Working with China in London

Working with China from London: where to start

The UK is a major importer from China with large ports and well-developed logistics. However, there is a nuance for businesses from the CIS: British banking is strict about funds originating from Russia, so payments to China need to be planned carefully in advance. You will need a supplier, quality control, and logistics.

What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS

Paying a Chinese supplier from the UK as a CIS national is the tightest bottleneck:

• opening a British bank account as a Russian national is difficult; for payments to China, people typically use USDT, a payment agent in China or Hong Kong, or international wire transfers;
• with an Ltd that has a clear payment history, transactions are smoother, but the bank will still conduct due diligence;
• factor commission and exchange rate costs (1–3%) into your cost price;
• for re-export, be aware of sanctions restrictions — seek advice in advance.

Supplier search and vetting

• platforms: Alibaba, 1688 (China’s domestic, cheaper), Global Sources, Canton Fair;
• verify the factory’s business licence, request samples, and arrange a video audit;
• payment on a 30% / 70% basis, never 100% upfront; Trade Assurance and pre-shipment inspection.

Logistics

• sea via Felixstowe (the UK’s largest container port) and London Gateway, ~30–40 days;
• air freight via Heathrow — for urgent shipments;
• rail China–Europe with trans-shipment on the continent.

Customs and taxes

• a EORI (GB) number and customs clearance are required; on import — import VAT 20% plus duty per commodity code;
• import VAT is creditable if you are a VAT payer;
• after Brexit, separate rules apply to goods from the EU.

Common mistakes and how to choose the right partner

• ordering without a sample and QC is the primary source of defects;
• a suspiciously cheap ’supplier’ often turns out to be a middleman;
• calculate the full landed cost including logistics and duties;
• it is safer to work through a partner in China who will source and vet the factory and arrange shipping on a turnkey basis.

Need suppliers and logistics from China to London? Describe your task — we’ll help you find and verify.