First order on Alibaba

[Knnatie11]

Hi, For a few years I’ve been thinking of importing products from China to sell over here (UK). Finally it looks like I’ve got a spare few funds to be able to give it a go.

I've found a manufacturer on alibaba, trade assured, good reviews, and not a ridiculous moq. So so far all seems possible and legit.

where I’m having problems is what paperwork do I actually need to get the products into the uk and through customs? They’re pet accessories.

I’ve read about needing an ERIO number but confused when I would need to apply for one? Before I order the goods? And can anyone get one? It would be a very small business run from home with products stored in a spare room.

And also when do I pay the import taxes and VAT?

Any help or advice would be much appreciated. Thankyou

 

[MOIC]

EORI number can be applied for at any time and a very simple process. See the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/eori

Import taxes and VAT will generally be paid when the goods arrive in the UK and before delivery to you. If it's by an international courier, you may get the tax bill after a few days or weeks.

I wish you luck with your first import!

 

[Knnatie11]

Thankyou, that’s very helpful.
Apart from having an EORI there’s nothing else I need? No special documents or anything or anything I need to setup? It’s just wait for the tax bill?

 

[japancool]

Having product liability insurance would be advisable. If someone's pet gets injured or poisoned while using one of your accessories, you would be held liable.

 

[Mr D]

Make sure what you receive is what you ordered....

Oh and make sure any safety measures needed are met.

 

[Socio South West]

Your first order will be fine... Its the second order I wish you luck with in my experience.

I would strongly recommend you find someone who will inspect and clear the second - and subsequent - shipments for quality/

 

[MOIC]

Apart from having an EORI there’s nothing else I need? No special documents or anything or anything I need to setup? It’s just wait for the tax bill?

The documents you'll need are a Commercial Invoice from your supplier and if it's a large consignment with multiple boxes, I would advise a Packing List too.

Agree with both above comments from @japancool and @Socio South West

 

[Mitch3473]

EORI number can be applied for at any time and a very simple process. See the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/eori

Import taxes and VAT will generally be paid when the goods arrive in the UK and before delivery to you. If it's by an international courier, you may get the tax bill after a few days or weeks.

I wish you luck with your first import!

How are the import taxes,transport costs etc worked out and if it's not delivered by an international courier how are else they paid.

 

[MOIC]

How are the import taxes,transport costs etc worked out and if it's not delivered by an international courier how are else they paid.

If your shipment is not via an international courier, then your UK forwarder will calculate the VAT and Import Duty payable, based on the Commercial Invoice as well as shipping costs.

 

[Mitch3473]

So is a forwarder needed for any kind of importation or is it something that can be done by oneself.

 

[MOIC]

So is a forwarder needed for any kind of importation or is it something that can be done by oneself.

No, you don't need a UK forwarder for all imports.

An international courier (DHL, UPS etc) will clear Customs on your behalf.

An air cargo or sea shipment will generally need a UK forwarder to clear the goods. It can be done by yourself, but I wouldn't advise it.

 

[Mitch3473]

Thanks.