Shenzhen

Importing from Shenzhen to the UK

The Port of Shenzhen, extending along the coastline in Guangdong Province, China, is strategically positioned in the southern part of the Pearl River Delta.

It serves neighbouring factory districts like Yantian and Bao'an. Located to the east of Shenzhen, Yantian District hosts Yantian Port, a major container terminal.

This district specialises in logistics and transportation and supports manufacturing sectors such as electronics and consumer goods due to its extensive shipping facilities.

The Bao’an district lies to the northwest of central Shenzhen and is known for its diverse manufacturing base. It specialises in electronics, electrical equipment, and computer hardware. Bao'an is also notable for its industrial parks and proximity to Shenzhen International Airport, which facilitates the easy transportation of goods.

What are FOB and EXW terms?

Businesses importing goods from Shenzhen to the UK must understand two key international trade terms – FOB (Free on Board) and EXW (Ex Works) - that determine when responsibility shifts from seller to buyer.

With FOB, the seller handles shipping to the port and bears costs and risks until the goods are loaded. The buyer then takes over, paying for import, customs clearance, and further transportation.

Under EXW, the seller simply makes items available at their site. The buyer takes on all import/export procedures, loading, insurance, and customs costs, while the seller has minimal responsibility.

Sea Freight service options from Shenzhen to the UK

Importers shipping goods from Shenzhen Port to the UK can choose between two shipping methods depending on the volume of cargo:

FCL shipping, in which the importer fills an entire container
LCL shipping, where the importer shares a container with other shippers when their cargo volume is too small for a full container.

Do you need an export licence?

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) sorts products into three categories: authorised goods, controlled goods, and prohibited goods. Export licences issued by the MoC list details about sellers, buyers, products, pricing, and shipping methods. Exporting prohibited goods mandates acquiring a permit. Chinese Foreign Trade Companies must obtain a licence when exporting to British affiliates. However, conducting business with overseas suppliers does not necessitate a licence.

Customs required import clearance documents