Import Products from China to the UK — Done Right.
Stop gambling on Alibaba. Epic Sourcing connects UK businesses with verified Chinese manufacturers — supplier vetting, UKCA compliance, QC, and shipping handled end-to-end.
We make importing from China simple for UK businesses in 2026
Importing products from China can transform your margins. But most UK businesses struggle with supplier verification, post-Brexit compliance (UKCA, EORI, CDS), and quality control without an agent on the ground. That's why we built Epic Sourcing — a UK company with a boots-on-the-ground team in China, handling the entire import process so you can focus on growing your business.
“How do I find a trustworthy supplier or manufacturer?” “Can my supplier produce quality products?” “Am I getting the best pricing and contract terms?” “How do I ship my products?”
How to import from China to the UK in 2026
Navigate UKCA marking, EORI numbers, Customs Declaration System (CDS), and Postponed VAT Accounting with an expert by your side — so you can import with confidence and focus on growing your business.
How to import products from China. Like a pro.
Step 1
Plan
Tell us what you want to source, your target price, and timeline. We assess feasibility and develop a UK-market-ready sourcing strategy for your product. and put together a plan that’s tailor made to your needs.
Step 2
Source
Our China team identifies and audits verified manufacturers — checking certifications, UKCA compliance capability, and export history. You get a curated shortlist, not a directory. or manufacturer, order high-quality samples, and help you communicate like a pro.
Step 3
Ship
Full production with price negotiation, pre-shipment quality inspections, UKCA documentation, customs clearance, and direct delivery to your UK warehouse or address.even have a team on the ground to conduct quality checks before your products ship.
MADE IN CHINA?
We can source it*.
(*And if it isn’t Made in China, we’ll find you a top manufacturer that will.)
We’ve sourced products for clients across a wide range of industries
Consumer electronics
China dominates the global consumer electronics market and industry leading manufacturers like DJI, Xiaomi and Lenovo have helped redefine the Made in China brand. China’s silicon valley, Shenzhen, is a go-to for quality consumer electronics and opportunities abound for startups to build boutique brands with affordable, but high-quality products. If you’re looking to import electrical goods from China, talk to Epic Sourcing about all things tech sourcing.
Bicycles and eBikes
China is now one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electric bikes and cycling components. With eBike adoption accelerating across the UK, sourcing directly from Chinese manufacturers gives retailers and brands a significant cost advantage. We’ll help you find the best suppliers and manufacturers so you can import bikes from China like a pro.
Cars, trucks and motorcycles
Move over Japan, Germany and the USA, China is now the world’s largest producer of automobiles and auto accessories. Brands like Great Wall and Xpeng (China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer), might not have the global brand recognition of Toyota or Tesla, but with China’s domination of the market, that could change.
If you’re looking to import cars from China, we can help you find the right supplier for your needs.
Textiles and Clothing
China is still the number one textile exporter in the world, with exports exceeding $266 billion in 2020. If you’re looking to import clothing from China, or raw materials to make clothing, we have a team on the ground to help you source what you need.
China is the leading supplier of furniture globally (sorry Ikea). The Pearl and Yangtze River Delta regions are the most important furniture producing regions in the country and with wood prices soaring, more retailers are looking to the River Deltas for high-quality, affordable alternatives to add to their catalogue. If you’re looking to import furniture from China, we can help you find a manufacturer to suit your needs.
China is one of the world’s largest producers of Jewellery. Much like consumer electronics, it’s an industry that is shaking off its low-quality Made in China brand. The UK's boutique jewellery market continues to grow, and white labelling affordable products from verified Chinese manufacturers remains a key strategy for startups and established brands alike. If you’re looking to import jewellery from China for your online business, we can put you in touch with top suppliers and manufacturers.
Start your import journey with Epic Sourcing
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
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Don’t just take our word for it
Meet some of our happy clients
"
TK's industry knowledge, innovative approach and tireless energy have been invaluable in helping us set up our new business. We had a diverse and unusual shopping list, but no stone was left unturned until we found what we were looking for. The challenges of the global shipping crisis have added some stressful moments but as always TK remains calm and professional and his excellent communication means we are tracking to achieve a great result...and we are having a lot of fun along the way!
— Zac Fitzgerald Founder at Hoop33
Case study
Hoop 33
Gym - Health - Hoops
Supplied services: Supplier prospecting Sampling Product quotes and landing costs Contract negotiation Shipping and logistics Quality control
Epic Sourcing worked with Hoop33 during the development of their gym and basketball facility. The team at Hoop33 had a long wish list that included both gym and basketball equipment. They were looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to source the products from China. We managed the process from start to finish, including finding verified suppliers, ordering samples, and organising shipping. We were even on hand to crack open the container when their shipment arrived!
Ready to import from China the right way? Book a free consultation today.
UK import regulations have changed significantly since Brexit. UKCA marking, EORI numbers, the Customs Declaration System, and Postponed VAT Accounting all need to be handled correctly to avoid delays and penalties at the border.
We’ll help you find the right products, from the best suppliers, and guide you through the product sourcing process from start to finish.
We’ve packaged our services so you know exactly where your money is being spent. No hidden costs, or upfront consultation fees. In fact, we offer all new clients a FREE no-obligation consultation.
Cost effective
The benefits of using Epic Sourcing extend all the way down to your bottom line. We’ll help you skip the middle-people, negotiate the best contract terms, and ultimately save on your orders.
100% verified
We only work with the best. No 2nd-rate suppliers, hidden middle-people, or sub-par manufacturers. We’ll connect you with industry leading, trustworthy suppliers and manufacturers so you can import from China with confidence.
Streamlined
We do things a little differently. Our service packages are designed for businesses on the move. Epic is the effective, hassle-free solution to your sourcing squeeze.
Expert
Working with Epic means tapping into over 10 years of experience in product sourcing. We’ll help you bridge the cultural and language divide, side-step common pitfalls, and reduce the risks of sourcing from a low-cost region like China.
A personal touch
We’re all about building relationships that last. Many of our clients have been with us for years now, and we’ve loved being a part of their story and watching their businesses grow.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to import from China to the UK? +
Import costs include product cost, sea freight (£800–£2,500 per container), customs duty (0–12% for most consumer goods), and 20% import VAT. VAT-registered businesses reclaim import VAT. Epic Sourcing fees start from £699.
Do I need an EORI number to import from China? +
Yes. A GB EORI number is mandatory for all UK businesses importing goods. Register through HMRC at least two weeks before your first planned shipment. Epic Sourcing will guide you through registration as part of onboarding.
What is UKCA marking and does my product need it? +
UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is the post-Brexit replacement for CE marking for products sold in Great Britain. Required for electronics, toys, PPE, machinery and other regulated categories. We verify your product’s requirements before placing any order.
How long does shipping from China to the UK take? +
Sea freight takes 25–35 days door-to-door from major Chinese ports to UK ports including Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway. Air freight 7–10 days. All quoted times include UK customs clearance.
Is using a sourcing agent better than buying direct on Alibaba? +
Alibaba shows you who wants to sell to you. A sourcing agent finds who’s right for you. We verify factories in person, negotiate in Mandarin, conduct QC inspections, and manage compliance — all things Alibaba cannot do. For UK businesses serious about importing, the risk reduction and time saved far outweigh the service fee.
In person or online, no commitments or obligations, just a chat (and maybe a coffee and a muffin)
“Sourcing products from China is a challenge for any small business. That’s why we created a suite of products and services to simplify the process. So you can import from China with confidence and focus on what you do best - growing your business”.
— TK, Founder and Director
Ready to Import from China — the Right Way?
Book a free consultation with our UK team. No obligation, no hard sell — just honest advice on whether Epic Sourcing is the right fit for your importing needs.
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