How Long Does Shipping Take From China To The UK?
Shipping from China is playing an ever-growing role in the world economy, evolving from a niche to a vital part of international business. As one of the biggest and most competitive shipping sectors globally, breaking into this market is no easy task.
For many years, China has experienced a robust economy, leading to its expansive export sector fuelled by buyers searching for more affordable and superior quality products. As a result of this, China has become the number one trading nation.
Chinese firms have long been using the UK as a major port of call for shipping their products to Europe, North America and other parts of Asia. With China’s growing presence in the global market, it’s essential for UK-based firms to be aware of how to approach importing from China. Gaining insight into their trading systems could prove beneficial in the long run.
How long does it take to ship from China to the UK by sea?
Delivery times of cargo Shipping from China to the United Kingdom may vary, depending on the distance and type of product. In some cases, it can take up to few weeks or 35 days. However, most of this time is spent waiting at the port for the package.
The expense of global logistics is growing annually in many countries and the level of productivity or rapidity it brings is often limited. Automation in warehouses and distribution centres is the most effective way to lower operational costs.
By collaborating on this matter, the UK & China can reduce international shipping delays. It looks like they are taking steps to achieve quicker, smoother shipping times.
Why is shipping from China taking longer than it used to?
The term ‘China’ does not just refer to one but multiple countries when discussing shipping and logistics; it is an umbrella for the entire region. With the rising number of online shoppers and companies that need to send goods abroad, China is facing an overload of packages being delivered.
The international shipping process has been hindered by the large amount of traffic travelling through customs, leading to delays in imports & exports. This has affected movement of goods between countries and caused a slowdown in the delivery of these shipments.
To stay competitive, some companies have opted to use overseas shipping services. This approach allows them to avoid delays & save time & money, and increases the likelihood of receiving their products on schedule.
How long does UK Customs take to clear packages from China?
If you’re shipping products from China, you may be wondering how long UK customs will take to clear your parcel. It can take up to five or six weeks for the procedure to be completed.
The duration of UK customs processing of a package varies based on its contents. If items requiring licenses are not present, the process can be completed in as little as two weeks. Nonetheless, if the items in the package necessitate a license or permit that you don’t hold, this process can be quite lengthy – ranging from half a year up to five years.
As it is developing all the time, it can alter depending on both countries’ requirements. As a result, parcels submitted to UK customs can take anywhere between five days and six weeks to process, depending on the individual case.
Super International Shipping offers an extensive and complete freight forwarding service to help customers move their goods from China to the UK. We offer a comprehensive range of sea freight and air freight services to our commercial and individual clients, including less-than-container-load (LCL) and full-container-load (FCL) along with all kinds of airfreight. Our breakbulk team can help manage exports that are ‘ex-works’, where goods are shipped from the seller’s premises, and ‘FOB’ (Free on Board), which involves goods being shipped and loaded on board a vessel. We also offer air freight services for any shipment, regardless of size or urgency, with door-to-door delivery. If required, we can even arrange a full charter of an aircraft.