Step guide to Import goods into the UK!

[atif123]

I am willing to set up a business for importing goods from China to UK but I don’t know the steps of sending goods from China to UK. I am a genuine business person and looking to do some serious business. I would appreciate if someone can please explain with step by step guide by answering the following questions.
1. Let’s assume that I have researched the wholesaler (WS) online, how will I able to find out if the wholesaler is a genuine seller?
2. Once I have found the ‘WS’, how can I ship the goods to the UK. I.e. do I need to consult an agent to collect the goods from the ‘WS’ and send it to UK?
3. Once the goods arrived in UK, what’s the process of clearing customs, VAT Etc? (Can I be a Sole Trader or VAT registered Company!)
It may be too much to ask but I really want to know the basic understanding of the importing side of business. Please feel free to add any relative information.
I know there are many other posts relating to importing goods from China to UK but it’s getting pretty confuse to me as everyone have their own different opinion on every posts.

Thank you

 

[GraemeL]

Darren has made some great posts that will help you.

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=271355

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=271827

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=271403


G

 

[Frankngai]

Hello,

I'd like to answer your questions as below.

1. Let’s assume that I have researched the wholesaler (WS) online, how will I able to find out if the wholesaler is a genuine seller?

Frank: It's hard for you to verify the wholesaler. I agree that there are some scammers in China. It's better to have an agent to help you. Maybe the agent need to go the wholesaler's office or factory to conduct the verification. Do your best to find an genuine agent. Then, you only need to contact the agent to avoid facing lots of sellers and being worried about they are not genuine.


2. Once I have found the ‘WS’, how can I ship the goods to the UK. I.e. do I need to consult an agent to collect the goods from the ‘WS’ and send it to UK?

Frank: It depends on your order value. If the amount is not big enough, you can ask your wholesaler to send the goods to UK by sea, air or courier directly. If your amount is big enough, it's better to nominate your own forwarder to collect the goods.


3. Once the goods arrived in UK, what’s the process of clearing customs, VAT Etc? (Can I be a Sole Trader or VAT registered Company!)

Frank: You're better find an forwarder or shipping agent to help you to clear Customs. Yes. You need to be a VAT registered company. You may pay import duty, VAT, freight and relative handling charge.


B. rgds,
Frank

 

[perryning]

Hello Atif

Both Darren and Frank have covered the points.
Frank quite simply and Darren more in depth.

As for a trusted supplier: I have been in China consulting in my Chinese wife's import & export trading company based in Chengdu for 8 yrs.
We can be your trusted suppliers. Contact us if you are interested. Advice is free.

Incidentally as from Sept 22 BA will have direct flights from London to Chengdu, both cargo & passenger. It will be Ideal for small orders.

Regards Perry