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2026 UK IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
Post-Brexit importing from China has changed significantly. We handle all of this so you don't have to.
EORI number — Mandatory for all UK importers. Register with HMRC.
Customs Declaration System (CDS) — Replaced CHIEF in 2023 for all UK import declarations.
UKCA / CE marking — UKCA now required for most regulated products in Great Britain.
Postponed VAT Accounting — Account for import VAT on your return, not at the border.
Customs duty — Based on HS commodity code. Most consumer goods: 0–12%.
Import VAT — 20% on goods + freight + duty. VAT-registered businesses reclaim this.
Sea freight — 25–35 days door-to-door. Most cost-effective for orders over 1 CBM.
Example: £10,000 goods + £1,500 freight + 5% duty (£575) + 20% VAT (£2,415) = ~£14,490 landed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
