Freight costs, customs and import rules for the US, UK, EU and Australia.
Sea freight from China takes about 14–20 days to the US West Coast, 30–40 to the East Coast, 38–50 to the UK and North Europe via the Cape, and 14–22 to Australia, port to port.
To import into the UK you need a GB EORI number, the right commodity code, a customs declaration (usually made by a broker) and a way to pay duty and import VAT.
To import commercial goods into the US you need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, an ISF for sea freight, entry forms, a customs bond and any agency permits.
Import duty is the customs value of your goods multiplied by the duty rate for their HS code. What counts as customs value, and the taxes on top, depend on the country.
An HS code is a 6-digit product number used by customs worldwide. Countries add more digits to set duty rates, so the right code decides what you pay.
A bill of lading is the shipping line’s receipt for your goods, the contract of carriage and, in its original form, the document that lets you collect the cargo.
Airlines charge the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is L × W × H in cm divided by 6,000 (5,000 for most express couriers).
CBM is length × width × height in metres, multiplied by the number of cartons. Here is how to work it out in cm or inches and what it means for your freight cost.
Most importers are best off buying FOB or FCA and using their own forwarder. Here is what each common Incoterm means and who pays for what.
LCL is usually cheaper below about 13–15 CBM; above that, a full 20ft container usually costs less per unit and arrives faster.
Cargo Basics
Freight, customs and shipping cost guides for importers, with free tools to check charges before you pay them.
Figures are typical ranges, not quotes. Confirm with your forwarder or customs broker.