Wuxi

Importing from Wuxi to the UK

Wuxi port, located in Changjian, primarily handles the import and export of containers.

It serves factory districts like Wuxi New District (WND), a high-tech industrial zone focusing on electronics, new materials, and information technology.

Wuxi Port also has close ties to Huishan. Known for its robust textile and garment industries, Huishan also supports various other manufacturing sectors, including machinery, automotive parts, and electronics​.

What are FOB and EXW terms?

The two essential incoterms for UK importers receiving shipments from Wuxi Port are FOB and EXW.

1. FOB (Free on Board)
   When goods are sold FOB, the seller bears all costs and liabilities up until they are loaded onto a shipping vessel and delivered to the closest port. After the item is loaded, ownership passes to the buyer, who is then in charge of handling all import-related expenses, such as customs clearance charges and shipping from the point of origin to the destination.

2. EXW (Ex Works)
   The seller's only obligation under the EXW incoterm is to deliver the goods to their location, which may include a factory or warehouse. In this scenario, the buyer assumes minimal responsibility from the seller and is in charge of managing all export and import procedures, including insurance, loading the goods, customs clearance, and transportation.

Sea Freight service options from Wuxi to the UK

Depending on the volume of their products, importers transferring goods from Wuxi port to the UK have a choice between two shipping methods.

1. Full Container Load (FCL)
   Importers can reserve a whole container just for their goods, ensuring that the container will be used only for that purpose.

2. Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
   This option is available to importers with lower cargo volumes; as their goods do not fill an entire container, they share container space with other shippers.

Do you need an export licence?

Products are divided into three groups by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC): authorised goods, controlled goods, and prohibited goods.

The MoC's export permits provide information about the buyer(s), seller(s), shipment, cost, and mode of transportation.

The export of restricted goods requires these permits. Permission is also required for Chinese Foreign Trade Companies (FTC) exporting to UK branches. On the other hand, no permit is required for trading with foreign vendors in foreign countries (FOBs).

Customs import clearance: Essential documents

To guarantee that imported goods are cleared by UK customs, shippers must be prepared with the required paperwork. A bill of lading (BL), packing list, EORI number, commercial invoice, and import licence (if applicable) are all included in this.