How to Export from China to UK
Our Top 6 Tips Exporting to UK
The United Kingdom is full of opportunities for Chinese SMEs. Despite the slums of Corona-virus, China remains the UK’s third-largest import source, accounting for 7% of imported goods and services. Export from China to UK is witnessing a steady growth every year since 1999, but in recent years the China trade with UK has increased dramatically.
As compared to other countries, the United Kingdom attributes a multitude of strict requirements and regulations for products. So, if you are planning to export goods from China to UK, it would be a good idea to have explicit knowledge about laws and labeling requirements among the other limitations. Generally, in all countries, including China, there are three primary stages for export. Starting from the one-time registration procedure to acquire the export license, to the export documentation, and lastly, export customs clearance formalities.
But before you go any further, here the top 6 pro tips to follow when exporting from China to the UK.
Do a Thorough Research:
Research is indispensable and requisite before entering any new market, and the United Kingdom’s distance from China, along with the sheer size make and complexities, makes it a unique challenge. The UK population is vast and highly diverse in nature; it is a country where people from around the world are settled. Without a doubt, the opportunities for business are far too great to ignore, but the risks associated with this very market are high. Which is why quality market research for the UK is mandatory. You can heed either of the two courses for research:
- Do it yourself
- Hire specialist help
Companies who actually do less advanced research while launching their products into EU markets tend to burn out quickly. Well, don’t be one of them! If done well, exporting China to the UK can give your business a real competitive edge.
Ensure You Have the Economic Operator Registration Identification Number:
When you export products to any country, you become the exporter. Before you supply goods or services to UK from China, you will need to identify whether you possess the export rights or not. Registration of your export business should be done as early as possible. UK customs uses the EORI number as a means of record-keeping of the imported or exported items.
Additionally, now is the appropriate time to ask yourself whether your current name, business tag line, and logo are suitable for the United Kingdom or not? Would they be good enough to influence the UK population into buying your products or be altered for the new market? When translated to English, the Chinese phrases may have an unintended meaning, so be sure to fix them.
Identify the Products you Want to Export:
The key to succeeding in an import-export business is to find the right product or products that can do the trick. Choosing the products with already strong demand in the overseas market can be fruitful for your business. This decision is to be taken after the research of the foreign market. In order to come to the right conclusion, you will need to have facts and information about the market you want to venture into. Exported goods can be selected based on the following factors:
- Target Market
- Product Familiarity in the target region
- Product Trends
- Growth Potential
- Trade Regulations and Restrictions
- Competition
When proceeding to export from China, start with some of the low-risk items like clothing. These items are considered safe grounds and tend to always be successful in most foreign markets. Once, all the trade matters move with a satisfactory pace, you can move on to upgrading other items that look promising for the UK market.
Find Reliable Buyers:
All your efforts are only as good as the sales they generate. So, finding genuine buyers or importers for export business is the key task for any exporter. There are various options for finding the right foreign partners, following are some of the possibilities:
B2B E-commerce Websites: B2B trade platforms are great reliable places to get in touch with active importers and buyers from worldwide countries. Numerous online trade websites are operating globally to facilitate international commercial trade operations. You can benefit from these websites and find genuine importers from the United Kingdom easily. Top B2B sites to find the importers in the UK includes:
Trade Shows: Trade shows are the ideal traditional ways of finding global buyers. Such events are attended by only interested parties and are a great place to establish international relations. Expos are also a great source to stay up to date with the latest business happenings.
Customized Services: The customized services include the assistance provided by salespersons, who are hired by the company to find the right buyers. These agents are tasked to locate the reliable foreign buyers’ list on your behalf to support the export operations.
Search the Taxes and Be Patient:
One more thing that should be given attention is the export duty. When Exporting from China, be sure to search and identify the taxes that are calculated as a percentage to the value of the total product being exported. Taxes and duties differ from product to product and how much you will have to pay depends on the product being exported. Moreover, resilience is also required while working with the UK market. You ought to be patient and passive if you want to tackle the United Kingdom well. You can prepare by setting up your expectations and budgets wisely with the help of expert advice.
Develop Strong Relationship with the Importers:
Having lasting business relationships with the buyers/ importers is crucial when doing business with the UK. Not this in your mind, United Kingdom buyers list prefers to do business with trusted friends. So, once you have found the genuine buyers or importers from UK who are interested in buying your consignment, satisfy them by supplying the products on time and delivering good quality. You may also want to find an agent who is respectable in the region and use its services to pitch your products. Whatever strategy you follow, be sure to fulfill your promises on time because a bad reputation will not do you any good.
