Shipping furniture from Foshan to the United Kingdom
UK importers usually bring containers into Felixstowe, Southampton or London Gateway. We load in Foshan, film the loading, and send the documents your broker needs for UK customs — including the details that matter for upholstered furniture.
Direct answer
How do I import furniture from Foshan into the UK?
Ship LCL or FCL from Foshan to Felixstowe, Southampton or London Gateway. You need a UK EORI number and a customs broker for the import entry; VAT is normally 20% and duty depends on the commodity code. Upholstered furniture must also meet UK fire-safety rules, which your importer confirms before sale.
- Ports
- Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway
- Transit
- Roughly 35–45 days door to door.
- Duty / tax
- VAT is normally 20%. Duty depends on the commodity code, and the UK Global Tariff applies — your broker confirms both.
EORI and the import entry
You need a UK EORI number before the first shipment and a broker to file the entry. We provide the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, and the goods description needs to be specific enough for the commodity code your broker chooses.
Upholstered furniture and UK fire safety
Domestic upholstered furniture sold in the UK must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. That is a product-compliance question for you and your supplier — we can tell you what the factory declares, but the importer is responsible for confirming the goods comply before offering them for sale.
LCL and consolidation
LCL to Felixstowe is a practical first order, and we consolidate your pieces with other cargo to keep the cost per cubic metre down. Above roughly 15 cubic metres a 20GP or 40HQ usually works out cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an EORI number?
Yes — a UK EORI is required for the import entry. Your broker can usually apply for one, or you can register directly with HMRC.
Is VAT charged on furniture imports?
Yes, VAT is normally 20% on the customs value plus duty and freight. Your broker accounts for it on the import entry; we do not collect VAT on our invoice.
Can you ship LCL to the UK?
Yes. LCL consolidation to Felixstowe and Southampton is available, subject to the $5,000 shipping minimum.
Duty, tax and transit figures here are indicative only. The rate that applies to your shipment depends on the HS code, the current trade measures in force on the day of import, and your customs broker. We quote freight against the actual container and destination port.