Importing goods from China as a sole trader

[Hannah1808]

I’m registered as a sole trader and am importing goods for my business from China. The sender has asked for either a company or VAT number, which as a sole trader, I don’t have.
They’re sending the items DDU so I’m aware I’ll need to pay the VAT and customs fees once goods arrive here, is that all I need to do for now?
The sender is saying I need to check with the forwarder this end that that is ok, but I can’t get hold of them, so I’m concerned I’m missing something and don’t want to risk any delays or problems. Thanks in advance,

 

[MOIC]

What are the products, weight & CBM and how are they being shipped?

 

[Hannah1808]

What are the products, weight & CBM and how are they being shipped?

Hi, it’s tableware - glasses, charger plates and cutlery - the weight is 2000kg and about 9 CBM, it’s coming by ship

 

[Customs Geek]

Whether you have a VAT number or not shouldn’t concern the overseas seller unless they are arranging the import for you.
If you are arranging the import declaration you need to speak to the customs agent and check what documents and information they need to perform the customs clearance. The forwarder may be able to do this but do not make any assumptions . Ideally you should arrange this as soon as you know the goods are being shipped so they can be cleared immediately on arrival.
As a commercial importer ( even as a sole trader) you should get an EORI number if you don’t already have one. The EORI is an importer ID number and you don’t need to be VAT registered to get one. They are simple and quick to get.

www.gov.uk/eori

Also be prepared to pay customs duties, import VAT and charges for customs clearance.
The products you are importing can have high duty rates with potentially some additional duty ( known as anti dumping duty) on ceramic tableware. The rates vary by factory.

 

[MOIC]

Hi, it’s tableware - glasses, charger plates and cutlery - the weight is 2000kg and about 9 CBM, it’s coming by ship

To add to the comprehensive answer above by @Customs Geek, I would ask your supplier to give you the UK Forwarder details, who will be handling your consignment, so you can contact them in advance for all the import charges, including delivery to your warehouse.

Have the goods left yet?

 

[Hannah1808]

Thanks all - I’ve just managed to speak with the company who will be dealing with the shipment this end and they advised I just need an EORI number, which I’ve got. Thanks again

 

[Lucky-Vicky]

You can ask the shipping forwarder to provide DDP,then they will handle the tax and customs clearances.

 

[Customs Geek]

You can ask the shipping forwarder to provide DDP,then they will handle the tax and customs clearances.

This is not necessarily the correct advice for many commercial importers as they can get ripped off with being declared the importer in the UK. The values are frequently wrong and people get nasty surprises with extra duty and fines when customs investigate up the three years later.

 

[Hannah1808]

This is not necessarily the correct advice for many commercial importers as they can get ripped off with being declared the importer in the UK. The values are frequently wrong and people get nasty surprises with extra duty and fines when customs investigate up the three years later.

I’ve been advised by the sender that the forwarder they’ve arranged handles everything this end and I don’t need to do anything other than await a call or email once it arrives to pay the duties/VAT. Does this sound correct? I did call the company that will be dealing with it this end but they weren’t particularly helpful or keen to explain. The price I’ve paid the company in china includes forwarding to my UK address.

 

[Customs Geek]

I’ve been advised by the sender that the forwarder they’ve arranged handles everything this end and I don’t need to do anything other than await a call or email once it arrives to pay the duties/VAT. Does this sound correct? I did call the company that will be dealing with it this end but they weren’t particularly helpful or keen to explain. The price I’ve paid the company in china includes forwarding to my UK address.

There are many correct ways to import so it’s up to the buyer and seller to sort out between them what suits them . The key is to understand what is agreed with regard to costs and responsibilities.
You have already said they have requested your EORI and you will pay duty and taxes so that is not DDP .
The company dealing with the UK side should be helpful but this is probably a small job for them so I hope everything goes well .

 

[Lucky-Vicky]

DP，然后他们

发件人告诉我，他们安排的货运代理会处理这一切，除了等待电话或电子邮件到达支付关税/关税之外，我不需要做任何事情。这听起来正确吗？我确实打电话给将处理要处理的公司，但他们并没有特别提供帮助或热衷于解释。我向中国公司支付的价格包括转发到我的英国地址的费用是的，

Yes, you'll be informed to do the customs clearances and pay tax when the goods arrives to customs, packages will be released and shipped to you. don't worry.