Zhuhai

Importing from Zhuhai to the UK

Zhuhai Port serves several major factory districts. The port, especially through its Gaolan Port International Container Terminal, plays a crucial role in linking various industrial areas.

The Gaolan Port Economic Zone is directly connected to the Gaolan Port, and it facilitates the transport of goods such as chemicals, oil, and bulk commodities. It’s a critical hub for heavy industries and large-scale manufacturing operations. The Doumen district, known for its light industries and agricultural products, also benefits from Zhuhai Port's logistics capabilities.

Another core district the port serves is Xiangzhou, an area known for its advanced manufacturing, electronics, and high-tech industries.

What are FOB and EXW terms?

The two important Incoterms for UK importers receiving products from Zhuhai Port are FOB and EXW.

1. FOB (Free on Board)
   If items are sold FOB, all expenses and liabilities of the seller apply until the products are put onto a ship and transported to the nearest port. The item becomes the client's property after it has been loaded, and they are responsible for paying the full importation cost, which includes shipping from the point of origin to the destination and any customs clearing fees.

2. EXW (Ex Works)
   Delivering the items to the specified location – which may be a factory or warehouse – is the seller's only responsibility under the EXW incoterm. Here, the buyer takes on the majority of the seller's responsibilities and oversees every step of the export and import process, including packaging, shipping, insurance, and customs clearance.

Sea Freight service options from Zhuhai to the UK

Importers exporting to the UK from Zhuhai port have two shipping options to choose from, based on the amount of their goods.

1. Full Container Load (FCL)
   If importers want to guarantee that the container is utilised just for their goods, they can reserve the entire container.

2. Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
   Less-than-container load (LCL) shipping allows lower-volume importers whose goods don't fill the entire container to share container capacity with other shippers.

Do you need an export licence?

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) divides products into three categories:

• Permitted goods
• Restricted goods
• Prohibited goods

Information on the buyer(s), seller(s), shipment, cost, and mode of transportation is provided by the MoC's export permits.

The export of restricted commodities is subject to certain licences. Chinese Foreign Trade Companies (FTC) must obtain authorisation in order to export to UK branches. In contrast, an export licence (FOB) is not necessary for trading with international suppliers in other nations.

Documentation needed for customs clearance

In order for UK customs to clear imported goods, shippers must ensure that all required paperwork is in order.

Documentation such as a bill of lading (BL), commercial invoice, packing list, EORI number, and import licence (if applicable) may be necessary.