Shipping from Hong Kong to the UK can be done via air freight, ocean freight, or courier services, each with benefits and drawbacks. This guide aims to simplify the process of shipping from Hong Kong to the UK, helping you choose the most suitable method for your needs.
Table of Contents:
- Shipping cost from Hong Kong to the UK
- Ocean freight from Hong Kong to the UK
- Air freight from Hong Kong to the UK
- Top shipping routes from HK to the UK
- Custom clearance process in the UK
- Essential EORI number for importing to UK
- Duties and taxes you should pay
- Best way to ship from Hong Kong to the UK
- Frequently ask questions
Shipping cost from Hong Kong to UK
The shipping rate from Hong Kong to the UK can vary significantly based on several factors, including:
- The cargo’s volume, weight, and dimensions
- The nature of the shipped goods
- The mode of transport
For your convenience, here are the average shipping prices you can check:
| Shipping Mode | Unit Price |
|---|---|
| Air freight | USD 5.63~7.09/kg |
| LCL sea freight | USD 30~59/CBM |
| FCL 20’ container | USD 4300~4700/container |
| FCL 40’ container | USD 7400~8550/container |
It’s also crucial to consider shipment insurance cost and the time of year (peak or off-season).
Airsupply can help estimate your freight costs, but here are some general guidelines:
- Air freight is usually more expensive than sea freight, although sending small packages by air can be more economical.
- Shipping valuable items with high insurance premiums will raise your shipping costs.
- If you can’t fill an entire shipping container, LCL (less than container load) is more cost-effective than FCL (full container load).
To explore your options, simply provide your ports of origin and destination, your planned shipping date, and the type of shipment to our experts.
Ocean shipping from Hong Kong to the UK
Sea freight is the most economical yet slowest shipping option. It typically takes 25-35 days to transport goods from Hong Kong to the UK.
This method is ideal for bulk shipments and is categorized into LCL and FCL. Choosing between FCL and LCL depends on your shipment’s size, the delivery’s urgency, and the nature of the goods.
For more details, explore our Ocean Freight services.
Air freight from Hong Kong to the UK
Top shipping routes from Hong Kong to UK
The main port in Hong Kong is the Port of Hong Kong (HKHKG). In the UK, there are several ports you can direct your shipment to, and it’s best to choose one closest to your final destination.
While there are many possible routes, some commonly used shipping lanes include:
- Hong Kong to Felixstowe (GBFXT)
- Hong Kong to Southampton (GBSOU)
- Hong Kong to London (GBLON)
Additional freight routes are available based on your specific needs and the final destination within the UK.
We can provide real-time rates and options for these and other shipping routes, helping you make informed decisions for your shipments from Hong Kong to the UK.
Custom clearance from HK to the UK
To clear customs for Hong Kong to UK shipments, you must pay customs duty and value-added tax (VAT) before your goods can be released. It applies to all parcels, including personal gifts.
You also need to declare your imports to HMRC using the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system. It involves submitting a Single Administrative Document (SAD), which records the declaration, tracks the goods, and assesses risks.
Upon your goods’ arrival at the port, customs officials will review your paperwork and calculate the duties owed.
Customs clearance for air or sea shipments typically takes 3–5 days but can take longer if there are issues.
Once cleared, customs will release your shipment, allowing it to continue to its final destination.
Essential EORI number for shipping to the UK
If you’re considering shipping goods to the United Kingdom, you should obtain an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number beforehand. This requirement is one of the main changes following Brexit.
An EORI number is a unique identifier used to track and register customs information for businesses within the European Union. It simplifies your customs processes and helps avoid delays or additional costs at the border.
To learn more about EORI and how to apply, visit the GOV.UK website.
Duties and taxes you should pay
When importing goods into the United Kingdom, customs duties are calculated based on the value of the goods, the quantity, and tariff rates.
The specific tariff rate you’ll owe depends on commodity codes, which you can check on the government’s Trade Tariff page.
There are two types of import duty to consider:
Customs duty: Applicable to all goods valued above GBP 135.
Value-added tax (VAT): Applicable to all goods valued at more than €135.00 from non-EU members.
Failure to pay the required duties may result in UK customs confiscating your items or issuing a fine.
The best way to ship from Hong Kong to the UK
Are you searching for the most efficient or cost-effective way to ship to the United Kingdom from Hong Kong? Look no further than Airsupply!
We connect you with over 1,000 reputable carriers, insurance companies, customs broker, and financial institutions worldwide.
Furthermore, we offer comprehensive logistics solutions across four basic modes of transport, including air, ocean, road, and rail freight.
It means you’ll always get the most competitive rates from our network of logistics providers when shipping to the United Kingdom.
FAQs about HK to UK shipping:
How long does shipping from Hong Kong to the UK take?
- Air Freight: Typically takes between 1 and 5 days to reach the destination port in the UK.
- Ocean Freight:Goods can take up to 35 days to reach their destination port in the UK from Hong Kong.
- Door-to-Door Shipping:The total duration can be up to 11-15 days by air to your doorstep and 45-50 days door-to-door by sea.
For accurate delivery time, consult our shipping experts.
What are the major shipping ports in the UK?
Prime seaports in the UK include:
- Felixstowe
- Grangemouth
- Southampton
- London Gateway
Major airports in the UK include:
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
Do I need insurance to ship from Hong Kong to the UK?
We recommend insuring your cargo when shipping from Hong Kong to the UK. Cargo insurance provides vital protection in case your shipment is damaged or lost during transit.
You can obtain cargo insurance through your freight forwarder or a third-party agent. The insurance cost typically ranges from 0.3% to 0.5% of your Commercial Invoice value.
Learn more about freight insurance here.
What are the Incoterms for shipping from HK to the UK?
Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, are vital in determining freight prices and shipping from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom. They outline the responsibilities of both the seller and buyer, as well as the level of service provided by the freight forwarder.
