Importing From Fuzhou to the UK

Before starting the import process, it is critical to understand how long your cargo will take to ship to the UK. Knowing when your products will arrive allows you to make the necessary preparations and decisions in good time. Often, importers forget that the location of your supplier or manufacturer affects the transit time. Therefore, it is best to choose a supplier close to the port or one who can arrange for speedy local transport.

Transit time also includes the amount of time your goods spend at the container port and handling customs procedures. Therefore, ensure that your schedule leaves additional time for cargo handling as well as customs clearance.

Your imported goods must bear the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark to move freely in the UK market. The UKCA mark is a certification mark for products sold in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales). It took the place of the CE mark at the end of the Brexit transition period on January 1, 2021. However, an adjustment grace period was in place, allowing importers to keep using the CE mark until January 1, 2022, while making necessary changes. However, you may want to consider switching to the UKCA mark early. You will need the UKCA mark under the following conditions :

• When the target market for your imported goods is the United Kingdom.
• When your goods fall under regulations that necessitate the use of the UKCA branding.
• If a third-party conformity assessment is required for your goods to be imported.
• The conformity evaluation was carried out on your goods by a conformity assessment body in the United Kingdom.

The UKCA designation applies to the following product categories:

• You will need the UKCA when importing Machinery
• You will also need the mark when importing Measuring equipment
• Low voltage electrical equipment will also need the UKCA mark
• When importing radio equipment to the UK market, your goods will need the UKCA mark.

Specialist freight forwarders are international logistics experts who can arrange to transport your goods from their original location to your doorstep. Usually, freight forwarders provide customs brokerage, which means they will handle everything from picking up your shipment from your supplier to delivering it to your UK store or warehouse. Freight forwarders will transfer your goods via a group of specialised transportation and logistical suppliers, regardless of where they begin their journey.

A freight forwarding company is especially helpful when you don’t have local relationships in the area. It also means you’ll have to deal with one person to handle all of your shipment’s specifics. Freight forwarders charge a fee for their services, but they can also help you save money by negotiating bulk rates with cargo firms, airlines, and ports.