International Shipping
International Shipping to China
Everything you need to know for shipping to China from the UK including how to get an instant shipping cost quote online.
As a huge country offering a number of unique regions to discover, China is a popular destination for those looking to move overseas. If you are planning to ship personal effects or household goods to China you’re in the right place. Countless Brits move to China each year for its fascinating culture and historic sights as well as low living costs.
No matter whether you’re a UK migrant shipping your whole house contents or a Chinese expat returning home with a few boxes, we at PSS can take care of the whole process for you.
PSS has been shipping to China from the UK for over 40 years. After all this time of coordinating international shipments, our priorities remain the same: to provide you with exceptional service and affordable shipping costs from the UK to China.
Our overseas shipping to China service is intended to make your transition to life in China as stress-free as possible. No matter whether you are just shipping a few boxes or your whole household contents and car, our expert teams fully organise your UK to China shipment, including customs clearance and assistance with documentation.
Shipping your belongings to China is easy with PSS
STEP 1
Home Survey or Quote
Get an online quote in 60 seconds or book a FREE home survey.
STEP 2
Help and Advice
Your dedicated Account Manager can help answer your questions and tailor your shipping requirements.
STEP 3
Quick and easy collection and shipping
Whether you are shipping boxes or furniture, choose either our self-packing or professional packing service.
STEP 4
Customs clearance & delivery to your new home
On arrival our agents will take care of customs clearance and deliver to your door.
“Why choose PSS International in 2024?”
- Free home or video survey
- Independent, family run business with 40 years of experience
- We only handle overseas removals & international shipping
- Members of BAR Overseas Group
- Protection by the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme
- FIDI Global Alliance (Worldwide Moving Association)
- FAIM Accredited (Removal Quality Assurance Standard)
How can we help? Call 0800 988 3711
Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions.
Shipping to China from the UK
From the second you alert us to your interest, you are assigned a move coordinator to manage your UK to China shipping from pre-home survey through to unloading of your moving boxes.
Our experience as the UK’s leading personal shipping service means we know what it takes to move the belongings of families, expats, travellers and students to China and can make the whole process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
We serve every area, so no matter where you’re heading in China, we’ll ensure your belongings arrive safely.
Some of the most popular towns and cities for our China shipping service include:
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou Tianjin, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and everywhere in between.
What does our international shipping service to China include?
- Door to door shipping service
- Free home/video survey
- Part or full load container service
- Dedicated Move Manager
- Help with documentation
- Export quality packing materials
- Choice of self-pack or professional packing service
- Advice on customs requirements
- Use of recognised accredited shipping lines
- Customs clearance
- Storage in UK or China if required
Shipping to China Reviews
Shipping to China cost calculator
Want to know how it will cost to move house to China? Our free online shipping to China cost Calculator will help you calculate the volume of household goods you want to ship and provide you with an estimate of the cost.
The Ultimate Guide to Shipping to China
Below are answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about shipping to China.
How Long Does Shipping From UK to China Take?
Sea Freight Full Container | Sea Freight Shared Container | Air Freight | |
---|---|---|---|
Average Shipping Times | 6-8 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 7-10 days |
When shipping your personal belongings to China the transit time between shipping in the UK and arrival at your new destination will be approximately 6-8 weeks for full container shipments and 8-10 weeks for part load / shared shipments.
NB: These are approximate sea freight shipping times to ports in China only. You will need to allow additional time for customs clearance and final delivery to your destination.
Shipping times to China can vary. Shipping groupage in a shared container takes longer than shipping a full container load as different customers shipments need to be consolidated to fill one container.
How Long Does Air Freight Shipping to China take from the UK?
For sending excess baggage or boxes to China by air freight allow approximately 7 – 10 days.
How Much Does Shipping to China Cost from the UK in 2024?
Considering the distances involved, you may be pleasantly surprised at how cheap shipping is to China from the UK.
PSS’ shipping estimates to China from the UK are based upon the chosen shipping method for sending goods to Aus.
As we have large numbers of customers shipping belongings to China every year, we are able to offer very competitive shipping rates.
Move Type | Container Size | Cost(GBP) |
---|---|---|
3 – 5 Boxes | Groupage | £155 – £215 |
Part House | Shared Container | £560 – £2995 |
3 Bed House | 20 ft Container | £3840 – £4150 |
4 Bed House + Car | 40 ft Container | £5550 – £6650 |
Although the cheapest way to ship to China is using part-load container shipping, you should consider that many items are more expensive in China. Also when you add up the cost of replacing all your smaller items it is often cheaper to ship a higher volume of goods.
We calculate part-load shipping rates from the UK to China using the combined dimensions of your consignment and the area they take up within the container.
For larger moves using sole-use container shipping, your freight costs to China are determined by which size shipping container you use – 20ft or 40ft.
Cost of air freight shipping to China
When customers need their items sending to China urgently, we can provide air freight services. Air freight is our fastest shipping option and for smaller quantities, it can be surprisingly cost effective. We base air freight quotes on the weight and volume of your goods, so for consignments of more than a couple of boxes, our sea freight shipping options are much cheaper.
Your start and end destinations will also contribute to the overall cost of shipping goods from the UK to China. With available ports across China, PSS always go the extra mile for convenient delivery. However, the further that your items have to travel, the higher your China shipping quote will be.
The cost of shipping to the main ports such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane is very similar. Some regional areas such as Darwin and Hobart may cost more as well as inland areas.
Cheapest shipping quotes to China
We always aim to provide with the cheapest shipping cost to China. We are able to offer cheap shipping due to the volume we ship and the number of customers we help move to China.
If you receive a much cheaper quote, check carefully that they include a full door to door service and if any costs are excluded. Also ensure that they are fully accredited shipping company FIDI or BAR Overseas in order to get the best price.
Get an accurate price for shipping to China
The surest way to receive an accurate shipping quote is through a free home survey. Our home surveys are intended to provide customers with a clear-cut and detailed shipping quote from the UK to China before they agree to anything.
What size Shipping Container do I need for China?
PSS’ shipping estimates to China from the UK are based upon the best shipping method for sending goods to China.
As we have large numbers of customers shipping belongings to China every year, we are able to offer very competitive shipping rates.
Although the cheapest way to ship to China is using part-load container shipping, you should consider that many items are more expensive in China. Also when you add up the cost of replacing all your smaller items it is often cheaper to ship a higher volume of goods.
We calculate part-load shipping rates from the UK to China using the combined dimensions of your consignment and the area they take up within the container.
For larger moves using sole-use container shipping, your freight costs to China are determined by which size shipping container you use – 20ft or 40ft.
Cost of air freight shipping to China
When customers need their items sending to China urgently, we can provide air freight services. Air freight is our fastest shipping option and for smaller quantities, it can be surprisingly cost effective. We base air freight quotes on the weight and volume of your goods, so for consignments of more than a couple of boxes, our sea freight shipping options may be cheaper.
However, sometimes the cheapest way to ship your belongings to China is actually by air freight – especially for inland and remoter regions. This is because sea shipments may need to be off loaded and transported to your final destination by road freight
PSS’s trained Move Managers will therefore find you the cheapest, most economical and fastest way to ship your goods.
Cheapest shipping quotes to China
We always aim to provide you with the cheapest shipping cost to China. We are able to offer cheap shipping due to the volume we ship and the number of customers we help move to China.
If you receive a much cheaper quote, check carefully that they include a full door to door service and if any costs are excluded. Beware that some cheap quotes only include the cost of shipping to the nearest container port which can be a long way from your destination!
Also ensure that they are a fully accredited shipping company with FIDI or BAR Overseas in order to get the best price and service.
Get an accurate price for shipping to China
The surest way to receive an accurate shipping quote is through a free home survey. Our home surveys are intended to provide customers with a clear-cut and detailed shipping quote from the UK to China before they agree to anything.
Do I Need Marine Shipping Insurance or Shipment Protection Cover to China?
It is highly advisable to take out marine shipping insurance or shipment protection cover before you ship your personal effects or household goods to China.
Although it is doubtful to experience problems when shipping items from the UK to China, it is still wise to have shipment protection cover when sending goods overseas, especially for items of significant financial value.
PSS International offers very flexible Shipment Protection Plans. You can cover your whole shipment or choose the individual items you wish to cover.
Your PSS Move Manager can explain the different options available and guide you through completing the Shipment Protection Valuation form.
Customs Guide for shipping personal effects to China
When your shipment arrives in China we will handle the customs clearance procedure on your behalf, please keep in mind that goods arriving into China are subject to an examination fee upon arrival.
We generally start this process as quickly and as early as we can, rest assured that we will keep you updated every step of the way to ensure that prior to your arrival we have all the relevant documentation and contact details required
We recommend you carefully read the FIDI China Customs Guide before shipping your belongings to China.
Delivery to your address in China?
- Once your goods have been released by China customs we will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery day.
- Once we have received clearance of your goods we will either deliver your sea freight container directly to your new home or it will be delivered in a separate vehicle. This all depends on the type of shipment you are sending. Our unloading crew will place your items in the rooms of your choice and unwrap and remove the packing material from your furniture.
What type of shipping company should I use?
When exporting sentimental items or expensive furniture overseas, you need to have full confidence in the international shipping company you choose. There are a few pointers to look for that can help determine the best global shipping companies to China.
Accreditations and associations are the best indicators of how trusted a company is within the industry and how safe their services are. PSS’ continued efforts and dedication to shipping to China from the UK is echoed in our memberships and achievements:
- FAIM Accredited – the only globally recognised independent quality assurance standard for the international moving industry.
- FIDI Global Alliance Members – providing customers with the same superior standards in China as in the UK.
- British Association of Removers Members – the leading British quality standard and ensures customers financial protection with the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme.
- Movers Traders Club (MTC) – Members of this organisation join together to negotiate the best service and shipping rates with leading international shipping companies. Members are therefore able to offer lower shipping rates to customers.
PSS International Shipping Services to China
We offer a full menu of shipping options to China, whether you are sending personal items, furniture, extra boxes, pets or vehicles, our China movers have a solution ready and waiting for you:
Shipping Personal Effects to China from the UK
Shipping personal effects from the UK to China is simple with PSS. We send personal items to China for countless customers each year, from clothing and shoes, makeup and toiletries, to sports equipment, tech, musical instruments and more, your shipping options are limitless.
Shipping Furniture and Household Goods to China
Shipping household goods to China is a PSS speciality. Using our freight services and industry expertise, PSS can ship furniture of any weight, dimensions and any quantities from the UK to destinations across China.
Our team of experienced international packers will ensure your items are carefully export wrapped and packed for their journey.
The best way to get started for our international furniture shipping service is to book a free home or video survey so we can give you an accurate quote.
Shipping Excess Baggage & Unaccompanied Luggage from the UK to China
Using PSS to ship boxes, luggage, suitcases and excess baggage to China cuts out the extortionate charges issued by airline carriers and makes your journey to China more manageable by reducing the amount of luggage you have to carry.
We can supply you with a variety of box sizes or you can use your own bags/suitcases.
Whether you have one box, two suitcases or ten loads of excess baggage, our baggage shipping to China is an ideal service!
Shipping Boxes to China from UK
If you only have small items to ship to China, we recommend our box shipping service. Your boxes will be shipped along with those from other customers in a shared container (Groupage) so you only pay for the space you use.
We can supply a variety of box and carton sizes including packing and wrapping materials such as bubble wrap. We also have custom cartons for bicycles and can provide custom crates for items such as TVs.
Shipping Cars and Vehicles to China
PSS provides a range of shipping options to make car shipping to China feasible – regardless of your vehicle. Whether you want to send a car to China in a container of its own or alongside personal and household items, our China vehicle shipping options make it possible.
In addition to shipping cars we can assist with shipping all kinds of other vehicles to China including motorcycles, bikes, caravans, motorhomes and boats.
For more details or to get a quote visit our vehicle shipping page.
Shipping Pets, Dogs and Cats to China
Pet shipping to China can be daunting for any pet owners and pet relocation is a very specialised service. We, therefore, work with trusted partners for transporting animals from UK to China. Whether you want to take your cat or dog to China, you can entrust PSS and our partners to relocate them safely.
Shipping Parcels and Small Packages to China
For small parcels and packages, it is probably best to use Royal Mail, especially for less than 2kg. For larger or multiple boxes you can save by using a personal shipping service like that from PSS.
Shipping Goods and Freight to China
At PSS International we specialise in personal shipping services for people moving or relocating to China.
If you wish to ship commercial or non-personal items to China then it is best to contact a freight-forwarder.
Express Air Freight and Fast shipping from UK to China
If you need to ship items to China quickly then we recommend our priority Express Air Freight Service.
This takes about 3 – 10 days and is ideal if you wish to send some boxes or bags of personal belongings to arrive ahead of your household container.
Where in China do you ship to?
We do shipping from anywhere in the UK (including London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) to all destinations in China including:
Some of the popular cities we do shipping to include:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Tianjin
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Wuhan
- Dongguan
- Chongqing
- Chengdu
- Nanjing
- Nanchong
- Xi’an
- Shenyang
- Hangzhou
- Harbin
- Tai’an
- Suzhou
- Shantou
- Jinan
- Zhengzhou
- Changchun
- Dalian
- Kunming
Provinces we do shipping to:
- Hainan Province
- Guangdong Province
- Shandong Province
- Henan Province
- Sichuan Province
- Jiangsu Province
- Hebei Province
- Hunan Province
- Anhui Province
- Hubei Province
- Zhejiang Province
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
- Yunnan Province
- Jiangxi Province
- Liaoning Province
- Heilongjiang Province
- Shaanxi Province
- Fujian Province
- Shanxi Province
- Guizhou Province
- Chongqing Municipality
- Jilin Province
- Gansu Province
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
- Taiwan Province
- Shanghai Municipality
- Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
- Beijing Municipality
- Tianjin Municipality
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
- Qinghai Province
- Tibet Autonomous Region
- Macau Special Administrative Region
What is the Best Way to Send Boxes to China?
Whether you are taking one, a few or even multiple boxes to China then our box shipping service is the best way for you to ship your boxes.
We provide boxes and packaging materials and deliver them to your address in the UK.
You then pack all your personal possessions or household items and call us when you are ready for them to be collected.
There are three shipping options for your boxes. The method you choose depends on costs and urgency.
- Sea Freight: your boxes will be sent in a shared shipping container with other people’s boxes and belongings moving to China. This is the cheapest, but the slowest method.
- Air Freight: If you need your belongings to arrive sooner then air freight can be a good option.
- Express Air Freight: If your shipment is needed urgently then express air freight is the best option, however, this will be more expensive.
Your dedicated Move Manager will help you with all the required paperwork and answer any questions you may have.
Our partner company in China will notify you when your ship arrives, take care of customs clearance and deliver your boxes at a time that’s convenient for you.
They can also arrange storage for you if you are not yet ready to take delivery.
How Long Does it Take to Ship Boxes From the UK to China?
Average shipping times to China from the UK
Method | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
Shipping Time | 8-12 weeks | 7-14 days |
The table above gives you an estimate of how long it will take to ship your boxes to China. Delivery times will vary depending on where in China you are moving to.
Please note: These times are for arrival in your destination port, You will also need to allow additional time for customs clearance.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Boxes to China from the UK?
The cost will depend on the volume of boxes you are shipping and whether you are using sea or air freight.
To get an initial price we recommend using our free online cost calculator. Our Move Managers will also be able to tailor your quote to meet your personal requirements.
But you can be assured that PSS is widely regarded as the cheapest and best company for shipping your items to China. We are confident that we can give you a very good quote without compromising on service.
Please note that sea freight costs are based on volume whereas air freight rates are calculated by volumetric weight–a combination of weight and volume.
Do You Have Bike Cartons/Boxes for Shipping Bicycles to China?
Yes. Whilst you can buy a specialist bike box, we can provide you with a strong cardboard bike carton for shipping your bicycle to China.
You will need to dismantle some parts of your cycle such as the pedals and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned for Chinese customs, but taking your bike with you is very easy.
How to Ship Tools and Ship Toolboxes to China
Our service is perfect for sending your work tools and toolboxes to China. You’ll need to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before transportation and well wrapped to protect them.
If you need your tools quickly, we recommend you use our air freight service. Otherwise, your tool box can be sent via sea freight.
Please speak to your Move Manager if your toolbox is very heavy, we have a special service for overweight items.
Please note: Some items such as batteries and gas canisters can be restricted or prohibited. Call us for more details.
Common Questions About Moving to China
Why Move to China From the UK?
As a country with one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world, there are plenty of great reasons to move to China and countless Brits make the move every year. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai offer great career progression and the diverse culture and cuisine offer plenty of attractions for UK residents thinking of making the move. Get in touch to find out more about our services.
Where is the Best Place to Move in China as an Expat?
Moving to China as a UK citizen is an extremely popular choice but where is the best place to live in China as an expat? Some of the most popular places to live in China as an expat include Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu and Beijing for their fantastic opportunities and vibrant cultures.
Can You Help Me Move to Hong Kong?
As a vibrant internationally-minded city, Hong Kong is a favourite for those moving from the UK. We offer a complete house moving service to Hong Kong including excess baggage to Hong Kong and container shipping to Hong Kong. Take a look at our Hong Kong service page for more information.