your request form is the value that will be declared at customs, so it is important that you declare accurately. If you declare too high a value, you may be assessed more taxes than you want to pay! If you declare too low a value, your declared value may be considered unreasonable and adjusted upward.
How can I reduce my shipping costs?
-Negotiate with multiple carriers -Get suppliers to use your shipping account number -Use packaging provided by your carrier -Consider a regional carrier -Use online shipping -Invest in prepaid shipping -Buy insurance from a third party -Factor in all shipping fees before billing customers -Consider hybrid services -Ask about association discounts
Interested in our logistics services? Need further assistance & dedicated information?