How to export antiques from the UK to China

Confirm the route before accepting an order

For antiques and collectors' pieces, first establish what the object is and whether the proposed Chinese import route is suitable. Cultural objects exported from Great Britain to destinations outside the UK need a UK export licence. These tariff lines are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list, so do not build the sale around that route. Have the importer's customs broker confirm the route for the particular object.

Under HS 9705-9706 (8 subheadings): HMRC recorded £1.4m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 8 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £2.0m, -26.8%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £69.7m.

UK exports under HS 9705-9706 (8 subheadings): January to July 2026: £767k against £1.1m in the same months of 2025 (-31.2%). The largest UK export line to mainland China in 2025 was 97061000, antiques over 250 years old, at £502k. These are HS-code totals.

Classify the object by age and collecting interest

Identify the object before choosing its commodity code. HS 970610 covers antiques over 250 years old; HS 970690 covers those over 100 but at most 250 years old. Numismatic collectors' pieces divide between HS 970531, over 100 years old, and HS 970539, excluding that age group. Collections of historical interest and specimens have separate headings. Give the buyer a description and age evidence that support the proposed classification. For paintings, see our guide to exporting original paintings to China.

Use the tariff line to negotiate the landed price

All the listed Chinese tariff lines have an MFN rate of 0%. Match the object to its line before quoting: zero customs duty still leaves import VAT to consider. Border taxes add to the importer's landed cost and therefore affect the price the buyer can offer.

The VAT Law's standard import rate is 13%, subject to its reduced-rate categories and special rules. Import VAT is calculated on customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax, multiplied by the applicable rate. The importer's customs broker or adviser confirms the VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies to the object.

Prepare the British export and licence documents

For an export from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and arrange the online export declaration. The declarant needs the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing-list references. Check the cultural-goods export licence requirement for the object before dispatch; the carrier needs the invoice and any export licences or certificates. Keep the object description consistent across the declaration and supporting paperwork.

Check the Chinese buyer before committing stock

Ask a prospective importer to explain how it will handle the specific antique, its proposed tariff line and the landed-cost calculation. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

The importer of record and other regulated roles stay with licensed partners in China, and the brand's own filings stay the brand's. Use our export-to-China service to arrange buyer checks alongside your classification, licence and shipment preparations.