Query regarding a Alibaba logistics agent

[Kquerys]

Hello, I hope someone can advise me on a query regarding shipping.

I recently started e-commerce, and I am considering placing an order with an Alibaba supplier and using a logistics agent (whom I also found on Alibaba). The supplier will send the goods to the agent, who will then transport them to my door under DDP incoterms.

I don't currently have an EORI number, so I asked the logistics agent if they would use theirs. They informed me that an EORI is not needed for ordinary goods and is only required for special goods. My understanding is that it is needed regardless, but I may be wrong. The agent then assured me that it is not an issue, as they frequently handle CN-UK DDP shipments, and if there is any problem, the logistics agency would resolve it since the shipment falls under DDP incoterms.

My question is: does this sound reasonable, or should I look for an agent who specifically mentions that they have an EORI number they can use for bringing the goods into the UK?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Customs Geek]

It isn’t the type of goods that dictate whether an EORI is needed . An EORI is just an id number for UK based importers or exporters.
Private individuals importing goods for their own use don’t need an EORI instead their name and address is declared.
Importers who are importing for business purposes do need an EORI.
Customs agents acting on behalf of importers need an EORI. On a typical import both the importers and the agents EORI are shown.

There is no mystery or difficulty in getting an EORI number. They can often be applied for and granted within very short time. If you are VAT registered it’s linked to your VAT number but you don’t need a VAT number to get an EORI.

If the party you are using is declaring themselves as the importer then neither your name or EORI will be needed. If so all the responsibility lies with them.
Ask them who is the named importer you or them.
I can’t say whether the logistics agency you are thinking of using are operating as they should. You will probably find a several threads on the forum about issues with Alibaba suppliers and imports.

 

[fisicx]

I recently started e-commerce, and I am considering placing an order with an Alibaba supplier and using a logistics agent (whom I also found on Alibaba).

Good luck. You might even end up with the products you actually orders.

 

[MOIC]

Order through the supplier's Alibaba Trade Assurance program (ensure your supplier is part of it) and arrange the shipping through Alibaba logistics, via the supplier you're ordering from.

It gives you 'some' level of protection.

Ensure due diligence on the supplier, product and payment options.

 

[Kquerys]

Order through the supplier's Alibaba Trade Assurance program (ensure your supplier is part of it) and arrange the shipping through Alibaba logistics, via the supplier you're ordering from.

It gives you 'some' level of protection.

Ensure due diligence on the supplier, product and payment options.

I will definitely use Trade Assurance for the supplier, but since I want to use a third-party logistics agent (who is also on Alibaba), determining fault would be challenging if something goes wrong. Is it possible to purchase the logistics service through Trade Assurance as well? Even if it is, and I were to receive a damaged parcel, I assume Alibaba would only refund the logistics cost and not the value of the goods since there would be two separate Trade Assurance orders.

 

[MOIC]

Your supplier should be able to arrange the logistics through Alibaba, using the same order reference.

Why are you assuming you're going to receive a damaged parcel? Ensure it's packed correctly.

Using a 3rd party logistics agent will not alleviate your concerns of receiving a damaged parcel.

 

[DoolallyTap]

I have been buying from Alibaba for several years and can honestly say have never had a major issue. So far 89 orders from various suppliers sometimes weighing 18 kilo's or more, always air freight. Why do you think you need an agent? This would only be possibly required if you are placing large orders for considerable dollars. Try to establish if the supplier is a good one, pay via Paypal.
You do not need an EORI number, you will be expected to pay VAT with the order if you do not have a VAT number and the order is over $100.
Buying from Alibaba is no different from buying from John Lewis.
Alibaba know all about delivering via sea or air so my parcels are always double skin cartons well wrapped and taped , perhaps I have always been fortunate in never having a problem.

 

[Kquerys]

I have been buying from Alibaba for several years and can honestly say have never had a major issue. So far 89 orders from various suppliers sometimes weighing 18 kilo's or more, always air freight. Why do you think you need an agent? This would only be possibly required if you are placing large orders for considerable dollars. Try to establish if the supplier is a good one, pay via Paypal.
You do not need an EORI number, you will be expected to pay VAT with the order if you do not have a VAT number and the order is over $100.
Buying from Alibaba is no different from buying from John Lewis.
Alibaba know all about delivering via sea or air so my parcels are always double skin cartons well wrapped and taped , perhaps I have always been fortunate in never having a problem.

I am going for the logistics agent since it turns out to be substantially cheaper when compared to the regular Alibaba logistics that the sellers provide. As for the EORI number it seems to be a bit of a confusing topic since some websites and individuals have advised that it is required whilst others have advised that orders with lower values are exempt.

 

[Fruzia]

Hello, I hope someone can advise me on a query regarding shipping.

I recently started e-commerce, and I am considering placing an order with an Alibaba supplier and using a logistics agent (whom I also found on Alibaba). The supplier will send the goods to the agent, who will then transport them to my door under DDP incoterms.

I don't currently have an EORI number, so I asked the logistics agent if they would use theirs. They informed me that an EORI is not needed for ordinary goods and is only required for special goods. My understanding is that it is needed regardless, but I may be wrong. The agent then assured me that it is not an issue, as they frequently handle CN-UK DDP shipments, and if there is any problem, the logistics agency would resolve it since the shipment falls under DDP incoterms.

My question is: does this sound reasonable, or should I look for an agent who specifically mentions that they have an EORI number they can use for bringing the goods into the UK?

Thanks in advance.

This is actually a really good question — logistics is one of those areas where things seem simple at first, but get complicated quite quickly. From what I’ve been reading, a lot depends on who is legally responsible for the shipment (importer vs agent), not just who physically moves the goods, It’s interesting how much of the process happens behind the scenes

 

[Fruzia]

Just to add — one thing I didnt realise at first is how much of the cost and risk depends on how the transport is actually organised on the ground.
its not just about choosing an agent, but also how the goods are moved inland, how routes are planned and how everything is coordinated once they arrive. I was looking into this recently and it actually helped me understand that side of things a bit better.
Definitely gives a bit more context to what’s happening beyond just the shipping itself.

 

[Ginni Huang]

I’ve read your post carefully, and I understand your concern. You’re right to be cautious—this is a common but important issue when shipping under DDP to the UK.

To give you a straightforward answer: your understanding is correct. If goods are being imported into the UK for commercial purposes, an EORI number is required, regardless of whether the goods are “ordinary” or not. The only exception would be if the shipment is valued very low, below the customs threshold) and is not for commercial use, but that doesn’t seem to apply in your case.

When a logistics agent ships under DDP, they are responsible for clearing customs and paying any duties and taxes. To do that, they must use a valid UK EORI number—either their own or a third party’s. If they claim an EORI is “not needed for ordinary goods,” that is simply incorrect and could be a red flag.

It’s true that some logistics agents (especially freight forwarders) may have their own EORI or work with a customs broker who does. That’s perfectly fine. However, the issue here is that the agent seems to be giving you misleading information. If they don’t understand the basic import requirements for the UK, that could lead to delays, unexpected costs, or even your shipment being held at customs—and under DDP, that risk technically falls on them, but in practice it could still cause major headaches for you.

My suggestion: look for a logistics agent who clearly confirms they have a UK EORI number and are experienced with DDP shipments to the UK. You don’t necessarily need the number yourself, but the agent should be transparent about how they handle customs clearance. A reliable agent will have no problem explaining their process to you.

You might also want to ask:

• “Will you use your own EORI number for customs clearance?”
• “Can you provide evidence of recent UK DDP shipments you’ve handled?”

If the agent hesitates or gives vague answers, it’s better to find someone else—especially since you’re just starting out in e-commerce. A smooth customs process is critical to your business and your customers’ experience.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your！

Hello, I hope someone can advise me on a query regarding shipping.

I recently started e-commerce, and I am considering placing an order with an Alibaba supplier and using a logistics agent (whom I also found on Alibaba). The supplier will send the goods to the agent, who will then transport them to my door under DDP incoterms.

I don't currently have an EORI number, so I asked the logistics agent if they would use theirs. They informed me that an EORI is not needed for ordinary goods and is only required for special goods. My understanding is that it is needed regardless, but I may be wrong. The agent then assured me that it is not an issue, as they frequently handle CN-UK DDP shipments, and if there is any problem, the logistics agency would resolve it since the shipment falls under DDP incoterms.

My question is: does this sound reasonable, or should I look for an agent who specifically mentions that they have an EORI number they can use for bringing the goods into the UK?

Thanks in advance.