Nanjing

Importing from Nanjing to the UK

The Port of Nanjing serves several major factory districts, leveraging its strategic location along the Yangtze River.

As China's largest inland port, Nanjing is crucial for industrial logistics and manufacturing operations. Key factory districts served by the Port of Nanjing include the Nanjing Economic and Technological Development Zone.

The zone hosts numerous high-tech industries and manufacturing facilities, making it a significant hub for electronics, automotive, and machinery manufacturing. It also serves Nanjing Chemical Industry Park.

Known for its extensive chemical production capabilities, this park supports the port's role in handling large quantities of chemical and industrial materials.

What are FOB and EXW terms?


Businesses that engage in importing goods from China to the UK must be familiar with two crucial international trade terms that outline the obligations of both sellers and buyers: 'Free on Board' (FOB) and 'Ex Works' (EXW).

  1. FOB
    When operating under FOB terms, the seller bears the costs and risks until the goods are loaded at the departure port in China. Then, ownership is transferred to the buyer, who is responsible for organising and covering expenses related to import clearance, duties, and the final transportation to the UK.

  2. EXW
     On the other hand, in accordance with EXW terms, the seller's role is limited to making the goods available at their premises in China. The buyer then assumes full responsibility for export procedures, insurance, loading, customs clearance, as well as all transportation and delivery costs from China to the ultimate destination in the UK.

Sea Freight service options from Nanjing to the UK

When bringing goods from Nanjing to the UK via sea transportation, shippers have two primary choices for cargo shipping: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL).

  1. FCL: involves filling a container exclusively with the shipper's goods for individual use.

  2. LCL: where multiple shippers share a container with partial volume.


Do you need an export licence?

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has categorised exported items into three groups: products that can be automatically licensed, goods that are restricted and need a licence, and items that are prohibited.

Export licences provided by the Ministry include details about the exporter, recipient, shipment, value, and method of transport. A licence is compulsory for exporting restricted products.

Chinese Foreign Trade Companies (FTCs) sending goods to their UK subsidiaries are also required to obtain an export licence. However, engaging in trade under FOB terms with a supplier releases the FTC from the licence requirement.


Documents for clearing customs when importing

In order to ship goods from Nanjing port to the United Kingdom, it is essential to gather the required documentation, which includes an import licence (if applicable), a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, a packing list, and an EORI number.