Starting your sourcing journey from China can feel overwhelming, but you're in the right place.
Whether you're looking to import kitchen gadgets, electronics, clothing, or any other product, this guide covers everything you need to know - from finding your first supplier to your next product launch.
Before you start looking for suppliers, you need to set up the proper foundation for your importing business. This step is crucial for legal compliance and successful operations.
To import goods into the UK commercially, you'll need a registered UK business. This can be:
If you're just testing the market, you can start as a sole trader and convert to a limited company later. This saves initial costs whilst you validate your business idea.
Here are the fundamental concepts every UK importer should understand:
| Term | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| FOB (Free on Board) | You pay for shipping from a Chinese port | Most common pricing method |
| MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) | Smallest order that suppliers will accept | Affects your initial investment |
| Lead Time | Time from order to shipment | Critical for planning cash flow |
| Landed Cost | Total cost including all fees and taxes | Your real cost per unit |
Choosing the right product is absolutely critical to your success. Many beginners rush this step, but thorough research here will save you thousands of pounds and months of frustration later.
Here's how to find products with genuine UK market potential:
For sustainable business, aim for these margins:
| Business Model | Minimum Margin | Ideal Margin | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon FBA | 35% | 50%+ | Cost £10, Sell £20 |
| eBay/Online | 40% | 60%+ | Cost £10, Sell £25 |
| Wholesale to Retailers | 50% | 100%+ | Cost £10, Sell £30 |
Before committing to a product, thoroughly research your competition:
Getting your legal documentation sorted is essential before you start importing. This step might seem boring, but it's absolutely crucial for avoiding problems with HMRC.
Your EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is mandatory for importing into the UK. Here's exactly how to get one:
Different products have different requirements. Costs vary, so the figures below are only indicative ranges:
| Product Category | Key Requirements | Estimated Compliance Cost |
|---|---|---|
| General Consumer Goods | UKCA marking, safety standards | £200-£500 |
| Electronics | CE marking, EMC testing | £1,000-£3,000 |
| Textiles/Clothing | Fibre labelling, safety tests | £300-£800 |
| Kitchen/Food Contact | Food safety standards | £500-£1,500 |
In the UK, CE marking is gradually being replaced by UKCA. However, for electronics the CE mark is still widely accepted during the transition period.
Before importing, make sure you have adequate insurance cover:
Finding the right supplier in China is perhaps the most important step in your sourcing journey. A good supplier becomes a long-term partner, whilst a bad one can cost you thousands and destroy your business reputation.
The most popular platform for beginners, with built-in protections:
Alibaba's domestic Chinese platform - better prices but Chinese language:
For serious importers, trade shows offer face-to-face meetings:
Don't just search for your exact product. Try these variations:
Here's how to separate good suppliers from risky ones:
| What to Check | Good Sign | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Response Time | Within 24 hours | More than 3 days |
| English Level | Clear, professional | Very poor or confusing |
| Company Age | 5+ years experience | Less than 2 years |
| Factory Photos | Detailed, recent photos | Generic or no photos |
| Certifications | Relevant certifications | No certifications shown |
Your first message to suppliers is crucial. Here's a template that gets results:
Our verification report will tell you everything you need to know about a prospective Chinese manufacturer or supplier.
