Guangzhou

Importing from Guangzhou to the UK

Established in 2004, Guangzhou Port is currently the largest in South China. Guangzhou Port serves several major factory districts within the city and the surrounding areas.

Key industrial zones supported by the port include the Huangpu District. Huangpu is home to the Guangzhou Development District, which houses various high-tech and manufacturing industries. Notable areas include Guangzhou Science City, focusing on high-tech industries, and Guangzhou International Biotech Island, which is a hub for biomedicine. Guangzhou Port also serves the Nansha District.

This area supports industries such as logistics, shipping services, and modern service industries. The Nansha Free Trade Zone also promotes international trade and high-tech manufacturing.

What are FOB and EXW terms?

Businesses looking to import goods from Guangzhou to the UK should understand two key international trade terms that dictate seller and buyer responsibilities: 'Free on Board' (FOB) and 'Ex Works' (EXW).

FOB
Under FOB, the seller handles delivery to the nearest port and assumes costs and risks until the goods are loaded onto the ship. The buyer then takes over ownership and pays for import fees, customs clearance, and final transportation.

EXW
With EXW, the seller simply makes the goods available at their location while the buyer manages all import/export processes, loading, insurance, and customs clearance.

Sea Freight service options from Guangzhou to the UK

When importing goods by sea from Guangzhou to the UK, shippers have two main options for cargo shipping:

Full Container Load (FCL) involves filling a freight container solely with the shipper's goods for exclusive use.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL) allows shippers with partial container volumes to share space with other shippers' goods in the same container.

Do you need an export licence?

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has classified exported goods into three categories:

approved goods that are automatically licensed
restricted goods that require a licence
forbidden goods

Export licences issued by the Ministry contain information about the exporter, buyer, cargo, value, and transportation. To export restricted items, securing a licence is mandatory. Foreign trade companies (FTCs) in China exporting to their UK subsidiaries must also obtain an export licence. However, trading on FOB terms with a supplier eliminates the FTC's need for a licence.

Import clearance documents required by customs

To export goods from Guangzhou port to the UK, you will need to prepare these documents: