Removals to China from the UK
20,40,45ft Shipping to China
LCL, Part loads - Weekly Sailing
Professional Packers & Wrappers
How do removals to China from the UK work?
Removals to China from the UK travel by sea freight in a full or shared container on a weekly sailing, or by air freight for urgent and smaller consignments. Removals.co.uk surveys and packs at your UK address, prepares the customs paperwork, clears Chinese customs and delivers door to door to your Chinese address.
Planning an international move, relocation, or shipment to China? Whether you’re relocating for work, studying abroad, sending household goods, or simply shipping personal belongings, we offer professional, end-to-end shipping services tailored to your needs. Trust us to manage customs, documentation, and logistics – so you don’t have to stress.
Useful China Travel Info
Flight Time From UK
11hrs 30mins
Currency
Chinese Yuan Renminbi
Main Airports
Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Jieyang, Quanzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Yinchuan, Zhengzhou
Main Shipping Ports
Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Dalian, Xiamen
How long do removals to China take?
Sea freight to China takes 6 to 8 weeks door to door in a full container, and 8 to 12 weeks in a part load on a weekly sailing, because a shared container waits to be filled and clears alongside other shipments. Air freight runs 7 to 14 days. Clearance and inland delivery are included in those figures.
A delivery deep inland adds road time to the final leg, so Chengdu or Harbin sits further into the range than Shanghai or Shenzhen. Choose a full container if you have a fixed date to work to, and a part load if the saving matters more than the timing. Your written quote carries the sailing dates for your actual booking.
Should I use a full container or a part load to China?
Choose a part load, also called a shared container or LCL, when you are sending less than a full household: you share the container and pay only for the space your belongings occupy, on a weekly sailing. Choose a full container for a whole home, where it is sealed at your door and clears as one consignment in your name.
Why does shipping to China need a specialist?
China enforces its own import regulations strictly, and paperwork errors can mean delays, fines or goods being held. A specialist prepares the customs documentation, crates fragile and awkward items properly for a long sea crossing, arranges insurance, and gives you one quote covering every cost rather than a figure that grows later.
Shipping to China should be handled with precision – choose experts who know the process inside and out. Shipping internationally involves complex steps – and partnering with a specialist like Removals ensures peace of mind throughout the process:
Hassle-free Assurance of Customs
China has its own regulations and compliance enforcement that could rust even the shiniest star. Our team of experts can cut through the clutter and take care of all the paperwork and processes to ensure your shipment complies with all import regulations without unnecessary delays, fines, or even seizure of your goods.
Secure Packing & Crate Services
Our packing and crate services have you covered by packing your items with proper, durable, high-quality materials and employing professional practices that render maximum protection. We also offer complete custom crate services for fragile, expensive, and/or oddly-shaped items to protect them from the rigours of international shipping.
Full Insurance Coverage
Having insurance and coverage is a crucial part when moving from the UK to any other country. Removals take good care of all the documentation and paperwork required to secure your assets. This will give peace of mind knowing your shipment is covered, with the level of cover set by the value you declare and the terms in our agreement, explained in full in our guide to removals insurance.
A Wide Selection of Transport Options
We offer a choice of flexible transport options to suit your needs and budget. For quick deliveries or smaller transports, we offer air freight services, and for the bulkier or vast number of goods, there is a sea freight option. Both services will be arranged affordably, handling all the paperwork, customs, and necessary adjustments.
Complete Transparency
Removals always focus on building trust for long-term customer relations. Our quotes show you a clear breakdown of everything, including all possible costs upfront. There will be no unforeseen hidden costs or surprises. We only provide options that are scaled to size and requirements. This way, you only pay for what you need.
What is included in a removal to China?
Your move includes a pre-shipment survey in person or online, export packing with custom crating for fragile items, your choice of air or sea freight, full customs handling at both ends, storage if your dates do not line up, live tracking, and door to door delivery with unpacking and furniture placement on arrival.
Whether you’re moving a single box or an entire home, we’ve got you covered with tailored services designed for seamless delivery. Our China shipping service is more than just transport – it’s a complete, door-to-door solution designed for convenience and reliability:
Pre-shipment Walkthrough
We begin with a detailed consultation, either virtually or in person, to accurately assess the volume and nature of your belongings. This step is crucial for planning the logistics of your move and providing you with a precise, no-obligation quote that accounts for every aspect of your shipment.
Comprehensive & Safe Packaging
Our professional packers use high-quality, industry-standard materials and techniques to ensure your items are fully protected for the long transit to China. We provide specialised packing for fragile, valuable, and irregularly shaped items, guaranteeing everything arrives at its destination in perfect condition.
Choice of Air or Sea Freight
We offer flexible shipping options to match your timeline and budget. Choose air freight for a faster delivery of essential items or sea freight for a more cost-effective solution when shipping a larger volume of household goods. Our experts will help you select the best mode of transport for your move.
Complete Customs Handling
Navigating China’s customs regulations can be complex, but our team manages the entire process on your behalf. We prepare and submit all the necessary paperwork, ensuring your shipment is fully compliant and clears customs smoothly and efficiently without any unexpected delays.
Short or Long-term Storage Solutions
We offer secure and flexible storage options at both ends of your journey. Whether you need to store your belongings in the UK before you leave or in China before you move into your new home, our facilities provide a safe and reliable solution for your needs.
Final Delivery and Unpacking
Our service is truly door-to-door. Once your shipment arrives in China, our local partners will deliver your items directly to your new address. We also offer an unpacking service and can assist with the placement of your furniture, helping you settle in with ease.
Live Tracking and Support
You will have complete visibility of your shipment from the moment it leaves your home until it arrives in China. Our live tracking system provides real-time updates, and our dedicated customer support team is always on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Which parts of China do you deliver to?
We deliver across mainland China, from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Tianjin, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu and Harbin. Delivery is door to door through our local partners in China, so the inland leg from the port of arrival is included in your quote rather than charged separately.
- Shanghai
- Beijing
- Tianjin
- Suzhou
- Guangzhou
- Shantou
- Shenzhen
- Xi’an
- Harbin
- Qiqihar
- Chengdu
- Qingdao
- Hangzhou
- Xiamen
- Wuhan
- Shenyang
- Nanjing
Should I send my belongings to China by sea freight or air freight?
Sea freight is the economical choice for a household move and carries furniture, appliances and boxes in a full container or a shared one. Air freight is faster and suits essential items or a smaller consignment where speed matters more than cost. We arrange the paperwork and customs clearance either way.
What happens, step by step, on a removal to China?
Five stages. A free survey and quote on what you are sending, then packing and collection at your UK address, then customs paperwork and the freight route that fits your timeline, then delivery to your Chinese address with help unpacking and arranging, then after-delivery support from the same team.
Moving your items should feel easy – from your UK home to your destination in China. We’ve designed our process to be streamlined, transparent, and stress-free:
- Free Initial Quote
We assess the size and nature of what you’re sending to provide a clear, no-obligation estimate. - Survey & Packing
Our trained team will pack and prepare your goods safely at your location, using industry-standard materials. - Customs & Transit
We handle all paperwork, customs clearance, and choose the best freight route to China – fast or economy. - Final Delivery & Unpacking
Once the shipment arrives, we deliver to your designated Chinese address and can help unpack and arrange. - Post-Delivery Support
Our customer care team stays available post-shipment to address any queries or concerns.
How do I get a quote for removals to China?
Submit an enquiry on the website, then choose a survey time that suits you, either virtual or in person. You receive a written quote based on volume, weight and route, with the costs broken down. Confirm your shipment date and we handle everything from packing through customs to delivery.
Ready to ship your belongings or goods internationally? No hidden costs. No stress. Just a smooth, professional shipping experience. Here’s a simple guide to getting started:
- Step 1: Submit your queries for an international shipping quote on our website.
- Step 2: Choose a convenient time for your survey and packing – either virtual or in-person.
- Step 3: Receive a custom quote based on volume, weight, and route preferences.
- Step 4: Confirm your shipment date and let our team oversee everything from packing through customs to delivery.
Do I need a residence permit before my belongings arrive in China?
Usually yes, and the timing matters more than most people expect. A stay longer than 180 days needs a Chinese residence permit, and GOV.UK advises allowing 15 working days to obtain one. China Customs clears household effects duty free for a long-term resident, in reasonable quantity for personal use, so your permit needs to be in place before your container lands rather than after.
Two other dates catch people out. You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arriving, and the duty-free allowance on household effects is intended as a one-off for people taking up residence rather than something you can draw on repeatedly. Tell your coordinator your permit timeline at the quote stage, because it is the single biggest thing that decides whether a shipment waits at the port. GOV.UK also warns that there are strict rules on what may be taken into China and that anything prohibited or dutiable must be declared.
Why choose Removals.co.uk for removals to China?
Removals.co.uk has completed over 10,000 moves and is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 110 Trustpilot reviews. We are members of Approved Movers in the UK, and we only work with overseas agents who are members of BAR or FIDI. We ship full containers and part loads to mainland China on weekly sailings, door to door.
We don’t just ship items – we connect lives across continents with precision, security, and care. With years of experience, thousands of successful international moves, and a reputation for reliability, Removals.co.uk is your trusted partner for shipments to China:
Global Recognition as Trusted Partners
Our reputation as a reliable international removals company is built on a track record of successful moves and satisfied customers worldwide. You can have confidence in our established global network and expertise, knowing that your shipment to China is in the hands of a trusted and respected industry leader.
Adhered to Licensed, Secure Transportation
We operate with fully licensed and regulated transport methods, guaranteeing the highest standards of security and compliance for your goods. Our vehicles and shipping containers are meticulously maintained and secured, ensuring your belongings are protected and handled professionally throughout their entire journey.
Flexibility with Multiple Shipping Options
We understand that every move is unique, which is why we offer a range of flexible shipping solutions to suit your specific needs. From dedicated containers for large household moves to cost-effective shared container services for smaller shipments, we can tailor a plan to fit your timeline and budget.
Collaboration with Trusted Local Delivery Partners
Our extensive network includes trusted and experienced local delivery partners in China who understand the regional logistics and delivery protocols. This collaboration ensures a seamless final leg of your journey, with local experts managing the last-mile delivery to your new home with efficiency and care.
Trained & Certified Movers
Our moving teams are comprised of highly trained and certified professionals who are experts in the art of international packing and handling. They use specialised techniques to securely pack your items, from fragile heirlooms to heavy furniture, guaranteeing they are handled with the utmost care from start to finish.
End-to-end Logistics Handling
We take the stress out of your move by managing the entire process from beginning to end. Our comprehensive service covers everything from the initial pre-move survey and packing to customs clearance, shipping, and final delivery, providing you with a single, reliable point of contact throughout the journey.
Why people trust us with a move
These are not our words. They are our customers, on a review site we do not control.
- 4.6 out of 5 from 110 reviews on Trustpilot, rated Excellent
- Over 10,000 moves completed
- Typically replies within 24 hours, as shown on the Trustpilot profile
- Our own yard and storage at Riverside Industrial Estate, Fazeley, Tamworth
- Members of Approved Movers in the UK, and we only work with overseas agents who are members of BAR or FIDI
- Reviewing since October 2020, and still collecting them every month
This was a first experience requiring an international moving company and I had absolutely no idea what the process was. From the first pledge of dedication to the final concluding email, I was met with extreme patience and kind, encouraging words.
Martha Anderson, May 2026 – verified Trustpilot review
Removals to China: frequently asked questions
Do I need a residence permit before my belongings arrive?
Usually yes. A stay over 180 days needs a Chinese residence permit, and GOV.UK advises allowing 15 working days to get one. Household effects clear duty free for a long-term resident in reasonable quantity for personal use, so the permit should be in place before your container lands.
Should I choose a full container or a part load?
Choose a part load, or shared container, for anything less than a full household: you pay only for the space you use and travel on a weekly sailing. Choose a full container for a whole home, sealed at your door and cleared as one consignment in your name.
Which parts of China do you deliver to?
Across mainland China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu and Harbin. Delivery is door to door through our local partners, so the leg from the port is in your quote.
Can I send furniture to China?
Yes. Furniture is the most common thing we ship to China, in either a full container or a part load, and our packers crate anything fragile, valuable or an awkward shape for the sea crossing.
Is air freight worth it to China?
Air freight is the fastest option and worth it for essentials or a small urgent consignment. For a full household move sea freight is far more economical, and many people send a small air shipment alongside a sea container.
Who handles Chinese customs clearance?
We do. We prepare and submit the paperwork at both ends and work with local partners in China on clearance, which is where most delays happen if the documentation is not right.
Can you store my belongings before or after shipping?
We offer storage in the UK before you leave. Storage at the China end is something to confirm with your coordinator when you book, as it depends on the destination city.
Moving somewhere else? See all removals to Asia and the Middle East, or browse every destination we cover.