Removals to Hong Kong from the UK

Sea freight shipping times from the UK to Hong Kong are around 6-9 weeks for a full container load (FCL) or 8-12 weeks for a shared container / groupage service (Sometimes called less than container load – LCL). In addition, you will also need to allow added time for customs clearance.

Usually, it will take our professional packers 2-4 days to pack and load a shipping container.

The cost of removals to Hong Kong from the UK can vary depending on the size of your move and the services required. As we specialise in removals from the UK to Hong Kong and have years of experience, we are able to offer the best prices.

As PSS are members of BAR your removal costs are covered by the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme. As a member of FIDI Global Alliance and having achieved FIDI FAIM top performer status, you can be assured that PSS and our partners in Hong Kong have the highest standards of professionalism in international moves.
However, due to the nature of international removals, it is highly recommended that you take out a Maritime Insurance policy or Shipment Protection Cover. At PSS we offer and recommend Shipment Protection Cover which is very flexible and has a lot of advantages.

PSS International Shipment Protection Cover

We provide a very flexible shipment protection cover through Basil Fry & Company – the UK’s leading insurance broker for international removals and shipping:

• Our policy is quick and easy to set up, simply complete our Shipment Protection valuation form with the items you would like to cover and their values.
• Removal (we pack) consignments cover costs 3.5% of the total insurable value you declare.
• Vehicle shipments cover costs 2% of the vehicles declared value.
• Self-Pack (you pack) consignments cover cost 5% of the total insurable value you declare.
• Baggage/Airfreight consignments, which are owner packed, will cost 5% of the total insurable value you declare.

Your dedicated Move Manager will advise you on the required shipping documents and help you with their completion. Example documents required are:

• Fully completed customs form for Hong Kong (goods to follow list)
• Removal inventory (PSS will prepare this if PSS are packing)
• Valuation form for Shipment Protection cover
• Copy of your Passport and Visa
• Purchase receipts (only applicable if you are importing any newly purchased goods)
• Letter undertaking (not always needed)
• Bank statements, income tax or rent receipts as proof that you have resided outside Hong Kong for a minimum of 12 months (only applicable for returning citizens)

Similarly to all countries, Hong Kong has a unique list of restricted and prohibited items that you cannot take with you when travelling to or relocating there. When importing goods into Hong Kong, you must always check the latest regulations and obtain the necessary approvals for any restricted items.

Please see our FIDI Hong Kong Customs Guide for removals

Restricted imports into Hong Kong that may require prior approval include:

• The following items may be imported but will require prior approval, permits, or certifications:

  • Alcohol and wine (quantities must be declared; duty may apply)

  • Firearms and ammunition (require valid police-issued certificate)

  • Motor vehicles, motorcycles, and boats (require import permit and must meet environmental and safety standards)

  • Medicines and therapeutic drugs

  • Pets (e.g., dogs, cats, birds – require import licence and valid health certificate)

  • Plants and vegetable products (phytosanitary certificate and import licence needed)

  • Certain animal products (feathers, furs, skins, tusks etc. with CITES or origin certificates)

  • Artwork and antiques (may require inspection, certification or duty declaration depending on value and origin)

Prohibited imports to Hong Kong

• Explosives and fireworks

• Clasp knives

• Firearms (without valid licence)

• Endangered animal products without CITES certification

• Raw plant matter or untreated wood without proper documentation

Important Notes on Specific Items

Vehicles:
Vehicles must be right-hand drive, pass emissions and noise standards, and are subject to high registration taxes. Importation requires submission of Form CED336 within 30 days of arrival, or the importer may face fines up to HK$500,000 and imprisonment.

Alcohol:
Wine may be duty-free, but other alcohol types are subject to duties based on alcohol percentage or volume. Customs examination is common, potentially causing delays.

Pets:
Quarantine rules vary depending on the country of origin. Most pets are subject to 1–6 months quarantine unless exemptions apply.

The Hong Kong Government provides detailed guidance on what you can and cannot import, including how items should be prepared and declared.

For more details about prohibited items for overseas removals to Hong Kong, visit the official Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department website.

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or to include this on a webpage.

We are able to help you ship vehicles overseas including cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and caravans to Hong Kong. They can be shipped in the same container as your household goods or separately.

There are a number of factors you need to consider when importing cars into Hong Kong, so we suggest you speak to one of our advisers or visit our Hong Kong vehicle page for more information.

When your belongings in arrive in Hong Kong they will need to pass through customs. This can be a complicated and difficult process if you are not familiar with international shipping and removals.

Fortunately, as part of our service, we will handle the customs clearance process on your behalf.

For household removals and shipping of personal effects, you may not have to pay customs duty and taxes on all items.

There may be some additional charges, such as inspection fees and quarantine charges, that you need to pay to the local customs authorities. These vary and so are not included in your shipping quote.

There will be some forms you need to complete and other documentation you need to provide as evidence.

Your Move Manager will be able to talk you through this, and you can also find out more details on Hong Kong Customs Guide.

We do door-to-door international removals and shipping to all cities and regions in Hong Kong, China including these and more:

Hong Kong Island

• Central
• Mid-levels
• Aberdeen
• Wan Chai
• Causeway Bay
• Western District

Kowloon

• Tsim Sha Tsui
• Yau Ma Tei / Jordan
• Mong Kok

The New Territories

• Sha Tin
• Tsuen Wan
• Tai Po

The Outlying Islands

• Lamma Island
• Lantau Island
• Cheung Chau Island
• Peng Chau Island

We also ship to China, Macau, Taiwan and other countries in South East Asia.

PSS International provide a full door-to-door international removal service which includes delivery of items to your new home. (Beware of cheap removal quotes that port only.)

We will contact you before your container arrives in Hong Kong to ensure that we have all your relevant paperwork to enable us to start the customs clearance process and have your correct requirements in place for delivery.

Once the customs clearance of your goods has taken place we can then arrange your delivery and the unpacking of your goods. Our crew will arrive at your new property, place your items in the rooms of your choice, and unwrap and remove the packing material. If you are not ready to take delivery, then we can offer competitive storage rates for your goods at one of our local depots in Hong Kong.

Our delivery service with our partner removal company in Hong Kong includes:

• Delivery to all locations in Hong Kong
• Dedicated FIDI regulated international movers in Hong Kong
• Dedicated import clerk in Hong Kong
• Customs clearance
• Up-to-date information on the delivery & customs clearance process
• Trained import delivery removalist team (by professional movers and packers in Hong Kong)
• Unpacking of all furniture & removal of any packaging materials on the day of delivery

This is not a problem as all we will require is a contact address and contact details. The delivery address can be advised at a later date or when you arrive.

If required, we can also arrange the storage of your household goods and personal effects in Hong Kong while you arrange your new home. Once you’re ready our local movers will be able to deliver your belongings.

No matter whether you’re a British Expat returning home or an Hong Konger migrating to the UK, we will be able to assist you with your move. Our partners and professional packing teams will take care of your move in Hong Kong and we can handle customs and delivery of your belongings to anywhere in the UK or Ireland.

Please contact us for more details.