View this page in:
🇨🇳Shipping from China to United Kingdom🇬🇧
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
ZTO International
$8.49/kg
1-3 days
Fastest option
YTO Express (Yuantong Express)
1-3 days
$15.91/kg
Duty-free under
$0
VAT / Sales Tax: 20%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$6.37
ZTO International
1-3 d
Clothing 2kg
$12.31
ZTO International
Box 5kg
$21.22
ZTO International
Heavy 10kg
$35.65
ZTO International
from $8.49/kgfrom 1 days25 carriersde minimis $0
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
Currency:
Sort:
Type:
25 results
ZTO International~ EstimatedCheapest3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$8.49
Tracking: Yes
Yanwen Express✓ Verified3.9 ★regional
Yanwen Standard
★ 2.0(890)Delivery Time
10–25 days
Estimated Price
$14.14
Tracking: Yes
Yanwen Express✓ Verified3.9 ★regional
Yanwen Express
★ 2.0(890)Delivery Time
7–15 days
Estimated Price
$14.14
Tracking: Yes
Cainiao (AliExpress)✓ Verified4.3 ★regional
Cainiao Standard Shipping
★ 2.1(3.4K)Delivery Time
15–45 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Cainiao (AliExpress)✓ Verified4.3 ★regional
Cainiao Express
★ 2.1(3.4K)Delivery Time
7–15 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
4PX Express✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
4PX Express✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
4PX Express✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
15–30 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
CNE Express (China Navigation Express)✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
CNE Express (China Navigation Express)✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
CNE Express (China Navigation Express)✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
15–35 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Equick China~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Equick China~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Equick China~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
25–45 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
STO Express (Shentong Express)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
YTO Express (Yuantong Express)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$15.91
Tracking: Yes
Sunyou (SunYou Post)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
7–15 days
Estimated Price
$16.06
Tracking: Yes
Sunyou (SunYou Post)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
15–25 days
Estimated Price
$16.06
Tracking: Yes
Sunyou (SunYou Post)~ Estimated3.4 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
20–45 days
Estimated Price
$16.06
Tracking: Yes
China Post✓ Verified3.9 ★postal
China Post Air Mail Large Package
★ 2.2(450)Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$19.28
Tracking: Yes
China Post✓ Verified3.9 ★postal
China Post Registered Air Mail
★ 2.2(450)Delivery Time
10–25 days
Estimated Price
$19.28
Tracking: Yes
ePacket (China Post / USPS)✓ Verified3.4 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$25.44
Tracking: Yes
EMS✓ Verified4.7 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
SF Express✓ Verified4.4 ★regional
International Economy Express
★ 2.8(890)Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$44.56
Tracking: Yes
SF Express✓ Verified4.4 ★regional
International Standard Express
★ 2.8(890)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$62.38
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13, 2026 — June 12, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZTO InternationalStandard | $8.74 | $8.49 | -2.9% |
| Yanwen ExpressYanwen Standard | $13.29 | $14.14 | +6.4% |
| Yanwen ExpressYanwen Express | $13.29 | $14.14 | +6.4% |
| Cainiao (AliExpress)Cainiao Standard Shipping | $15.75 | $15.91 | +1% |
| Cainiao (AliExpress)Cainiao Express | $15.75 | $15.91 | +1% |
| 4PX ExpressExpress | $17.18 | $15.91 | -7.4% |
| 4PX ExpressStandard | $17.18 | $15.91 | -7.4% |
| 4PX ExpressEconomy | $17.18 | $15.91 | -7.4% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: United Kingdom
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0-3.7% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 12% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 8-17% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 0-26% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-4% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 2.5-6.5% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-4.7% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
HMRC manages customs through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Since Brexit, all goods from EU and non-EU countries require customs declarations. VAT is collected at point of sale for shipments under £135.
Processing time1-3 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for GB: $175. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for United Kingdom →Post-Brexit customs are well-organized but added paperwork for EU imports. Express couriers handle clearance efficiently. Royal Mail parcels may face 1-2 day delays for customs processing. VAT is always charged on imports above £135.
Required Documents
✓For export from CN: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading
✓customs declaration
✓certificate of origin
✓CCC mark certificate (for applicable products)
✓import license for restricted items
✓For import into GB: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓customs declaration (CN23 for postal)
✓certificate of origin (for preferential tariff rates)
✓import license (for restricted goods)
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: Required for preferential rates under UK FTAs (UK-EU TCA, UK-Japan CEPA, etc.). EUR.1 or supplier declarations accepted. Non-preferential certificates issued by local chambers of commerce. Import licenses: Import licenses required for controlled goods: firearms, certain chemicals, some agricultural products, waste materials. Most consumer goods enter freely.
Trade: China & United Kingdom
Limited direct trade data between CN and GB. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into GB: Machinery, vehicles, electronics, clothing, food products, pharmaceuticals, gems and precious metals. Key exports from CN: Electronics, machinery, textiles, clothing, furniture, toys, steel, chemical products, solar panels. Since Brexit, all imports require customs declarations. VAT at 20% is charged on goods over GBP 135. For parcels under GBP 135 from overseas sellers, VAT should be collected at point of sale. Royal Mail handles most last-mile postal deliveries.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipper reports, delivery from CN to GB takes 7-21 days depending on the service. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer faster delivery in 3-7 days. Accurate customs declarations are recommended to speed up the process.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from CN: Political materials critical of the government
⚠firearms
⚠narcotics
⚠used electronics without import permit
⚠pornography
⚠certain printed/audio-visual materials
⚠counterfeit currency
⚠Prohibited for import into GB: Illegal drugs
⚠offensive weapons
⚠indecent/obscene materials
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠certain food and plant products without phytosanitary certificates
⚠fireworks
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
CN and GB are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 20%. Applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT collected at point of sale for B2C shipments under £135; otherwise collected at border.
Trade Information
China is the UK's third-largest trading partner for goods. There is no China-UK free trade agreement, so MFN tariffs apply. The UK charges 20% VAT on all imported goods, with the VAT collected at point of sale for shipments under GBP 135. For goods over GBP 135, VAT and any applicable duties are collected from the recipient.
Shipping Tips
Yanwen, 4PX, and Cainiao offer budget shipping from China to the UK (10-20 days). Royal Mail handles most last-mile deliveries. For faster options, DHL eCommerce (5-8 days) is a good middle ground. Since January 2021, UK VAT is collected at checkout for orders under GBP 135 from overseas sellers.
User Reviews
“4PX delivery from Guangzhou to Birmingham in 11 days. Cost was very low, about $8 for 0.8 kg. Tracking updated regularly. No additional charges on delivery.”
4PX11 days
“Used DHL eCommerce for a 2 kg parcel to London. Arrived in 7 days for about $15. Much faster than the cheapest options and still very affordable.”
DHL eCommerce7 days
Shipping from China to United Kingdom: Overview
We found 25 shipping options from China to United Kingdom. The cheapest option is ZTO International (Standard) starting from $8.49 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is ZTO International in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
Also ship from China to:
Ship to United Kingdom
Carriers
More Shipping Routes
Ship from China
Ship to United Kingdom
Country Guides
Carriers on This Route
Import rules for United Kingdom
Duty-free threshold
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
Average duty rate
4.2%
Note: VAT applies to all imports since Jan 2021
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to United Kingdom?
The most affordable option for shipping from China to United Kingdom is typically ZTO International (Standard), starting from approximately $8.49 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from China to United Kingdom take?
Delivery times from China to United Kingdom range from 1 to 45 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-7 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from China to United Kingdom?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from China to United Kingdom. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to United Kingdom?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to United Kingdom. The duty-free threshold is $0. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (20%) and import duties (average 4.2%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to GB?
Items prohibited for import into GB include: Illegal drugs, offensive weapons, indecent/obscene materials, counterfeit goods, certain food and plant products without phytosanitary certificates, fireworks. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from CN to GB?
To ship from CN to GB you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration (CN23 for postal), certificate of origin (for preferential tariff rates), import license (for restricted goods). Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between CN and GB?
Yes, CN and GB share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to GB?
Since Brexit, all imports require customs declarations. VAT at 20% is charged on goods over GBP 135. For parcels under GBP 135 from overseas sellers, VAT should be collected at point of sale. Royal Mail handles most last-mile postal deliveries. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for GB?
The de minimis threshold for GB is $175. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into GB?
VAT/GST rate: 20%. CIF value + duty. VAT collected at point of sale for B2C shipments under £135; otherwise collected at border.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
Learn more about shipping
Looking for a different route?
Compare rates for 45,000+ routes between 213 countries
Find a Route