Case study - China to Manchester

Quick Summary

In August, a UK-based importer arranged a sea freight shipment to move palletised pet supplement products from China to Manchester. While the transport itself was routine, the animal-related nature of the goods meant the shipment was subject to additional UK border controls.

Successful delivery required proper preparation for UK CHED-P (animal health) requirements, including a valid Health Certificate and early coordination with the carrier. With documentation prepared before arrival, the shipment cleared UK border checks and was released without delay or storage charges.

What Happened

The shipment consisted of non-perishable pet supplements packed on a single pallet and shipped by sea freight from China to the UK.

Sea freight was selected as a cost-effective option for a non-urgent import. However, because the goods were intended for animal consumption, they fell under UK sanitary and phytosanitary controls rather than standard consumer import procedures.

This meant that, in addition to standard import documentation, the following were required on arrival in the UK:

• A CHED-P (Common Health Entry Document – Products)


• A valid Health Certificate and supporting documentation

Initially, the customer assumed these checks would be handled as part of routine customs processing. Without early intervention, this misunderstanding could have resulted in port holds, storage fees, or refusal at the border.

Pallet2Ship identified the regulatory requirements early and coordinated with the carrier’s customs partner to ensure responsibilities were clearly defined.

What the Customer Did Right

Service Selection & Planning

• Chose sea freight to optimise costs for a non-urgent shipment


• Booked in advance, allowing time for regulatory preparation

Documentation & Compliance

• Identified early that pet supplements required CHED-P controls


• Arranged the Health Certificate in China before departure


• Supplied all commercial invoice paperwork promptly


• Accurately described the goods as pet supplements, including composition details and correct HS codes

Coordination & Communication

• 
  Clearly defined roles:
  
  
  
  • Transport coordination and regulatory guidance: Pallet2Ship
  
  
  • Health certification and export documentation: Customer/exporter
  
  
  • CHED-P submission and border processing: Carrier or customs partner
  
  
  
  
  


• Shared all documents with the carrier well ahead of vessel arrival

This clarity avoided duplication, delays, and last-minute escalation.

What to Do vs What Not to Do

Do This

• Confirm at booking whether goods require CHED-P or animal health controls


• Arrange Health Certificates before departure from China


• Share all documentation with the carrier 5–7 days before UK arrival


• Describe pet supplements accurately on invoices, including ingredients/composition


• Understand that sea freight still requires full regulatory compliance

Avoid This

• Assuming pet supplements are standard consumer goods


• Waiting until arrival to arrange health documentation


• Treating CHED-P as part of routine customs clearance


• Leaving responsibility for border health checks unclear between parties

Why It Matters

Pet supplements, vitamins, and animal feed products entering the UK from China require health certification and CHED-P submission, even when non-perishable and commercially packaged. These are mandatory UK border controls and apply regardless of shipment size or transport mode.

Understanding these requirements before booking prevents port delays, storage fees, and potential shipment returns. In this case, early identification of CHED-P requirements allowed documentation to be prepared in China before departure, enabling smooth customs clearance at UK entry.

Sea freight from China offers excellent value for non-urgent shipments, but regulatory timelines must be factored into planning. Documents should be shared with the carrier at least 5–7 days before the vessel’s UK arrival to allow time for CHED-P preparation and border coordination.

If unsure about UK import controls for pet products, animal supplements, or food items from China, it’s best to check requirements before booking.