Ship with confidence. Ship with Pallet2Ship®
UK to and from China Pallet Delivery – Fast, Transparent & Built for SMEs
Move your goods between the UK and China with confidence. Pallet2Ship gives you clear pricing, powerful carrier networks, flexible air and sea options, and dedicated documentation support — all built around the needs of UK businesses.
Whether you’re shipping a single pallet, several skids, or a full container load, we help you move freight to and from China efficiently and predictably.
What Makes Pallet2Ship the Preferred Choice for UK–China Freight
Instead of limiting you to one carrier or one route, we give you access to multiple air freight and sea freight networks — all visible in one place.
Air Freight Options
We work with:
- DHL, FedEx, UPS for door-to-door express air
- Specialist airlines such as Cathay Pacific Cargo, British Airways World Cargo, Air France/KLM Cargo, China Airlines, and others
- SME-friendly consolidated air services for cost-effective uplift
Sea Freight Options
Through our freight brokers, we access major global carriers including:
- Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen, and more
- LCL and FCL options
- Business-to-business door, port-to-door, and door-to-port services (where supported)
This gives you flexible routing across Mainland China — from Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, to inland hubs like Chengdu, Wuhan, Chongqing, Xi’an, and wider provinces.
Built for SMEs
We specialise in helping small and medium exporters with:
- Clear, plain-English requirements
- Support on HS codes, EORI numbers, documentation, and Chinese IOR rules
- Freight options tailored to seasonal or irregular shipping
- Case-by-case assistance when a service isn’t shown online (e.g., specialist sea door-to-door)
Coverage & Typical Timeframes
Air Express (door-to-door): 3–6 working days
Economy Air (door-to-door): 5–9 working days
Sea Freight (LCL, port-to-port): 67 days
Sea Freight (door): Add 5–10 days for customs + local delivery
Timings vary by route, customs speed, airline schedules, and local conditions.
Customs & Documentation – Clear Support from Our Specialists
To keep shipments moving smoothly, you will generally need:
- UK EORI number
- Correct HS codes
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Chinese Importer of Record (IOR)
- Appropriate Incoterms (DAP or certain DDP options)
We help with:
- Duty/tax estimates
- IOR guidance
- Product restrictions
- Customs preparation for China
- Air and sea-freight documentation (VGM, BL)
VGM: Verified Gross Mass (mandatory for sea containers)
BL: Bill of Lading (primary sea-freight transport document)
Our dedicated team of specialists will guide you step-by-step through every requirement.
Packing Requirements – Protecting Freight on Long Routes
- Use strong ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets
- Stack evenly and avoid overhang
- Apply edge protectors and tight strapping
- Wrap securely from base to top
- Label three sides + top
- Declare restricted items (e.g., lithium batteries) early
- Parcels: double-wall cartons and internal cushioning
For guidance, see our How to Prepare a Pallet guide.
How the Booking Process Works
1.Get a Quote
Enter UK collection postcode, destination city/port, and freight details to compare air and sea options instantly.
2.Complete the Booking Online
On the website you will:
- Choose your preferred service
- Enter collection and delivery addresses
- Provide contact names and phone numbers
- Describe the goods in detail (nature, quantity, value)
- Add insurance if needed
- Review your totals and complete payment
This ensures all essential details are captured accurately before collection.
3.Collection & Customs Preparation
We arrange collection and guide you through:
- Export documentation
- Customs preparation
- Sea-freight VGM and BL instructions
- Any additional requirements for Chinese import rules
4.Tracking
You can follow your shipment through every milestone — including sea-freight movements — from collection to uplift, arrival, clearance, and final delivery.
What We Can Carry Between the UK & China
We support:
- Small parcels
- Single pallets
- Multi-pallet shipments
- Oversized/custom pallets
- Freight up to 1,200 kg per pallet
- LCL and FCL container freight
- Business-to-business door services
- Optional insurance up to £50,000 (higher values by request)
- Tracking on both air and sea routes
If it fits in a container or on a pallet — we can ship it.
Start Your UK to and from China Shipment
Move your freight between the UK and China with a partner offering transparent pricing, flexible routes, and real documentation support.
Whether you’re shipping UK to China or China to UK, we help you prepare the paperwork correctly, choose the right service, and keep your goods moving without surprises.
⚠️ Important: Many delays occur because requirements are missed. Please read the service information shown under the blue “i” button on each quote and check the service icons carefully. They provide essential details about what is and isn’t included (e.g., tail-lift, Amazon access, restricted goods). Always review these before booking.
* Extra charges only apply if shipment details are inaccurate — e.g. incorrect documentation, failed collections/deliveries, or under-declared weight/dimensions.
Shipping to China from UK
Pallet2ship offers the following pallet services to China:
By Air
- Door-to-door pallet delivery (business addresses)
- Door-to-door parcel services
- Express and economy air
By Sea
- LCL delivery to port
- LCL/FCL pallet delivery to business addresses
- Door-to-port, port-to-door, and full door-to-door options (business-only)
What you need to know about our pallet services to China:
- We accept shipments of any weight and dimensions
- Send from a small parcel to container loads, we will accommodate:
- Small & large or bulky parcels
- Single & multiple pallets
- Oversized/custom pallets
- Part & full container loads
- Optional insurance is available through the website.
- Most services are fully trackable, for services both to and from China.
- Both business and private individuals can send a pallet to any address in China.
- We work with only the largest and most trusted international freight providers.
How much does it cost to send a pallet to China?
100 Kg, LxWxH: 120 x 80 x 50 cm
Air Freight service
£548.41
100 Kg, LxWxH: 120 x 80 x 50 cm
Sea Freight service
£86.14
Please be advised these are just price examples as we do offer many parcel and pallet delivery services to and from China. For the best option for you please use the Quote & Book system above in order to obtain instant quotes.
Case Studies about shipping to China
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
Don't Do 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
about shipping services to and from China
Quotes & pricing
Costs depend on pallet size, weight, collection and delivery locations, and whether you choose air or sea freight. Sea freight is usually cheaper for heavy shipments, while air freight is faster. Use the Instant Quote Tool to see live pricing.
Sea freight is usually the most economical option, especially for heavy or bulky goods. Economy air freight may be competitive for smaller or lighter consignments.
Yes. Pallet2Ship offers express and economy air freight as well as sea freight services, including LCL (shared container) and FCL (full container).
Yes. Enter pallet dimensions, weight, and route into the Instant Quote Tool to compare available services. For sea freight, tailored quotes are also available.
Yes, provided the weight, dimensions, and shipment details entered during booking are accurate. Additional charges only occur if shipment details are incorrect or incomplete.
No. All freight charges are displayed before booking. Chinese import duties, taxes, and customs fees are separate and normally paid by the consignee.
Often yes. Consolidating multiple pallets into one shipment usually reduces the average cost per pallet.
Yes. Deliveries to major commercial hubs such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Guangzhou are usually cheaper than remote inland locations.
Yes. Rates may increase during peak periods such as Chinese New Year, Golden Week, and periods of high global shipping demand. Booking early helps secure better rates and schedules.
Payment is made securely online during the booking process.
Transit times & routing
Typical transit times are:
- Express air freight: 3–5 working days
- Economy air freight: 5–8 working days
- Sea freight: typically 4–6 weeks depending on port pair and inland delivery
Shipments travel either by international air cargo networks or by container vessels from major UK ports to Chinese ports.
Major ports include Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, and Tianjin.
Yes. Deliveries to inland cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, or Xi’an require additional domestic transport after arrival at the port, which adds to overall transit time.
Yes. Chinese New Year, Golden Week, and other national holidays can significantly affect capacity, customs clearance, and delivery schedules. We recommend booking well in advance around these periods.
Air freight is best for urgent, high-value, or time-critical goods, or when shipments are relatively small. Sea freight is more economical for heavier or non-urgent consignments.
Packing & pallet requirements
Use a strong pallet base, stack goods evenly, secure them with straps, and shrink-wrap from base to top so the wrap binds goods to the pallet. Heavy items must sit at the bottom. See our Pallet Packing Guide.
Standard UK pallets (120 × 100 cm), Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm), and oversized pallets are accepted.
Air freight typically accepts pallets up to around 1,000 kg. Sea freight can handle up to 1,200 kg or more depending on the service. Pallets over 750 kg usually require forklifts at both collection and delivery.
Forklifts are generally required for pallets above 750 kg or oversized freight that cannot be handled safely by tail-lift.
Yes for UK collections. Chinese delivery arrangements depend on the service and destination.
Yes. Oversized pallets can be shipped when dimensions and weight are declared correctly. See our Oversized Pallets guide.
Yes. China strictly enforces ISPM-15 rules. All wooden pallets and packaging must be heat-treated and stamped. Non-compliant pallets may be refused entry, quarantined, or treated at additional cost.
Yes. Plastic pallets are accepted and do not require ISPM-15 treatment.
Drivers may refuse collection if packaging is unsafe, and carrier liability may not apply if poor packaging causes damage.
Yes. Photos help document packaging condition and provide evidence if a claim is required.
Measure the loaded pallet including any overhang: length, width, height, and total weight.
Customs & documentation
Typical documents include:
- Commercial Invoice - Packing List
- HS / Commodity Codes per line item
- GB EORI number (exporter)
- Full consignor and consignee details
Yes. UK exporters must hold a valid GB EORI number for customs declarations. See our EORI guide.
HS codes classify goods for customs and determine duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements. Correct codes reduce the risk of delays or unexpected charges. See our Commodity Codes guide.
Common terms include DAP and DDP. See our Incoterms guide.
Under DAP terms, the Chinese consignee pays duties and taxes. Under DDP, the sender pays.
China applies customs duties and VAT on most imported goods. The standard VAT rate is 13%, with a reduced rate of 9% applying to certain categories. Rates depend on HS code and product classification.
China uses the Chinese yuan (CNY), also referred to as the renminbi (RMB).
The Importer of Record is the Chinese entity responsible for customs clearance, duties, taxes, and compliance with local regulations. This is usually the Chinese buyer or an appointed import agent.
Yes. Most commercial imports require a local customs broker in China. For many services our carrier network works with brokers, but the consignee must be ready to act as Importer of Record.
Yes. Electronics, telecommunications equipment, chemicals, food products, medical items, and certain consumer goods may require approvals or licences before import.
China Compulsory Certification (CCC) is required for certain product categories including electronics, automotive parts, and some industrial equipment before they can be sold or used in China. Check whether your goods require CCC before shipping.
Yes. A local contact name and telephone number for the consignee are required for customs queries and delivery coordination.
Usually 1–3 working days when documentation is correct.
Our team will contact you if customs require additional documents or information. Holds are usually caused by missing or incorrect paperwork or regulatory requirements.
Provide complete and accurate documentation, correct HS codes, realistic values, clear product descriptions, and respond quickly to any queries from customs or the broker.
Prohibited & restricted items
Certain items are restricted or prohibited, including narcotics, firearms, explosives, certain agricultural products, and undeclared hazardous materials. Always check our Prohibited & Restricted Items guide before booking.
No. Pallet2Ship does not handle alcohol shipments on any service.
Some shelf-stable, packaged foods may be accepted, but China has strict import regulations for food products. Meat, dairy, and many fresh foods are heavily restricted. Chilled or frozen goods are not supported. Details must appear on your commercial invoice.
Yes, but lithium batteries must comply with strict UN, IATA, and carrier regulations. Safety documentation and correct packaging are required. See our Dangerous Goods guide.
Yes, on selected services with full documentation and carrier approval. Not all carriers accept dangerous goods.
Yes. Machinery must be properly cleaned, drained of fluids where applicable, and securely mounted to the pallet.
Yes. Automotive parts are commonly shipped. Ensure correct HS codes are declared as duty rates vary by classification.
Yes. Personal effects can be shipped via DHL air freight or sea freight services. All items must be professionally packed and palletised before collection. Import rules in China depend on residency status and declarations.
New furniture in original manufacturer packaging can be shipped as standard freight. Used furniture is treated as personal effects and must be professionally packed — each item individually protected with bubble wrap and cardboard, corners secured, and the full consignment palletised to a professional standard, ideally by a removal company.
Yes, but professional packaging and insurance are strongly recommended.
Yes. Samples must still be declared with correct customs values and documentation.
Yes. Many pharmaceutical products and cosmetics require licences, registrations, or approvals before import into China. Contact us before shipping these products.
Goods may be seized, returned, or destroyed by customs, and additional costs can apply. Always declare accurately and check restrictions in advance.
Collection & delivery
Collections normally take place Monday–Friday between 08:00 and 18:00.
Sometimes, depending on location and booking time.
Yes, across most UK postcodes.
Yes. Deliveries are available across major commercial regions including Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and many other cities. Remote or very rural locations may require extra time or cost.
Yes, via courier carriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Standard pallet networks serve business addresses only.
Yes. A local contact number is strongly recommended for delivery coordination and customs queries.
Inform us during booking — gated compounds, security requirements, or limited vehicle access — so the correct arrangements can be made.
The shipment may be held at a depot and redelivery charges may apply.
Timed deliveries may be available on certain premium services or dedicated arrangements.
Insurance & protection
Yes. Insurance can be added during booking for goods valued between £100 and £50,000. For higher values, contact our team for tailored cover.
Loss or damage during transit when goods are correctly packed and declared.
Coverage for used personal items is limited. See the policy terms on our Insurance page.
Only limited carrier liability applies, calculated per kilogram under international transport conventions. This is usually significantly lower than the value of your goods.
Note any issues on the delivery receipt, take photos, keep all packing materials, and notify us immediately. See our Claims Process page.
Service types & carriers
Pallet2Ship offers express and economy air freight, sea freight (FCL and LCL), parcel courier services, and tailored solutions for oversized or specialist cargo.
We work with DHL, FedEx, and UPS for air freight and courier services, plus established ocean freight lines for sea shipments.
Yes. 20ft and 40ft container services are available. See our FCL & LCL page.
Yes. LCL allows smaller shipments to share container space and reduce costs.
Generally when shipments exceed approximately 13–15 CBM, FCL becomes more cost-effective per unit than LCL.
Yes. Air freight provides full tracking. Sea freight offers milestone tracking from departure to arrival.
Yes. Pallet2Ship supports both exports and imports. Select China as the collection country in the Instant Quote Tool.
Yes. Parcel courier services are available for smaller consignments.
Yes. Your account dashboard allows you to save addresses, view past bookings, check invoice history, store payment details, and re-book quickly.
Booking & changes
Enter shipment details in the Instant Quote Tool, select a service, complete documentation, and confirm your booking. For sea freight, tailored quotes can also be requested.
Sometimes, but changes after dispatch may incur delays, fees, and documentation updates.
Cancellation depends on timing and whether collection has occurred. Contact us immediately if needed.
Usually 24–48 hours for air freight. For sea freight, book 5–10 days before the desired sailing date where possible.
No. Each delivery address requires a separate booking.
Practical considerations
Return transport and storage charges may apply. For sea freight, port storage or demurrage can build up quickly if goods are not cleared or accepted.
The shipment may be re-rated and additional charges may apply.
Yes, with appropriate insurance and secure packaging.
Yes. Pallet2Ship services support both occasional exporters and regular shippers.
Yes, if the selected service supports mixed consignments and all items are declared correctly.
Yes. Someone must be available to hand over the goods.
Yes. A representative of the consignee must be available to sign for and receive the shipment.
Yes. Multi-pallet bookings are supported and often reduce the per-pallet cost.
Incomplete documentation, incorrect HS codes, missing import licences, CCC certification requirements, Chinese New Year congestion, or lack of a prepared Importer of Record.
Our UK-based operations team is available before and after booking.
Additional Services
Cambodia
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Vietnam
If you have any questions regarding our services, tracking your parcel or advice, we're here
Get in TouchPallet2Ship is your one-stop shop for all your transport needs.
Create your export or import documents — including Customs and Pro forma
Invoices — directly through our online platform once your booking is
complete.
All documents are automatically saved to your Pallet2Ship account, and
you'll receive clear step-by-step instructions by email. Whether you're
a regular shipper or booking for the first time, the website gives you
everything you need, and our UK-based team is always ready to help.