Can I buy Chinese goods after UK inspection?
Yes, if the owner delivers the goods to a UK buyer who has the right to purchase them after inspection and the Temporary Admission conditions are met. Permanent UK retention requires release to free circulation and payment of suspended duty and import VAT. Coordinate the factory arrangements with Cambridge China Bridge.
Match the arrangement to the inspection condition
HMRC lists goods delivered by their owner for inspection to a person in the UK who has the right to purchase them afterwards as eligible for full relief. Describe that arrangement accurately to your customs agent before shipment.
Ask the supplier to document who owns the goods, who will inspect them, which goods are covered and how the buyer exercises the purchase option. Keep the option, inspection decision and customs instructions together.
Inspection does not include pre-purchase testing
HMRC's declaration guidance for goods for approval says they may not undergo pre-purchase testing. Do not assume that an inspection option covers running machinery, performance trials or destructive tests. Give your customs agent the proposed inspection activities and ask them to confirm the appropriate route.
Write the acceptance criteria before dispatch. Our quality inspection guide explains how to brief an inspector; use it to define the checks, then confirm which activities fit the customs arrangement.
Arrange authorisation and a decision deadline
You must apply for authorisation to use Temporary Admission. HMRC sets a maximum stay of 6 months for goods for approval under this inspection route. Ask your customs agent to confirm the authorisation method and the actual discharge deadline before dispatch.
Agree who instructs the customs agent, monitors the deadline and arranges return freight if you decline the purchase. Set an earlier commercial decision date so there is time to carry out the chosen customs outcome.
Clear the goods before permanent UK retention
If you buy and keep the goods permanently in the UK, arrange release to free circulation. HMRC says the duty and import VAT suspended at import must then be paid. Treat the purchase decision and customs release as separate steps, and obtain confirmation of release before treating the goods as permanently cleared stock.
Ask the customs agent for the declaration, release confirmation and tax calculation. Use our import duty and VAT guide when budgeting the purchase, and agree who bears those costs before exercising the option.
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Plan rejection as carefully as purchase
Re-export is an available way to discharge Temporary Admission. If you decline the goods, tell the customs agent promptly and arrange the re-export rather than leaving them in the warehouse while the supplier dispute continues.
Agree return packing, freight responsibility and the evidence needed to identify the goods being returned. Our faulty goods guide helps you consider the seller and claim arrangements. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China can coordinate factory discussions and checks before dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
Can I inspect Chinese goods in Britain before buying?
Yes, where the owner delivers them to a UK buyer with the right to purchase after inspection and the Temporary Admission conditions are met. Confirm the arrangement with your customs agent before shipment.
Can I test a machine before buying under this route?
HMRC's goods-for-approval guidance excludes pre-purchase testing. Describe the intended trial to your customs agent and ask which customs route fits it before running the machine.
How long can goods stay for inspection?
HMRC sets a maximum of 6 months for goods for approval. Confirm the actual discharge deadline and allow time to arrange release or re-export.
Do I pay duty and VAT if I keep the goods?
For permanent UK retention, arrange release to free circulation. HMRC says the duty and import VAT suspended at import must then be paid.